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Should I get the 8 or stick with my 8+?

K

KoolAid-Drink

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Sep 18, 2013
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USA
I upgraded from the 6s (non-plus) to a 8+, and I'm enjoying the experience so far, but there are a few issues I'm having.

a) The 8+ is really expensive, and AppleCare is more expensive than the 8. Also, there's more risk of dropping the 8+ and having to pay even more for materials. In short, it's kind of a money pit.
b) It's big, and I don't want to feel "locked in" with a bigger size iPhone, which is always more expensive.

On the other hand, here's the good things about the 8+:

a) Portrait mode on the camera and overall a very good camera.
b) 3GB of RAM. iOS 11 practically screams on this thing.
c) More screen real estate for me (not that important, but nice to have).
d) Excellent battery life. My 6s would've been at 30% or so when my 8+ was at 65-70%.

If I exchange the 8+ to a 8, I'd get $100 dollars back (I paid full retail price straight from Apple, no monthly bs for me), but I'm already feeling weird using my old 6s screen because it feels so small in comparison, but it's also easier on my hands. I love the better camera, but honestly, how often would I need to use portrait mode?

Also, I was thinking about maybe just returning to my 6s completely and waiting until next year, as there's not THAT much difference between the 6s and 8 (non-plus), but my 6s is feeling slower, even with a fresh install, and iOS 11 just doesn't run great on it.

Decisions, decisions. I'm really not sure what to do or what the best solution would be. I have only a few days to make my final decision (14-day return/exchange policy), so... help! Any input or thoughts would be helpful.
 
What’s $100 for a bigger screen, way better camera!

You’ll get used to it

I would stay put if all you’re getting back is $100
 
KoolAid-Drink said:
I upgraded from the 6s (non-plus) to a 8+, and I'm enjoying the experience so far, but there are a few issues I'm having.

a) The 8+ is really expensive, and AppleCare is more expensive than the 8. Also, there's more risk of dropping the 8+ and having to pay even more for materials. In short, it's kind of a money pit.
b) It's big, and I don't want to feel "locked in" with a bigger size iPhone, which is always more expensive.

On the other hand, here's the good things about the 8+:

a) Portrait mode on the camera and overall a very good camera.
b) 3GB of RAM. iOS 11 practically screams on this thing.
c) More screen real estate for me (not that important, but nice to have).
d) Excellent battery life. My 6s would've been at 30% or so when my 8+ was at 65-70%.

If I exchange the 8+ to a 8, I'd get $100 dollars back (I paid full retail price straight from Apple, no monthly bs for me), but I'm already feeling weird using my old 6s screen because it feels so small in comparison, but it's also easier on my hands. I love the better camera, but honestly, how often would I need to use portrait mode?

Also, I was thinking about maybe just returning to my 6s completely and waiting until next year, as there's not THAT much difference between the 6s and 8 (non-plus), but my 6s is feeling slower, even with a fresh install, and iOS 11 just doesn't run great on it.

Decisions, decisions. I'm really not sure what to do or what the best solution would be. I have only a few days to make my final decision (14-day return/exchange policy), so... help! Any input or thoughts would be helpful.
Click to expand...
[doublepost=1506828948][/doublepost]I just returned an iPhone 8 for the 8+. What an amazing upgrade now. My previous phone was the iPhone 7, so moving to the 8 was kind of similar. Getting the 8+ has really felt like a worthwhile change.
 
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KoolAid-Drink said:
I upgraded from the 6s (non-plus) to a 8+, and I'm enjoying the experience so far, but there are a few issues I'm having.

a) The 8+ is really expensive, and AppleCare is more expensive than the 8. Also, there's more risk of dropping the 8+ and having to pay even more for materials. In short, it's kind of a money pit.
b) It's big, and I don't want to feel "locked in" with a bigger size iPhone, which is always more expensive.

On the other hand, here's the good things about the 8+:

a) Portrait mode on the camera and overall a very good camera.
b) 3GB of RAM. iOS 11 practically screams on this thing.
c) More screen real estate for me (not that important, but nice to have).
d) Excellent battery life. My 6s would've been at 30% or so when my 8+ was at 65-70%.

If I exchange the 8+ to a 8, I'd get $100 dollars back (I paid full retail price straight from Apple, no monthly bs for me), but I'm already feeling weird using my old 6s screen because it feels so small in comparison, but it's also easier on my hands. I love the better camera, but honestly, how often would I need to use portrait mode?

Also, I was thinking about maybe just returning to my 6s completely and waiting until next year, as there's not THAT much difference between the 6s and 8 (non-plus), but my 6s is feeling slower, even with a fresh install, and iOS 11 just doesn't run great on it.

Decisions, decisions. I'm really not sure what to do or what the best solution would be. I have only a few days to make my final decision (14-day return/exchange policy), so... help! Any input or thoughts would be helpful.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't buy anything until you're 100 percent confidence about a product. If you feel a slight hesitant...that's a red flag. Be a rational buy and think about the values, affordability,...etc.
 
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That's a tough one. I've just just gone from a 6 to an 8+. It’s great for all the reasons you listed. For me the screen, battery and camera are all worth the change. It is a big phone though. Almost iPad-esque. Overall I’m happy.
 
jjamesv said:
That's a tough one. I've just just gone from a 6 to an 8+. It’s great for all the reasons you listed. For me the screen, battery and camera are all worth the change. It is a big phone though. Almost iPad-esque. Overall I’m happy.
Click to expand...

That's what I like about the iPhone Plus. Is it's large enough where you can appreciate the extra display size and the battery life is very substantial. And I do like the dual camera and stereo speakers as well. The only thing that I still adjust to, is physically caring a larger phone With the Plus.
 
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Having had the 6S Plus for two years I upgraded to the 8 Plus - I was planning on getting the X until I found out about the new screen aspect ratio. After a week I really noticed the 8 Plus was even heavier than the 6S Plus and decided to try the 8 for a change. Now a week later, I am still enjoying the ease of use, especially one handed, and don’t miss the extra real estate very much. Not having the best camera doesn’t bother me as I only ever take snaps, however I am missing the longer battery life of the Plus. Now I’ve bought this wireless stand/charger (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bestand-Wi...top?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp), I don’t think even the smaller battery will be an issue for me and am happy to wait until next years phone and hope for a bezel less 16:9 screen.
 
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I think you should either keep the 8+ or go back to your 6s. I have heard people upgrading from 6s to 8 calling it a non-upgrade, because it doesn't feel like getting a new phone.
 
The major differences would be a better camera, larger screen and battery life. If those aren't enough of advantages for you OP, then I'd say switch back; only you know what you want out of a device
 
Don’t ask strangers on a forum what phone you should yet because of its size. Go to Apple Store pick one up and see if you like it. Make up your own mind. That’s what I did and most others. ;)
 
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I was using a S8+ and got a 8 because I wanted to go back to iOS and a smaller phone. I had it for a week and I readjusted to the smaller size, but switching for the plus was in the back of my head and my friend was thinking about it too which then made me really think about it more..

I ended up switching to the plus and do miss how easy the smaller phone was to manage (small hands). Before I had the S8+ I was on a 6S which I almost upgraded to a 7 Plus but used the money for a camera lens, so at that time with the smaller phone for a year I was thinking of stepping up. I didn't really find the bigger S8+ inconvenient (only when I'm on my bike, phone it pants pocket + the headphone plug adding to size).

I didn't compare app specific UI, does the plus fit more or is it scaled up evenly? I think for the extra gig of ram, battery and screen size I will keep it. The second lens is nice to have but I mainly shoot wide. Because I like to use my device more to view content rather than communicating, the bigger phone makes sense. If I was mainly just chatting to people with the occasional media stuff the smaller phone would be best.
 
I was on the plus line for a year and a half before downsizing to the regular 7 last year. While the better battery life and camera features of the plus are nice, it really doesn’t matter if the phone is not comfortable to use. Taking pictures is only a small part of what you do with your phone overall. Likewise, the bigger screen was nice. But it wasn’t so much bigger that it made a huge difference in how I used the phone. I chose a phone that was comfortable in my hand and in my pocket for day to day use and haven’t looked back.

At the end of the day though, only you can decide what you value more: comfort or the exta features of the plus. Half the people here will value one and half will value the other. You’re the only one who knows how YOU feel though!
 
I had the 6 Plus and then went to the 7. I loved the size of the 7 and I used it for an entire year before going back to the 8 Plus. And man, I feel at home again. The battery life and screen size is worth it to me. It isn’t the most comfortable phone to use, but you get used to it.
 
ABC5S said:
Don’t ask strangers on a forum what phone you should yet because of its size. Go to Apple Store pick one up and see if you like it. Make up your own mind. That’s what I did and most others. ;)
Click to expand...

This is spot on. Look at what you wrote in your initial post and think through your list of pros vs. cons. It's your phone. You're the one that needs to make the call based on your thoughts, use case and finances. The beauty of your situation is that you've got great options.
 
PeterKG said:
[doublepost=1506828948][/doublepost]I just returned an iPhone 8 for the 8+. What an amazing upgrade now. My previous phone was the iPhone 7, so moving to the 8 was kind of similar. Getting the 8+ has really felt like a worthwhile change.
Click to expand...

I just did the same thing yesterday. I switched from a 6s to an 8 and it just felt like not that much of a difference. I had a 6 plus before the 6s, so I was already familiar with the size. So, yesterday I went and returned the 8 for the 8 plus and all I can say is wow, big upgrade. The battery alone is worth it, plus the extra ram and camera are major steps up.
 
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I agree, I had the 8 and missed the size/battery of the plus! So I switched back to a plus! So much better again... definitely enjoy what the plus has to offer! Plus love the 8 + new upgrades to the camera!
 
I thought a lot about going from my 7+ to an 8, but ultimately decided I didn’t want to give up the size. I was hesitant when I first when to a plus, but I have never looked back. I’m a pretty small person with small hands, and I absolutely know one-handed texting would be much easier with a smaller phone, but I love having a bigger screen.

Of course I have 5 grandkids and I think I’ll use the heck out of portrait mode - it takes amazing pics!
 
Billburns said:
What’s $100 for a bigger screen, way better camera!

You’ll get used to it

I would stay put if all you’re getting back is $100
Click to expand...

I had the 6 Plus, 6s Plus and 7 Plus. I went with the 8 this time. For the average, every day photographer the camera on the 8 is as good as any camera you will need. For the series photographer the 8 Pluses camera makes a difference, but for the average person - no.
 
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