Is buying iPhone better at Apple or Verizon?

Did you mean an iPhone 6S or an iPhone SE? There isn't a "6SE" model.

If you buy from Verizon, the phone will be LOCKED to Verizon, but if you buy direct from Apple, then you can get a SIM-free model that ISN'T locked to a specific carrier. Of course with the SIM-free option you will have to pay full price up front. Whereas buying a locked to the carrier version you have the option of paying monthly. For example, a 128GB SE costs $449 but if you go the monthly payment plan then it is $18.70/month which means you won't pay it off for 24 months.

I suggest you check out the pricing both ways from Apple iPhone - Apple then compare their pricing to Verizon's before you decide. Oh, the phones will likely be more available from Apple than at you local Verizon. You can buy online and have next-day delivery at your home or pick it up at a physical Apple Store near you.

I just ordered a SIM-free iPhone X today and it will be delivered tomorrow. I can then activate it at my leisure via iTunes.

romad wrote:

Did you mean an iPhone 6S or an iPhone SE? There isn't a "6SE" model.

If you buy from Verizon, the phone will be LOCKED to Verizon, but if you buy direct from Apple, then you can get a SIM-free model that ISN'T locked to a specific carrier.

Well actually, NO. Verizon phones (uniquely among all cellular providers) are all unlocked, regardless of where you buy them.

ClarkPam wrote:

Not worried about contracts, just didn't know if Apple Store can set up new phone so it works with my Verizon account

There's no issue with setting up Verizon service on an unlocked iPhone. Just insert the SIM card and you're good to go.

If you're not happy with it you're free to sell it and cancel your service or get a new phone. Unlocked phones also have a higher resale value.

Thanks for the clarification, Larry. I'd still go with a SIM-free model in case I want to travel outside these United States, of change providers here. That way there are fewer hoops to jump through.

The $349 priced SE iPhone is 32 GB. Oh and the monthly Verizon installment plan payment is $14.54/month.

Yes, the Apple Store can do the transfer if you bring your old phone in with you.

romad wrote:

And the best deal must include transferring her content from the 5C to the SE at no charge.

Both Apple and Verizon will do that. And the prices will be the same.

I am a Verizon customer and have regularly replaced my iPhone with newer models. I've always purchased the Verizon model from the Apple Store and the Apple staff has always helped me set it up at the store, including connecting it to my Verizon account.

ClarkPam wrote:

Should I bring my 5c to Apple when purchasing the SE? Will they switch out SIM card in order to continue my Verizon wireless account?

You should have no problem doing it yourself. The 5c and SE uses a nano-SIM card that should transfer easily. You just need a paper clip or a SIM-card tray ejection tool. It's really just a little pin.

Learn which size SIM card your iPhone or iPad uses - Apple Support

Only Apple will sell the unlocked version. No worries about contracts.

Yes, Apple can set it up with Verizon or any other carrier.

But even then she will still have to at least sync with iTunes to get the SE activated as a replacement for the C. If all that can be done at an Apple Store, she might as well go ahead and do it.

I would base it on whoever is offering the best deal.

The SE comes with 32 GB for $349, or 128 GB for $100 more.

If you bring your 5C they can transfer the contents and set it up for you. If you don't need the 5C any longer you can get a trade-in for it.