iPhone 13 Pro Max Buying advice: Phone or a laptop

[Snufkin91]

Hi, I have this dilemma and need some help choosing what to get. So I have a iPhone XS right now and it’s time to get a new phone. I have been using my phone for almost everything quite many years now and really rarely opened my laptop (its also a super old machine and slow) anymore if I don’t need to write any longer papers etc. so everything else can do with a Phone easily. But then there is this thing where Im glued to the phone screen almost 24/7 because well you use it for everything. I feel its super unhealthy and stressful to stare the little screen and the multitasking etc. so option one is to get a iPhone 13 pro max and keep using the Phone for everything like in the past or option two: get a iPhone SE (2022) and a MacBook air and basically use the laptop for everything but for phone calls and messages and the SE for only those things then. So with option two I would not need a premium Phone anymore. I think option two would also be a lot healthier setup because I feel that using internet with a laptop is a lot less stressful and more calm experience than constantly be bombarded with notifications when using phone for scrolling and the addiction for multitasking.

Anyone else have a similar setup? Its so easy to use and carry a phone and no need other devices anymore and I kinda want to continue to use only the phone but same time its a problem. One more thing is that I have more and more neck problems from the constant Phone use you know the tech neck thing and I feel like my head and neck is more straight when using a laptop so less pain, its still downwards angle but a lot less than with a phone. With a Phone my head is in a more extreme downwards angle and I have tried holding the phone up to the eye level Keeping head straight but this will cause my arm to get tired fast. Would appreciate any help

 

[Dealmans]

I have a 13 max but still wouldn’t want that to be my only device.

 

[MiamiBeach]

Have you considered a phone and iPad? I also rarely use my laptop as I use my phone and iPad a lot more. Phone for when I am out, iPad for in the house.

 

[aajeevlin]

Unless you are really going to commit to it. I’d say don’t. If having the phone works for you then just roll with the pro max and continue as it is. My wife is in the same boat as you. She does everything on her phone. Of course, IF you need something that the phone can’t do then sure.

Also I won’t go the phone and iPad route if you are used to having the phone for everything. I tired even with the iPad mini. Sure it’s better to watch shows and movie on the iPad mini (bigger screen) but the placement of the bigger iPad, how you hold it and all. Just not as Convenient as holding a phone.

 

[MajorFubar]

The thought of only using a device with a tiny screen with a touch-sensitive keyboard for literally everything instead of my laptop and/or my desktop computer rig with a 28" monitor, would be enough to push me over the edge of insanity.
But if you're used to doing everything on a phone, I'm not sure what a computer would do for you, other than present you with a near-vertical learning curve you have no need to climb.
Seems to me you've already answered your own question, but welcome anyway!

 

[reppans]

I’m portability enthusiast and keep downsizing - went from desktop+landline > laptop+dumbphone > iPad+iPhone > phablet+BT keyboard. Been using an XR for 3yrs now as an ‘only device’ averaging ~7hrs/day and happy with it - no intentions of going back, but may eventually bump to a ProMax size. I use deskstands to prop the phone up at normal screen heights/angles, and also works while surfing in bed.

 

[russell_314]

But then there is this thing where Im glued to the phone screen almost 24/7 because well you use it for everything. I feel its super unhealthy and stressful to stare the little screen and the multitasking etc. so option one is to get a iPhone 13 pro max and keep using the Phone for everything like in the past or option two: get a iPhone SE (2022) and a MacBook air and basically use the laptop for everything but for phone calls and messages and the SE for only those things then.

I don’t think getting a smaller phone is going to force you to do everything on the laptop. This is something you’ll have to do and remind yourself to do. The thing is you’ll always have that phone with you in your pocket unless you just leave it at home. You’re not going to have the laptop in your pocket and unless you do hotspot it’s not always going to have Internet. What will likely end up happening is you’ll be doing the same things on a smaller phone which is entirely possible but just a little bit more difficult.

If you really feel like you don’t have the self-control to not use the phone then you’re going to have to get what’s called a “feature phone” or dumb phone. Just make sure to get the most basic one so you don’t take advantage of some primitive “smart” feature. Combine that with the MacBook Air and then it will work. Absolutely no judgment on the self control because it’s a problem with everyone now. It’s all about the habit and you have to retrain your brain not to reach for that phone. I seriously thought about doing this myself but it would annoy me not to have my Apple Watch.

 

[aajeevlin]

If you really feel like you don’t have the self-control to not use the phone then you’re going to have to get what’s called a “feature phone” or dumb phone. Just make sure to get the most basic one so you don’t take advantage of some primitive “smart” feature. Combine that with the MacBook Air and then it will work. Absolutely no judgment on the self control because it’s a problem with everyone now. It’s all about the habit and you have to retrain your brain not to reach for that phone. I seriously thought about doing this myself but it would annoy me not to have my Apple Watch.

To me it is easier to just delete that couple app that is causing me to waste a lot of time on the phone. Say Instagram. I would delete it for a few weeks let myself cool off and all then get back to it and such. Probably not the best way to go, but for me it helps.

 

[ssledoux]

Have you considered a phone and iPad? I also rarely use my laptop as I use my phone and iPad a lot more. Phone for when I am out, iPad for in the house.

This would be my suggestion as well, unless you have things that can only be done on a laptop (which I’m assuming you don’t since you could potentially do everything from a phone).

You could get a base iPad, and middle of the road sized phone (regular 14), for the same price or cheaper than buying either a laptop or a pro max phone. You might even be able to go Air 5 and regular 14 phone (or even a discounted 13), depending on how much the phone prices go up. Or keep it cheaper and do base iPad and SE 2022 if you like Touch ID - could probably throw in an Apple Watch as well and still be ahead price-wise.

Super easy to stick an iPad up on a stand and make it desktop height while using a $20 Bluetooth keyboard (the Omoton ones on Amazon work really well).

I think any combination of the above would be the best of both worlds for convenience, and also a nice break from the phone screen.

 

[russell_314]

To me it is easier to just delete that couple app that is causing me to waste a lot of time on the phone. Say Instagram. I would delete it for a few weeks let myself cool off and all then get back to it and such. Probably not the best way to go, but for me it helps.

That’s a good idea! It doesn’t work on webpages but would work on social media. Sometimes I think about deleting Facebook altogether.

 

[kargurin]

I unfurl my laptop only for work. You keep the phone on you all the time. Get the biggest one you feel comfy with and go with that. My phone browser has countless tabs open from all the research I do. It's just easy and convenient to use that as a daily driver for everything. My iPad I still use regularly but it's usage is still much less than the phone.

 

[John981]

I'd always advise for you to have access to an actual computer. It's true that our phones can do a lot of what we need to be able to do on a daily basis, but the notebook can do that plus actual work when it comes down to it. On the other hand, there's really not that much you can do with a current iPhone 13 that you couldn't do with phones before. Sure, there'll always be a fancy new camera mode, but your day-to-day experience is going to be the same with the majority of modern smartphones.

 

[lordhamster]

Only way I could go to phone as sole device is if Apple implemented some sort of "Samsung Dex" like functionality where I could plug my phone into a USB-C dock w/ monitor / keyboard / mouse and have it function like a mac mini in that mode. To me that would be my holy grail allowing me to move to a single computing device for personal stuff.

 

[aajeevlin]

This would be my suggestion as well, unless you have things that can only be done on a laptop (which I’m assuming you don’t since you could potentially do everything from a phone).

You could get a base iPad, and middle of the road sized phone (regular 14), for the same price or cheaper than buying either a laptop or a pro max phone.

Super easy to stick an iPad up on a stand and make it desktop height while using a $20 Bluetooth keyboard (the Omoton ones on Amazon work really well).

I think that option would be the best of both worlds for convenience, but also a nice break from the phone screen.

Tbh work this iPad + stand + keyboard combo this is why I gave up on iPads. iPhone pro max can do everything an ipad can. And well a MacBook can do everything an ipad can’t. That’s just me after years of trying to ipad work for me.

Only way I could go to phone as sole device is if Apple implemented some sort of "Samsung Dex" like functionality where I could plug my phone into a USB-C dock w/ monitor / keyboard / mouse and have it function like a mac mini in that mode. To me that would be my holy grail allowing me to move to a single computing device for personal stuff.

that would be amazing. As long as we are not dealing with any iOS or iPad OS. Full OS only please.

 

[M1956]

I would get a Mac. Using a laptop for most tasks is much more convenient: bigger screen, capable OS, proper keyboard and so on. I would not be able to do even trivial tasks on a phone all the time. What’s your daily routine on the phone?

I presume the reason you do everything on a phone is because your laptop is so old. I recently upgraded from old, slow windows laptop with awful battery life to a latest Mac and it became a pleasure to work on a computer again: it does not take 40 seconds to start up, I don’t have to sit next to a plug all the time, the screen is much higher quality.

Also, if you get a Mac do you really need a new iPhone as well? It seems like XS to SE 2022 is a downgrade. I have an iPhone 8 and I can’t wait to replace it. The screen is tiny and low res, battery hardly lasts a day of moderate usage, its pretty slow by now. While SE has better processor and slightly bigger battery XS is still a superior device. Maybe the battery needs replacing, but otherwise it should last another year or two at least. Especially if it won’t be your primary device. So, to conclude, I would get a Mac and keep the same iPhone in your case.

 

[outlawarth]

I use a windows laptop for work (mandated by my employer). But for 90% of personal stuff my iPhone 13 pro max gets the call.

 

[1BadManVan]

To me, it sounds like you're struggling in a few different ways with using just a phone. The stress of trying to multitask on this one device, neck issues and generally feeling cramped. Going to a larger screen phone isn't going to solve any of these issues. To me it definitely sounds like you need a secondary device, whether thats an iPad with a keyboard or a MacBook air

I was in your shoes for years, had an old laptop I never used because it barely ran anymore and just migrated over to my phone, then eventually added an iPad to the mix but I didn't feel that solved my issues. Then I considered a magic keyboard for my iPad, but after trying in store, I felt it was too cramped for me and I wouldn't want to reach for it. Finally I picked up a MacBook Air and this is by far my favourite set up now, it can properly multi task, much easier to type out longer messages on and much easier on the neck lol.

So if I were you, if you need a new phone but can't afford the best out, then yes, get a cheaper model to use more as a phone for now and get a MacBook. Then later on, when budget allows, you can upgrade to a nicer phone if you still have that itch. Thats my advice, you dont realize how much you're struggling until you're not anymore and look back on it. I should have upgraded my laptop years ago

 

[Alpha Centauri]

We've such different use cases, I wasn't going to even post a reply. But here goes anyway:

1. I use an old iPhone with a 4" screen. This is my landline, mobile and output device. What do I mean by that? I just "check" on social media, check banking, read emails, carries a shopping list, connect to car for music, short YT viewing perhaps. I don't use PT or use the ph much at work. It's also doubles as a remote for AV gear, indoor lighting and car Apps.

2. Much older 15" MBP, my input/ output device. This lives mainly on the couch or occasionally balcony table. So from here it takes over pretty much every single other duty not mentioned above. Longer email compositions, photos taken and stored, forums, ect.

For me, I'm quite happy with this two pronged device separation. My neck has also seen better days but for sake of posture, the MBP can be placed accordingly. An iPad would be nice as an addition at home but could never replace the other devices. I find typing on a KB and using a trackpad to be so much more comfortable and productive. So even if I had a larger screened iPhone (not wanting it) I could never imagine just using this one and only device.

So finally, as far as recommendations go, I think you can't go wrong with choosing a MBA and have it harmonize with your XS/ SE.

 

[Violet_Antelope]

I’d go pro max and stick with your phone. You’ll find it a lot harder than you think to change your patterns and if they work for you you’ll soon get frustrated and give up. Then you’ll have an unused laptop and a too-small phone. Use settings more to disable unneeded notifications and maybe a site blocker.

 

[Expos of 1969]

MacBook Air and a phone (preferably no larger than 6.1"). Best of luck.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I have a 13 max but still wouldn’t want that to be my only device.

Agreed. I’d get a new iPhone and the look for a used/refurb laptop or iMac @Snufkin91

 

[Shanghaichica]

I would get the SE and the Macbook. You will have more options. Also you will end up doing the exact same things on the SE as the pro max. The screen would just be a bit bigger.

 

[Snufkin91]

Thanks for the replies

My friend has a iPhone 13 midnight black color and the camera module and lenses on the back are always covered in dust and visible so easily because the color is so dark and it looks so ugly and somehow ”cheap”. So how about iPhone 13 pro in silver or gold color? Does anyone know if the dust is more hidden and not so clearly visible as compared to these darker colors midnight black and graphite?

 

[colodane]

Unless you are constantly out of the house or traveling, I suggest a phone when out of the house and one of the new 24 inch iMacs for home use. This will give your eyes a REAL TREAT when home and offer the lightest load when away from home. Optimal technologies in both situations.

I've been doing this for years and love it. (iMac at home and 12 Mini phone when traveling or running errands).

 

[clueless88]

How old is your laptop and what operating system does it use? Have you considered upgrading some of the components in your laptop? If it is possible, you may be surprised how much of a boost you can get performance wise by swapping out the mechanical hard drive with a reasonably sized (like 500GB) solid state drive and increasing the amount of RAM.

I have done this with Windows desktops, laptops as well as an older MacBook Pro and it really breathed new life into them--minimal investment with great results.

If you find the laptop still laggy you could consider installing a linux OS like MINT which can use much less resources than MacOS or Windows--the problem is that you may need to find alternative software since programs like Microsoft office do not play well with linux, but LibreOffice is a reasonable alternative.

If you could squeeze a few more useful years out of your laptop, you'd be able to have more cash to throw at a new phone.

You could also connect your laptop to a monitor, wireless mouse and keyboard.