New low cost iPhone 16e

[javacontour]

For what one would pay for an iPhone 16e, buy a used iPhone 15 Pro with 128G of storage.

Unless battery life is your #1 concern, a used 15 Pro is a better phone than the 16e. Plus, if you really need battery, you could get a magsafe battery for about $40 give or take and have more battery if you need it.

Frankly, I think the iPhone 16e is about $100 too much for what you get.

However, I'm sure the carriers will love it as they can offer a "free" iPhone for about $200 less, making the iPhone 16 and above a higher cost option for those who get their phones from the carrier.

 

[javacontour]

I see I can get 2 iPhone 15s from Boast Mobile and free service for a year. I just need to know what the "taxes and fees' are. That drives me nuts.
Good deal though, bring phone down to around $450. ea

The fees are not that much.

The tax is your local sales tax.

I used a Boost promotion back in October. Buy a 5G phone from them and get 12 months of service on them (12x$25/month credits)

The phone was the same price as buying it from the Apple store and since our account is Post-Paid (We came from Boost Infinite I ported my Mint Mobile line in as my 12 months of service was ending) I was able to get my phone unlocked. Pre-paid customer must wait 12 months to unlock even if paid in full. Devices on post-paid accounts are eligible for immediate unlock.

Basically upgraded my iPhone for about $100 after selling my iPhone 15 Pro on marketplace (not counting sales tax) when considering the cost of the device minus the service credits and money from the sale of my device.

 

[Patman]

Best Buy does have "Open Box" near me I assume other areas too. I hate the open box thing but at least at Best Buy you can see the device. Instead of ordering it online and returning it.

I only one time in my life tried an open box. From a Walmart SELLER only recently 2 months if that long ago. I took the chance since the returns were handled by Walmart and all I would have to do is bring it to Walmart for a return. Walmart would send it to the seller and it would take up to 10 days for a refund. Sure I was a little nervous but it's Walmart.

My previous phone was an open box and I ended up getting it for just $50 (this was back when my service provider used to give out free phones, or $50 to $100 phones, as long as you signed another two year contract) It was an iPhone XR, and from what I was told, the person opened the box, didn't like that it was bright red, and then didn't even take it out of the store. So it was essentially still brand new, never sold. I had that phone about five years and the battery was still holding a charge very well, but the charging connection kept coming and going, which was annoying when hooked up to Apple CarPlay because Spotify would stop playing my music every time I took a sharp corner.

 

[alarmguy]

Go to Apple / store / order status - log in with your Apple ID. Trade status is at the top of your order. Can also do similar on the Apple Store app.

Print copies of fed ex and screen shot Apple order status is my advice. One of mine arrived sat yet they claim it only just arrived today ( I have the gps location of delivery from fed ex, they got it sat.

Thanks, I found it another way through the e-mail. My Apple account is so messed up. The store just shows my Watch 9 and another area shows my Mac mini, MacBook Air and phone. I try to enter the new phone but prompts me for my phone number and it isnt recognized. *LOL* I think I have two Apple Store accounts. But right now I deal with brain fog from my treatments and a bit overwhelmed So Ill follow up doing what I have for now. After your experience Im a little bothered.

Not sure if this matters to you. My wife very, very experienced dealing with shipping in her life long career. From small to HUGE dollar amounts, from manufacturer to suppliers to end users (meaning corporations and companies, some you would know) Anyway, talking about you and the claim by them of a damaged phone.
She tells me, in her industry IF a supplier PROVIDES the shipping it falls on the supplier for any liability once that package or shipment is picked up. She deals with this all the time.

Due to brain fog let me word it this way. If the product is not being shipped by her company her company is not responsible for ANY damage/
Some companies insist using their shipping including all the shipping companies you know, UPS etc. The company that provides the shipping is responsible the minute that package is pick up. They own it at that point and it is their product. This is understood in her industry. They all have insurance for this kind of stuff but it's not the problem of her company either way.

Maybe this will give you something to bring up, I dont know. But Apple provided the shipping and it was their product once that shipping label was scanned for return despite the claims of inspection once received. I dont know how much weight that carries, chances are they cover themselves but maybe not?

 

[alarmguy]

The fees are not that much.

The tax is your local sales tax.

I used a Boost promotion back in October. Buy a 5G phone from them and get 12 months of service on them (12x$25/month credits)

The phone was the same price as buying it from the Apple store and since our account is Post-Paid (We came from Boost Infinite I ported my Mint Mobile line in as my 12 months of service was ending) I was able to get my phone unlocked. Pre-paid customer must wait 12 months to unlock even if paid in full. Devices on post-paid accounts are eligible for immediate unlock.

Basically upgraded my iPhone for about $100 after selling my iPhone 15 Pro on marketplace (not counting sales tax) when considering the cost of the device minus the service credits and money from the sale of my device.

I stayed with US Mobile, two lines $33 a month, actual payment. The deal breaker for all the other companies is, even with the low cost plan you get priority data (not that I really care but its something) AND where the deal breaker is for other companies, at this low price we can also tether our devices. No other plans allow this in the price range. Being able to tether a few times a year is VERY important to us.

Anyway, as posted bought a new direct from APPLE iPhone 15Plus
Wanted something different and glad I did, I was concerned about the larger screen size being too big. It's not, it is actually perfect. Love it. Cost was $800 and Apple to credit $250 back to me for my iPhone 13 which should arrive today. Another is having an issue with his return, they said the screen was cracked.
I hope the law of averages says in that case I will not. I never have in my life and never thought with Apple anyone would. We will see.

 

[javacontour]

I stayed with US Mobile, two lines $33 a month, actual payment. The deal breaker for all the other companies is, even with the low cost plan you get priority data (not that I really care but its something) AND where the deal breaker is for other companies, at this low price we can also tether our devices. No other plans allow this in the price range. Being able to tether a few times a year is VERY important to us.

Anyway, as posted bought a new direct from APPLE iPhone 15Plus
Wanted something different and glad I did, I was concerned about the larger screen size being too big. It's not, it is actually perfect. Love it. Cost was $800 and Apple to credit $250 back to me for my iPhone 13 which should arrive today. Another is having an issue with his return, they said the screen was cracked.
I hope the law of averages says in that case I will not. I never have in my life and never thought with Apple anyone would. We will see.

I'm intrigued by the USM offerings. I do have an $8/month line on them with one of my test devices (an iPhone 14 Pro I keep in the desk) on Dark Star.

Depending on the fiscal healthy of Dish/Boost as well as offerings the "Super Carriers such as USM" we have decisions to make. We were AT&T for years, so the new Dark Star offerings interest me. Just need to see if and when they get RCS going. I think they only have the full range of services for iPhone on Light Speed (TMO) or was it Warp (VZN)

Warp has the worst coverage in our home and their 5G footprint leaves a lot to be desired.

I'll probably be shopping for another phone come year end. Let's see how the iPhone 17 Pro Max looks to upgrade oilBabe's 15 PM and then pass it on to my MIL to replace her 13 PM.

It's almost an obsession worthy of a website, JavaIsThePhoneGuy. And oh yeah, my youngest will probably get the 14 Pro and I'll keep my MIL's 13 PM as my test phone.


I do hope your new device treats you well

 

[alarmguy]

I'm intrigued by the USM offerings. I do have an $8/month line on them with one of my test devices (an iPhone 14 Pro I keep in the desk) on Dark Star.

Depending on the fiscal healthy of Dish/Boost as well as offerings the "Super Carriers such as USM" we have decisions to make. We were AT&T for years, so the new Dark Star offerings interest me. Just need to see if and when they get RCS going. I think they only have the full range of services for iPhone on Light Speed (TMO) or was it Warp (VZN)

Warp has the worst coverage in our home and their 5G footprint leaves a lot to be desired.

I'll probably be shopping for another phone come year end. Let's see how the iPhone 17 Pro Max looks to upgrade oilBabe's 15 PM and then pass it on to my MIL to replace her 13 PM.

It's almost an obsession worthy of a website, JavaIsThePhoneGuy. And oh yeah, my youngest will probably get the 14 Pro and I'll keep my MIL's 13 PM as my test phone.


I do hope your new device treats you well

Rats,
I was going to tell you Warp (Verizon) has full RCS. It's been working perfectly. There is ONE (only one) person in my ENTIRE family circle who has an Samsung android phone. I could never send her video's as they would come out tiny and she could barely see them. Like magic some months ago I started seeing (forgot exactly what) when I sent a message to her it would blink (something) + RCS. She now always is able to view everything I send to her. I use to send video only to her husband since he had an iPhone and for him to show her.

This is my first time since my first cell phone around 2001 that I have had Verizon (warp) its been working in our coastal area perfect. Edged out T-Mobile slightly. Before that, except for a short stint with Sprint around 2005 to 2008 I was always with AT&T and never had a problem either.

I honestly never pay attention to the 5g signal. I do take notice when it shows up and yeah, cool to look at when it shows up as UW or UC or whatever it is and fun to do a speed test. But in the real world on a phone it makes no difference to me., I think at times there is more problems with weak 5g than solid LTE so when the phone switched to LTE Im just as happy.

An example would be before we switched to US mobile (Warp) exactly one year ago we had T-Mobile, the T-Moible was very good, EXCEPT it barely worked in a lot of buildings here, meaning shopping with the wife and trying to call her was a PITA on T_Mobile. They have there 5g network built out which is great but their LTE in the area is terrible and 5g does not work well with distance to tower.
We never to very rarely ever have that issue anymore with Verizon. What I am saying, for me, a great LTE signal I will take any day over 5g in areas that are not "city" areas. It did get frustrating trying to get signals in stores with T-Mobile at times, even with the 5g symbol showing. With Verizon I may not have 5g and LTE showing but I can use my phone. *LOL*

 

[javacontour]

Rats,
I was going to tell you Warp (Verizon) has full RCS. It's been working perfectly. There is ONE (only one) person in my ENTIRE family circle who has an Samsung android phone. I could never send her video's as they would come out tiny and she could barely see them. Like magic some months ago I started seeing (forgot exactly what) when I sent a message to her it would blink (something) + RCS. She now always is able to view everything I send to her. I use to send video only to her husband since he had an iPhone and for him to show her.

This is my first time since my first cell phone around 2001 that I have had Verizon (warp) its been working in our coastal area perfect. Edged out T-Mobile slightly. Before that, except for a short stint with Sprint around 2005 to 2008 I was always with AT&T and never had a problem either.

I honestly never pay attention to the 5g signal. I do take notice when it shows up and yeah, cool to look at when it shows up as UW or UC or whatever it is and fun to do a speed test. But in the real world on a phone it makes no difference to me., I think at times there is more problems with weak 5g than solid LTE so when the phone switched to LTE Im just as happy.

An example would be before we switched to US mobile (Warp) exactly one year ago we had T-Mobile, the T-Moible was very good, EXCEPT it barely worked in a lot of buildings here, meaning shopping with the wife and trying to call her was a PITA on T_Mobile. They have there 5g network built out which is great but their LTE in the area is terrible and 5g does not work well with distance to tower.
We never to very rarely ever have that issue anymore with Verizon. What I am saying, for me, a great LTE signal I will take any day over 5g in areas that are not "city" areas. It did get frustrating trying to get signals in stores with T-Mobile at times, even with the 5g symbol showing. With Verizon I may not have 5g and LTE showing but I can use my phone. *LOL*

1 - I get RCS with Boost, so that's not an issue right now.

2 - USM has 7 months to get it sorted before I'd even consider moving other lines. I believe I have 6-7 more months of "free" service for my line on Boost before I'd need to jump. Unless of course they really struggle business wise. I suspect ATT would be their prime suitor as they already work with ATT for coverage in areas where they don't have native towers. I believe they are moving away from TMO as a roaming partner as I don't recall the last time I was on a TMO tower when outside of a native Dish/Boost coverage area.

We do have lines on Visible for traveling if we don't have coverage with Boost (or my work ATT phone.)

One motivation to move to USM would be going down to one line and using the teleport if we knew we were going to an area where VZN was the best coverage.

My menagerie of plans gives us coverage. Paying less for two lines of service vs a single line on ATT makes this possible.

 

[DuckRyder]

For anyone still following:

The last 2 phones they sent the e-mail saying the refund is in progress for full value so it appears we have an issue with 2 of 5. both of those 2 they said had "LCD display burn in damage/streaks/discoloration across the screen". I already argued one of them and got the full value, though they sorta messed up the tax the way they did it, it was a few dollars maybe so i'm not going to make a stink about a few bucks. The remaining phone to argue about was probably in the worst shape of the 5 it had some very minor scratches in the red portion around the camera (it was a red phone) I was sorta prepared to take a little less for it though it met the trade in criteria. All of these phones as in mentioned were in otterboxes with screen protectors. They all looked brand new to a casual inspection but on the red one if you really looked close it was a little scratched. Ive seen year old phones that looked worse. Their offer is 45 vs 120. I think the phone is worth more than 45. (I actually think it is worth 120) Also my beef is that the website tracking said: "has been inspected and confirmed there is nothing else you need to do". So I suppose I have to decide if I make them send it back, argue or fold on that one.

For those who haven't done this by mail:

They send you a cardboard mailer "trade in kit" its pretty slick actually as its folded up and has both your address label and the return address label already applied. Your address label is of a type that easily peels away. The tracking numbers are linked and if you have fedex advanced tracking set up they will automatically show up.

Apples order status changes once the return is scanned to "on the way" then several other status messages up until "trade in complete". HOWEVER these are delayed and both of the last two phones reverted to "on the way" after they said "delivered".

Also if you make multiple orders (you can only order one carrier phone at a time according to apple) make sure you track the return kits by order number when packing so you know which phone you are fighting about when you have to fight about it.

If I had known this was not an actual apple facility ahead of time I would probably not have done it this way, also I probably wont do it again, I will just trade them in at the store. It appears this vendor has MANY facilities, they may be the only one who handles Apple trades, so I'd be leary of the mail in progress.

Once the credits are actually applied i'll decide what i want to do with the last phone, I'm presently inclined to argue. I want to make sure that's the only argument I need to have.

 

[DuckRyder]

Ok. Apple made it right. I stand by all my earlier advice. Much as I told the manager at Apple, I will not trade in by mail again.

 

[alarmguy]

Ok. Apple made it right. I stand by all my earlier advice. Much as I told the manager at Apple, I will not trade in by mail again.

Im waiting on my $250 credit trade in. They received it and the vendor "has 3 business days to inspect" the phone. Funny thing is, on the Apple Store site they do not say when the vendor received it. SHIPPING SAYS WED so I should expect to hear by end of today.
*LOL* You have me on edge. My iPhone 13 was in impeccable condition.

 

[Snagglefoot]

When cell phones first came out. We owned one at work and whoever was on call that weekend carried the phone. It was about a foot long by 4" x 4" with an antennae. We called it the shoe phone.

 

[factorytuned2012]

When cell phones first came out. We owned one at work and whoever was on call that weekend carried the phone. It was about a foot long by 4" x 4" with an antennae. We called it the shoe phone.

My fathers first mobile phone was something called the bag phone

 

[factorytuned2012]

The first mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, cost $3,995 when it was released in 1984, which is equivalent to about $12,100 today. And we complain about the cost of the top of the line iPhone pro max

 

[alarmguy]

Ok. Apple made it right. I stand by all my earlier advice. Much as I told the manager at Apple, I will not trade in by mail again.

I just got an email, went to the Apple site, I am receiving the full trade in value on my iPhone 13
My faith restored. I admit it makes one uneasy but would still do it again though next time I might video before putting it in the box and mailing.

 

[Carmudgeon]

Ok. Apple made it right. I stand by all my earlier advice. Much as I told the manager at Apple, I will not trade in by mail again.

Anyone within vicinity of an Apple retail store should seriously consider doing a trade in person at a store, not sending it through the mail to Phobio, or whomever they're using now, which are third-party companies.

In store, you get an instant appraisal, and the option to immediately apply the credit to a purchase, or in the form of a gift card to use later. Handling trades is part of the duties for the people in the store, but not their primary duty, which is to sell new gadgets. They don't have the time, nor the luxury, to go over the trade with a fine-toothed comb, and scrutinize it for deductions. Easy to accept or deny the immediate offer on the table.

Ship it, and if it doesn't get "lost" on the way, it will be in the hands of people whose task is to do the exact opposite, and as a third-party company, adds an additional party to the transaction, with indirect responsibility. Despite whatever agreements that those companies have with their partners, it would not be surprising that lowballing might be in their favor. The verdict is not rendered instantly, and the process to appeal is not as simple. They'll send the item back if the offer is declined, but not necessarily in the same condition, or with all the parts originally sent. Not too hard to find horror stories about the process.

It's clear which method offers a lot more certainty and fewer risks.

 

[alarmguy]

Anyone within vicinity of an Apple retail store should seriously consider doing a trade in person at a store, not sending it through the mail to Phobio, or whomever they're using now, which are third-party companies.

In store, you get an instant appraisal, and the option to immediately apply the credit to a purchase, or in the form of a gift card to use later. Handling trades is part of the duties for the people in the store, but not their primary duty, which is to sell new gadgets. They don't have the time, nor the luxury, to go over the trade with a fine-toothed comb, and scrutinize it for deductions. Easy to accept or deny the immediate offer on the table.

Ship it, and if it doesn't get "lost" on the way, it will be in the hands of people whose task is to do the exact opposite, and as a third-party company, adds an additional party to the transaction, with indirect responsibility. Despite whatever agreements that those companies have with their partners, it would not be surprising that lowballing might be in their favor. The verdict is not rendered instantly, and the process to appeal is not as simple. They'll send the item back if the offer is declined, but not necessarily in the same condition, or with all the parts originally sent. Not too hard to find horror stories about the process.

It's clear which method offers a lot more certainty and fewer risks.

Apple stores are rare in many states so mail is the only option.
Personally I never had a problem with mailing in phones, even when we traded in our older iPhone 11 and XR to T-Mobile cell service provider (not apple) for the new iPhone 13 years ago. But it can make one apprehensive and when you read about someone having an issue makes it a little more so.

@DuckRyder was able to get his issue worked out with Apple on the one phone that Apple's return service gave a problem with.

As posted my pristine like new iPhone 13 that I mailed in about the same time was credited by Apple for the full amount they said they would when I mailed it in. I would think if you have a borderline phone with scratches maybe you would be better off going a different route or you can have the phone sent back to you and you can sell it on your own.

I say it was quite a good deal for me (limited time special) $250 for my iPhone 13 and no cost to me for shipping, packaging or anything. The whole process was very timely, and took place as I was told by Apple. (though I got confused on how to check myself *LOL*)

 

[DuckRyder]

"to get his issue worked out with Apple on the one phone that Apple's return service gave a problem with."

Small correction = it was 2 but they did take care of both, so what's that 40% of my order. Also i have a feeling the amount of stuff ive bought was a factor in getting the last one handled.

 

[DuckRyder]

Anyone within vicinity of an Apple retail store should seriously consider doing a trade in person at a store, not sending it through the mail to Phobio, or whomever they're using now, which are third-party companies.

Absolutely. Imm close so that's what i willl do from nos on.

 

[alarmguy]

PS !!! IN case I haven't mentioned I am LOVING my new iPhone 15 Plus. I was concerned about it being to big, after all a long time ago I was considering getting an iPhone 13 mini and bought the iPhone 13 regular size.

Now I am up to a iPhone 15 PLUS and love the larger screen. Still fits fine in my back pocket. The phone is only half an inch taller and one quarter inch wider but wow, when I sit my wife's regular size iPhone next to is, the larger screen real-estate is really sweet. It does look bigger than the dimensions suggest. My wife will stick with regular size phones as she is more petite and smaller hands.