Each fall, Apple releases their new iPhones, prompting some soul-searching from iPhone users as they consider upgrading to the latest and greatest model. The simple answer is, you may want to upgrade if:
- Your current phone is running slow, or generally not working the way you need it to.
- The features of the new iPhone model will increase your productivity or simply make you happier.
Still unsure? Here’s a breakdown of 10 factors to keep in mind when considering an iPhone upgrade.
Evaluate your current iPhone
- How old is my phone? If it’s just a year or two old, you can probably hold off. You can get away with an even older model these days — the iPhone 5s is still a perfectly serviceable phone for basic use and works with Apple’s newest operating system, iOS12. However, if you have anything older than an iPhone 5s, your phone won’t work with Apple’s iOS12. This means you’ll miss out on new features and might find that many of your apps won’t update.
- Is my iPhone running slow? Newer iPhones have faster processors, resulting in a better user experience. Each new generation has a faster minimum speed, so an iPhone 8 will be significantly faster than a 6s.
- Is my phone battery dying fast? Batteries often wear out faster than the phone’s tech. You can get a battery replaced, but if the battery is dying fast and your phone has other issues, it might be time to upgrade.
- Have you paid off your phone? If you still owe money on your current phone, consider holding on to it until it’s paid for. Once you own it, you can sell or trade in your iPhone for money off a new phone.
Consider the features of new phones
- Cameras: With each model year, the iPhone camera gets better and better. If perfect shots and high-definition video are important to you, you’ll be pleased with an upgrade.
- Charging options: For wireless charging, you’ll need to upgrade to an iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, or newer. You’ll also have the ability to fast-charge your device using one of Apple’s USB-C to Lightning cables with a 29-watt, 61-watt, or 87-watt USB-C power brick. Apple says this will charge your phone to 50% in 30 minutes.
- iPhone Colors: Most of the time when a new iPhone is released, a new color becomes available. If you like colorful iPhones, or just want to change it up a little, this could be another reason to upgrade.
- Headphone jacks: If you want or need a standard headphone jack, stick with your current, older iPhone model or pick up an iPhone 6s while they’re still available. All newer iPhone models use a Bluetooth headset or an adaptor that plugs your headphones into the charging port.
- Water-resistance: Beginning with the iPhone 7, newer models are water-resistant and rated to IP67, meaning they can stand to be underwater for about 30 minutes. This doesn’t mean you can take it swimming on a regular basis — it’s more like an extra layer of protection against soggy accidents that would fry older models.
- Passcode features: All iPhones 6 and higher boast a built-in fingerprint sensor called Touch ID that unlocks your phone. It can also be used in place of passwords and allows you to easily pay for things with Apple Pay. If you don’t have a phone with a fingerprint sensor, it may be worth an upgrade. However, iPhone X does away with Touch ID and the home button entirely. iPhone X uses Face ID instead, which allows you to unlock your phone simply by looking at it.
If an upgrade is in your future, Xfinity Mobile has you covered as you compare iPhones. Shop new devices here.
