We have iPhone SE 2020s bought at launch. At this point in time, they’re in need of battery replacement so that’s something to factor in on your budget.
Keep in mind that even with a new one from Apple the battery life is not great especially as newer less optimized (for older iPhones) iOS versions decrease battery life a bit as well. Already back in 2020 when this model was brand new battery life was just okay. Going into 2024 there is no way for it to have good battery life.
$70 for a battery replacement is a lot to ask and will ruin any good deal, it's an ok device if you can get it real cheap with a new-ish battery. I actually bought a used one with a smashed back because it was just 100 bucks and way too cheap not to get it. But of course it's got the smallest storage option.
iphone 11 is it any good? in terms of it getting ios update support and what not
It should get iOS 18 in 2024 just like the iPhone SE 2020. Both devices might remain on iOS 18 and not get 19. We won't know for sure until September 2024. The hardware is just fine, though a battery replacement might be needed here too turning a good deal into a bad one.
Again, I don't see why you absolutely must get an iPhone if the lower budget is the priority. For the same cost the mentioned 7a has better hardware, update support guaranteed until mid 2028 and fulfills your minimum requirement of 128GB storage. And with sales you can find it just barely within your budget brand new instead of used. Why would you want the experience of a sluggish iOS on an old iPhone with mediocre battery life?
And used in mint condition on swappa they start at $329. I wouldn't recommend using swappa but a quick craigslist search in my area shows two for sale for $280-$300 for in-person pickup that apparently came with a plan and weren't needed. I believe that as that isn't a flagship device likely to have been stolen or anything like that.
You can still get the SE 2022 (Black) at Wal-Mart for $149.
Does not fulfil OP's minimum requirements and you can't use it for 60 days until it is unlocked. The straighttalk prepaid plan for the first 60 days doesn't make much sense if you don't want to keep it and the associated number. Still - a great deal if you can wait the 60 days and the roughly 50GB of usable space are enough.