It’s that time of year again when Apple releases a new iPhone, and many of us ask ourselves, “Should I get the iPhone 12?”. It can be difficult to know if upgrading to a new phone is worth it. It depends on several factors like which phone you’re using now, which features are important to you, and whether or not you’re having issues with speed or battery life. If your phone is missing some desirable features or not functioning like it used to. It may be time to consider an upgrade. To help you out, we’ve broken down the five questions you should ask yourself when thinking about upgrading your phone.
Which phone do you have now?
If you’re one of those people that just has to have the newest iPhone every year, well then you’re almost certain to get the new iPhone 12, and probably don’t need our help. But, here are some tips based on your current device that will help your decision.
iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max
While the iPhone 11 series are quality phones, and should be operating just fine, they’re not 5G capable. They are also missing the LiDAR scanner found in the 12 pro and 12 pro max which allows for the ultimate AR gaming or AR shopping experience. (With it, it’s much easier to see how that Ikea chair will look in the corner).
Our recommendation: Upgrade to the iPhone 12 series if you're a power user. If not, you can still get a lot of use out of the 11.
iPhone X/XR/XS/XS Max
Like the 11 series, the X series is not 5G capable, has no LiDAR scanner for improved AR experience, and has a lower screen refresh rate which is not as ideal for gamers. It also has a worse camera setup with no ultra wide camera or telephoto camera.
Our recommendation: Close call. Upgrade if you spend 3+ hours on your phone and want that higher quality camera to take your IG game to the next level.
iPhone 8/8 Plus
The iPhone 8/8 Plus also is not 5G capable, not LiDAR scanner, and a low refresh rate. It also only has a single camera, and less screen real estate due to the front bezels. It’s also old enough that it is not compatible with Face ID which is one of the most convenient iPhone features.
Our recommendation: Upgrade if you can afford it.
iPhone 7/7 Plus
If you’re still rocking a 7/7 Plus, you probably care less about the fancier features of the iPhone 12 like the 5G capability, LiDAR Scanner, and 120Hz refresh rate. But the iPhone 7 is also missing some of the more convenient features that now come standard on iPhones like Face ID, wireless charging capabilities and a decent camera. Your phone is also getting old enough that you may be having issues with speed and battery life.
Our recommendation: Upgrade, especially if your battery life is poor
iPhone 6S and older
The main reason you would want to upgrade from your iPhone 6 is that Apple is ending support for it, and has already ended support for older iPhones. This means you will soon not be able to upgrade your operating system. You’re also most likely living with a slow phone and poor battery life, not to mention missing the conveniences of wireless charging and Face ID.
Our recommendation: Upgrade. It’s time.
How’s your battery life?
We’ve all been there. You’ve woken up, pumped some music while getting ready, briefly checked your emails, listened to a podcast during your commute, arrived at work, and your battery is already at less than 20%. Nooooo!!!!
There are some things you can do to extend your battery life, but they can only do so much to keep your phone alive during the day. Another option would be to replace your battery. Apple will charge between $49 and $69 to replace your battery depending on which iPhone you have. It’s definitely less expensive than buying a brand new phone. However, if your phone is really old, slow, or has a cracked screen, in addition to poor battery life it’s probably not worth investing any more money in. You will likely need to fully replace it sooner rather than later.
Do you care about picture quality?
Nobody carries a camera around anymore… well, technically, everyone carries a camera with them because your phone is also your camera. You no longer need to buy a disposable or digital camera to capture those lovably awkward moments from Aunt June’s fiftieth. But, that also means that the quality of your phone’s camera is even more important.
Luckily, an iPhones makes it easy for you to take quality photos. And, that quality just keeps getting better and better with each new iPhone. Apple has even created the new “pro” designation beginning with the iPhone 11 series, referring to the professional quality of the camera. The three cameras on the iPhone 12 pro and iPhone 12 pro max are even better.
Is your current iPhone slow?
In the age of immediate gratification, not much is more frustrating than a slow iPhone. If you’ve done what you can to speed it up like update the operating system, delete/move photos, and delete old text threads, then it may be that your battery is older and Apple has intentionally slowed down your phone to preserve the battery life.
Like we mentioned before, you can just replace the battery. But, if part of your issue is also storage capacity (or lack thereof), then it’s definitely worth your while to upgrade your phone. The new iPhone 12 series ranges in storage capacity from 64GB to 512GB.
Do you want to spend the money?
Ultimately, isn’t this what it always boils down to? Do you really want to spend the money on a new iPhone? You can live with an always dying phone that has no room for anymore pictures, right? Your phone is practically an extension of your arm, so if you can swing it or find other ways to save money, it’s totally worth the upgrade.
The iPhone 12 series ranges in price from $699 to $1149 depending on which model you choose. Apple and most cell phone carriers offer payment plans, so you don’t have to pay for it all upfront. You can also trade in your phone or try to sell your old iPhone to help with the cost. And, if you’re feeling really ambitious, download some money making apps on your new iPhone 12 to offset the cost. This helps make the iPhone 12 a dream within reach!
We know that this is a lot to think about, but do you remember what life was like before the iPhone? Even your iPhone 6 is better than having to unfold a map every time you leave your house.
Should I buy an iPhone case?
Clearly, you’re reading this because you’re not an impulse buyer. But, once you buy a new phone, you then have to decide if you should get a case. Do you want to be a purist and leave your phone au naturel? Do you want some protection? Don’t let the decision fatigue get you down. We’ve got some tips for helping you decide if you should buy a phone case.
It’s always a little nerve wracking to pull out your brand new iPhone before you have a case on it. But, it’s such a shame to cover up the beautiful design of the iPhone 12 with a bulky case. Luckily, there is a compromise. Totallee’s thin, minimalist cases provide basic bump and scratch protection but will keep your iPhone looking like an iPhone. All totallee cases come with a 30-day money back guarantee and a 2-year warranty, so it’s a stress free purchase.
