iPhone 7/Plus Experiencing iPhone FOMO, but should I?

[BJB Productions]

Hi all, I have a basic iPhone 7 32gb -- had it since launch day (however, this is my second one; first one died so I bought a refurb on eBay.)

While I do love the size of the device (I have small hands) the battery is in need of replacement, the camera is starting to disappoint me, and the top microphone (used for Siri, dictation, and front facing video) stopped working. All of these items are easily fixable via iFixit, but I'm a bit stuck on if I should spend the money (around $75) or just sell it and upgrade to an XR. I think if I was to replace the battery, it would likely make it another year -- aside from a bad microphone.

The thing is, I've played around with the XR and while I do like the looks of it, it actually doesn't feel like much of an upgrade if I'm honest; at least for the price point. I did extensive camera tests and sometimes the difference was barely noticeable. I cannot pay for anything above the XR - just an ethics thing for me.

Next year is looking to be a good one for iPhones, so I'm debating if I stick it out OR buy an XR now and perhaps sell it next year if I feel the need to upgrade.

Anyone in a similar situation? Just curious!

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Get the XR. If you can, spend the extra $100 for an 11 (but the XR really is a great device).

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Based on your situation as explained, I'd avoid the XR and either pick up an 8 or wait until spring to see what Apple releases for the rumored SE 2.

 

[The.Glorious.Son]

OP, I think if you have reservations about the amount of upgrade you would feel on the Xr, avoid it. Even at its current price, that is too much money to throw at a phone that does not 'wow' you. I know you said you won't pay anything above the Xr, and I respect that, but I will say the camera alone could justify an extra $100 compared to the Xr. The low light pics, let alone night mode, add so much versatility and make shots possible that wouldn't even been bothered with on prior phones. That said, as KB suggested you could wait and see what the SE2 offers. For a base price rumored at $399 and the A13 chip, along with your preferred size, it might be a winner for you.

 

[Ledgem]

I went from a 7 Plus to an 11 Pro recently. I think the days of being "wowed" by upgrades are over... unless, perhaps, you're upgrading once every five years.

Part of the reason I went for a 7 Plus (upgrading from a 5S) was for the dual-camera system. Similarly, the only reason I really went for the 11 Pro was for the triple-camera system. Otherwise I'd still be on the 7 Plus.

My wife's phone (an SE that we purchased when I went for the 7 Plus) was having some problems. For her, I bought a refurbished iPhone X (through Apple's refurbished website - I don't trust others). It's a worthy upgrade for the cameras and screen size. It's larger and heavier but not significantly so.

The XR is $599 for the base model, while a refurbished X is $679 for the 64 GB version (base model). It looks like both color variations are still available on Apple's website. If the size is really important to you, the added $80 might be worth it to get a refurbished X. Otherwise, the XR seems like a good option. If you're skilled at repairs you could keep it going but otherwise it sounds like your iPhone 7 has enough problems to justify swapping it out for a new phone. (They do occasionally have refurbished iPhone 8's and 8 Pluses on their refurbished site, but they're currently out of stock - that's the absolute cheapest iPhone upgrade you could make, although I do not recall what the listed price is.)

Just a word on refurbs - I've had horrible luck with them from other companies and generally avoid them. But Apple's refurbishing process involves putting in a new battery and a number of other new components. Most importantly, refurbished products still have the exact same warranty as new products (one year with an option to extend with AppleCare). I've now purchased multiple refurbished items from Apple and it's only the box that occasionally gives it away that you bought a refurbished product, rather than a new one.

 

[Freida]

I was the same, got 11 Pro, tested it and realised that the value is not there so I'm waiting for the SE2 to see as it seems to look like an awesome phone.
I'm on iPhone 6 so you are fine with 7

Hi all, I have a basic iPhone 7 32gb -- had it since launch day (however, this is my second one; first one died so I bought a refurb on eBay.)

While I do love the size of the device (I have small hands) the battery is in need of replacement, the camera is starting to disappoint me, and the top microphone (used for Siri, dictation, and front facing video) stopped working. All of these items are easily fixable via iFixit, but I'm a bit stuck on if I should spend the money (around $75) or just sell it and upgrade to an XR. I think if I was to replace the battery, it would likely make it another year -- aside from a bad microphone.

The thing is, I've played around with the XR and while I do like the looks of it, it actually doesn't feel like much of an upgrade if I'm honest; at least for the price point. I did extensive camera tests and sometimes the difference was barely noticeable. I cannot pay for anything above the XR - just an ethics thing for me.

Next year is looking to be a good one for iPhones, so I'm debating if I stick it out OR buy an XR now and perhaps sell it next year if I feel the need to upgrade.

Anyone in a similar situation? Just curious!

 

[Azathoth123]

Get the 11 for the camera if the camera is important to you.

 

[bushman4]

If you have the iPhone 7 you might as well wait till next year when the iPhones will have 5G and a massive update hardware wise
Only big difference with this years iPhone is the camera and battery which are both great but next year you’ll get everything else as well

 

[Bethanie21]

I’m confused. Your budget due to ethical reasons doesn’t extend above the price of an XR - so why would you wait until next year? Unless you’re expecting a price drop

 

[now i see it]

I have a 7 and even after taking it to an Apple Store to get repaired, it's on its last legs. The iPhone 7 had a history of problems (like your speaker phone - same as mine). The sooner you can get rid of the 7 the better. Don't spend another nickel on it. It wasn't a good phone (longetivity wise).