New iPhones are regularly a must-have for all Apple fans – but does it really always have to be the very latest model?
An iPhone that has just come onto the market costs around 1,000 euros or more, depending on the model in the respective series – a truly proud price. Many are willing to pay this in order to benefit from the latest technology and the most innovative features. But if you don’t want to dig so deep into your pockets, you can also be satisfied with a slightly older predecessor model. We looked around to see which variants ahead of the iPhone 15 series are still worthwhile.
Buying an iPhone predecessor: Does it make sense?
Anyone who has ever looked intensively for a new cell phone knows: the older the model, the cheaper the device is. However, it is important to exercise caution. Because many of the very old models no longer receive iOS security updates. The fact is that without these security updates, important applications can often no longer be used. The iPhone 5S, for example, is certainly still a functional model with a cult factor – but since updates are no longer guaranteed, it should no longer end up in the shopping cart.
Why iOS security updates are important:
- Protection against security gaps
- Protection against malware
- Protection of personal data
- System integrity
- Preventing identity theft
- Network security
However, iPhone predecessors that are currently receiving security updates are definitely worth considering. Because technically they often still play in the first league. At Apple, the supply of updates is always quite long compared to Android. If you want to get even cheaper, get a cell phone with a contract. Here too, previous models are often still available in a bundle. However, the older the model, the rarer it is that this includes a contract. The iPhone 14, as the direct predecessor to the iPhone 15, is a good choice as it guarantees a long update supply until at least 2028. The series is also not much inferior to the latest model in terms of performance and design, but is no longer quite as expensive. With a contract, for example from Vodafone, the iPhone 14 is available for just one euro. Although the monthly tariff price is higher than for the corresponding contract without a cell phone, it can still be worth it in terms of price.
Click here for the offer at Vodafone
iPhone SE (2022) – a predecessor with potential
The iPhone SE from 2022 scores with a particularly good price-performance ratio, and depending on the size of the internal memory, it is available for around 400 euros. It is still supplied with the current iOS 17 update and has satisfactory hardware with a twelve-megapixel camera and a 4.7-inch display. If you are looking for an inexpensive and compact iPhone with the latest iOS version, you will find it here. However, there is no ultra-wide-angle or telephoto camera. On Ebay, the previous model with 64 gigabytes of internal memory is even available for as little as 349 euros.
Click here for the offer on Ebay
iPhone predecessor only useful with iOS update
It doesn’t necessarily have to be the latest iPhone model, but if you buy a predecessor, make sure that the iOS 17 update is possible. Only then will users benefit from smooth functionality and security-relevant updates. In addition to the iPhone 15 series, the update to iOS 17 is currently possible with the following models:
- iPhone 14 (series)
- iPhone 13 (series)
- iPhone 12 (series)
- iPhone 11 (series)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
Freenet offers the iPhone 13 as a refurbished version starting at 649 euros without a contract. Freenet also offers the previous model with a contract, for example with the Green LTE tariff in the Telekom network for a one-off payment of 49.99 euros.
Click here for the Freenet offer without a contract
Click here for the offer at Freenet with contract
Conclusion: iPhone predecessor models can be worthwhile
If you want to focus on a previous iPhone version in order to save some money when buying a cell phone, you should definitely pay attention to the update supply. For example, all models from the iPhone 12 onwards will still benefit from the next major updates. Going further back in the order of the predecessors is therefore only worthwhile if the price is very cheap and the cell phone is not to be used for longer than a year (until the next iOS update).
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