Should I buy an IPhone 7 Plus or a HP Pavilion?

Okay, the phone would cost around $500. I already have an IPhone 8 Plus but the police have it for investigation. Every time I ask them when i ll get it back, they say once the case is fully over. But who really knows how long it ll be until it fully finishes? So I need a phone. And it's a refurbished IPhone so its s not like i'm paying full price.

The HP would be around $500 as well, and although I will use the laptop more because I will get my 8 back eventually, the phone would more help me right now because I have time to gain the money again to buy the computer. PLUS, I ALREADY have a WORKING laptop, it just runs slowly. Any help?

Can they still use it?

So I logged into my icould account from a friend's Iphone to do something but I made sure to sign out at the end. However, I could still see their phone's name on setting but that doesn't mean they can use it or see what i'm dowloading right? Sorry but i'm still new with the whole Iphone thing! Lol

Is it illegal to scam a scammer?

I have been scammed a few times before. The scammer promised me a loan if I buy itunes gift cards to pay for a processing fee. The scammer deposited money in my checking account and the next day, the money was gone and my account was overdrawn. If some one tries to scam me like this again, would it be illegal to withdraw the money immediately and then close my account so he can't get his money back ad my checking account will not go negative. I doubt a jury would find me guilty for stealing from a scammer.

How do i get my phone back

So i went to the apple store to give them my old iphone 6s for an apple gift card and i gave the employee it and he gave me the gift card. I'm home now and I FORGOT TO TAKE MY FAMILY PHOTOS AND OTHER CHILDHOOD AND IMPORTANT STUFF OFF OF IT! WHAT DO I DO