Other If I need a new iPhone now, what is the best option?

[Synna]

Dear Community,

I am currently in need of a new iPhone and was hoping to get some advice here.

At the moment, I am using an iPhone X, but for several reasons, I want to switch away from it. At the end of the year, I will be able to get a new phone from my carrier, and I am planning to get one of the new iPhone 12 models then.

Before the new SE was announced, I was thinking about getting a 11 Pro Max, as I have always wanted a bigger screen. However, with the SE just being released, I am uncertain again.

Getting the 11 Pro Max could be overkill for the 6 to 12 months I would be using it until the carrier upgrade, but it has the bigger screen I have always wanted. The SE is even smaller than my current phone and I would lose features I love (like Face ID), but I would also save some money (compared to the 11 Pro Max) and still get better internals than on my current X.

Now, what do you think I should go with? I could, for example, also see myself extending my usage of the 11 Pro Max (if I get it now) until fall 2021 and use my carrier upgrade then for the "iPhone 13".

Thank you for your help and your advice!

 

[mattopotamus]

what are the several reasons you want to switch away from the X? That’s important to know when recommending a new phone.

 

[Synna]

what are the several reasons you want to switch away from the X? That’s important to know when recommending a new phone.

Thank you very much for your reply.

Well, one reason was the desire for a bigger form factor (so that would only be satisfied by the 11 Pro Max, of course), but the other, "bigger" reason (e.g. the one leading to an upgrade "right now") is more on the psychological side. Over the years, I have installed a lot of "junk" on my X, I have not always treated it the best way regarding recharge cycles and I am currently starting to set up an all-Apple Smart Home, and I just want to do this with a "fresh iPhone start".

Keeping this in mind, getting an 11 Pro Max might of course be a bit "expensive" just for the purpose of a "fresh start".

 

[supertiffany]

Thank you very much for your reply.

Well, one reason was the desire for a bigger form factor (so that would only be satisfied by the 11 Pro Max, of course), but the other, "bigger" reason (e.g. the one leading to an upgrade "right now") is more on the psychological side. Over the years, I have installed a lot of "junk" on my X, I have not always treated it the best way regarding recharge cycles and I am currently starting to set up an all-Apple Smart Home, and I just want to do this with a "fresh iPhone start".

Keeping this in mind, getting an 11 Pro Max might of course be a bit "expensive" just for the purpose of a "fresh start".

get the iPhone 11, that's a bigger fone.

 

[mattopotamus]

If money is of no concern, I think you should wait for the 12 Pro Max. It seems like it’s going to be a real tank and will last 4+ years. I think you will be upset if you get the 11 Pro Max today for the same cost as the 12 pro max is 6 months.

edit: you get the upgrade. I would just use the X until then.

 

[Synna]

get the iPhone 11, that's a bigger fone.

Thanks for your input. Due to a recent deal by Amazon in my area, I can get the 11 Pro Max for just a bit more than the 11, so in that case, i'd probably stick to the 11 Pro Max.

If money is of no concern, I think you should wait for the 12 Pro Max. It seems like it’s going to be a real tank and will last 4+ years. I think you will be upset if you get the 11 Pro Max today for the same cost as the 12 pro max is 6 months.

edit: you get the upgrade. I would just use the X until then.

Thanks for this, that definitely makes sense. But, apart from using the X, if I "have to have" an upgrade right now, the SE would then be the better option, given that it costs less?

 

[Sheza]

Your thought process is weird.

If you want a new phone experience just erase your current iPhone and set up as new.

 

[pérignon]

If you want the quickest iPhone, it will definitely be the new SE.

Due to a much smaller screen, it will be faster in day to day operation than any iPhone 11.

 

[MrKennedy]

Thanks for your input. Due to a recent deal by Amazon in my area, I can get the 11 Pro Max for just a bit more than the 11, so in that case, i'd probably stick to the 11 Pro Max.



Thanks for this, that definitely makes sense. But, apart from using the X, if I "have to have" an upgrade right now, the SE would then be the better option, given that it costs less?

Are you just trying to satisfy the new device itch? You could solve your issues with the X by either uninstalling whatever "junk" apps you have and/or reset the phone as new. Financially it makes more sense to just wait. Doesn't sound like the SE will satisfy the needs/wants of a larger phone that you laid out.

 

[mattopotamus]

Thanks for your input. Due to a recent deal by Amazon in my area, I can get the 11 Pro Max for just a bit more than the 11, so in that case, i'd probably stick to the 11 Pro Max.



Thanks for this, that definitely makes sense. But, apart from using the X, if I "have to have" an upgrade right now, the SE would then be the better option, given that it costs less?

This is what I did in a similar circumstance:

I have always preferred small phones, and the SE (2020) being slightly smaller than the X and significantly lighter really tempted me. Plus it has the newest chip, A13 and possibly a better camera.

I ordered the SE and will trade in my X to apple for $320 after a few days of comparisons. I figured by time the iPhone 12 launches, the value of the X will be ~$100 less and not far off from the trade in value of the SE if I go that route.

The rumored 5.4" iPhone 12 sounds very tempting, but if it doesn't tempt me I am happy keeping the SE with the A13 (2 year new chip that my X).

edit: oh and I am one of the few who actually owns and utilizes a wifi 6 network.

 

[Jack_SB]

I get it. I was kinda in the same situation.
My advice, go for the pro max and upgrade to 13 or 14 later.

 

[Freida]

I'm amazed by the responses and thinking here in this thread. Please don't get upset for me saying this but I feel this kind of thinking is on the borderline - "spoiled"
You have iPhone X (which is perfectly fine phone now) and you have possible upgrade at the end of the year for the latest unreleased model and now you are here and thinking to bridge the gap with another new toy?
I'm sorry but this is ridiculous and I hope you take a step back and realise it.
I agree with some here. Just be wise and use X till the new one comes out and then upgrade. If you do anything else then I will just facepalm it
Good luck and hope you do the right thing. ;-)

Dear Community,

I am currently in need of a new iPhone and was hoping to get some advice here.

At the moment, I am using an iPhone X, but for several reasons, I want to switch away from it. At the end of the year, I will be able to get a new phone from my carrier, and I am planning to get one of the new iPhone 12 models then.

Before the new SE was announced, I was thinking about getting a 11 Pro Max, as I have always wanted a bigger screen. However, with the SE just being released, I am uncertain again.

Getting the 11 Pro Max could be overkill for the 6 to 12 months I would be using it until the carrier upgrade, but it has the bigger screen I have always wanted. The SE is even smaller than my current phone and I would lose features I love (like Face ID), but I would also save some money (compared to the 11 Pro Max) and still get better internals than on my current X.

Now, what do you think I should go with? I could, for example, also see myself extending my usage of the 11 Pro Max (if I get it now) until fall 2021 and use my carrier upgrade then for the "iPhone 13".

Thank you for your help and your advice!

 

[mattopotamus]

I'm amazed by the responses and thinking here in this thread. Please don't get upset for me saying this but I feel this kind of thinking is on the borderline - "spoiled"
You have iPhone X (which is perfectly fine phone now) and you have possible upgrade at the end of the year for the latest unreleased model and now you are here and thinking to bridge the gap with another new toy?
I'm sorry but this is ridiculous and I hope you take a step back and realise it.
I agree with some here. Just be wise and use X till the new one comes out and then upgrade. If you do anything else then I will just facepalm it
Good luck and hope you do the right thing. ;-)

With disposable income, comes irrational decisions haha. I have zero need to change phones, but still did it =/

 

[Synna]

Your thought process is weird.

I'm amazed by the responses and thinking here in this thread. Please don't get upset for me saying this but I feel this kind of thinking is on the borderline - "spoiled"
You have iPhone X (which is perfectly fine phone now) and you have possible upgrade at the end of the year for the latest unreleased model and now you are here and thinking to bridge the gap with another new toy?
I'm sorry but this is ridiculous and I hope you take a step back and realise it.
I agree with some here. Just be wise and use X till the new one comes out and then upgrade. If you do anything else then I will just facepalm it
Good luck and hope you do the right thing. ;-)

Don't worry, I am aware that this thought process is a weird one. Believe me, I am definitely also trying to follow your suggestion and take a step back and it's good to hear these kind of opinions too, however, I am not sure if I "will be able" to be completely rational here. Nonetheless, I definitely value this kind of input too.

Are you just trying to satisfy the new device itch? You could solve your issues with the X by either uninstalling whatever "junk" apps you have and/or reset the phone as new. Financially it makes more sense to just wait. Doesn't sound like the SE will satisfy the needs/wants of a larger phone that you laid out.

It’s probably just the itch, you’re right. Maybe I’ll reconsider the “reset option”.

This is what I did in a similar circumstance:

I have always preferred small phones, and the SE (2020) being slightly smaller than the X and significantly lighter really tempted me. Plus it has the newest chip, A13 and possibly a better camera.

I ordered the SE and will trade in my X to apple for $320 after a few days of comparisons. I figured by time the iPhone 12 launches, the value of the X will be ~$100 less and not far off from the trade in value of the SE if I go that route.

I get it. I was kinda in the same situation.
My advice, go for the pro max and upgrade to 13 or 14 later.

Thanks also for your input, guys. I think if I actually get a new phone (after considering the opinions above), I will either get the SE to “bridge the gap” or use the 11 Pro Max for the complete upcoming year until the "iPhone 13". I can still use my carrier upgrade then.

 

[mattopotamus]

Don't worry, I am aware that this thought process is a weird one. Believe me, I am definitely also trying to follow your suggestion and take a step back and it's good to hear these kind of opinions too, however, I am not sure if I "will be able" to be completely rational here. Nonetheless, I definitely value this kind of input too.



It’s probably just the itch, you’re right. Maybe I’ll reconsider the “reset option”.





Thanks also for your input, guys. I think if I actually get a new phone (after considering the opinions above), I will either get the SE to “bridge the gap” or use the 11 Pro Max for the complete upcoming year until the "iPhone 13". I can still use my carrier upgrade then.

can't go wrong with either decision. I would just wait until the stores open back up and check out the new SE in person before making your decision.

 

[Synna]

can't go wrong with either decision. I would just wait until the stores open back up and check out the new SE in person before making your decision.

Thanks, that's a good idea.

 

[Six0Four]

Id go XR or 11. 6.1" is the best size imo. Perfect middle ground.

 

[DiCaprioAngel]

I was originally intending on waiting for the 12 Pro Max before I switched back to Apple. But, the more I thought about it and the more YouTube videos I watched about the 11 Pro Max, I finally decided to go with the 11 Pro Max and stick with that for a couple of years. It’s a really great phone and has all the features I need/want and more. In the end, the decision is up to you and what you expect out of the phone you’re purchasing. I couldn’t handle waiting another 6 months before the new phone (there are rumors that it will be delayed due to what’s going on and that’s understandable), so I thought just go with the 11 Pro Max, you’ll be just as happy and I am. My Dad got the phone when it was released so I already know what to expect out of it in terms of looks, feel, and usage. My phone should be delivered by Monday, according to tracking so I am looking forward to it! I hope this helps, if not, good luck on your choice!

 

[the8thark]

As much as I hate the iPhone SE-2, it's actually pretty good value if you don't want the latest of the latest features on your phone.

 

[RobCoenen]

Your thought process is weird.

If you want a new phone experience just erase your current iPhone and set up as new.

This. Clean up your phone by eraseing it and set it up as new.
If the battery sucks, go to Apple and buy a new battery.

 

[SteelBlueTJ]

I am in a similar boat. I have had the X since launch day and want the bigger screen so bad. I hated the X since day one coming from the 6 plus before that, but kept the X anyway. I miss the big screen immensely. My battery life is getting worse on my X and not lasting as long either. I'm not waiting for the 12 and getting the 11 pro max soon. I plan to keep the 11 pro max at least 2-3 years before my next upgrade. But If you're dead set on the 12, then I will probably wait if you can. Besides, I've read the 12 pro max or whatever it will be will most likely be delayed longer than all the other phones, so it could be 9-12 months until they are in our hands, especially with the state of the world nowadays.

 

[Synna]

This. Clean up your phone by eraseing it and set it up as new.
If the battery sucks, go to Apple and buy a new battery.

That’s definitely something I’ll consider now, based on the input in this thread.

Id go XR or 11. 6.1" is the best size imo. Perfect middle ground.

The XR is still being sold “officially”, right? If there is one significantly cheaper than the 11 or 11 Pro Max, that might be an option.

I couldn’t handle waiting another 6 months before the new phone (there are rumors that it will be delayed due to what’s going on and that’s understandable), so I thought just go with the 11 Pro Max, you’ll be just as happy and I am.

Thanks, that’s definitely some good input here.

As much as I hate the iPhone SE-2, it's actually pretty good value if you don't want the latest of the latest features on your phone.

That’s what I thought too, especially on the internal side of things.

I plan to keep the 11 pro max at least 2-3 years before my next upgrade. But If you're dead set on the 12, then I will probably wait if you can. The only issue I have now is trying to decide what color I want. Lol.

At the moment, I am definitely away from using the 11 Pro Max to “bridge the gap”, so if I am indeed getting a new phone and if it is the 11 Pro Max, I’ll probably also keep it for a longer period of time. (Regarding color: I am definitely a “Space Grey” person. 😄)

 

[BugeyeSTI]

If you want the quickest iPhone, it will definitely be the new SE.

Due to a much smaller screen, it will be faster in day to day operation than any iPhone 11.

The difference in speed is almost imperceptible.. The difference in price or features is huge... Everyone said the SE was faster than the 6S and it became obvious the only way to tell was benchmark scores. Day to day use showed little or no difference

 

[rui no onna]

The difference in speed is almost imperceptible.. The difference in price or features is huge... Everyone said the SE was faster than the 6S and it became obvious the only way to tell was benchmark scores. Day to day use showed little or no difference

The iPhone SE, iPhone 6s and even the iPad 5th gen all benchmark more or less the same in terms of CPU.

It's only onscreen, native resolution GPU benchmarks where they would vary.

Some people are more sensitive to minute stutters and lag. It's entirely possible the low resolution on the SE allows it to deliver 60 fps minimum frame rate all the time whereas the 6s/iPad 5th gen would have occasional drops in frame rate.

 

[cambookpro]

Don't get the SE. It's new and shiny but you say you value size and Face ID, so it will most likely be a much worse experience for you. Don't get sucked in! (These things are personal - some may prefer Touch ID/a small device, you sound like you don't.)

If you can wait until the 12 series are released, restore your X and set it up as new.

If you really can't, either just buy a 11 Pro Max, or find the cheapest option you'd still enjoy using (6-12 months isn't a short period of time) - have you considered a used/refurbished 11 or XR? If you buy second hand, you'll lose a lot less if you then wish to upgrade when the 12 is released.