iPhone 11 Upgrading from 6s: iPhone SE or 11 now or wait for the 12?

[iDron]

Hi guys,

a bit unsure about how to replace my 6s. Major issues is that the battery is basically empty after an hour of using it and the 32GB of storage are getting to small.

I thought at first I might just replace the battery, however it still is a 5 year old phone, the storage also won't get bigger by doing that so it probably is not that smart to invest into an old phone.

The SE comes with current technology at a nice price, but I keep the same form factor and the 6s screen does feel a bit small from time to time. So in the end, it won't really feel as new compared to my 6s I'm afraid. On the other hand it's not that pricey so it's fine to replace it in 2 years by an eventual 5G phone or such.

Was thinking about getting the 11 instead. Gives me all the latest technology, 2 cameras, bigger screen.

However I just saw rumors about the 12 getting cheaper than the 11 now, getting an OLED screen and so on. On the other hand this new form factor might have some flaws at the beginning.

What would you guys do?

 

[MarkX]

If you need a new phone now then get one.

If you want more of the same get the SE, if you want a bigger screen and newer tech get the 11.

 

[silverblack]

I suggest getting the 11. I have the SE 2020. While I like it very much, long battery life isn’t one of the strengths. If you can find one, a used iPhone X or XS would be a good choice too.

 

[ian87w]

Hi guys,

a bit unsure about how to replace my 6s. Major issues is that the battery is basically empty after an hour of using it and the 32GB of storage are getting to small.

I thought at first I might just replace the battery, however it still is a 5 year old phone, the storage also won't get bigger by doing that so it probably is not that smart to invest into an old phone.

The SE comes with current technology at a nice price, but I keep the same form factor and the 6s screen does feel a bit small from time to time. So in the end, it won't really feel as new compared to my 6s I'm afraid. On the other hand it's not that pricey so it's fine to replace it in 2 years by an eventual 5G phone or such.

Was thinking about getting the 11 instead. Gives me all the latest technology, 2 cameras, bigger screen.

However I just saw rumors about the 12 getting cheaper than the 11 now, getting an OLED screen and so on. On the other hand this new form factor might have some flaws at the beginning.

What would you guys do?

If you really want a phone now, the best value is the iPhone SE 2020.

If your problem is just the battery life, I would simply get the battery replaced. Apple offers it for just $50. Then wait for the 12 to be released. Rumor is that the iPhone 12 will start at $549.

 

[imnotthewalrus]

I replaced my 8 Plus with an 11 (128 GB) and everything is better. The SE is good for the budget and has the same chip, but if you want to use it as long as your 6S, the form factor will seem ancient after a couple of years.

 

[snipr125]

Sounds like your 6s is on its last knees, battery wise, but its still a solid phone to use in 2020. Depending on your budget, maybe get the iphone SE or a refurb iphone 8 plus to hold you over until the 12 comes out? Both have 64gb base storage, but the SE will have the exact same form factor, although more refined than the 6s in many ways (p3 colour screen, true tone, vastly better camera, wireless charging and a13 bionic). These refinements are in the 8 plus too but with larger 1080p screen, although slightly older a11 bionic which is still very powerful.

 

[iDron]

Do you guys think 5G will be a big thing in 1-2 years? The step from 3G to 4G was quite dramatic, nobody wanted to use a 3G phone after that.

 

[tranceking26]

I went from 6s to 11 recently, no regrets. An excellent upgrade.

5G will depend on where you live, in my city it's highly likely the infrastructure won't be around for years yet.

 

[_karrol]

I would wait. It’s almost July and the new iPhones will be out by October, if you have been using your 6s for the last five years, you can survive another three months, I guess. You will see the new tech and if you do not fancy any of the new models, you will be able to get at least the 11 at a lower price (I assume the SE will get cheaper at resellers by this time, too).

 

[ignatius345]

Also factor in that in daily use the SE will be quite similar to your current phone (home button, TouchID) so it should just feel like a much faster version of what you've got. If you find that appealing, get the SE. If you find it boring and are ready for something new, get the 11 for ~$200 more than the SE.

I guess the other option is to dog it with the 6S for a while longer. If I was in that situation I'd shell out a little money for a battery case of some kind at least.

 

[kevink2]

Hi guys,

a bit unsure about how to replace my 6s. Major issues is that the battery is basically empty after an hour of using it and the 32GB of storage are getting to small.

I thought at first I might just replace the battery, however it still is a 5 year old phone, the storage also won't get bigger by doing that so it probably is not that smart to invest into an old phone.

The SE comes with current technology at a nice price, but I keep the same form factor and the 6s screen does feel a bit small from time to time. So in the end, it won't really feel as new compared to my 6s I'm afraid. On the other hand it's not that pricey so it's fine to replace it in 2 years by an eventual 5G phone or such.

Was thinking about getting the 11 instead. Gives me all the latest technology, 2 cameras, bigger screen.

However I just saw rumors about the 12 getting cheaper than the 11 now, getting an OLED screen and so on. On the other hand this new form factor might have some flaws at the beginning.

What would you guys do?

A 12 variant. Within 4 months.
[automerge]1593277975[/automerge]
i got the 11 6 months ago. Kind of wish I had just spent the money on the Pro, better camera. I'm in a market that is unlikely to get 5G within a year (except possibly the low band version, but LTE is fine here).

 

[44267547]

Do you guys think 5G will be a big thing in 1-2 years? The step from 3G to 4G was quite dramatic, nobody wanted to use a 3G phone after that.

A ‘big thing’? I guess I don’t know what you mean by that. But 5G is only applicable based on your location. 5G is a maturity aspect, The 3G to 4G migration was a major change, but was years for 4G to become more widespread/mature, which is exactly will be the same idea for 5G.

 

[iDron]

Well I was so close to buying an 11... still hesitating haha. I kind of want a new phone now. But if they will greatly reduce price or get a much better display or camera I might regret. On the other hand I assume the iPhone 12 will be slightly delayed so might be released more towards October or November. New form factor and 5G could lead to some problems in the beginning. And also of course, new features that are coming might not be that revolutionary now, compared to the leap from 6s to 11.

 

[Royksöpp]

I really want the 12 so I sold my unlocked 11 for almost full retail price on Swappa. Straight Talk was already my carrier and Walmart had the Straight Talk SE for only $350+Tax. I had a gift card sitting around so I only paid $330 in total. I'll use it until October or November when the new iPhones launch and I'll give the SE to my mom. It does have it's compromises, but it will hold me over just fine. I do like being able to easily use it with one hand, and I never knew how much I used the reachability feature until I came back to this form factor. I even found a brand new iPhone 8 leather case for 15 dollars.
My little phone is looking quite Bougie, if I say so myself.

 

[Glideslope]

Hi guys,

a bit unsure about how to replace my 6s. Major issues is that the battery is basically empty after an hour of using it and the 32GB of storage are getting to small.

I thought at first I might just replace the battery, however it still is a 5 year old phone, the storage also won't get bigger by doing that so it probably is not that smart to invest into an old phone.

The SE comes with current technology at a nice price, but I keep the same form factor and the 6s screen does feel a bit small from time to time. So in the end, it won't really feel as new compared to my 6s I'm afraid. On the other hand it's not that pricey so it's fine to replace it in 2 years by an eventual 5G phone or such.

Was thinking about getting the 11 instead. Gives me all the latest technology, 2 cameras, bigger screen.

However I just saw rumors about the 12 getting cheaper than the 11 now, getting an OLED screen and so on. On the other hand this new form factor might have some flaws at the beginning.

What would you guys do?

IMO, it really comes down to if OLED bothers you or not. I’d try and get an early one if possible before they start using BOE displays in the non Pro Models. I usually stay away from a first year redesign, but that’s just me.

One could make a legitimate argument however that Apple has had many challenges getting the 12 on track given the Pandemic.

Does that equate into any increased risks associated with purchasing a 12 right out of the gate? Only time will tell. My 11 will serve me well for several more years. 😉

 

[imnotthewalrus]

Well I was so close to buying an 11... still hesitating haha. I kind of want a new phone now. But if they will greatly reduce price or get a much better display or camera I might regret. On the other hand I assume the iPhone 12 will be slightly delayed so might be released more towards October or November. New form factor and 5G could lead to some problems in the beginning. And also of course, new features that are coming might not be that revolutionary now, compared to the leap from 6s to 11.

forgive me for pointing out what may be the obvious, but you have a 30 day return period (at least thru Apple), so why not give the 11 a test drive.

 

[ab2c4]

I would get either the SE or 11 as they are both proven models. Basically whichever of the two you prefer.

There is a realistic chance the 12 could end up being a hot mess for all we know. We do know if it comes with 5g it will be a power draw hog for sure (and possibly run hot) and with Apple doing the antennas that will be a potential concern as well. I know that is why I went with the 11 this year and will worry about a 5g phones once they have the bugs/issues worked out.

 

[44267547]

forgive me for pointing out what may be the obvious, but you have a 30 day return period (at least thru Apple), so why not give the 11 a test drive.

Nope, you have -14 calendar- days to return the iPhone from the time of the purchase date. (U.S. specific).

Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help

Find out how you can return an item, how long the refund process takes, what to do if your invoice is not with your order, and much more.

www.apple.com

U.S. Returns & Refunds Policy

• U.S. Returns & Refunds Policy
  Standard Return Policy
  There are a few important things to keep in mind when returning a product you purchased online from Apple:
  • You have 14 calendar days to return an item from the date you received it.
  • Only items that have been purchased directly from Apple, either online or at an Apple Retail Store, can be returned to Apple. Apple products purchased through other retailers must be returned in accordance with their respective returns and refunds policy.

 

[bodonnell202]

Do you guys think 5G will be a big thing in 1-2 years? The step from 3G to 4G was quite dramatic, nobody wanted to use a 3G phone after that.

I don't think waiting for 5G is worth it if you are in need of an upgrade now. 3G could be a little slow for certain tasks, LTE is plenty fast for most things that people do on their phone. The second generation of 5G modems will be much more power efficient anyway.

My 2 cents - The 2020 SE will feel like basically the same phone most of the time, whereas the iPhone 11 will feel like a huge upgrade coming from a 6s (I personally went from a 6s -> 8 -> 11 and the 8 felt like I had the same phone with slightly better battery life, whereas the 11 felt like a huge upgrade from my 8).

 

[iCorz87]

I’d wait for the 12 and then if you still want to upgrade to the 11 then do that

 

[iDron]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Didn't want to wait anymore so i got an iPhone 11 128GB yesterday. Generally I'm really happy with it. Incredibly snappy in allmost all daily applications, like browsing the web, downloading files or apps and such. Battery lasts forever. Bigger screen is nice. FaceID works well compared to touchID, however with me wearing a mask almost everyday outdoors, it's quite annoying. Camera is a big improvement. Took some shots last night after getting home late, that night mode works quite well. One thing that surprised me is how much better the internal speakers are. You could probably even call it "music" if you play a song on the speakers.

The phone is very big and heavy though, sometimes tough to hold with one hand. Could not imagine having any bigger phone and in the future probably would even downsize slightly.

This is what I realized, you can not really test this stuff in store. Only once your data is on there and you got it in your daily situations, you can tell how it really feels like.