The catalog of iPhones that are available continues to grow, and if you don’t keep up it can become difficult to tell them apart. Despite this, a new iPhone launch is an exciting time, with each new model providing a range of updated features and design changes.
If you’re looking to purchase an iPhone, whether it’s your first one even or an upgrade – you likely have some questions.
Not to worry though, because we’ve put together 8 tips for choosing the best iPhone to suit your own needs and budget.
Let’s jump right in:
Weigh Up Your Budget & Usage
This is probably the easiest point on our list, and you may even know exactly where you fall on this spectrum.
Some people make a point of having all of the latest technology and having the budget to actually do it. If you’re one of those people, then it’s likely that the newest iPhone is always the best for you.
Of course, some people are the complete opposite – extra features, increased storage, and higher resolutions mean nothing to them, and they hate the idea of spending a lot of money on a phone. For people like this, a refurbished iPhone 7 would more likely be the most economical way to go.
Of course, the vast majority of people fall somewhere in the middle, which is why it’s best to figure out exactly where you stand – decide how much you’d be willing to spend each month, and what you need/want your phone to do – and then stick to that.
Choose Your Moment
Timing is important when choosing a new phone. It is almost always best to upgrade around the time a brand-new iPhone comes out.
If you want the newest phone, this is a no-brainer, but even other models tend to drop in price at around this time.
If you time it right, you might well find that another new model launches just when your contract ends.
On the other hand, if you time it wrong, you might find yourself signing up for a 2-year contract on a phone that would have dropped in price in another month or two.
Consider How Much Storage You Need
One potential downside that iPhones have compared to other phones is the fact you cannot upgrade your storage.
However, by choosing the right storage in the first place, or using cloud storage solutions, you can essentially make this a complete nonissue.
It’s certainly best to consider your past usage before buying an iPhone, however, as there is no point paying extra for larger storage capacity if you won’t use it. On the other hand, if you previously had a specific and found you kept running out of space, then it’s definitely worth investing in a larger one this time around.
Check iOS Compatibility
Often, going for an older iPhone can be a smart idea for saving money.
However, if you go for one that’s too old, you may find that it no longer receives iOS updates.
These phones are usually more headache than they are worth, as you’re likely to find issues with slowdown, functionality, and even app compatibility.
This is something you should be aware of before making a decision so that you can avoid going for a phone that you’ll end up wanting to upgrade again after a short time.
Consider a Refurbished iPhone
Many people forget this is an option and weigh up the prices of brand-new phones alone.
But actually, you can save a lot of money by going for a refurbished iPhone, especially if it is from a respectable seller who tests the phones and guarantees similar quality as a brand new phone.
This route may allow you to go for the newest, flashiest iPhone, even if you’re someone who otherwise couldn’t afford to do so!
Consider Network Differences
This doesn’t relate directly to which iPhone you choose but is still one of the most important decisions you can make when purchasing one.
The first thing you’ll need to consider is coverage – while most networks have good coverage these days, there are still differences, and you could be in for a bad time if you choose a provider with bad reception in the area around your home or workplace.
Of course, pricing is a factor too, with equivalent contracts being priced differently with different suppliers. This is without taking other variables like long-term customer discounts (or switching discounts!) into account too, so take the time to check what each network can offer you.
These days, many networks offer additional benefits too such as discounted Apple Music, games consoles, and more.
Don’t forget SIM Only Deals!
You might be reading this guide thinking “all of these phones sound great but my current one is fine and I don’t really want to change it”.
If this sounds like you, your best option may well be a SIM-only deal.
This allows you to pay for the SIM card only and continue using your own handset.
This is often a huge saving over upgrading to a new phone, but there are downsides too – your phone is entirely your responsibility at this point with no warranty or coverage to speak of, so if it’s damaged you may need to buy an entirely new one.
There is also the fact that as your SIM contract gets towards its end, your phone will be very old.
If your priority is saving money and you don’t care about constantly upgrading your phone, this may be a great route for you, however.
Are You a Button Person?
One of the most controversial changes from recent iPhones is the removal of the Home button.
For some people, this is a revolution that improves their viewing space and turns the iPhone into a true widescreen experience.
For others, this is a huge step back who feel the Home button was a necessary tactile aspect of the phone.
Maybe you belong to neither group and don’t really care, but if you do swing one way or the other, this is a crucial part of your decision, and going for the wrong phone could lead to 2 years of annoyance.
That’s it for our list, but keep your eyes here for more tips on choosing the best iPhone for you!
I’m finding that the 64GB is getting a bit stretched these days, I’ll probably go 128GB next time. Refurbished also seems a good way to save money. Great article, thanks for sharing.