Other Need to decide asap: iphone 7 or 8?

[heycal]

Any thoughts on getting a refurbished 7? Are they decent? "Used" is ordinarily not attractive to me.

And what's with the Apple upgrade program? Does that program mean I could get a new 7 with 128 GB, paying on installment, and if I don't like it after a year, or a year and a half, getting an 8 (or 9) for a slightly increased monthly payment? What are the pros and cons of that program? (I'm on Verizon, if that matters.) Anyone use it?

 

[PhoneMe1]

If you needed one ASAP as per OP, you could/would of got a 8 by now. There is a 1000 7 v 8 threads/youtube videos out there.

 

[rui no onna]

I'm not sure I follow. Why is system/others/cache at 88GB? Does that mean if I get a 64GB I'll start off minus 22GB?

88GB is total usage. By my estimates, only ~40GB of that is actual apps and data while the rest is crud. System includes the operating system but actual OS is probably just around 2-3GB. The rest, likely logs and cached/temp files. Alas, it seems like iOS is quite passive when it comes to housekeeping and unlike Android, there's no menu item to clear cache. On devices low on storage, I force a cache cleanup by trying to download Hearthstone. Honestly, the less space you have available, the less crud that builds up on iOS.
[doublepost=1527045843][/doublepost]

Any thoughts on getting a refurbished 7? Are they decent? "Used" is ordinarily not attractive to me.

And what's with the Apple upgrade program? Does that program mean I could get a new 7 with 128 GB, paying on installment, and if I don't like it after a year, or a year and a half, getting an 8 (or 9) for a slightly increased monthly payment? What are the pros and cons of that program? (I'm on Verizon, if that matters.) Anyone use it?

Afaik, you can only use the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program with the latest model (for now, 8/8+/X). However, you can use Verizon's device payment plans to accomplish the same.

Seriously though, if you're considering trading in after 12 months (you don't want to make more payments than necessary), get the 8 64GB. That's sufficient time to figure whether 64GB is not enough and it's not a particularly long period that you'll become super frustrated if you find it lacking.

 

[heycal]

Yes, I guess the 8 makes sense on that level too. I need to purchase from the Apple store tomorrow, phone in hand and working, so no time for messing with Verizon.

I still don't follow your 88GB usage thing. But bottom line, if I get a 64 GB phone, will a large chunk of it be taken up with garbage and unavailable for my own storage needs?
[doublepost=1527051496][/doublepost]

If you needed one ASAP as per OP, you could/would of got a 8 by now. There is a 1000 7 v 8 threads/youtube videos out there.

Sorry I misled you by my use of "ASAP" when I really meant within 48 hours. Maybe I should have gone with "I have tons of time to decide"?

 

[borntrouble]

In the year 2018, never buy tech products that are almost 2 years old.

 

[Brandonjr36]

Yes, I guess the 8 makes sense on that level too. I need to purchase from the Apple store tomorrow, phone in hand and working, so no time for messing with Verizon.

I still don't follow your 88GB usage thing. But bottom line, if I get a 64 GB phone, will a large chunk of it be taken up with garbage and unavailable for my own storage needs?
[doublepost=1527051496][/doublepost]

Sorry I misled you by my use of "ASAP" when I really meant within 48 hours. Maybe I should have gone with "I have tons of time to decide"?

I would definitely get the red/black iPhone 8. That’s a beautiful phone. If I didn’t have my X I would definitely get that one. I also don’t take alot of pictures or play a lot of games, but I do have quite a few apps. And 64gb is plenty of storage for me. So I would say that would be plenty for you as well. I still have over 40gbs left. And I have like 700 pictures on it. Also the wireless charging is very nice. You can buy a cheaper wireless charger from amazon for like $15-$20.

Ps: Just my opinion but it would be crazy to get the 7 for $50 difference.

 

[heycal]

I would definitely get the red/black iPhone 8. That’s a beautiful phone. If I didn’t have my X I would definitely get that one. I also don’t take alot of pictures or play a lot of games, but I do have quite a few apps. And 64gb is plenty of storage for me. So I would say that would be plenty for you as well. I still have over 40gbs left. And I have like 700 pictures on it. Also the wireless charging is very nice. You can buy a cheaper wireless charger from amazon for like $15-$20.

Ps: Just my opinion but it would be crazy to get the 7 for $50 difference.

I can get a wireless charging pad for 20 bucks for an iphone 8? I thought I'd have to buy a 150 dollar one from Apple. Will it work with a case on the phone? (No point for me if it doesn't.)

I have 1000 pictures on my phone. Or in the cloud. Or both, I'm not sure which. I don't want half of 'em anymore so I guess I need to start deleting them someday. (I periodically do, but seems never enough.)

I don't do any gaming, don't watch movies on my phone, even streaming. I do have a bunch of apps, but I don't need a huge amount of music on my phone since I guess I can stream my songs from Google Play most of the time, so I might be fine. The one thing that concerns me is that I may want to start taking a fair amount of videos, and that might use up 64GB pretty fast. But I guess I can offload some of them to the cloud and not have them using my storage if need be? I'm pretty well-versed in actual user features of these phones, often teaching people have to use 'do not disturb' and such, but I'm a moron when it comes to cloud issues. The cloud is over my head

 

[Brandonjr36]

I have 1000 pictures on my phone. Or in the cloud. Or both, I'm not sure which. I don't want half of 'em anymore so I guess I need to start deleting them someday. (I periodically do, but seems never enough.)

I don't do any gaming, have a bunch of apps, don't need a huge amount of music on my phone I guess since I can stream my songs from Google Play, so I might be fine. The one thing that concerns me is that I may want to start taking a fair amount of videos, and that could use up 64GB pretty fast. But I guess I can offload some of them to the cloud and not have them using my storage if need be? (I'm pretty well-versed in actual user features of these phones, often teaching people have to use 'do not disturb' and such, but I'm a moron when it comes to cloud issues. The cloud is over my head

Yeah i hear what you saying. But I honestly think the 64gb would be plenty even with videos. I have about 20 videos as well and still have 40gb’s. My girlfriend also has an X with 64gbs and has alot of pictures and videos and still has alot of storage left as well.

 

[heycal]

The 8 is edging back into the lead. Wireless charging pad being a lot cheaper than I thought is helping the argument for it. I definitely don't need it, but for 20 bucks...

What do you guys think of getting Apple care, or Apple care +, or whatever it's called? I had it with my problem plagued iphone 6 and sure made use it. I also read an article tonight saying it was worth it. Thoughts?

 

[Brandonjr36]

The 8 is edging back into the lead. Wireless charging pad being a lot cheaper than I thought is helping the argument for it. I definitely don't need it, but for 20 bucks...

What do you guys think of getting Apple care, or Apple care +, or whatever it's called? I had it with my problem plagued iphone 6 and sure made use it. I also read an article tonight saying it was worth it. Thoughts?

That’s something I can’t answer since I have never had AppleCare. But I do know it’s a good deal when it comes to screen replacements. But that’s after you pay the premium for the service. So it’s all preference. Me I’d just rather pay to have my phone fixed vs paying for something I may never use. The last time I used insurance or messed up a phone “knock on wood” was about 9 years ago and that was on my lg env3 haha and that was only $50 to replace the whole phone.

 

[heycal]

I will definitely use at least a thin case on any phone I buy, since I drop them frequently. I've never cracked a screen, but I know plenty of people who have, even those who use cases. And if I get the 8, that glass back spooks me some... That said, in general I don't believe in buying warranties for products. Companies sell them for a reason.

I guess murphy's law dictates that if I forgo the applecare+, I will break my phone, and I do get it, I'll never need it...

 

[Future-Proof]

I'm coming from iphone 6, and need to get a new phone asap. Any opinions on whether to get a 7 or 8 and why? (Not interested in plusses or X). I've heard 8 is heavier and the glass is more prone to breaking, and the wireless charging isn't necessary and you'll need to pay for it too. On the other hand, if the 8 is faster and better in meaningiful ways, I can do that too. And I guess the latest phone is often the smartest choice?

Are there any significant differences in features or performance? I believe both offer "hey siri" without being connected to power, which my iphone 6 doesn't have and which sounds nice. Anything else? I'd like something that holds me for three years or so.

Get an 8 with a case. Will last longer in years than the 7. Bluetooth 5.0, A11 cpu, 4k@60fps video, wireless charging which you’ll see more pads around in the future at coffee shops, airports etc.

In terms of your last sentence in the quote, get a girlfriend to hold you for three years or so...

 

[44267547]

What do you guys think of getting Apple care, or Apple care +, or whatever it's called? I had it with my problem plagued iphone 6 and sure made use it. I also read an article tonight saying it was worth it. Thoughts?

AppleCare is strictly an insurance policy. It’s something that if you feel that would benefit you if you’re accident prone, then I would take advantage of it. It’s available when you least expect it.

Additional info:

https://www.apple.com/support/products/iphone.html

 

[darngooddesign]

Get an tech21 eco mesh case. It protected my 6 from at least 20 drops to the pavement over the 3 years I owned it.

 

[tonybarnaby]

Yes, I guess the 8 makes sense on that level too. I need to purchase from the Apple store tomorrow, phone in hand and working, so no time for messing with Verizon.

I still don't follow your 88GB usage thing. But bottom line, if I get a 64 GB phone, will a large chunk of it be taken up with garbage and unavailable for my own storage needs?
[doublepost=1527051496][/doublepost]

Sorry I misled you by my use of "ASAP" when I really meant within 48 hours. Maybe I should have gone with "I have tons of time to decide"?

My “system” on my 8plus takes up anywhere from 2.7-4.X gigs. Not sure why it fluctuates. I have a bunch of apps, as well as 1,100 pictures. Bunch of videos. I use google photos to store my excess. I’ve used 9.8/64GB and had the phone since December. My wife takes even more pictures and has way more apps and has used 24/64GB on her x. Unless you store a LOT of stuff on your phone, 64gb plus google photos and iCloud is more than enough. 50gb of iCloud is like $1 a month I think. Also note that if you spend the extra $$$ to get the 256gb, you won’t get that much more when you sell it. I really struggle to see how more than 1 in 10 people even come close to needing 256. 128 was perfect, that’s why Apple got rid of it.

 

[KUKitch]

I've got a 64 gig X and have 22 gigs free, my photo library is ~14 gigs and kept on device, as is music at ~7 gigs... 64 sounds like it would be enough for you.

That said, I definitely recommend the 8 over the 7 - and the upgrade program at Apple comes with Apple Care so it seems a decent option (my brother and dad have been on since 7+), but it is a monthly payment of course... though you'd also get some trade value for your 6 I'd imagine - didn't see if you were getting rid of that as well?

 

[tonybarnaby]

Any thoughts on getting a refurbished 7? Are they decent? "Used" is ordinarily not attractive to me.

And what's with the Apple upgrade program? Does that program mean I could get a new 7 with 128 GB, paying on installment, and if I don't like it after a year, or a year and a half, getting an 8 (or 9) for a slightly increased monthly payment? What are the pros and cons of that program? (I'm on Verizon, if that matters.) Anyone use it?

Apple refurbished is better than new according to many people here. I wouldn’t trust a refurb from anyone but Apple.

 

[heycal]

Apple refurbished is better than new according to many people here. I wouldn’t trust a refurb from anyone but Apple.

Better than new? Why might that be?

My “system” on my 8plus takes up anywhere from 2.7-4.X gigs. Not sure why it fluctuates. I have a bunch of apps, as well as 1,100 pictures. Bunch of videos. I use google photos to store my excess. I’ve used 9.8/64GB and had the phone since December. My wife takes even more pictures and has way more apps and has used 24/64GB on her x. Unless you store a LOT of stuff on your phone, 64gb plus google photos and iCloud is more than enough. 50gb of iCloud is like $1 a month I think. Also note that if you spend the extra $$$ to get the 256gb, you won’t get that much more when you sell it. I really struggle to see how more than 1 in 10 people even come close to needing 256. 128 was perfect, that’s why Apple got rid of it.

Well said "128 was perfect, that's why Apple got rid of it"! I'm still mourning the better designed font size increase feature of my iphone 4. I need my font huge for email and text messages, but now on my 6 -- and I'm guessing the 7 and 8 -- almost everything is huge, even fields that can't really handle large huge font well, like phone numbers, etc. It's been a real problem.

In any event, sounds like 64GB will be enough for me, and thus the 8 is in the lead with very little time to go til decision time...

 

[darngooddesign]

Refurbs are said to be more closely inspected than new devices. I also agree that Apple refurbs are fine and well worth to discount.

Have you tried the zoomed view instead of just the larger text size?

 

[Brandonjr36]

I will definitely use at least a thin case on any phone I buy, since I drop them frequently. I've never cracked a screen, but I know plenty of people who have, even those who use cases. And if I get the 8, that glass back spooks me some... That said, in general I don't believe in buying warranties for products. Companies sell them for a reason.

I guess murphy's law dictates that if I forgo the applecare+, I will break my phone, and I do get it, I'll never need it...

Now you do have 60 days to add the AppleCare. So it’s not something you have to decide on now.
[doublepost=1527086510][/doublepost]Op if I was you I would just go today and buy a 64gb iPhone 8 in red. And of course get a case and glass screen protector, one thing tho you want to check and see who has the red one and who has the best deals. I would check bestbuy first. They usually have all the colors in and usually have the best deals.
[doublepost=1527086667][/doublepost]It’s $50 off at bestbuy. So the iPhone 8 in red is $649 there vs $699

 

[psac]

I will definitely use at least a thin case on any phone I buy, since I drop them frequently. I've never cracked a screen, but I know plenty of people who have, even those who use cases. And if I get the 8, that glass back spooks me some... That said, in general I don't believe in buying warranties for products. Companies sell them for a reason.

I guess murphy's law dictates that if I forgo the applecare+, I will break my phone, and I do get it, I'll never need it...

Yes, you can charge wirelessly with a case, as long as its not a thick otterbox or something like that. I have a $25 Anker wireless charger, and a $10 slim case, both from Amazon, and both perfect. Along with a screen protector, of course!
[doublepost=1527097571][/doublepost]Charger: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KJL4XNY/

Case #1: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KVC7FUE/

Case #2: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077H6FYJM/ (Got tired of the first one, moved it to my work 7.)

Both cases work fine with the wireless charging for the 8.

 

[Harthag]

OP, get the iPhone 8 and move along with life. Way back when you first posted you said the difference is only $50. There's no point in going with the 7 at this point. TrueTone / overall display on the 8 is worth it alone. Wireless charging is a super convenient bonus and you can get wireless chargers for $50 or less.

You and Hieveryone on here who also starts threads like this should meet for a drink...it will take you guys 5 hours to make a decision, not to mention the week long dilemma on where to go. Sorry, can't resist the comparison, lol.

All kidding aside, get the 8 and be done.

 

[Brandonjr36]

OP, get the iPhone 8 and move along with life. Way back when you first posted you said the difference is only $50. There's no point in going with the 7 at this point. TrueTone / overall display on the 8 is worth it alone. Wireless charging is a super convenient bonus and you can get wireless chargers for $50 or less.

You and Hieveryone on here who also starts threads like this should meet for a drink...it will take you guys 5 hours to make a decision, not to mention the week long dilemma on where to go. Sorry, can't resist the comparison, lol.

All kidding aside, get the 8 and be done.

Not to mention they’re the same exact price. Bestbuy has the 8s for $50 off right now.

 

[44267547]

Not to mention they’re the same exact price. Bestbuy has the 8s for $50 off right now.

Good point. And why not up for the ‘better’ most up-to-date iPhone. Especially if you can find a sale price like you indicated.

 

[PhoneMe1]

Yes, I guess the 8 makes sense on that level too. I need to purchase from the Apple store tomorrow, phone in hand and working, so no time for messing with Verizon.

I still don't follow your 88GB usage thing. But bottom line, if I get a 64 GB phone, will a large chunk of it be taken up with garbage and unavailable for my own storage needs?
[doublepost=1527051496][/doublepost]

Sorry I misled you by my use of "ASAP" when I really meant within 48 hours. Maybe I should have gone with "I have tons of time to decide"?

What did you buy your 48hrs is up