How much difference is there between a refurbished iPhone 14 Pro/Plus and an iPhone 15 for minimal needs?

Only you can decide which iPhone is best for your needs. But I would get the newest model you can so you'll be able to update for more years. Use this link to compare models --> iPhone - Compare Models - Apple

As to buying refurbished iPhones, there is only ONE place I would buy one from and that is directly from Apple. They have a refurbished store and buying from Apple guarantees you'll get an iPhone with only authentic parts, plus a one year manufacturer warranty --> Certified Refurbished Products - Apple

People come here daily after buying a refurbished iPhone from someone else and they are often greatly disappointed and get phones which have been refurbished with parts that aren't authentic. Also read this about buying used iPhones (which a refurbished phone is) --> The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

Re: “Best Buy has refurbished iPhones available”

Even if the “refurbishment” was done only by authorized service providers, using Apple parts, it might not be up to Apple Certified Refurbished standards.

Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones have new batteries and a 1 year Apple warranty.

If you decide to try a "refurbished" iPhone from Best Buy, post back with the Model Number of the phone when you have it set up.

Settings > General > About > Model Number

We can tell you whether the iPhone was refurbished at a facility approved by Apple or one that has not been approved by Apple. Even if the facility was approved by Apple, it does not meet the same standards as a refurbished phone from Apple.

The only way to know whether Apple refurbished a phone though, is to buy directly from Apple.

Everything said above is 100% spot on. For minimal needs there are really only 2 or 3 considerations. USB -C charging and data transfer can be important. Any warranty available either Apple Care or merchant and when will the device become obsolete. Lastly, if it’s your camera, image quality and camera advancements.

Now it’s your decision. Best of luck and be sure to return for tips and further assistance.

The battery in the iPhone 14 was designed to go 500 Charge Cycles before it needs to be replaced.

The battery in the iPhone 15 was designed to go 1,000 Charge Cycles before it will need to be replaced.

If battery performance is important to you, the iPhone 15 is pretty much a "no brainer".

Best Buy is an option if you are buying a new phone. Unless something has just changed, Best Buy does not sell Apple "refurbished" phones.

Not sure I understand the question about non-Apple parts. Apple sells refurbished phones only using genuine Apple parts. These phones come with the same one year warranty as a new product. If you are buying "refurbished" from another source, you won't really know what you are getting. The phone may or may not have been "refurbished" using genuine Apple parts.

Currently, Apple is offering a number of different iPhone 14 and iPhone models on their Apple.com site. Click the Search icon and type in "refurbished iPhone"

My advice....if you want a "refurbished" phone, buy it from Apple.

rowdog44 wrote:

Best Buy has refurbished iPhones available and the "similar" models ...

cheaper than the Apple refurbished choices ...

which likely answers the question ....

not using "original parts" ?

thanx

Keep in mind that cheaper is often NOT better. As I said in my first post to you, the ONLY place I'd EVER buy a refurbished iPhone from is Apple itself.

15 series has the USB-C charging port, so I would opt for that.

Best Buy is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, so when you need to replace your iPhone’s battery, you can do it there.

However, I do not believe that they sell Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones. Just new ones.

rowdog44 wrote:

o k that seals it ... Apple refurb

again , thanx very much ...

not having the little icon for a thumbs up, I plugged something in from a search

thus the monstrous Thumb previously ...

so DITTO

THANX

Since you replied to yourself, its difficult to know who you're thanking. But if you see the up and down arrow to the left of the reply button, they are upvote/downvote buttons which if you upvote lets the person you upvote know you appreciated their response.

I'm actually glad to see the posts we've made have convinced you to buy from Apple directly. Enjoy your newly Apple Refurbished iPhone when you get it!

rowdog44 wrote:

patience please

O k ...new twist

qwik look at my local store

( Spectrum, only choice in my area; internet etc)

they have New Apple 16 phones...a little more expensive ...$699 than

the "best priced" units I saw at Apple Re-furbished...which was the 14 ... @ $589

some comments; battery and upgrades ...16 will be a wiser choice is my take, but then,

I know it's better to ask

THANX

A brand new iPhone from an authorized seller, like T-Mobile would ALWAYS be the best choice.

Refurbished is a used iPhone. Depending on who you buy from, a new genuine battery might be part of the package with a refurbished iPhone.

New is new. You will be the original owner of the iPhone.

If the budget allows, new would be the way to go.