iPhone XR iPhone Upgrade - What to do

[bodonnell202]

Okay, I rambled on way more than I though I would. Just wanted to get all my thoughts down. For those of you that will say TLDR... no problem. Yes, this is definitely a first world problem.

I went to the Apple Store today to see the new iPhone XR and possibly even picking one up (no line ups and looked like people were walking in and purchasing them today), however I ended up leaving empty handed as I felt like I still needed to think about it.

Currently I have an iPhone 6s which I purchased back in October 2015 which is still in great shape and still runs great (especially with iOS 12). It has 64 GB of storage which at this point feels like just enough (i.e. it would be a struggle to get by with 32 GB).

The main things that are making me think it's time to upgrade are:
-The camera, the 6s takes acceptable photos in good lighting, but the cameras on smart phones in general seem to have come a long ways in the past few years (and this is my main motivation for wanting to upgrade)
-The integrated speaker, no I don't listen to music using the integrated speaker, but I do use it often enough when I'm out of town for work for conference calls and frankly the speaker is garbage and is pretty much useless unless you are in a perfectly quiet room. My understanding is this has improved significantly each year starting with the 7 getting stereo speakers.
-Battery life, my battery was replaced by Apple in 2016 under the 6s battery replacement program and honestly the battery more than gets me through the day most of the time, however when working out on a field project I have resorted to buying a smart battery case to get me through the day.

Here are my options at this point:

Buy an XR
Advantages:
-Great camera - the camera has been getting great reviews and it should more than meet my needs for years to come
-Latest model - it has the latest chip and will be fairly future proof and usable for 3+ years
-Reasonable cost - I can pick up a 128 GB model (feels like a better idea than sticking with 64 GB) for $1100 CAD.
-Great battery life, loud stereo speakers and more screen real estate
Disadvantages:
-It felt pretty big and chunky to me, and it definitely doesn't feel like a phone that you can get away with using 1 handed (ever) and that definitely gave me pause. Maybe I would get used to it and this seems like the direction the entire market is going anyway so maybe I should just get on board?
-No Apple cases! I know this sounds like a whiny/dramatic complaint, but I am a big fan of the Apple leather cases (they are high quality, have a premium feel and last a long time) and I haven't had much luck with 3rd party cases in the past.

Buy an XS
Advantages:
-Great camera (even better than the XR thanks to the telephoto lens), latest model, loud stereo speakers and more screen real estate just like the XR
-Good in hand size (i.e. it doesn't feel big and chunky like the XR) which is usable one handed for certain tasks
Disadvantages:
-Cost - this phone starts at almost $1400 for the 64 GB model in Canada and goes up to $1600 for the 256 GB model (the next size up since there is no 128 GB model). I could probably get away with 64 GB (for now) but if I'm spending that kind of money on a phone I would definitely want to go up one size in storage to make it more future proof
-Battery life - not as good as the XR but I suppose it would still be a bit better than my 6s

Buy an 8
Advantages:
-Fairly cheap, although the question of 64 GB vs 256 GB comes up. I feel like I would be more ok just going with 64 GB in this case since I can justify upgrading sooner
-Familiar form factor with Touch ID
-Camera improvements compared to my 6s
-Good stereo speakers
-A11 chip should keep it performing well for years to come
Disadvantages:
-Camera not as good as the XR or XS
-Not much improvement to battery life vs my 6s, would probably still need something to get me through those longer days in the field
-Screen while still fine with iOS 12 it could be come a liability as early as next year with iOS 13 as if they are updating the UI there is a good chance it will be more optimized towards the larger X series phones

Get a battery replacement for my 6s before the end of the year and keep it another year
Advantages:
-So cheap ($35) and zero guilt about upgrading next year (who knows if iOS 13 will run well on the 6s)
-Use of Smart Battery Case (which I already own) continues to be a workable solution for long days in the field
Disadvantages:
-Same mediocre camera and crappy internal speaker

 

[frosty18]

I would either go for the XS or the XR. If you can actually afford the XS than just go for it however, if money is an issue go for the XR, I’m sure you’ll get used to the size and come to appreciate it

 

[tromboneaholic]

Can you buy the base XS and offload some of whatever's on your phone to iCloud?

 

[NJHitmen]

I say give the XR a shot. Seems like it’s a better match for your needs than the other options.

After a few days with it, you may find you’ve gotten used to the size. If - after a week or so of ownership - you still have trouble with the size, then return it, and buy the XS.

 

[Jordan921]

TLDR. Get an Xs

 

[Phil77354]

My wife and I both had 3 year old iPhone 6s Plus phones that were working just fine but I impulsively purchased an iPhone Xs Max for myself on release day, and a week later bought one for her.

It's an absolutely terrific upgrade from an iPhone 6 and in my opinion well worth doing. Whether or not you go for the XR or XS may depend a bit on how big a screen you want, since the XS Max is the biggest of all.

No question that the XR is the best value by far, though, so if price is a factor then I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

 

[bodonnell202]

I would either go for the XS or the XR. If you can actually afford the XS than just go for it however, if money is an issue go for the XR, I’m sure you’ll get used to the size and come to appreciate it

Yeah, I definitely see the advantage to sticking with the latest model, especially with the camera being a big motivator for upgrading and it seeming like the camera tech took a pretty big leap this year. Sure, I can afford the XS, I just have trouble justifying spending that kind of money on a phone, it just doesn’t really seem worth it.
[doublepost=1540608510][/doublepost]

Can you buy the base XS and offload some of whatever's on your phone to iCloud?

Admittedly 64 GB is probably still enough for me for a while, as on my 64 GB 6s right now I have 25 GB free, and have 10 GB of photos on it that can probably be offloaded too. I also have a pretty big data plan and am finding myself streaming most of my music over cellular rather than downloading playlists as well so 64 GB is probably actually manageable for a while. I guess I just feel like I want extra storage just in case. It seems like a no brainer to go up to the 128 GB model with the XR, but it's a much bigger jump with the XS for sure.
[doublepost=1540608636][/doublepost]

I say give the XR a shot. Seems like it’s a better match for your needs than the other options.

After a few days with it, you may find you’ve gotten used to the size. If - after a week or so of ownership - you still have trouble with the size, then return it, and buy the XS.

Good point - there is always the 14 day return window where I can try it and see if I adjust to the size.

 

[Broadus]

Yeah, I definitely see the advantage to sticking with the latest model, especially with the camera being a big motivator for upgrading and it seeming like the camera tech took a pretty big leap this year. Sure, I can afford the XS, I just have trouble justifying spending that kind of money on a phone, it just doesn’t really seem worth it.

I didn’t vote because I’m not sure the best way for you to go. I’m upgrading from my 64GB 6s to a 128GB XR because my wife, who couldn’t care less about tech, is beginning to have some issues with the 4S that we’ve had for seven years. I went with the XR for Value and because I can zoom it’s display to view the same content as an XS on a larger screen.

If money were no issue, I would prefer a XS Max, but like you, I had trouble justifying it. Besides, I’m most often on my MBP or 10.5” iPP than my phone.

I don’t think you have a bad option. For me, it’s the XR.

 

[bodonnell202]

My wife and I both had 3 year old iPhone 6s Plus phones that were working just fine but I impulsively purchased an iPhone Xs Max for myself on release day, and a week later bought one for her.

It's an absolutely terrific upgrade from an iPhone 6 and in my opinion well worth doing. Whether or not you go for the XR or XS may depend a bit on how big a screen you want, since the XS Max is the biggest of all.

No question that the XR is the best value by far, though, so if price is a factor then I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Funny thing is that I actually like the XS Max more than the XR. With the slimmer bezels it's actually not much bigger and it is thinner so somehow it still seems less bulky.

 

[tromboneaholic]

Admittedly 64 GB is probably still enough for me for a while, as on my 64 GB 6s right now I have 25 GB free, and have 10 GB of photos on it that can probably be offloaded too. I also have a pretty big data plan and am finding myself streaming most of my music over cellular rather than downloading playlists as well so 64 GB is probably actually manageable for a while. I guess I just feel like I want extra storage just in case. It seems like a no brainer to go up to the 128 GB model with the XR, but it's a much bigger jump with the XS for sure.

I always have a hard time understanding how people fill up their phones, but I guess I take T-Mobile for granted.

I can stream music and it doesn't count against my data usage. I use iCloud photo and only have the optimized versions on my phone, with the originals on my computer.

I use 10.5 GB of 64 GB on my X.

 

[staggerlee41]

I always have a hard time understanding how people fill up their phones, but I guess I take T-Mobile for granted.

I can stream music and it doesn't count against my data usage. I use iCloud photo and only have the optimized versions on my phone, with the originals on my computer.

I use 10.5 GB of 64 GB on my X.

At least in my case, I have an expansive iTunes Library as I've uploaded lots of CD's and digital music I've purchased through the years. I don't use any of the streaming music services (SiriusXM aside) because I have plenty on hand and it's just throwing money away for me. I can stream music from my phone in my vehicle also. This allows me to keep my mobile data plan to a minimum. Also I like to take photos so I appreciate additional storage.

To the OP, this is a tough call, especially considering the cost of battery replacement. My father got my 6s last year when I upgraded to 8+. The 6s has a recently replaced battery and with iOS 12 it's still a great phone. Honestly not much different than my work issued 7.

I'm still very happy with my 8+, it's my first plus sized phone and I'd not go back at this point. Great camera, plenty of screen, upgraded speakers and many of the same internals of last year's X so this could potentially be an option for your consideration as well.

 

[Falhófnir]

As it sounds like you’re happy keeping your phone 3-4 years I think the price of the XS is negated somewhat compared to someone who upgrades every year or biennially. The X was supposedly nearing 6s plus battery life unless you do a lot of web browsing (bright screen/ a lot of white doesn’t suit oled well) so it’ll still be a noticeable step up from a 6S

 

[aakshey]

If you’re using iOS 12 X has much better battery life than 7+. XS is even better.

Your battery life should more than double going to a XS from a 6s.

 

[now i see it]

Maybe put this dilemma into a different context: What if your 6S today got stolen or broken beyond repair? Then you'd have to buy a new phone. And if so- what phone would you want (or want to pay the price)?

Decide on your future iPhone under those theoretical circumstances and you'll know the phone you really want.

Then come to grips whether your iPhone 6S you have today, that works ok is worth getting rid of for a new phone. That's a completely different question.

 

[KOTN91]

Keep the 6S, it’ll do 95% of what the newer phones do at a fraction of the cost, there are better and more fun things in life to spend money on than these new iPhones. Not to mention the fact the 6S is a nicer size than any of those phones too

Then see what is released in 2019, but at the moment I see little value in upgrading for people who already have a 6S, 7 or 8

 

[cornerexit]

Buy the 8.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

I went from a 6s to the X last December and couldn’t be happier. I kept the 6s as a backup phone/iPod and plan on getting it’s battery replaced next month..

 

[klharper]

Replace the battery in the 6s. See if it gets much better [it definitely should].

Then buy the XR and really be amazed at how much faster things are. And your resale value on the 6s should be much better if that's what you want to do with it.

 

[tromboneaholic]

At least in my case, I have an expansive iTunes Library as I've uploaded lots of CD's and digital music I've purchased through the years. I don't use any of the streaming music services (SiriusXM aside) because I have plenty on hand and it's just throwing money away for me. I can stream music from my phone in my vehicle also. This allows me to keep my mobile data plan to a minimum. Also I like to take photos so I appreciate additional storage.

That makes sense. I was using my iPhone 6 with 16 GB of storage until last year, so I guess I got used to not storing much on the phone.

 

[TravisPNW]

I always have a hard time understanding how people fill up their phones, but I guess I take T-Mobile for granted.

I can stream music and it doesn't count against my data usage. I use iCloud photo and only have the optimized versions on my phone, with the originals on my computer.

I use 10.5 GB of 64 GB on my X.

Agreed... I do the same. A year after getting the 8 Plus I still have 230 of 256GB free.

 

[deeddawg]

At least in my case, I have an expansive iTunes Library as I've uploaded lots of CD's and digital music I've purchased through the years. I don't use any of the streaming music services (SiriusXM aside) because I have plenty on hand and it's just throwing money away for me.

Way I figure, iTunes Match at $25/yr is a whole lot cheaper than upgrading a 64GB XS to 256GB....

 

[bodonnell202]

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts. In the end, after stumbling across a good sale of $120 CAD off a brand new iPhone 8 I pulled the trigger. I really liked the form factor of my 6s so getting a form factor I know I like versus hoping I'll get used to something bigger felt like a good decision. If Apple comes out with something really compelling in a year or two, I won't feel too guilty about upgrading again considering my choice was somewhere between $400 and $900 cheaper than going with an XR or XS.

 

[Broadus]

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts. In the end, after stumbling across a good sale of $120 CAD off a brand new iPhone 8 I pulled the trigger. I really liked the form factor of my 6s so getting a form factor I know I like versus hoping I'll get used to something bigger felt like a good decision. If Apple comes out with something really compelling in a year or two, I won't feel too guilty about upgrading again considering my choice was somewhere between $400 and $900 cheaper than going with an XR or XS.

That’s a solid buy and the 8 will serve you well.