iPhone 11 Pro Mid-Cycle Upgrade from 11 to 11 Pro 5.8"?

[thenahon]

This is an updated post from an article that I commented on. Just trying to get some opinions from the hive-mind.
Sorry for the essay!

So I upgraded from the iPhone XS (5.8") in the fall of last year to the iPhone 11. I did it to save money on the monthly cost of the iPhone Upgrade Program (I'm only saving $11, but still). Unfortunately I’ve started to realize that the screen size on the 11 is just too large and the wide angle lens isn't preferable over the zoom lens. I miss the Xs and its 5.8" display with zoom zoom lens. I miss the "Pro" features.

Based on rumors, it seems like the 6.1” (of the iPhones 11 & Xr) size is going to stick around and move to the "Pro level" with the smaller 5.8" going away. There also seem to be some changes coming to the camera setup which could mean that if I want to stay with the smaller (rumored) 5.4" display, I'll be getting the same camera setup I have now on the iPhone 11.

Bottom line:
If I want the zoom lens, I'll have to go with a 6.1" display which I feel is too big for me.
If I want the smaller display, I'll have to forgo the zoom lens and keep the same camera setup from the 2019 iPhone 11.

So I’m wondering....

Do I upgrade early now to the 11 Pro 5.8”?
Do I hold out and risk being “stuck” with choosing between cameras and screen size?

 

[aakshey]

If you don’t intend to the upgrade to the 12 series, I would go with the 11 Pro.

 

[thenahon]

I’ll say now I don’t plan to upgrade to the 12 but I’m sure Apple will wow is with something and then I’ll want to upgrade.
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If you don’t intend to the upgrade to the 12 series, I would go with the 11 Pro.

• #3

I’ll say now I don’t plan to upgrade to the 12 but I’m sure Apple will wow is with something and then I’ll want to upgrade.

 

[aakshey]

The Pro will be 6.1”. If that’s too big, you only have the 5.4” left. It won’t have the triple camera. And it will be much smaller than the 5.8”.

There isn’t much left to WOW. Everything is in the news already. I wouldn’t expect much else. Every single year 90%+ features that matter are in the news weeks or months prior to release.

 

[TechLord]

Since with the 12 series you'll need to either sacrifice your 3rd camera or your preferred size, it probably does make sense for you to go for the 11 pro and just hold on to it for as long as possible.

 

[Burebista]

Do I hold out and risk being “stuck” with choosing between cameras and screen size?

And what’s the risk, exactly? If you gonna like the 12 series- great, buy one of those phones. Chances are the 6.1” will be similar or close to in dimensions to current 5.8 due to reduced bezels. If they’re still not for you- go with 11Pro for cheaper than it is today.

 

[rui no onna]

And what’s the risk, exactly? If you gonna like the 12 series- great, buy one of those phones. Chances are the 6.1” will be similar or close to in dimensions to current 5.8 due to reduced bezels. If they’re still not for you- go with 11Pro for cheaper than it is today.

Sources of brand new, unlocked iPhone 11 Pro can dry up when it's discontinued.

For example, in the US, it's hard to find a brand new, SIM-free iPhone 8 Plus from authorized retailers after the iPhone SE 2020 was released.

 

[Ladybug]

If you aren’t happy with your current phone and plan to keep the Pro a few years then just trade it in.

If you want to see what the 12 is like before you upgrade, you will still be able to find a 11 Pro at your cellular carrier later and it will likely be discounted.

 

[kht410]

This is an updated post from an article that I commented on. Just trying to get some opinions from the hive-mind.
Sorry for the essay!

So I upgraded from the iPhone XS (5.8") in the fall of last year to the iPhone 11. I did it to save money on the monthly cost of the iPhone Upgrade Program (I'm only saving $11, but still). Unfortunately I’ve started to realize that the screen size on the 11 is just too large and the wide angle lens isn't preferable over the zoom lens. I miss the Xs and its 5.8" display with zoom zoom lens. I miss the "Pro" features.

Based on rumors, it seems like the 6.1” (of the iPhones 11 & Xr) size is going to stick around and move to the "Pro level" with the smaller 5.8" going away. There also seem to be some changes coming to the camera setup which could mean that if I want to stay with the smaller (rumored) 5.4" display, I'll be getting the same camera setup I have now on the iPhone 11.

Bottom line:
If I want the zoom lens, I'll have to go with a 6.1" display which I feel is too big for me.
If I want the smaller display, I'll have to forgo the zoom lens and keep the same camera setup from the 2019 iPhone 11.

So I’m wondering....

Do I upgrade early now to the 11 Pro 5.8”?
Do I hold out and risk being “stuck” with choosing between cameras and screen size?

I feel the frustration. I’m not a fan of how the smaller variant of the Pro will be 6.1”.

5.8” of the X/Xs/11pro is just right.

 

[rui no onna]

If you aren’t happy with your current phone and plan to keep the Pro a few years then just trade it in.

If you want to see what the 12 is like before you upgrade, you will still be able to find a 11 Pro at your cellular carrier later and it will likely be discounted.

Unfortunately, carrier-offered discounts often come with ridiculous strings attached (new line, more expensive unlimited plan, 30-month device payment with bill credit, effectively a 2.5 year contract else you end up losing money).

 

[now i see it]

Arguably the iPhone 7 wasn't an upgrade to the iPhone 6S. In some ways it is worse (much worse).
The 12 variants being more desirable iPhones than the 11 variants isn't a slam dunk.
If you think you might want one of the 12s, wait for the debut. The 11 pro won't disappear overnight.
If you know the 12 variants aren't for you, get/keep the phone you want/have right now.
Easy

 

[Burebista]

I feel the frustration. I’m not a fan of how the smaller variant of the Pro will be 6.1”.

5.8” of the X/Xs/11pro is just right.

It’s important to understand that the actual size of 6.1” iPhone 12 Pro will not equal the size of 6.1 iPhone 11 of today.

We don’t know the exact dimensions yet, but it will most likely be very close to the “X” form-factor, the current 5.8 Pro. I think the rumored flat edges will play a big role in keeping the overall size smaller.
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Sources of brand new, unlocked iPhone 11 Pro can dry up when it's discontinued.

For example, in the US, it's hard to find a brand new, SIM-free iPhone 8 Plus from authorized retailers after the iPhone SE 2020 was released.

Well here in the east of Europe it’s very easy to buy new unlocked iPhones X, XR, XS, 8, 6s - whatever you want. The X still sells quite well for about $600 lol and XS for around $700

 

[rui no onna]

Well here in the east of Europe it’s very easy to buy new unlocked iPhones X, XR, XS, 8, 6s - whatever you want. The X still sells quite well for about $600 lol and XS for around $700

Sadly, here in the US the only options for older, discontinued models are either carrier-locked or via non-authorized sellers (e.g. ebay).

 

[Burebista]

Sadly, here in the US the only options for older, discontinued models are either carrier-locked or via non-authorized sellers (e.g. ebay).

We don’t even have “authorized” sellers. Your pick is between the more or less established “unauthorized” retailers that provide the warranty themselves. You can even pick the duration- from 3 to 24 months. Apple products having the reliability reputation many people opt for the shortest, hence cheapest warranty period.

Yeah, markets differ.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

It’s important to understand that the actual size of 6.1” iPhone 12 Pro will not equal the size of 6.1 iPhone 11 of today.

We don’t know the exact dimensions yet, but it will most likely be very close to the “X” form-factor, the current 5.8 Pro. I think the rumored flat edges will play a big role in keeping the overall size smaller.

yes, i'm pretty sure the dimensions will be closer to the 5.8 "11 Pro than the iPhone 11

 

[Ladybug]

Unfortunately, carrier-offered discounts often come with ridiculous strings attached (new line, more expensive unlimited plan, 30-month device payment with bill credit, effectively a 2.5 year contract else you end up losing money).

I understand, I just never ran into that problem but then I don’t upgrade that often, and carrier locked isn’t an issue for me. My iPhone 8 is almost 3 years old now, I plan to keep it as a backup phone but have my eyes on the 5.4 in the near future. Anyway thanks for the insight.

 

[Tsepz]

This is an updated post from an article that I commented on. Just trying to get some opinions from the hive-mind.
Sorry for the essay!

So I upgraded from the iPhone XS (5.8") in the fall of last year to the iPhone 11. I did it to save money on the monthly cost of the iPhone Upgrade Program (I'm only saving $11, but still). Unfortunately I’ve started to realize that the screen size on the 11 is just too large and the wide angle lens isn't preferable over the zoom lens. I miss the Xs and its 5.8" display with zoom zoom lens. I miss the "Pro" features.

Based on rumors, it seems like the 6.1” (of the iPhones 11 & Xr) size is going to stick around and move to the "Pro level" with the smaller 5.8" going away. There also seem to be some changes coming to the camera setup which could mean that if I want to stay with the smaller (rumored) 5.4" display, I'll be getting the same camera setup I have now on the iPhone 11.

Bottom line:
If I want the zoom lens, I'll have to go with a 6.1" display which I feel is too big for me.
If I want the smaller display, I'll have to forgo the zoom lens and keep the same camera setup from the 2019 iPhone 11.

So I’m wondering....

Do I upgrade early now to the 11 Pro 5.8”?
Do I hold out and risk being “stuck” with choosing between cameras and screen size?

Stick with the 11 until the 12 is announced and then make decision then, you would be able to get the 11 Pro for a bargain or you can decide to get the 12 if you like what it’s like.

Are you REALLY missing those features THAT much?

 

[thenahon]

Thanks to everyone for replying!! Ive been looking at videos and reading some articles here on MacRumors. It seems to me that there's no way a 6.1" display will fit in the body of the current 5.8" devices. Additionally, it seems like the "Pro" devices this fall will see a bump in price (especially now that COVID-19 has had major economic implications for Apple and the world economy). Since I want to keep my cost at about $50 per month for the iPhone Upgrade Program, I will more than likely upgrade to the 11 Pro (5.8") and keep the device for two years. I'll eventually trade it in, of course, but I think cost wise it will work out for the best.

Thanks again!