Buying a New iPhone: Which One to Get?

Published July 9, 2021

My old iPhone 6S Plus is showing signs of needing to be replaced. What’s the tell-tale sign? Diminishing battery life. The shortened battery life makes it difficult for me to do what I need to do. While all of the apps work well and I have ample storage space left on the device, the battery is pooping out on me.

Currently, the battery’s maximum capacity is at 88%. Not bad for a six-year-old lithium-ion battery. My daughter’s iPhone 6SPlus, however, is at 74%.

I guess that shows there’s a difference in usage between the young and old. My hubby’s is at 89% and he received his phone about 6 months after I got mine (his was a gift from yours truly).

As a practice, I don’t let my battery go below 50%. I heard somewhere that lithium batteries last longer if they’re not consistently discharged below 50%. Also, these batteries do not like heat. Anything above 30 degrees Celsius/86 degrees Fahrenheit is considered hot. Unfortunately, high temperatures cannot always be avoided, but knowing this information makes one a bit more conscious of how this affects battery life.

NOTE: For more information than you want to know about batteries, check out this article on Batteryuniversity.com.

Enough about Batteries - More about the New iPhone

Do I really need the latest and greatest new iPhone? No, not really. Do I want a brand new iPhone? Yes, I want a new one, but I don’t want the latest and greatest iPhone 12 Pro Max. At least as of this writing, that’s Apple’s latest phone.

Why don’t I want the iPhone 12 Pro Max? Because it’s too much phone for me. I still like my iPhone 6S Plus. Except for battery life, it does everything I need. I can talk, text, and take photos/videos.

The True Reason for a New iPhone

Because I recently started taking more photos/videos, the lack of battery life is rearing its ugly head. It’s gotten to the point where I have to keep it attached to a charging source while taking videos. If not, the battery drains so quickly, potentially shutting off before my video is completed. That is the reason for a new phone.

I do carry a portable phone charger with me, but on occasion, while mid-video, the falls, creating not only a thud or crashing sound, but shakes the camera while it heads towards the floor. Having gone through that experience on more than one occasion, I realize it’s time for a new iPhone.

The Right iPhone for My Use Level

In searching iPhones, I was toying with getting the iPhone 10 or the iPhone 11. The 11 won because it has a dual rear camera. This feature will take some of my photos/videos to the next level.

Yes, I know. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has 3 rear cameras. That’s nice, but I’m not that good at photography yet and the price tag is more than I’m willing to spend at this time. As I improve in my photography skills, and over time, the price of the 12 will come down, that, my dear reader, is the sweet spot for purchasing an iPhone 12. In the meanwhile, spending half the price of the 12 Pro Max for an iPhone 11 is my current sweet spot.

If I had a contract plan, I’m sure my cell phone provider would somehow upgrade my phone and spread the payments over the course of the contract. However, I prefer non-contract plans and will pay for the phone upfront. My carrier, Consumer Cellular, does offer a monthly payment plan, but as I said, I’d rather pay for it outright to avoid lingering payment plans.

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Hype

If you’re looking for a new phone. Please analyze your needs and financial situation. Don’t let the advertisers, peer pressure or cute little features that you’ll never use/need cause you to buy more than you need or can afford.

Keeping up with the Joneses is expensive.

Last Modified: 9 July 2021

Did you know?: If you meet the Lifeline and/or Affordable Connectivity Program criteria, you qualify to receive a free device (smartphone or tablet) along with discounted or free wireless service (plans vary by state).

About the Author: LaForey is a person who was fed up with contract phone plans and opted for something more practical.