I still have a 2016 iPhone SE for work, still being updated even though it’s stuck on ios15. I legitimately don’t know anyone with a 2016 galaxy s7, but in my company we’re almost all on SE first gen still, except the new folks who get the 2022.

I really don’t know any phone with better durability from that time or before then, both in usability in time or hardware longevity. That being said, most phones, including Androids released today are bound to stay relevant for a very long time compared to older devices, because hardware is way more mature across the board and OEMs like Samsung improved support timetables.

If you’re strapped for cash and want an iPhone, you could go with refurbs, older iPhones or the SE.

Ultimately, it depends mostly on what you want from your phone, if you’re big on hardware, you’ll get better bang for your buck in midrange or lower high range Androids. If you’re big on camera it’s premium iPhone, Pixel, Samsung S, or bust, etc.

You have a choice since you’re not bound by an ecosystem, might as well look at all your options :)