Upgrading from the iPhone 5

[TomOSeven]

Hi all,

I'm using an iPhone 5, but some of the features in iOS 11 really appeal to me, like the better screenshot utility.

So I'm considering three versions, all certified refurbished

• keep the 5 and also get some iPad for my PDFs and Udemy courses
• iPhone SE, 128 GB, 380 Euro
• iPhone 6s Plus, 128 GB, 500 Euro
• iPhone 7, 128 GB, 600 Euro

I really need decent battery life, so I'm not considering the 6s.

Honestly, I don't do that much on the phone, just listening to a lot of music, podcasts, photos and WhatsApp. Mostly it's just in my bag while I use the hotspot for my Macbook.

Because I listen to a lot of music, I'm kind of iffy when it comes to the iPhone 7. Not having a headphone jack is a bigger deal for me than I reckon for most people...

The SE would be neat and familiar, just a pure upgrade, better in every regard, but not a game-changer. Nice, I suppose.

The 6s Plus seems like a big risk, but it also gives me the option to watch Udemy videos on the go, which would be a huge boon. I don't really know if my body is ready for such a large phone, though. Do you guys know how well the landscape-mode works? Especially when it comes to WhatsApp and iMessage?

I'm kind of leaning towards the iPhone SE and then also adding an iPad at some point for my Udemy courses and my .pdf collection, but that's also the most expensive option. Perhaps it's the best one, though.

What would you guys do in my situation?

 

[44267547]

Hi all,

I'm using an iPhone 5, but some of the features in iOS 11 really appeal to me, like the better screenshot utility.

So I'm considering three versions, all certified refurbished

• keep the 5 and also get some iPad for my PDFs and Udemy courses
• iPhone SE, 128 GB, 380 Euro
• iPhone 6s Plus, 128 GB, 500 Euro
• iPhone 7, 128 GB, 600 Euro

I really need decent battery life, so I'm not considering the 6s.

Honestly, I don't do that much on the phone, just listening to a lot of music, podcasts, photos and WhatsApp. Mostly it's just in my bag while I use the hotspot for my Macbook.

Because I listen to a lot of music, I'm kind of iffy when it comes to the iPhone 7. Not having a headphone jack is a bigger deal for me than I reckon for most people...

The SE would be neat and familiar, just a pure upgrade, better in every regard, but not a game-changer. Nice, I suppose.

The 6s Plus seems like a big risk, but it also gives me the option to watch Udemy videos on the go, which would be a huge boon. I don't really know if my body is ready for such a large phone, though. Do you guys know how well the landscape-mode works? Especially when it comes to WhatsApp and iMessage?

I'm kind of leaning towards the iPhone SE and then also adding an iPad at some point for my Udemy courses and my .pdf collection, but that's also the most expensive option. Perhaps it's the best one, though.

What would you guys do in my situation?

In your situation, being that you're used to a smaller form factor, the iPhone SE has excellent battery life and still is a big upgrade from the iPhone 5 in terms of speed and battery improvements. And it leaves the room to purchase an iPad later on. Especially given the affordable price. The iPhone SE, it's still a great option to have.

 

[danny842003]

i would go for the 7. They supply a set of headphones and a headphone adaptor with the phone so it really isn't as big of an issue as people like to make out.

 

[MjWoNeR]

Going to the Plus from an iPhone 5 will feel like going to an iPad.

 

[akash.nu]

I agree with @Relentless Power , just wanted to add that the plus model would possibly eliminate having to carry 2 devices if you can get used to the size.

I dreaded the plus model because of the size until now. Got the 8 plus and although it’s a nightmare for me to use it with one hand even being a guy but kind of got used to it now.

 

[TomOSeven]

I agree with @Relentless Power , just wanted to add that the plus model would possibly eliminate having to carry 2 devices if you can get used to the size.

I dreaded the plus model because of the size until now. Got the 8 plus and although it’s a nightmare for me to use it with one hand even being a guy but kind of got used to it now.

Is it true that you can always use the larger iPhones in horizontal mode, like even on home screens and in settings etc.?

 

[akash.nu]

Is it true that you can always use the larger iPhones in horizontal mode, like even on home screens and in settings etc.?

Yes. Home screen and some native apps work in landscape mode but most other non game iPhone apps are designed with portrait orientation anyway.

 

[MjWoNeR]

Is it true that you can always use the larger iPhones in horizontal mode, like even on home screens and in settings etc.?

Personally I am bothered by the landscape feature of my Plus. I would disable it if I could. But the 5.5" 16/9 screen is epic to say the least. Having said that I'm going to downsize to the X soon. I look forward to a lighter and more pocketable phone.

 

[pdxmatts]

i would go for the 7. They supply a set of headphones and a headphone adaptor with the phone so it really isn't as big of an issue as people like to make out.

The adapter is if you have other headphones that you would rather use. You still can't charge and listen to wired headphones at the same time with it.

 

[TomOSeven]

Yeah and you always have to depend on having that adapter nearby...

 

[Lioness~]

Going to the Plus from an iPhone 5 will feel like going to an iPad.

Exactly why I kept my 5 until SE. I have an iPad, don’t need a phone to be it.

 

[geta]

I was in similar situation not to long ago, upgrading from the a ‘beat up’ 5, and i was thinking to get the SE or 7 as well. In the end i got myself SE because portability and one hand usage was the no. one priority.

The SE is nice portable and powerful device, with plenty of space (128GB), amazing battery life (2 days of usage in my case) and a decent camera for casual on the go pics. And when i need a real processing power, im using my MBP.
With this combo and based on my needs, i can’t find a real use for tablets, as well as carrying around bulky Phablet (the Plus versions) for a daily usage.

Since you having Macbook for real work and based on your needs, i would upgrade to SE or 7 and skip the plus versions. If you really find a use for a iPad, you can always get one down the road…

 

[Hater]

I had a 6 Plus for a while, absolutely hated it. SE + Mini 4 when I want suits me much better, the bulk of the Plus sized phones is just too much.

For me, anyway.

 

[TomOSeven]

Yeah I went to a shop over lunch to check it out, and man, that's a large telephone...

 

[iOSUser7]

The SE would be neat and familiar, just a pure upgrade, better in every regard, but not a game-changer. Nice, I suppose.

That's true, it will be a very familiar experience but from what I understand your main reason to upgrade is to get iOS 11 which mean you would have been perfectly fine if the iPhone 5 got iOS 11 right ? If so, then yeah iPhone SE is definitely the way to go.

Also, judging by what you use your phone for (music, podcasts, photos and WhatsApp) then you don't really need something as powerful as the iPhone 7 or a screen as big as the iPhone 6s Plus one.

 

[danny842003]

The adapter is if you have other headphones that you would rather use. You still can't charge and listen to wired headphones at the same time with it.

Well thanks for telling me something everybody knows.
[doublepost=1508364362][/doublepost]

Yeah and you always have to depend on having that adapter nearby...

But keep it with your headphones and it always will be.
[doublepost=1508364469][/doublepost]

Yeah I went to a shop over lunch to check it out, and man, that's a large telephone...

I recently went from a 6s to an 8 plus and I was nervous about the size but you quickly get used to it.

 

[praterkeith]

I had a 6 Plus for a while, absolutely hated it. SE + Mini 4 when I want suits me much better, the bulk of the Plus sized phones is just too much.

For me, anyway.

I had the 6 Plus and felt the same. The way I hold it made my pinky sore, so instead of changing the way I hold my phone, I changed my phone but went to the 6 instead. My fingers felt cramped on my 5 so the SE wasn’t an option for me. I eventually stopped using an iPad altogether. I’m awaiting my new iPhone 7 to be shipped to me.
I think it’s great Apple offers so many options, I hope this continues.

 

[pdxmatts]

i would go for the 7. They supply a set of headphones and a headphone adaptor with the phone so it really isn't as big of an issue as people like to make out.

Well thanks for telling me something everybody knows.

You're welcome

 

[decafjava]

Personally I am bothered by the landscape feature of my Plus. I would disable it if I could. But the 5.5" 16/9 screen is epic to say the least. Having said that I'm going to downsize to the X soon. I look forward to a lighter and more pocketable phone.

Can't you just turn on orientation lock? Enjoy your X when you get it though - sticking with my 7 plus as long as I can.

 

[C DM]

But keep it with your headphones and it always will be.

Part of what applies there is that you might not have your headphones with you all the time but might have other headphones that you could use but which would require an adapter which you wouldn't necessarily have.
[doublepost=1508365843][/doublepost]

Well thanks for telling me something everybody knows.

Quite a few people don't realize or know that actually, in particular out of those that haven't had to deal with devices that don't have a headphone jack.