I'm trying to decide whether to upgrade to the 6S or stay on the standard cycle - I'm broke so i need to stop buying every iphone iteration (plus multiple Android phones in between). So, which is better? The S cycle or the standard cycle?
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Standard Cycle vs S Cycle
- Thread starter KuchiKopi
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Standard cycle for me because I get to enjoy the new design/new features right away.
Just started a thread on this a couple hours ago.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1822567/
I'm personally considering going from the standard cycle to the S cycle this time around. Then again, I have a month before I'm upgrade eligible and I very well could change my mind, lol.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1822567/
I'm personally considering going from the standard cycle to the S cycle this time around. Then again, I have a month before I'm upgrade eligible and I very well could change my mind, lol.
Biggest pro for the standard cycle: always have the newest form factor.
Biggest pro for the S cycle: Accessories are readily available.
Biggest pro for the S cycle: Accessories are readily available.
Biggest pro of the main cycle: have the newest and greatest.
Biggest cons: hardware kinks, lack of support for new form factor (screen, by history).
Biggest pro of the S cycle: abundant support, both hardware wise and software wise. Faster performance. More refined hardware.
Biggest cons: In a year's time your phone will look outdated.
I was on the S cycle then switched to the main cycle on the 6. But that's a testament of how good the S phones are - my iphone 4S lasted me 3 years and I'm a heavy user.
Biggest cons: hardware kinks, lack of support for new form factor (screen, by history).
Biggest pro of the S cycle: abundant support, both hardware wise and software wise. Faster performance. More refined hardware.
Biggest cons: In a year's time your phone will look outdated.
I was on the S cycle then switched to the main cycle on the 6. But that's a testament of how good the S phones are - my iphone 4S lasted me 3 years and I'm a heavy user.
Standard Cycle but wondering if Apple will get rid of the S cycle in the future and just come out with anew device each year
That's not necessarily true if the design changes are incremental. If every new design change was as big as the jump from the IP3 to the IP4, then I would agree. But all of the design changes since the IP4 have felt "evolutionary" rather than "revolutionary" (not that I expect every new phone design to be a revolutionary change).
I know there are people that prefer speed and refinement of a device over a slightly re-designed form factor.
Why would they do this if they can sell a busload of S-cycle models with very little changed every other year? They don't put all their eggs in one basket.
The front of the iPhone has looked basically the same since the original. I'd say it has been incremental since the beginning, mostly on the rear of the iPhone. Metal-backed original iPhone to full plastic 3G/3GS to full glass 4/4s to part glass/part aluminum 5/5s and back to metal-backed 6/6+. It's not just the shape of the phone that makes the form factor.
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I always prefer the later/best/special model of anything. That way all the problems are fixed, and the focus turns to making it the best it can be of that model. Can be cars, gadgets, etc. But the screen factor was just such a huge jump that I had to get on the standard cycle.
Until the 5 every first release needed more speed. The "s" cycle solved this. There's also the argument of refinement in second year phones.
However, I don't think it's as clear cut as it used to be. Either is fine.
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Functionality trumps it every time. Physical change in itself adds nothing of value to me. Nothing.
However, I don't think it's as clear cut as it used to be. Either is fine.
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Functionality trumps it every time. Physical change in itself adds nothing of value to me. Nothing.
I guess i'll just stick with yearly upgrades. It's just expensive to have to spend $1000 or more every single year... oh well thanks guys.
Perhaps you should look into AT&T's Next 12 deal or Sprint's iPhone For Life deal, which they also offer as a 12 month option.
You won't be keeping the phone at the end of the year, but you'll upgrade every year. These plans were made with people like you in mind.
P.S... you don't HAVE to spend $1,000 or more every single year. You are choosing to.
I prefer the major refresh myself. I'm sort of in your shoes...I had a perfectly functioning Galaxy Note 3, but I just couldn't resist the urge to upgrade to the iPhone 6+. I purchased the Note 3 at full retail last year because I didn't have an upgrade available and I just had to have it. Well this year I was eligible for a full upgrade and was faced with the question of riding it out with my Note 3 for another year and upgrading on the "S" cycle or upgrading at the full refresh.
Well I've decided that if I upgrade at the full refresh, my phone for the most part stays relevant for 2 years. Vs. upgrading on the "S" cycle I'll be wanting that full refresh a year later. Plus the real question I faced was whether or not I wanted to leave Android for the iPhone. Well once I decided to return to the iPhone the answer was clear to upgrade now and sell my Note 3. For me the S upgrade just isn't as exciting as the full refresh.
How about constantly alternating between non-S and S cycles?
Example: 3G to 4S, then 4S to 6+.
That's what one of my friends did (buying a new iPhone every 3 years).
Its the standard cycle for me even if the 'S' is the improved version. I'd rather have the new look phone for the entire time of my contract rather than a new phone that looks like the old one, if that makes sense? There is no right answer though and it entirely up the the individual.
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