I got an older generation Iphone new in the box on ebay for $125.00 and a $99.00 a year plan from Redpocket ($8.25 a month)
Be careful with purchasing older Apple products. Many times of the apps will not run on them. Have an old iPad and am experiencing this now.
You did good, Lurk. iPhones are the baseline and have great cameras.
An android alternative for the OP to consider include Samsung, i.e S9 which run in ballpark of $200 or so.