I have a iPhone 13 with 83% battery health. It is on iOS18.0.1. From my observation, I should have kept it at 17.7 because after OS update, slight lag has been prevalent (18.0.1 improved snappiness though). It is not to the point where device is not usable but it is noticeable. E.g. WhatsApp/GMail taking couple of secs longer to open. While typing, sometimes alphabets won’t be displayed as I type and after 2-3 secs all of them would appear as if I have fast-forwarded the animation.
I am considering few options. All of them are with 256GB capacity.
1) Pre-Owned 14 Plus with 87% battery health. This gets me 6GB of RAM, almost same cameras and larger battery. It would cost me roughly $490 and cheapest option. From my understanding, battery life would be better but I am not sure if slight lag would be solved with increase in RAM. While I am not sure if I can handle Plus/Max sized phone and battery would require replacement probably in 1.5 years.
2) For approx $900,I can get either brand new iPhone 15 Pro or brand new iPhone 16 base or pre-owned iPhone 15 Pro Max with 97% battery life.
Processor and RAM should not be of significant difference. Battery life would be 15PM > 16 > 15P. Weight would be 16 < 15 Pro < 15PM. Again I am not sure about my comfort in handling Plus/Max size/weight device. In all of these devices I do not foresee replacing battery for 2.5-3 years. While 120Hz and USB3 is better in Pro variants, weight and battery ratio is most efficient in base 16. Between Pro and Pro Max, I am leaning more towards Pro Max given better battery life even though I am unsure of my comfort handling it.
I am neutral on Apple Intelligence and Camera Control. Telephoto camera is nice to have for me - not a must have.
My previous upgrade path is iPhone 5S > 7 Plus > 11 > 13.
I am not based in US, so the prices are converted to equivalent and mostly the best deal I am able to get right now in my region.
I have even considered rumoured SE4. I would be completely fine it as well given it could be roughly $665 (assuming it’s US pricing is $599 for 256GB capacity). A18, 8GB RAM, 48MP camera from iP15 would make it good VFM. But in reality these are still rumours.
I am confused on which one to get. Appreciate your views on this situation.
I am considering few options. All of them are with 256GB capacity.
1) Pre-Owned 14 Plus with 87% battery health. This gets me 6GB of RAM, almost same cameras and larger battery. It would cost me roughly $490 and cheapest option. From my understanding, battery life would be better but I am not sure if slight lag would be solved with increase in RAM. While I am not sure if I can handle Plus/Max sized phone and battery would require replacement probably in 1.5 years.
2) For approx $900,I can get either brand new iPhone 15 Pro or brand new iPhone 16 base or pre-owned iPhone 15 Pro Max with 97% battery life.
Processor and RAM should not be of significant difference. Battery life would be 15PM > 16 > 15P. Weight would be 16 < 15 Pro < 15PM. Again I am not sure about my comfort in handling Plus/Max size/weight device. In all of these devices I do not foresee replacing battery for 2.5-3 years. While 120Hz and USB3 is better in Pro variants, weight and battery ratio is most efficient in base 16. Between Pro and Pro Max, I am leaning more towards Pro Max given better battery life even though I am unsure of my comfort handling it.
I am neutral on Apple Intelligence and Camera Control. Telephoto camera is nice to have for me - not a must have.
My previous upgrade path is iPhone 5S > 7 Plus > 11 > 13.
I am not based in US, so the prices are converted to equivalent and mostly the best deal I am able to get right now in my region.
I have even considered rumoured SE4. I would be completely fine it as well given it could be roughly $665 (assuming it’s US pricing is $599 for 256GB capacity). A18, 8GB RAM, 48MP camera from iP15 would make it good VFM. But in reality these are still rumours.
I am confused on which one to get. Appreciate your views on this situation.
