The camera is a big deal to me. I use my phone's camera daily. Coming from a 6, this upgrade was not an easy consideration. But the performance improvements -- quite significant -- better future proof the phone and add opportunity for even better apps. I use a lot of apps for both work and personal. Little things like water resistance are awesome for me. I've been through the water blues more than once. And this is my 2 year upgrade cycle. I'm ready.
If I wasn't so invested in Apple's products and ecosystem, the Note 7 would have been my preferred hardware. I have no doubt the exploding battery issues will be sorted out soon enough. Samsung bested Apple in design, big time. I am impressed. But android, particularly Samsung's version, is a tricky beast over time for updates and consistency with where google takes the platform. If the Pixel phones are anywhere close to the Note 7 in design, I will kick myself. That's the only phone that would have tempted me. But the rumors and leaked images so far have no design inspiration beyond the iPhone 7. And the 7, under the hood, is the absolute best hardware performance available in a phone. Pixel won't beat that. That's often under-emphasized with iPhones. Apple is a mobile chip beast.
But next year looks to be a big deal to me for my continued iPhone usage. If the 8 is not "magical" -- particularly after breaking the 2 year design cycle this year -- I will give the competition far more opportunity for my dollars. I've gone from 4, 5, 6, and now 7. Previously Apple always kept their design and performance lead, in my opinion. If they can't do that with their position and resources next year, an extra year in Apple time, I will lose faith. I'm already in a love-hate with this 3 year design anomaly. But there is enough love still to overcome the hate. LoL.
