From 5s to 7 or 8 - help please?

[dizzydot]

Hi all, I'm currently using a 5s which is getting a bit long in the tooth.
I was waiting until they brought out the new 8 to upgrade but seeing as there doesn't seem to be huge improvements over the cheaper 7 I don't know which to buy.

I don't want the bigger form factor of the 7/8+. I quite like the features of the x but really can't justify spending that much. (Although it is tempting - but no!)

Seeing as I don't tend to change my phone that often would I be better getting the 8 now so it's a bit more future proof software wise or would I still notice a good improvement with the 7 and save myself a few more pounds (or dollars depending on which side of the pond you're from!).

I know ultimately it's my choice but I keep going round in circles so some opinions would be appreciated.

 

[Ries]

Buy the newest you can, it will survive the longest and is more likely to have features from next years model. The price difference isn't that big if you keep it as long as the 5S.

 

[iTom17]

If you love taking photos, the iPhone 8 is definitely a modest improvement over the iPhone 7. Speed-wise it's an even bigger difference, it really blows everything out of the water. Even the already fast iPhone 7.

But I can't really disagree with you, the iPhone 8 is not the biggest upgrade over a previous model I've ever seen. However, I would still recommend getting the latest iPhone, especially if you plan on keeping it for the same period of time as you did with the iPhone 5s (assuming you bought on or not too long after launch date).

 

[ACST]

Buy the 8, the money difference is only 150 dollars and gives you a processor that's way way more future proof than the 7, a much better camera (don't just look at the specs), QI charching, nicer looking display (because of true tone) and an updated/more premium feel.

If you plan on reselling it in the future than the argument becomes even better because you'll earn that 150 dollar difference back just by getting the 8 instead of the 7.

 

[dizzydot]

Thanks for the replies!
At the moment it looks like the 8 seems the way to go. Any other opinions welcome.......
Has anyone got the 8 and regretted changing from the 7?

 

[Racineur]

Same dilemma here. I really like my 5s a lot and it suits my needs but the screen size is getting on my nerves at times. Maybe I'm freaking out for nothing but posts here and there are not kind to iOS 11. So I'd like to stay with iOS10 for a while. Last: many suggest going for a 6s Plus. Thought about it but new units sold by Apple come with iOS 11. Again, am I being paranoid with iOS 11? BTW: no gaming, no Facebook, no Twitter, no photo retouching, phone not used a GPS. I'm a very light smartphone user.

 

[sdwaltz]

Agreed with everyone else - since you do not upgrade often, buy the best phone when you do.

I upgraded from a 7 to an 8 Plus and am enjoying the change, but I'd by lying to you if I said it was for anything else other than the camera and the bigger screen...both of which can be acquired with the 7 Plus also.

7 to 8 is not a huge upgrade, but 7 to 8 Plus is a pretty big one IMO.

The 7 is plenty fast and plenty capable (I see only a very slight speed difference between the two phones) but as I said before, since you don't upgrade very often, buy the phone that'll last you the longest. That's the 8 if you want the 4.7" form factor.

 

[KhunJay]

Im on a 5S too and struggled to find an answer.

Sure the 8 makes sense given the hardware.

But tooth 7 & 8 have that slightly glossy back that looks tacky to me.

Really liked the matt brushed satin metal look of the 6S....but it falls short in the hardware department for me.

Finding it extremely hard to get an iPhone that ticks all the boxes for me.

Meanwhile the 5S is running great on iOS9 for me so no rush to upgrade.

 

[defferoo]

I'm also on a 5S. I'm planning on waiting until Apple starts selling the 7 refurbished and picking that up. I'm planning on upgrading next year, so I'll only have the 7 for a year, which is why I'm not getting the 8. Turns out upgrading every year is cheaper than holding on to the phone. I've had my 5S for four years and it'll cost me nearly $180/year, while I could have upgraded + sold every year and spent less than that and still have the latest device.

 

[MacDevil7334]

I would also echo others who have advised to buy the best device you can afford. Over time, the extra cost of the 8 amounts to not much and you are also getting double the internal storage for that money.

One other comment I have since several people have mentioned it: don’t get the 6S. Even though it is cheaper, that is now 2 year old technology. The extra battery life and optically stabilized camera in the 7 make it a much better buy in my opinion if you’re looking to save money.

 

[rafark]

Go straight for the X, otherwise you'll be going from an old design (5s) to an old design (8), when the x comes out it will 'shade' the iPhone 8 and lower. This will even be more dramatic when the XI comes out next year. The iPhone 8 and lower are a thing of the past. You should be aware of this if you decide to go with the 8.

 

[Cristim74]

The OP clearly mentioned that he’s not willing to pay for the X. Also not everyone likes the design of the X. 8 is an excellent device and I recommend you to go for it. I would have recommended the 8+, but you excluded it.

 

[ACG12]

The 8 imo is way overpriced for the money. Had Apple actually upgraded things it needs to be more future proof than the 7 (like more RAM), it would've been a worthy upgrade.

 

[dizzydot]

The OP clearly mentioned that he’s not willing to pay for the X. Also not everyone likes the design of the X. 8 is an excellent device and I recommend you to go for it. I would have recommended the 8+, but you excluded it.

I like the sound of the features of the 8+ (dual camera and potrait studio mode) but just think the 8+ is too big for my tiny female hands. ATM I don't use the camera huge amounts but whether that's due to the camera being a bit nondescript on the 5s and I'd use it more if it's was better and had more features I really don't know. I don't watch videos on my phone as I have an iPad mini for general browsing and bits such as YouTube in the evening.

 

[steve62388]

There are a lot of deals (in the UK) on the 7 series at the moment though, probably because resellers are clearing through stock. You won't get this on the 8.

 

[blairian89]

Go for the 8. Way better processor, battery life and camera than the 7, with the added benefit of a better screen, speakers and wireless charging.

You won’t be disappointed, especially as long as you will likely be keeping the device.

 

[Cristim74]

Don’t know about the 7/7+ as I have upgraded from 6S+ to 8+, but the battery life on the 8+ is amazing. Also speakers are much louder and phone is much snappier. If you plan again on keeping it for 3-4 years I recommend to go for the 8/8+.

 

[44267547]

Don’t know about the 7/7+ as I have upgraded from 6S+ to 8+, but the battery life on the 8+ is amazing. Also speakers are much louder and phone is much snappier. .

Being that you're coming from the iPhone 6s Plus to the 8+, the A11 bionic processor is significantly faster over the A9 processor, and the iPhone 8 stereo speakers are 25% louder over the iPhone 7.

 

[Hellenek]

Go straight for the X, otherwise you'll be going from an old design (5s) to an old design (8), when the x comes out it will 'shade' the iPhone 8 and lower. This will even be more dramatic when the XI comes out next year. The iPhone 8 and lower are a thing of the past. You should be aware of this if you decide to go with the 8.

I also have the 5S and looking to upgrade next year. This argument you make always nags me as it does make a lot of sense. Was leaning towards the 8+ but might wait for the next iteration of the X model. A plus version may be in the works. In any case, will see how Apple redefines their iPhone line next year.

 

[one more]

The 8 imo is way overpriced for the money. Had Apple actually upgraded things it needs to be more future proof than the 7 (like more RAM), it would've been a worthy upgrade.

Indeed. This is why I moved from SE to 7 and not 8.
[doublepost=1507047340][/doublepost]If the screen brightness is important for you, consider an iPhone 7, as it has brighter screen than the 8. I have compared them side by side with exactly the same settings (Auto Brightness, True Tone off) and the difference is very noticeable.

 

[dizzydot]

The 8 wins - thanks to all for the opinions and advice