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iPhone XS Max Staying The Course (Financial/Math Based Logic - Read "NOT" Emotional)
- Thread starter Wide opeN
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This is a great overview, thanks OP.
I actually did so something to substantially lower the price of both my iPhone and iPad purchases on Friday with this line of thinking in mind, but in more with of a Robin Hood course of action haha.
My bro-in-law, nephew and father all were on 6, 6 Plus, and 6S Plus phones respectively. Knowing that the 6 wouldn’t be receiving feature and security updates any longer (besides the potentially catastrophic ones) led me on a carrier crusade against AT&T. We’ve been customers since my mother got the first cell in family in ‘94 with AirTouch. Never made a payment late in 25 years with two different accounts. I got on the horn with retentions and instructed them on this as they were running their free iPhone 8 program, but only for new customers. Long story short — they got iPhone 8 and 8 Plus’ for free (when you’re firm but polite with retentions, it’s amazing what they can do for you when they want to keep your 8 lines of service). With that, their current iPhones were done, so they allowed me to take them in for trade-in for myself for getting them new-to-them free iPhones that can run iOS 13 beautifully.
Then, a client of my mother’s heard from her about this and they asked me if I could help them do the same — they’ve been with AT&T for 20 years. So I helped them through retentions and got them a similar deal (heavily discounted XR and XS phones). For compensation, they gave me their older 6S Plus and 7 Plus iPhones (2 each, 4 in total). With that I traded them all in to Apple for convenience (I know I could’ve gotten more through Swappa or Craigslist, but it was the Wednesday before 11 Pro preorder and I had no intention of running a mini-business selling old iPhones lol).
When I went in to trade in at the store, I could tell the worker was questioning how I got all these devices on this face lol. I told him my story and he called me a Genius hahaha. Well, I surely left money on the table if I had of just sold them all myself, yeah, but if time allocation has a price, I happily paid it to get all of that done in 30 minutes vs. 30 days.
All in all, and with my own iPad 2018 trade in, I traded in a total of $1,040 worth of older Apple gear and was able to get my new 11 Pro unlocked and iPad Air on education discount with the free Beats for educators for just over $475 out the door. I plan on keeping these for years and both will move down the line in the family!
This is a great overview, thanks OP.
I actually did so something to substantially lower the price of both my iPhone and iPad purchases on Friday with this line of thinking in mind, but in more with of a Robin Hood course of action haha.
My bro-in-law, nephew and father all were on 6, 6 Plus, and 6S Plus phones respectively. Knowing that the 6 wouldn’t be receiving feature and security updates any longer (besides the potentially catastrophic ones) led me on a carrier crusade against AT&T. We’ve been customers since my mother got the first cell in family in ‘94 with AirTouch. Never made a payment late in 25 years with two different accounts. I got on the horn with retentions and instructed them on this as they were running their free iPhone 8 program, but only for new customers. Long story short — they got iPhone 8 and 8 Plus’ for free (when you’re firm but polite with retentions, it’s amazing what they can do for you when they want to keep your 8 lines of service). With that, their current iPhones were done, so they allowed me to take them in for trade-in for myself for getting them new-to-them free iPhones that can run iOS 13 beautifully.
Then, a client of my mother’s heard from her about this and they asked me if I could help them do the same — they’ve been with AT&T for 20 years. So I helped them through retentions and got them a similar deal (heavily discounted XR and XS phones). For compensation, they gave me their older 6S Plus and 7 Plus iPhones (2 each, 4 in total). With that I traded them all in to Apple for convenience (I know I could’ve gotten more through Swappa or Craigslist, but it was the Wednesday before 11 Pro preorder and I had no intention of running a mini-business selling old iPhones lol).
When I went in to trade in at the store, I could tell the worker was questioning how I got all these devices on this face lol. I told him my story and he called me a Genius hahaha. Well, I surely left money on the table if I had of just sold them all myself, yeah, but if time allocation has a price, I happily paid it to get all of that done in 30 minutes vs. 30 days.
All in all, and with my own iPad 2018 trade in, I traded in a total of $1,040 worth of older Apple gear and was able to get my new 11 Pro unlocked and iPad Air on education discount with the free Beats for educators for just over $475 out the door. I plan on keeping these for years and both will move down the line in the family!
My wife and I have been annual upgraders since our first iPhones, the iPhone 3G. We get a lot of use out of our phones, and we appreciate great photos. Upgrading annually was always a luxury but it was one that was well worth it to us. We currently have the XS and XS Max.
But this year we’ve finally said enough with the annual upgrading. Our reasons:
My plan is to wait two more years (total of three), but in all likelihood we’ll give in next year.
However I will never criticize someone who upgrades annually. Each person gets to choose their own indulgence. I have no problem with that.
But this year we’ve finally said enough with the annual upgrading. Our reasons:
- iPhones are getting really really good now. They are faster than they need to be. They have edge to edge displays. The cameras are amazing. I used to be able to justify upgrading because the CPU was struggling or the camera could be better or the newest phone was a big redesign, but that’s not the case anymore. The XS Max will be a great phone even in its third year.
- Upgrading used to cost a whole lot less and the phones held their valve better.
- Upgrading might be the equivalent monthly cost of a decent meal out or whatever, but we are eating out too and there’s a billion other things to spend money on. It all adds up. So we’re trying to be more sensible.
My plan is to wait two more years (total of three), but in all likelihood we’ll give in next year.
However I will never criticize someone who upgrades annually. Each person gets to choose their own indulgence. I have no problem with that.
E-X-A-C-T-L-Y. There's a lot of generalizations being thrown around about people who upgrade every year. Paying $60 a month for the enjoyment of upgrading every year is more than worth it to me.
Yeah, like some people, keeping your phone mint & battery health high (so don't charge like a goon) for one whole year is the way to go. Then sell that mint phone and use the moneys towards the latest & greatest. Will probably cost yearly around $300. Way better than the IUP.
I have cash in hand for Apple, but their oled messes with my head so I’m still waiting for a breakthrough. That’s how I saved $1300 this year.
This has been a great discussion so far... on BOTH sides.
Conversely, I don't know if there's a name for it but I find the longer I hold on to my device the more I fall in love with that specific individual device. I gradually stop caring about scratches, battery health, etc and just start to enjoy the device that much more.
It really is liberating... to be into all the latest tech, but not "have" to indulge... It's like walking a tight rope or something, or looking over a cliff without falling. I'm actually loving this space I'm in right about now.
Conversely, I don't know if there's a name for it but I find the longer I hold on to my device the more I fall in love with that specific individual device. I gradually stop caring about scratches, battery health, etc and just start to enjoy the device that much more.
It really is liberating... to be into all the latest tech, but not "have" to indulge... It's like walking a tight rope or something, or looking over a cliff without falling. I'm actually loving this space I'm in right about now.
Biggest ways to save money on these things.
1 - Keep it longer to spread out the cost.
2 - Do not buy at launch. Wait a few months for sales. Of course this year, there were lots of deals during launch week. Would guess even better down the road.
3 - Buy each model just after the next one comes out. Prices usually drop quite a bit then.
As a few posters here have shared, their IPHONE6 still does a great job.
1 - Keep it longer to spread out the cost.
2 - Do not buy at launch. Wait a few months for sales. Of course this year, there were lots of deals during launch week. Would guess even better down the road.
3 - Buy each model just after the next one comes out. Prices usually drop quite a bit then.
As a few posters here have shared, their IPHONE6 still does a great job.
It's kind of funny when you think about how we each see things so differently, and I for one agree with your thought on this subject. If more people would take the same approach maybe prices wouldn't sky rocket so quick.
I wish I could more understand the excitement and thinking so many have who dream of upgrading every year or so and do just that. I hate having payments, so when I have a need to upgrade most times I pay up front. Lastly..I'm sure Apple loves us all, maybe some more than others. Just my 2 cents on the topic.
I agree, and while I'm no economist, I think we saw that in action with supposedly slow sales of the XS and XR and subsequent tweaking of the naming and pricing that followed. There's a finite limit to how high prices can go while wages have remained flat over the last 12 years of iPhone releases. Adjustments to that are likely slow but will become clear in hindsight a few more years down the road... maybe even this year will signal to Apple whether its found its ceiling/floor for pricing for now.
Apple made some of their lower-end models less expensive this year. They also released their new subscription services (Apple Arcade and TV+) at very competitive price points. I think they've found their near-term ceiling. Also remember that the OLED phone models are considered their high-end "luxury" phones. They aren't meant for everybody, and they don't expect most people to upgrade the Pro models every year, though some will. For the average person, the non-pro models are more reasonably priced and the phone of choice. In either case, these phones are made to last at least three years.
Apple used to just offer one new phone model each year, and that was it. And they were not so packed with power and features for their time as today's models. I remember right after buying the iPhone 6+ that I found the CPU to be lacking. I couldn't wait to upgrade it when the 6S + came out. It's sure not that way anymore.
Apple used to just offer one new phone model each year, and that was it. And they were not so packed with power and features for their time as today's models. I remember right after buying the iPhone 6+ that I found the CPU to be lacking. I couldn't wait to upgrade it when the 6S + came out. It's sure not that way anymore.
I have been upgrading, paying full price, unlocked, each year, since the iPhone 7, and subsidized locked to AT&T for even longer. Really the subsidized price was a no-brainer. The subsidy was something close to $400 every two years, and that was not something you paid in to, it was use it or lose it.
A single phone in my family, lasts 5 years, so far. The oldest phone in use, currently, is the iPhone 6 Plus, which soon will be replaced with the 6S Plus. I think the 6S Plus was the last subsidized phone from AT&T, @ $399...
Given a phone lasts 5 years, and the cost for an X class (250GB), is $1250 after tax, that amounts to, $250/year or $21/mo. Worst case scenario.
It's still a lot of money. I paid $250 for a Sony Ericsson 810w with 2yr contract, back in 2005. I felt really bad about that at the time. I guess its a matter of perspective.
In my situation, if I don't get a new phone, and the way we have it arranged, the person who has the iPhone 6, is stuck with an unsupported iPhone and an insecure iOS 12. When I do update, 5 family members get a new and upgraded phone, to them, with the most current iOS 13 and whatever new features that may bring.
Another perspective is to buy 5 iPhone 11 Pros, and use them for 5 years, before getting the then new model. 5 years is a long time. At the tail end of that, who knows what problems we would be facing with some or all of them. At least with my current situation I am buying one a year and then everyone feels an iterative bump every 12 months. I don't see that as a bad thing.
I think three to four years is just about as long as one person can take with the same iPhone.
My habits will change, if and when my kids are old enough to decide on their own to buy a new model, instead of getting a free hand-me-down. So far, everyone seems to be happy.
A single phone in my family, lasts 5 years, so far. The oldest phone in use, currently, is the iPhone 6 Plus, which soon will be replaced with the 6S Plus. I think the 6S Plus was the last subsidized phone from AT&T, @ $399...
Given a phone lasts 5 years, and the cost for an X class (250GB), is $1250 after tax, that amounts to, $250/year or $21/mo. Worst case scenario.
It's still a lot of money. I paid $250 for a Sony Ericsson 810w with 2yr contract, back in 2005. I felt really bad about that at the time. I guess its a matter of perspective.
In my situation, if I don't get a new phone, and the way we have it arranged, the person who has the iPhone 6, is stuck with an unsupported iPhone and an insecure iOS 12. When I do update, 5 family members get a new and upgraded phone, to them, with the most current iOS 13 and whatever new features that may bring.
Another perspective is to buy 5 iPhone 11 Pros, and use them for 5 years, before getting the then new model. 5 years is a long time. At the tail end of that, who knows what problems we would be facing with some or all of them. At least with my current situation I am buying one a year and then everyone feels an iterative bump every 12 months. I don't see that as a bad thing.
I think three to four years is just about as long as one person can take with the same iPhone.
My habits will change, if and when my kids are old enough to decide on their own to buy a new model, instead of getting a free hand-me-down. So far, everyone seems to be happy.
All I know, is it feels good to be holding the power by fully owning my device. I'm the one doing the dictating.
I've decided to vote with my wallet.
I've decided to vote with my wallet.
I had to revive this thread, as I've been growing weak lately. So happy I made it.
I am strong again, lol...
I am strong again, lol...
I enjoy upgrading every 2 years on average and find I get more enjoyment from a device that way. Upgrading every year for me would make it less appealing to be honest. I don’t have the bug for wanting the latest and greatest anymore and I’ve found what Apple now offers in their mid tier is plenty good enough for people like me, the average consumer. Phones aren’t as exciting as they used to be and any iPhone you get these days will be powerful and feature packed enough.
Yea that's the point. I don't care about daily lattes but I like to have modern tech. Some would rather have coffee or whatever else daily. Now if you choose them all, that is definitely an issue.
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I always ponder going to DE whenever I want the new iPhone but always think it won't be worth the gas and tolls and such.
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Good I don't have the willpower, but I also don't complain about the price as I hand Apple more $$$.
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Especially when a phone is only one of the bunch of things with prices rising faster than wages.
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I upgrade when I feel like it lol
I didn't have the X, but I got the XS Max and now I went to the 11 Pro because I wanted something more portable and not like a brick in my pocket.
I make a good living and treating myself to a new piece of tech when I want it is good enough for me. Like someone else stated people like to spend their money on different things like pets. My ex spent thousands on his dogs when we dated. I'd rather spend money on stuff I like (Sorry pet owners lol)
I didn't have the X, but I got the XS Max and now I went to the 11 Pro because I wanted something more portable and not like a brick in my pocket.
I make a good living and treating myself to a new piece of tech when I want it is good enough for me. Like someone else stated people like to spend their money on different things like pets. My ex spent thousands on his dogs when we dated. I'd rather spend money on stuff I like (Sorry pet owners lol)
You could be like me. I just bought a new iPhone 7 Plus for 350. That 350 will last me at least 3 years. That’s only a little over 100 per year. At the end of that cycle I will buy a new several generations old phone again. You can say whatever you want but the fact is my older phone will place calls, texts , emails, web browse and take pics just like the 1250 dollar phone.
I still can't find one thing the iPhone 11 does that my 6S doesn't do enough. I never buy a phone for its camera (I would prefer a DSLR over a crappy phone camera) anyway so if that's the only real improvement I'll save the $1000 and be happy. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I still like home buttons and headphones that are wired when my Bluetooth ones die.
I no longer have a real carrier plan (read: I'm on prepaid now) and I would rather buy outright over being locked into a 2-year payment plan.
I no longer have a real carrier plan (read: I'm on prepaid now) and I would rather buy outright over being locked into a 2-year payment plan.
Honestly, I only upgraded from my iPhone 7 for band 71 on T-Mobile and Face ID as I hate the home button.
Everything after that is just icing. My OP has renewed my strength. I don't mind the pricing as much anymore; however, I do like being in control.
I'll continue to indulge from afar ?
Everything after that is just icing. My OP has renewed my strength. I don't mind the pricing as much anymore; however, I do like being in control.
I'll continue to indulge from afar ?
Doesn't Face ID require a swipe up though? I don't think I'd like having a nasty swipe mark on my screen after I unlock my phone.