Upgrading from 7; 8+ or X?

[Visionblue]

Hey All,

I'm planning on upgrading my iPhone 7 in the next month or so. I'm currently with T-mobile.

I bought the 7 outright last Christmas unlocked (32GB). I upgraded from the Nexus 6P and was planning on holding onto the phone for at least the next year or so. I liked the idea of having a one-handed device at the time but in practice I'm missing a lot of features from having a bigger phone. I was trying to hold out for the next gen of X-inspired phones, but the more leaks and predictions that come out, the more weary I am about them. My biggest considerations for upgrading are typical; bigger, better screen, better camera, longer battery life. I'm also heavily missing the days of qi charging so the discounted 7+ is unfortunately out of the running.

I'm feeling pretty lusty towards the X with it's OLED screen. But practically speaking, face ID and battery life have me leaning towards the old reliable (maybe boring) Plus. My impression of the X is that it's an impressive piece of technology but not different enough from the 7 where I need it to be. I've watched the youtubers compare the two but I trust them less and less these days. I'm curious if anyone has had experience with both? Did you buy both and return one?

Also, additionally, I've never upgraded a smart phone with a provider before (I always buy outright). Is it better to sell the phone on my own and put the cash towards the balance or trade in?

Thanks for any and all feedback! Cheers!

 

[velocityg4]

Sell it for cash. They rip you off on trade in prices. For example an iPhone 7, 32GB, Black, T-Mobile edition will get about an extra $150. If there are any scratches this difference will likely be greater. As they really nail you for any flaw.

As for which to buy. It sounds like you want the iPhone X but you are trying to find reasons not to buy it. If you can afford the X. You may as well get it. Otherwise you may just end up spending the next year wishing you bought one.

 

[AudibleNectar]

I suggest going and actually looking at the phones, and reading text and apps from the two screens. Your impression may well change....I was all hyped up for the X but actually preferred the 8+ due to the screen dimensions. I prefer the wider screen of the 8+ as it's easier to read, and for 16x9 video it's preferable too, just a larger display in that case.

I have the benefit of knowing that I will end up with an "X+", the 6.5" version of the X. My wife will take my 8+ when the X+ comes out. So we get the best of both worlds

I too agree that you should sell the 7.....just like cars I sell my own so I have complete control over every aspect of the transactins, and get more money back in the process. IPhones have excellent resale value vs.other phones.

I would take advantage of the $29 battery replacement on your 7 if yours is questionable in any way, and use it as a selling point. It will stand out more and be an easy sale, as well as being a good gesture to assure your buyer is happy too.

 

[ZapNZs]

My impression of the X is that it's an impressive piece of technology but not different enough from the 7 where I need it to be.

For my brother, this was the case with his 7+. The X is an awesome design. However, the 7+ is already such an outstanding design that the improvements made with the X did not justify the considerable costs of upgrading. However, he's not interested in wireless charging, and for those who are I feel that feature alone can justify it. Further, IMHO, the X/8+ is a bigger upgrade for a 7 user than a 7+ user. The 8+'s slightly better battery life, durability in some situations, lower price, and lower cost of AC+ may be a swaying decision for some - IMHO with both the 8 + X, if someone isn't using a case that provides considerable protection, AC+ is practically a requirement given they are delicate and have a high cost of repair. YMMV.

Definitely don't trade it in - Craigslist it.

 

[spooklog]

Go with the 8+. I've compared them side-by-side and frankly, the X is underwhelming. I prefer the 8+'s larger screen and its general dimensions. The internals of both phones are essentially identical, and both will handle AR apps with ease. If you re enamored of the X, wait until the months ahead when the X+ will be introduced.