Other Is the A14 worth the price hike?

[TroubleMan20]

With the current iPhone 12 leaks of the smaller batteries and no 120Hz. I’m finding it harder to justify upgrading to the iphone 12 instead of just the iphone 11. Would the A14 actually be worth the price hike?

It seems to me Apple will offset the smaller battery with higher efficiency of the A14 chip to the point where the iphone 12 has just about the same battery life as the iphone 11.

In the case of someone who doesn’t care about OLED or the new design, would the average user even see any benefit of having the A14?

 

[Apple_Robert]

With the current iPhone 12 leaks of the smaller batteries and no 120Hz. I’m finding it harder to justify upgrading to the iphone 12 instead of just the iphone 11. Would the A14 actually be worth the price hike?

It seems to me Apple will offset the smaller battery with higher efficiency of the A14 chip to the point where the iphone 12 has just about the same battery life as the iphone 11.

In the case of someone who doesn’t care about OLED or the new design, would the average user even see any benefit of having the A14?

That would depend on what phone the user previously owned and what app usage is involved. If you are talking about from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12, I would say no, unless the new phone held a new needed feature all to itself.

Even for older phones, I doubt the difference will be significant for the average user. What is important, is RAM and app management.

People on this forum like to opine for days, months and even years over the difference in miliseconds, as if their eyes and brain are able to actively see and count the minute integers involved during average iPhone usage. It’s techno drivel for the obscure.

If you believe an upgrade isn’t justified, then you have your answer. If you listen to the techno drivel, you will find yourself buying a new phone, being unhappy, and trying to justify to yourself via more meaningless techno drivel on MacRumors, that your upgrade while insignificant day to day, was somehow needed. Don’t let yourself fall into that mental abyss.

 

[Aoligei]

With the current iPhone 12 leaks of the smaller batteries and no 120Hz. I’m finding it harder to justify upgrading to the iphone 12 instead of just the iphone 11. Would the A14 actually be worth the price hike?

It seems to me Apple will offset the smaller battery with higher efficiency of the A14 chip to the point where the iphone 12 has just about the same battery life as the iphone 11.

In the case of someone who doesn’t care about OLED or the new design, would the average user even see any benefit of having the A14?

That would depend on what phone the user previously owned and what app usage is involved. If you are talking about from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12, I would say no, unless the new phone held a new needed feature all to itself.

Even for older phones, I doubt the difference will be significant for the average user. What is important, is RAM and app management.

People on this forum like to opine for days, months and even years over the difference in miliseconds, as if their eyes and brain are able to actively see and count the minute integers involved during average iPhone usage. It’s techno drivel for the obscure.

If you believe an upgrade isn’t justified, then you have your answer. If you listen to the techno drivel, you will find yourself buying a new phone unhappy, and trying to justify to yourself via more meaningless techno drivel on MacRumors, that your upgrade while insignificant day to day, was somehow needed. Don’t let yourself fall into that mental abyss.

I recently purchased Red iPhone SE, because I have saved good chuck of money (400 dollars Bi-weekly saving over past 3 years) and I have ever brought a red iPhone. I know this is unnecessary purchase and I might return this phone

You know, iPhone has this incremental updates for years and somehow every year people think it is huge upgrade and must buy over pervious generation.

I can be the average run of the mill smart phone users. I doubt huge number of people are editing 4K or 8K movies on their iPhone, not that this type of users aren’t exist, but I don’t see that is huge market. Beside why would anyone do that when Mac has better video editing software and bigger screen makes it easier to edit?

So I keep 4 phones (iPhone 6S plus, iPhons XR, iPhone 11 and iPhone SE), the conclusion I can get from this 4 phones is that it is really hard to tell the speed differences. Even 5 years old iPhone 6S plus can satisfies average smart phone user easily.

I really doubt there is significantly difference between iPhone 11 and upcoming iPhone 12. But that just me, I may or may not buy iPhone 12.

I mean, yes, each year camera is getting little bit better, CPU is getting little bit more efficient, screen is getting little bit better. However, I doubt average people really benefiting from better camera. How many of people just using camera to take quick pictures or take Instagram, Twitter type of photo? Is everyone suddenly becomes professional photographer?

 

[aneftp]

Average iPhone user upgrades every 3 years these days. So 2020 iPhone 12 are targeted for those with iPhone 8/iPhone X 2017 models or older i have owned every iPhone since 2007 except iPhone 7 cycle which I skipped.

In my opinion since iPhone 6S. There have been really no true day to day performance differences for 80 percent of the public Since 2015 iPhones. Sure iPhone 11 Pro Max which I owned for 5 plus months had fantastic battery life and awesome camera. But real time day to day basic phone operations like Facebook twitter mobile safari and texting. A 5 year old iPhone is fine.

5g is reason why I would upgrade. Yeah. I will be one of those suckers paying full price $1200-1500 for iPhone 12 pro Max 256 or more model. But I’m a phone junkie. I tried to give my mother in law a brand new iPhone se 2020 but she wouldn’t take it. She still likes her 2013 iPhone 5S. There are tons of people out there like my mother in law.

 

[I7guy]

With the current iPhone 12 leaks of the smaller batteries and no 120Hz. I’m finding it harder to justify upgrading to the iphone 12 instead of just the iphone 11. Would the A14 actually be worth the price hike?

It seems to me Apple will offset the smaller battery with higher efficiency of the A14 chip to the point where the iphone 12 has just about the same battery life as the iphone 11.

In the case of someone who doesn’t care about OLED or the new design, would the average user even see any benefit of having the A14?

The average user won't understand what the a14 brings to the table. However, the average user may understand what the iphone 12 offers over the iphone 11 that may be of use to them. Apple probably will mention during the keynote that the A14 contains capabilities over it's predecessors.

When it comes to buying new phones, the average user really is made up as every potential purchaser of a product has their own unique requirements.

 

[The Game 161]

With the current iPhone 12 leaks of the smaller batteries and no 120Hz. I’m finding it harder to justify upgrading to the iphone 12 instead of just the iphone 11. Would the A14 actually be worth the price hike?

It seems to me Apple will offset the smaller battery with higher efficiency of the A14 chip to the point where the iphone 12 has just about the same battery life as the iphone 11.

In the case of someone who doesn’t care about OLED or the new design, would the average user even see any benefit of having the A14?

Well smaller batteries should still mean same level of battery life due to the new chips being able to handle the software better.

it all depends what you want from a phone and what matters. iPhone’s performance is the best on the market by a mile so no you likely won’t tell the difference from A13 to A14.

I’m upgrading as i do every year and I’m looking forward to a new look, better cameras/zoom but the average person won’t upgrade every year. Unless you need the improved Tech i would say stick with your 11 as it does everything you need I’m sure.

 

[rui no onna]

5g is reason why I would upgrade. Yeah. I will be one of those suckers paying full price $1200-1500 for iPhone 12 pro Max 256 or more model. But I’m a phone junkie. I tried to give my mother in law a brand new iPhone se 2020 but she wouldn’t take it. She still likes her 2013 iPhone 5S. There are tons of people out there like my mother in law.

I draw the line at paying $1K+ for iPhones. I do want 5G, though. LTE's gotten too congested where I am.

Supposedly, both T-Mobile and AT&T already have 5G in my area.

 

[rui no onna]

Well smaller batteries should still mean same level of battery life due to the new chips being able to handle the software better.

Coming from iPhone 6/6s/7/8/SE with ~1800 mAh batteries or less, the 5.4" iPhone 12 with 2200 mAh is already an improvement.

 

[marty1980]

“Price hike” is the wrong term. With increased number of iPhone options rumored for iPhone 12, its hard to guess where the 5.4” will land. It’s a new product, so no “price hike” involved. My guess is between $600-750 starting, but they could surprise and get down to the $500 mark, just a tick above the SE. I just don’t think they’ll do that. Who knows...

Like others said, the “worth” is subjective to your experience. See the product, compare your options based on your preferences and lifestyle and make a decision for your case. 🤷🏼‍♂️

 

[TroubleMan20]

That would depend on what phone the user previously owned and what app usage is involved. If you are talking about from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12, I would say no, unless the new phone held a new needed feature all to itself.

Even for older phones, I doubt the difference will be significant for the average user. What is important, is RAM and app management.

People on this forum like to opine for days, months and even years over the difference in miliseconds, as if their eyes and brain are able to actively see and count the minute integers involved during average iPhone usage. It’s techno drivel for the obscure.

If you believe an upgrade isn’t justified, then you have your answer. If you listen to the techno drivel, you will find yourself buying a new phone, being unhappy, and trying to justify to yourself via more meaningless techno drivel on MacRumors, that your upgrade while insignificant day to day, was somehow needed. Don’t let yourself fall into that mental abyss.

I'm upgrading from the 2016 SE and battery is draining like crazy.

What I'm wondering now is a few years after purchasing an iphone, whether the processor chip would affect if it starts to slow down or if the battery drains quickly.

If it does, it's better off if I wait for the iphone 12. But if it doesn't, I'll just purchase an iphone 11 now

 

[TroubleMan20]

The average user won't understand what the a14 brings to the table. However, the average user may understand what the iphone 12 offers over the iphone 11 that may be of use to them. Apple probably will mention during the keynote that the A14 contains capabilities over it's predecessors.

When it comes to buying new phones, the average user really is made up as every potential purchaser of a product has their own unique requirements.

Could explain what were the obvious improvements the A13 brought over the A12?

Honestly, I'm just looking for battery life and longevity because I upgrade once every 4-5 years. Need to know if processor improvements actually bring a lot to the table or if it's just a marketing gimmick by Apple that an average user doesn't fully benefit from

 

[Apple_Robert]

I'm upgrading from the 2016 SE and battery is draining like crazy.

What I'm wondering now is a few years after purchasing an iphone, whether the processor chip would affect if it starts to slow down or if the battery drains quickly.

If it does, it's better off if I wait for the iphone 12. But if it doesn't, I'll just purchase an iphone 11 now

Unless there is a hardware defect or malfunction, you shouldn’t see a slowdown of the CPU in the phone after a few years.

The battery in your SE may need to be replaced due to normal wear and cycles. Apple charges $49.00 for battery replacement.

iPhone 11 or 12. Either one will last you 4 - 5 years or more, unless you need a battery replacement.

 

[TroubleMan20]

Well smaller batteries should still mean same level of battery life due to the new chips being able to handle the software better.

it all depends what you want from a phone and what matters. iPhone’s performance is the best on the market by a mile so no you likely won’t tell the difference from A13 to A14.

I’m upgrading as i do every year and I’m looking forward to a new look, better cameras/zoom but the average person won’t upgrade every year. Unless you need the improved Tech i would say stick with your 11 as it does everything you need I’m sure.

Cheers for the advice, I actually have a 2016 SE but just need to decide whether to buy an iphone 11 now or wait for the 12 since the release has been delayed and I'm sick of this battery draining like crazy

 

[TroubleMan20]

Unless there is a hardware defect or malfunction, you shouldn’t see a slowdown of the CPU in the phone after a few years.

The battery in your SE may need to be replaced due to normal wear and cycles. Apple charges $49.00 for battery replacement.

iPhone 11 or 12. Either one will last you 4 - 5 years or more, unless you need a battery replacement.

Often users complain that upgrading to newer iOS cause their batteries to drain quicker. I noticed it as well when I updated from iOS 9 straight to iOS12 on my SE (don't ask why I waited so long lol). I don't exactly know why, I've heard it's because newer software uses more resources.

Would having a newer processor help to mitigate this problem?

 

[The Game 161]

Cheers for the advice, I actually have a 2016 SE but just need to decide whether to buy an iphone 11 now or wait for the 12 since the release has been delayed and I'm sick of this battery draining like crazy

I would say wait unless you can get a good discount. I’m sure the 11 will be even cheaper when the 12 is out as well

 

[TroubleMan20]

“Price hike” is the wrong term. With increased number of iPhone options rumored for iPhone 12, its hard to guess where the 5.4” will land. It’s a new product, so no “price hike” involved. My guess is between $600-750 starting, but they could surprise and get down to the $500 mark, just a tick above the SE. I just don’t think they’ll do that. Who knows...

Like others said, the “worth” is subjective to your experience. See the product, compare your options based on your preferences and lifestyle and make a decision for your case. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Yeah you're right, it's not a price hike. I meant price difference. Thanks for pointing that out. So what I meant is since I don't really care about OLED, 120Hz, new design, would the newer A14 by itself be worth the price difference between an iphone 11 and iphone 12?

 

[ian87w]

With the current iPhone 12 leaks of the smaller batteries and no 120Hz. I’m finding it harder to justify upgrading to the iphone 12 instead of just the iphone 11. Would the A14 actually be worth the price hike?

It seems to me Apple will offset the smaller battery with higher efficiency of the A14 chip to the point where the iphone 12 has just about the same battery life as the iphone 11.

In the case of someone who doesn’t care about OLED or the new design, would the average user even see any benefit of having the A14?

From its history, Apple never intended the latest iPhone to the previous gen users. It is for those on the 2 gen old devices or older. So at the least, the iPhone 12 will be targeted towards those on iPhone Xs/X or older.

 

[ian87w]

I'm upgrading from the 2016 SE and battery is draining like crazy.

What I'm wondering now is a few years after purchasing an iphone, whether the processor chip would affect if it starts to slow down or if the battery drains quickly.

If it does, it's better off if I wait for the iphone 12. But if it doesn't, I'll just purchase an iphone 11 now

If you're upgrading from 2016 SE, the 2020 SE seems like a perfect upgrade. It is really not that much larger, and is still good for one hand use.

 

[Azrael9]

With the current iPhone 12 leaks of the smaller batteries and no 120Hz. I’m finding it harder to justify upgrading to the iphone 12 instead of just the iphone 11. Would the A14 actually be worth the price hike?

It seems to me Apple will offset the smaller battery with higher efficiency of the A14 chip to the point where the iphone 12 has just about the same battery life as the iphone 11.

In the case of someone who doesn’t care about OLED or the new design, would the average user even see any benefit of having the A14?

A13 in iPhone SE.

Only buy if you actually need a new phone. Use the old one until it drops dead.

Azrael.

 

[fs454]

I'm upgrading from the 2016 SE and battery is draining like crazy.

What I'm wondering now is a few years after purchasing an iphone, whether the processor chip would affect if it starts to slow down or if the battery drains quickly.

If it does, it's better off if I wait for the iphone 12. But if it doesn't, I'll just purchase an iphone 11 now

I think an iPhone update is way, way more than simply A13 --> A14. Wait for the announcement, it's always a bad idea to buy an iPhone with just a couple months to go to the next generation. Next gen will bring a better phone and better prices for the previous devices. I would not read too heavily into "well, I saw a Chinese factory post a smaller iPhone battery" type stuff. Apple has varied the size of the batteries all the time and it's completely irrelevant to the final experience. They're moving to 5nm I believe for the next processor which cuts power consumption considerably, OLED screen tech can and is changing constantly which means reduced power consumption at brighter backlight levels, the type of RAM used can and does change, the type of storage used can and does change, the idle power consumption of any number of components can be improved gen-to-gen. So many factors at play, it's impossible for anyone to come to a conclusion that Apple is somehow going to make a worse device this year.

Wait a couple months, consider your options when everything is on the table.

 

[I7guy]

Could explain what were the obvious improvements the A13 brought over the A12?

Honestly, I'm just looking for battery life and longevity because I upgrade once every 4-5 years. Need to know if processor improvements actually bring a lot to the table or if it's just a marketing gimmick by Apple that an average user doesn't fully benefit from

iPhone - Compare Models

Compare features and technical specifications for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone SE, and many more.

www.apple.com

Whether or not these updates/differences are worthwhile to you, is a personal value. Only you can make that judgement call.

 

[jwlbel]

I will be upgrading this year

 

[supertiffany]

the new A14 chip will make it 30 percent battery efficient than the previous one.

so even with a smaller battery of around 10 percent, having a 30 percent battery efficiency will still make it the same or slightly better than the older iphones.

remember newer iphones always get better battery life than their predecessors.

 

[bushman4]

Is anything worth the price???? NO
So it comes down to usefulness productivity, enjoyment

 

[eoblaed]

In the case of someone who doesn’t care about OLED or the new design, would the average user even see any benefit of having the A14?

If the only thing you're asking about is the CPU, then unlikely. For people like me, that really look forward to things like camera improvements, screen improvements, performance improvements (not just with the CPU, but the entire SOC including the neural engine, etc), FaceID improvements, etc, then absolutely. I upgrade every year (and use the trade-in value of my previous phone to offset a huge chunk of the cost) and am always excited to do so. But as a casual user that doesn't care about most of the technical features of the phone, it's unlikely the iPhone 12 will offer you anything more than the 11.