iPhone 15 Pro Max 16 Pro Max vs 15 Pro Max at 45% Discount?

[tiberria]

I currently have the 14 Pro Max, and want to replace it, because the battery life is at 80%, and the resale value will likely drop significantly in another year. I was going to just get the 16 Pro Max, but realized that my carrier has discounts and promotions in place that would effectively make the 15 Pro Max cost 45% less total money over a 2 year term compared to the 16 Pro Max (which will not have discounts at launch).

I would usually always go for the newest possible model, but with the changes from 15PM to 16PM being so minimal, am I crazy in thinking a deeply discounted 15 Pro Max is a far better idea than a launch priced 16PM?

 

[russell_314]

A new battery is $99. I think you’re a bit crazy upgrading one generation even with this discount.

Also, is it a they’re going to give you a discount or is it a trick where they add $100 a month to your phone bill and then take $100 a month off your phone bill? That’s still a discount if you keep the phone for the entire period but you’re already itching to get rid of your 14 and next year when you’re looking at the 17 you’re going to be stuck in this discount scheme. if it’s an actual straight up no tricks discount, it might be OK.

 

[tiberria]

A new battery is $99. I think you’re a bit crazy upgrading one generation even with this discount.

Also, is it a they’re going to give you a discount or is it a trick where they add $100 a month to your phone bill and then take $100 a month off your phone bill? That’s still a discount if you keep the phone for the entire period but you’re already itching to get rid of your 14 and next year when you’re looking at the 17 you’re going to be stuck in this discount scheme. if it’s an actual straight up no tricks discount, it might be OK.

How it works is I'd pay $25/month for 2 years (all prices CAD). After 2 years, I have the option to either return the phone and start another 2 year "bring it back" plan, or pay $420 additional to buy out and own the phone. Obviously, a 2 year old 15 Pro Max will be worth significantly more than $420, so paying the buyout and just either keeping the phone or selling it and starting a new contract is what would make sense.

So, here's the math.

24 months x $25 = $600
Buyout after 24 months = $420
Total = $1020
With the phone likely being worth $700+ in September 2026

I can sell my current iPhone 14 Pro Max for around $1100 right now.

How I look at this is - I can sell my current phone for more up front right now than I would pay over 2 years for a new phone. On top of that, current phone would need a battery replacement if I keep it ($120 CAD), so I am looking at keeping the current phone being $200 more expensive than just getting a new one.

One restriction is that I need to keep my current carrier for the 2 years if I do this (or pay the entire outstanding balance otherwise), but I would be staying with the current carrier anyway, because I have a very deep corporate/work discount on this plan that I can't get another competitive plan elsewhere.

The 16 Pro Max would be sold with no discounts, so basically $1750 CAD over 2 years vs $1020 over 2 years for the 15 Pro Max, although the 16 Pro Max would probably sell for $200-300 more in Sept 2026 than the 15 Pro Max.

 

[russell_314]

So in your scenario, you’re going to come out $80 ahead calling you can sell the old pump

The downside would be having to agree to a two year contract but that doesn’t sound like a problem. Is that two years keeping your plan or keeping that specific phone connected? That could make a difference if you wanted to upgrade next year.

Also, you’re not counting in additional costs like sometimes carriers want to charge a connection or activation fee to rake in a few extra dollars. You’ll need a new case, screen protector and have to replace whatever charging cables you’re using with your old phone.

Overall, I’d say if you think there’s any benefit with the newer iPhone, maybe go for it. I wouldn’t expect too much.

 

[tiberria]

So in your scenario, you’re going to come out $80 ahead calling you can sell the old pump

The downside would be having to agree to a two year contract but that doesn’t sound like a problem. Is that two years keeping your plan or keeping that specific phone connected? That could make a difference if you wanted to upgrade next year.

Also, you’re not counting in additional costs like sometimes carriers want to charge a connection or activation fee to rake in a few extra dollars. You’ll need a new case, screen protector and have to replace whatever charging cables you’re using with your old phone.

Overall, I’d say if you think there’s any benefit with the newer iPhone, maybe go for it. I wouldn’t expect too much.

The connection/activation fee is waived, and I actually get an extra $5 monthly credit on my plan for signing up for automatic monthly credit card payments on a new device purchased from them, so that is actually another $120 I forgot to account for over 2 years.

New case is needed, yes - I don't use or like screen protectors, and I already have loads of USB C cables (and 65 and 100W chargers) from my iPad, power banks and other devices that use them.

 

[russell_314]

It doesn’t sound like there’s a whole lot of downsides. Worst case scenario is you get a phone very similar to the one you have for not really any money. Best case scenario is you find some feature about it that you like.