Other Surprised at the returns

[barkomatic]

To be fair, the information about the new iPhones at launch only came from reviewers and pundits many of whom carefully temper their criticism for fear of offending Apple. There are also issues that crop up only when millions of people have them and uncover problems. The issues with iPhone 14 Pros that were not immediately apparent:

1. Many report lower battery life when an extra hour was promised.
2. There are data reception issues for Verizon users. (this can probably be fixed with a carrier update)
3. Everyone knew the camera bump was gonna be big--but only by getting it in hand do you realize how massive and somewhat ostentatious it is. Will it break easier? Who knows--no data yet on that either.
4. The colors on the website and even those depicted in reviewer videos does not necessarily reflect the color when you have it front of you.

As for me, I'm likely holding onto mine past the return window but if the camera bump gets any bigger on the Pros relative to competitors I'm out in future releases.

 

[Sleix]

I have no intent to return my iPhone 14 Pro Max. As a matter of fact, I'm on the other side of the spectrum thinking it's absolutely awesome and I have not seen anything that could be any sort of deal breaker. Maybe it's because I've come from the Android world, where I would be not surprised if I didn't find issue after issue during the first few weeks of ownership. However on the iOS side, I've not found anything that was worth calling a show stopper, only the transition from one OS to another which I find to be absolutely normal, learning new gestures, shortcuts and features, that sort of thing.

 

[lkalliance]

So I have to admit, I’ve been surprised by the number of posts where people return their iPhone. To be honest, I have never returned an iPhone and actually I never even thought about it. I’m a big geek who likes to read up on everything before I buy it so I’ve never been so surprised by anything on my new iPhone that would make me want to return it.

I thought it would be an interesting poll to see what are the major causes of returns. You can select all that apply to you. This can be a return of any iPhone not just the new one.

I would expect that the return rate on iPhones is higher here than in the rest of the iPhone-buying population, because the readers here are very up to date on everything their phones do, and are all comparing notes. So there is a lot of info. And there's a lot to choose from, a lot of potential buyer's remorse! Didn't used to be that way, back in the day when there were fewer models. Remember when there were only two iPhones to choose from, this year's model and last year's model? Then came various sizes, and "pro" levels...today you can buy new:

--iPhone SE
--iPhone 12
--iPhone 13
--iPhone 13 mini
--iPhone 14
--iPhone 14 plus
--iPhone 14 pro
--iPhone 14 pro max

Eight different models to choose from!

I did return my iPhone SE 2016 when I bought it, and for the life of me I don't remember why. I mean, I returned it because of either a defect or because I had messed up the purchase and not used some credit I had or some such. But it was barely a return by the standards of what you mean in the poll. But I did return my last iPad, an iPad Air 2, because I didn't like the color. I actually felt sheepish doing it...I mean, it does sound silly sometimes. I could go to the Apple Store and SEE all the colors in person before I buy it (not everyone can, though).

Now, cases? I've returned many cases. I get particular about cases and how they feel in the hand, how premium they seem in person. I've always bought my cases online, where I can be really particular about color and material...but that means I can't try them out before I buy.

 

[lkalliance]

I would expect that the return rate on iPhones is higher here than in the rest of the iPhone-buying population, because the readers here are very up to date on everything their phones do, and are all comparing notes. So there is a lot of info.

Oh and this reminds me. A family member bought a 12 pro a couple of years ago. His phone died when he was on a trip and when he went to a carrier store to get a new one, not intending to get a pro...but that was what they had in stock, what he could walk out the door with that day. I visited him later, saw he had a 12 pro, and oohed and aahed over it, and then asked him how the telephoto lens was, did he get good results out of it...and he didn't know it had a telephoto lens.

*shrug*

 

[fatTribble]

I have no intent to return my iPhone 14 Pro Max. As a matter of fact, I'm on the other side of the spectrum thinking it's absolutely awesome and I have not seen anything that could be any sort of deal breaker. Maybe it's because I've come from the Android world, where I would be not surprised if I didn't find issue after issue during the first few weeks of ownership. However on the iOS side, I've not found anything that was worth calling a show stopper, only the transition from one OS to another which I find to be absolutely normal, learning new gestures, shortcuts and features, that sort of thing.

A friend of mine taunted me for years about why his Android phones were better than my iPhones. Eventually he got tired of carrying around a charging battery for a new phone, he tried an iPhone and now has a house full of Apple products 😂

 

[bpeeps]

So I have to admit, I’ve been surprised by the number of posts where people return their iPhone. To be honest, I have never returned an iPhone and actually I never even thought about it. I’m a big geek who likes to read up on everything before I buy it so I’ve never been so surprised by anything on my new iPhone that would make me want to return it.

I thought it would be an interesting poll to see what are the major causes of returns. You can select all that apply to you. This can be a return of any iPhone not just the new one.

New iPhone releases always bring out the characters. It happens every year. In a month or two once the hype dies down, the magnitude of attention seeking posts goes with it.

 

[compwiz1202]

Most of the people who create a post saying they are returning are most likely just being emotional or lying. I bet like 2 out of every 10 return the phone. Then 1 out of the 2 repurchase.

I've seen the ones where they just get whatever is available to have the newest, and then do an exchange for what they really want

 

[bevsb2]

The only phone I returned was an iPhone 8 that had an uneven screen. The replacement was perfect.

 

[wemax]

I chose “Something else that was unexpected or annoying.”

If I can get my hands on the Pro Max model I want, I’ll be returning my Pro, mainly due to much lower than expected battery life. I think the issue is iOS 16, and Apple will fix it eventually, but I don’t want to keep a phone that this has this poor of battery life if Apple doesn’t fix it - especially considering battery life only gets worse with time.

It makes no sense that battery life is worse on the 14 Pro even with AOD turned off. Compared to the 13 Pro, the 14 Pro has a more efficient chip, more efficient 5G modem, and a bigger battery, yet it’s getting 3-4 hours less of screen on time than my 13 Pro did on iOS 15. Apple even claims it’s supposed to get the same or longer battery life compared to the 13 Pro.

I really like how much more ergonomic the Pro size is considering I use my phone mostly one-handed, but battery life has become more of a priority for me. I think it’ll be nice to have a bigger screen again too.

Same. Bought 14 Pro and battery life is so much worse than my 13 Pro. Actually bought a Fold 4 last week and really enjoying it more than I thought I would but I don't want to leave/can't the apple ecosystem so 14 PM is the only option for now to have a phone that doesn't die after half a day.

 

[VuvuzelaiPhone]

I've never returned because I buy when I need a new phone.

The serial returners are generally impulsive purchasers who do so for status or clout rather than any actual need. After getting it, the dopamine hit fades and then they turn to dumping on the device because it "isn't enough of an upgrade" from the phone that just came out last year (because of course it's not).

 

[lkalliance]

I've seen the ones where they just get whatever is available to have the newest, and then do an exchange for what they really want

There are three things I love in life! [Newest feature], [TBD], [third thing here]!

 

[monstermash]

So I have to admit, I’ve been surprised by the number of posts where people return their iPhone.

It would be instructive to know how many of the returns are by people with recent phones (13 or 12) who feel they have to upgrade every year for some reason, vs. those with older phones.

Personally, I upgraded from a completely dead 4 year old phone. Returning isn't an option for me, unless I want to buy a 13. For the price difference, that just wouldn't make any sense.

On a related note - absolutely the only thing I really notice that is different between the iPhone 14 Pro Max and my iPhone XS Max is the battery life. That's noticeable. All of the other improvements are "on paper only" as far as I can tell. My old phone was every bit as capable for anything I was using it for. I can't imagine upgrading from a NEWER phone phone to 14, unless that phone was dead, on its last leg (damaged), etc. I mean...why?

I think we're at the point where "My 300 mph car isn't any different from my 200 mph car, while using it as a daily driver." Sure, it's 50% faster in theory...but it's not like was driving my old car to the limit, let alone the new car.

As for returning - I would absolutely return my iPhone 14 Pro Max 512GB Gold, IF the Apple Store in Toronto had a 14 Pro Max 512GB in Gold or Silver in stock that I could buy/pick-up on 1 October.

 

[compwiz1202]

There are three things I love in life! [Newest feature], [TBD], [third thing here]!

Catchphrase!!!

 

[lkalliance]

Catchphrase!!!

Friendly gesture!

 

[xxFoxtail]

Well, I’m not one of those who really analyzes all the upgrades to death. I’ve upgraded every year, but mainly because there has always been some sort of improvement that appealed to me, and I almost always have someone who wants my year-old phones. I’ve only ever returned ONE release day phone before now, and that was the 11 pro max. Now I did have an early 2020 Covid phone nightmare, which I think was out of sheer boredom, but beyond that, I’m typically pretty satisfied with every years’ upgrade. I just think making that big jump in weight/size, and constantly comparing and second-guessing was messing with me for sure.

I’m definitely happy with my decision now that I’ve made it as complicated as possible. ;-p

I keep pulling my 12 mini out and comparing it to my 14 Pro. I keep getting to that point where I’d like to stick with it and return my 14 Pro. I just like everything about the little guy.

But, then I think about all those 14 Pro features I’d miss. I just feel like if I returned it, I’d want to buy it again. I’m not hurting for money, but wouldn’t mind throwing the $1000+ I spent on the 14 Pro into savings or something. My partner got a 14 Pro too, I suppose I can always use hers if I need to take a macro shot or play with a new feature or something.

Edit: Was doing the same tasks side by side on both phones. The 12 mini battery dropped 20% while the 14 Pro stayed the same for the 10-15 minutes or so. Granted, the 12 mini battery definitely needs to be replaced, but it sort of helps solidify the decision in keeping the 14 Pro

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

No idea why you're so judgey re: iphone returns. Apple has a 14 day return window for a reason--you can do all the research you want, and play with the phones in the store, all of which I did, but the real-world experience of using something for several days is obviously the real test. Consumers return stuff all the time for this very reason.

You can return your phone & go about your day, without seeking reassurance from strangers. Zero explanation needed. But people aren't doing that, which is why posters are calling them out. If this doesn't apply to you, then feel free to ignore the comments & move on.

If you're returning a phone for something that a simple google search could've told you ahead of time, then I'm sorry to break this to you, you made an uninformed decision.

Edit: Mods edited the quoted post, so now my response sounds unjustifiably harsh.

 

[lkalliance]

You can return your phone & go about your day, without seeking reassurance from strangers. Zero explanation needed. But people aren't doing that, which is why posters are calling them out. If this doesn't apply to you, then feel free to ignore the comments & move on.

If you're returning a phone for something that a simple google search could've told you ahead of time, then I'm sorry to break this to you, you made an uninformed decision.

Oh, I think it's understandable. I would expect many people have something that they care about that others don't prioritize; at least they do if they're fortunate enough to have enough leisure time to engage in something above subsistence. Heck, when I was a teenager, I would talk Star Trek with anyone...and who the heck cares? It's just something that along the way I invested with some importance. Same thing here. Talking about the purchase, going through the experience, even the experience of returning it...it's sharing something with a community of people that understand the emotional investment, because many of us have made an investment as well.

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

Oh, I think it's understandable. I would expect many people have something that they care about that others don't prioritize; at least they do if they're fortunate enough to have enough leisure time to engage in something above subsistence. Heck, when I was a teenager, I would talk Star Trek with anyone...and who the heck cares? It's just something that along the way I invested with some importance. Same thing here. Talking about the purchase, going through the experience, even the experience of returning it...it's sharing something with a community of people that understand the emotional investment, because many of us have made an investment as well.

I'm certainly not suggesting that all discussion is a bad thing. My comment is directed only at the threads posted by those who made a spontaneous purchase without doing much research, & then come here seeking buyer's remorse validation.

 

[Rafterman]

we were all laughing inside because anyone Working at a store is doesn’t really care youre returning something.

Managers care

 

[1rottenapple]

i have bought many iPhone and honestly I bought so many iPhones since the original model. I can name one time where I actually returned one 2 years ago when I bought the 12 pro max. Logically I would have thought I would love the 12 pro max. I’ve bought the 6, 6s, 7, 8 plus models plus I also bought and love the xs max (used for 2 years). However the 12 pro max was not comfortable to hold with the case, and the phone was heavy. I really didn’t like it. What was meant to be the ultimate iphone experience became a big disappointment enough that I stopped buying large models.

I bought the 12 mini, then the 13 mini. I contemplating purchasing the 13 mini in the 512gb model eventually to hold on to for years. My 128gb 13 mini which Ive used for a year know the storage is simply too small. Drone footage takes up a lot of space and I have to manually manage the space. So I might ditch my 128gb and for for the ultimate iPhone mini experience.

 

[1rottenapple]

Oh and this reminds me. A family member bought a 12 pro a couple of years ago. His phone died when he was on a trip and when he went to a carrier store to get a new one, not intending to get a pro...but that was what they had in stock, what he could walk out the door with that day. I visited him later, saw he had a 12 pro, and oohed and aahed over it, and then asked him how the telephoto lens was, did he get good results out of it...and he didn't know it had a telephoto lens.

*shrug*

Right. My dad and sister have 12 pro max and 13 pro max. My SO had 13 pro. None of them use any of the pro features. Don’t know about the pro motion display, they don’t use macro photography. What they care about is the nice stainless steel design and the work of art design elements apple is known for. And and they like the big ass screen. That it. I would bet most apple pro users don’t care for the pro features but it’s really the design of the phone and the perceived value they get from buying the best iPhone. Frankly any one of them would have been happy with the regular iPhone models. Buy my dad insisted on the 13 pro max and I paid part of it as a gift. He doesn’t even take pictures ugh. But he’s in his 70s and he wants the ultimate iPhone! So I’m glad he got what he wanted.

 

[xxFoxtail]

i have bought many iPhone and honestly I bought so many iPhones since the original model. I can name one time where I actually returned one 2 years ago when I bought the 12 pro max. Logically I would have thought I would love the 12 pro max. I’ve bought the 6, 6s, 7, 8 plus models plus I also bought and love the xs max (used for 2 years). However the 12 pro max was not comfortable to hold with the case, and the phone was heavy. I really didn’t like it. What was meant to be the ultimate iphone experience became a big disappointment enough that I stopped buying large models.

I bought the 12 mini, then the 13 mini. I contemplating purchasing the 13 mini in the 512gb model eventually to hold on to for years. My 128gb 13 mini which Ive used for a year know the storage is simply too small. Drone footage takes up a lot of space and I have to manually manage the space. So I might ditch my 128gb and for for the ultimate iPhone mini experience.

How do you like the 13 mini compared to the 12 mini? Would you say it’s worth the upgrade?

 

[djgcue]

I returned a Switch game, an Amiibo and a case today.

 

[AppleB]

The whole concept or question of “Is it worth it to upgrade? Just doesn’t fly with me.
If a person wants to get the latest iPhone then get it. If you have 13 Pro and want a 14 Pro get it. If you get it and want to return it do that.

People really feel the need to justify a purchase and look for internet validation of the purchase or validation that the purchase is crap and “I’m returning it.” A lot of it is the remorse of spending the money. I understand that. I’ve had buyers remorse for many things.

People stress over the camera upgrade. “Is the 14 Pro camera better than the 13 Pro? Let me test it.”

People really need to convince themselves that if they can prove a feature in the previous model is just as good or better than the current model then they should return it, not get it or better yet you shouldn’t get it.

It’s the same song every year. The only thing that changes is the iPhone number.

Next year I guarantee that people will be saying “My 14 Pro camera,battery is better that the 15 Pro camera and battery so I’m returning the 15 Pro and keeping my glorious 14 Pro.”

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

The whole concept or question of “Is it worth it to upgrade? Just doesn’t fly with me.
If a person wants to get the latest iPhone then get it. If you have 13 Pro and want a 14 Pro get it. If you get it and want to return it do that.

People really feel the need to justify a purchase and look for internet validation of the purchase or validation that the purchase is crap and “I’m returning it.” A lot of it is the remorse of spending the money. I understand that. I’ve had buyers remorse for many things.

People stress over the camera upgrade. “Is the 14 Pro camera better than the 13 Pro? Let me test it.”

People really need to convince themselves that if they can prove a feature in the previous model is just as good or better than the current model then they should return it, not get it or better yet you shouldn’t get it.

It’s the same song every year. The only thing that changes is the iPhone number.

Next year I guarantee that people will be saying “My 14 Pro camera,battery is better that the 15 Pro camera and battery so I’m returning the 15 Pro and keeping my glorious 14 Pro.”

Absolutely spot on.