Phone Techies .....

[J295]

I have the 5s (quit smirking). Battery getting weak and with technology changes I'm told it's time for an upgrade. I use it for texting, email, airline apps, remote banking, calendar, etc.

Do I now move the the 7, 8, or X? (love my Google tablet but not thinking about a Google phone right now).
Where do I purchase and what do I do with my 5s?

Cost isn't an issue per se (though I don't want to spend $$ to have the latest bells and whistles if I won't use them).

Appreciate your insights.

[silverlitegs]

From the features you listed, you would be fine with previous gen iphone. Possibly visit an apple store or your carrier and see if they offer a trade in allowance for your 5s and any deals they might have. Also visit ebay and see what you can get an iphone 6/6s/7 for.

[dcabler]

My daughter has a 5s. Had some issues with it a couple of weeks ago, but just before apple care ran out, they replaced it. A few days later, problems with the new one and it got replaced under warranty. A few days after that, same thing again. My daughter now finally have a stable, new 5s.

Her mother and I switched to Android (Motorola G4, specifically) after our 4s's died. It was purely driven by cost. We can do everything on it that we cared about on our iphones. And we could buy and replace our G4 3 or 4 times for the cost of a single Iphone 8. When my daughter's latest 5s dies, I am not looking forward to the argument when we switch her to an Android device (unless she wants to pay for it herself)

[Texanbybirth]

I've got a 5 (you thought the smirking was bad for you?!), and I'm going with the 7+. I don't need the latest processor, as I've heard it's mainly for high-end applications like augmented reality, or wireless charging. I'm also not ready to get rid of the home button, and I'm not an early adopter of, technology like FaceID. My dad is upgrading from a 6 to the 8+. He's actually a little more into tech than me, and he definitely has more means than me. I'm gonna hold just a little while after the 8 ships to see if I can pick up a refurb 7+. I'll probably pull the trigger before Christmas. My wife has the 7, and I'm satisfied with the photos and videos she's able to take of our young children. That's what I'm most looking forward to in my new phone. Well, that and iOS 11.

I'm hoping to get $100 for my old 5 in excellent condition, though I'm banking on $0. I'm not really sure if that's realistic. I'll subscribe to this topic for the input from others.

[JMacDonald]

One way to go is with a refurbished iPhone: https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/ ... als/iphone
They are as good as new.

[bloom2708]

If you want to stay with the same size phone the iPhone SE would be a good fit.

If you move, go to at least the iPhone 6s. Skip the 6. First gen with lots of screen issues.

With iPhone 8 now out, 6s will be the best spot for price/value. But, if money is no object, then a new 7 or 8 would certainly get you another 3-4 years of use.

The 4.7" size is a bit bigger than your 5S, but still smaller than many new phones.

If you want to go Android, the Moto G5/5 Plus is around $250 and offers a bunch of value for that $250. One nice thing if you have an Android tablet is your logins, favorites, apps all are shared and feel/look the same.

I have a Galaxy Tab A and a Moto G4 (32gb version). Pretty good combo.

[J295]

Appreciate the prompt replies and insights. Thanks!

[alfaspider]

One consideration: the newer you go, the longer your phone is likely to be supported. For example, the iphone5 is not getting ios 11. You want the latest os for security if nothing else. If the difference between a 7 and an 8 is only $100 and the 8 lasts you an extra year, the 8 may make more sense.

[pochax]

if cost is not an issue get as much phone as features you would use:
get X if you love that screen
get 8 plus if you want great camera and/or wireless charging but don't need the X's screen
get 7 plus or 7 if you don't need the BEST camera and wireless charging

i would not go as low as 6s if you can afford 7 or 7 plus...worse processor and camera.

BUT - maybe you should consider google if you can wait for Oct 4 and see if their new pixel 2 phones work for you as well.

[rustymutt]

Put a new battery in it and it's good to go. I've a 5c and love it. Paid for also.

https://www.amazon.com/ilovo-Rechargeab ... ew+battery

[oldcomputerguy]

If you want to stay with the same size phone the iPhone SE would be a good fit.

Consumer Cellular offers the SE right now at $160.

[KlangFool]

If you want to stay with the same size phone the iPhone SE would be a good fit.

If you move, go to at least the iPhone 6s. Skip the 6. First gen with lots of screen issues.

With iPhone 8 now out, 6s will be the best spot for price/value. But, if money is no object, then a new 7 or 8 would certainly get you another 3-4 years of use.

The 4.7" size is a bit bigger than your 5S, but still smaller than many new phones.

If you want to go Android, the Moto G5/5 Plus is around $250 and offers a bunch of value for that $250. One nice thing if you have an Android tablet is your logins, favorites, apps all are shared and feel/look the same.

I have a Galaxy Tab A and a Moto G4 (32gb version). Pretty good combo.

+1 for the SE. It is the best value for the money in terms of iPhone.

KlangFool

[onourway]

Think hard whether you want a larger phone or not. If so, I'd buy the 7 or the 8 just to make sure it is supported for as long as possible. If you are ok with the same size you have now, or even prefer that size, definitely go with the SE. It's by far the best value in the lineup right now.

[DSInvestor]

I have an iPhone 5S which is almost 3 yrs old. It's still doing well. I prefer smaller phones so it will be iPhone SE for my next upgrade.

[flossy21]

You can replace the battery yourself for cheap. Check out this site. It sells repair kits for just about every piece of tech you can imagine.

https://www.ifixit.com/

[mnsportsgeek]

If you like the size of the iPhone 5S, the next step up from that would be the iPhone SE. It's easy on the wallet too.

If you want something bigger, I'd go with the iPhone 7. Buy a slightly used one and save a bundle. There really isn't much difference between the 7 and 8, and the 7 will be supported for 4 more years.

I would recommend selling your old phone on swappa and also buying the new one on swappa.

[Nicolas]

I have an iPhone 5S which is almost 3 yrs old. It's still doing well. I prefer smaller phones so it will be iPhone SE for my next upgrade.

I prefer smaller phones too. I just upgraded this week from an LG Sunset to an iPhone SE: $199 at Target for a new SE with Tracfone as carrier (actually Verizon). I was already on Tracfone at $6.53/month and all my minutes transferred over. This phone is still in production so obsolesence is a ways off. The internals are a step up from the 6S in an older-style package. The day after I bought it iOS 11 was released. It feels good in my front pocket. Very nice phone.

[palaheel]

Another "iPhone SE is good" vote. Check the MVNOs that use the carrier of your choice for deals. Also pay attention to the lock period; six months is common.

[jebmke]

I use Android phones but I always buy the prior generation. I try to time it when the new one is just out and the old one is discounted. By then the hardware has been shaken out and all the bugs fixed. I am still using my LG4 and it shows no signs of obsolescence.

[Kenkat]

If you can hang on until Black Friday in November, you can likely score a good deal on a newer iPhone at a low cost.

[takeshi]

I don't think you really need a tech enthusiasts for recommendations but based on the fact that you've been fine with a 5s, a 7 would probably be fine for you.

I have the 5s (quit smirking).

No smirking here. Everyone should use whatever it is that works for the individual.

[otinkyad]

I've just used Amazon Trade-In to sell old devices, but getting much money for a 4-year-old phone with a bad battery is unlikely.

I'm about to replace my mother's 5s with an SE. She looked at all the models but the others were too big. Even my son prefers his SE. Alas, the March refresh of the SE was modest, and could be the last. I don't like the Plus sizes myself, but I'm guessing Apple has clear sales data to justify the X coming only in the Plus size.

I'm not a fan of the limited markets for smart phones. Android has a great range of devices but terrible software update policies, and Apple just the opposite. I switched to an iPhone after buying 3 Android phones in 2 years just to keep up with the security requirements at work.

[SlowMovingInvestor]

If you're upgrading iphones, consider switching carriers to Virgin Mobile. One year of free unlimited data service if you buy the phone from them:

https://www.virginmobileusa.com/plans.html

The SE is the most cost effective.

[J295]

Appreciate all of the insights.

[JMacDonald]

Alas, the March refresh of the SE was modest, and could be the last.

Well, it is possible for an update on the SE: http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/iphone/n ... 7-3500611/

[scooterdog]

Was on the iPhone 6 for the past few years, abruptly changed employers, and have been using an SE for 2 months now. Found it to be a little too small after using the larger-screen 6, and with new employer have now agonized between models and what to do: 6S, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X (yes that's a lot of choices).

Yesterday I ordered a Mint condition 7 Plus with 256GB for about $750 off of Swappa.
- Looks like Apple only offers 32GB and 128GB as new on their store now
- Apple's refurbished is only 6S or 6S Plus at 128GB maximum
- One concern was screen breakage; Swappa now offers $70 breakage coverage with $50/incident repair (included in the $750 price)

An 8 Plus 256GB with Apple Care Plus would be an eye-watering $1049, a difference of $300. Decided that the wireless charging (only useful in the evenings) and the slight improvements of the 8 over the 7 were not worth it. (If the 'obsolescence factor' was only a $100 differential I would have gone for it, but $300 is a lot for an additional year or so of additional lifetime.)

Wanted the maximum memory, as I take a lot of video, and am still frustrated with the measly 16GB that iPhone 6 had that I struggled with for years. ("Never again" deleting apps like crazy to free up space for additional video while traveling...)

[sunny_socal]

Cricket has the 6 32G model for $299 "for all customers"

https://www.cricketwireless.com/cell-ph ... -gray.html

Just got one for my son (all his friends have one... can't be left out )

[Big Dog]

I have had the 6 (regular) since it first sold, and don't plan to upgrade anytime soon. But then, I only use it as a phone, and for e-mails and the like. Rarely use the camera, and wireless charging is not of interest. Plus, I carry my phone in my back pocket and sit on it all day, so not sure about the new glass back.

If my 6 broke today, I'd probably opt to replace it since the 7 is still a little pricey at $550, IMO. But then it may drop again once the X starts to take orders.

[EZ James]

I have an iPhone 6s + which is I like very much but I plan to gift and I also wanted something smaller to tide me over for awhile. The iPhone X is smaller but not yet available and terribly pricey. I very, very rarely use a cell phone for phone calls due to my extreme hearing loss but its improved camera is a very appealing feature for me. Maybe I'll get that later.

So yesterday I ordered an iPhone SE 32 GB for $160 from Tracfone. The online chat guy assured me it was brand new. I notice that refurbs are available at local stores at higher prices and from negative review content I am sure they were not refurbed by Apple.

A link in this thread indicates a new version of the SE is forthcoming and so price reductions are appropriate. But the Apple site still has the SE 32 GB phone is still listed for $349 which puzzles me.

The chat guy says the SIM card is included, the phone will be on Verizon and can be unlocked after one year.

[harrington]

I love my 5S....My battery was shot so I put a new one in last week and it works great. Cost me $40 installed. Good as new.

[Texanbybirth]

I have an iPhone 6s + which is I like very much but I plan to gift and I also wanted something smaller to tide me over for awhile. The iPhone X is smaller but not yet available and terribly pricey. I very, very rarely use a cell phone for phone calls due to my extreme hearing loss but its improved camera is a very appealing feature for me. Maybe I'll get that later.

So yesterday I ordered an iPhone SE 32 GB for $160 from Tracfone. The online chat guy assured me it was brand new. I notice that refurbs are available at local stores at higher prices and from negative review content I am sure they were not refurbed by Apple.

A link in this thread indicates a new version of the SE is forthcoming and so price reductions are appropriate. But the Apple site still has the SE 32 GB phone is still listed for $349 which puzzles me.

The chat guy says the SIM card is included, the phone will be on Verizon and can be unlocked after one year.

I've only seen unsubstantiated rumors about an SE update, and just as many saying the opposite, and Apple didn't release one this year as some expected after a year.

I'd love to read what you've heard. I have a 5, but I could wait 6 months for an updated SE before I make my decision.

[EZ James]

"I'd love to read what you've heard. I have a 5, but I could wait 6 months for an updated SE before I make my decision."

Just this link from a message above:

"Well, it is possible for an update on the SE: http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/iphone/n ... 7-3500611/

[inbox788]

I have the 5s (quit smirking). Battery getting weak and with technology changes I'm told it's time for an upgrade. I use it for texting, email, airline apps, remote banking, calendar, etc.

Do I now move the the 7, 8, or X? (love my Google tablet but not thinking about a Google phone right now).
Where do I purchase and what do I do with my 5s?

Cost isn't an issue per se (though I don't want to spend $$ to have the latest bells and whistles if I won't use them).

Appreciate your insights.

Subconsciously, I think you already know the best answer.

Seriously, it's inexpensive and easy to change the battery on your 5s (and it's even a diy if you're so inclined), and none of the apps you describe make me think you need any more. If you really want a bigger screen and force touch, then I'd suggest a 6S. If you go with a 7, you gain waterproof, but lose the audio jack.