Time to Upgrade That Phone?

Too many to chose from? Let me help simplify.

You've been limping along with that 10-year-old iPhone 4 with the cracked screen and apps that are so out of date they don't even open.  You've been thinking of getting a new phone, but aren't sure which one is right for you.  It can feel overwhelming, I know.  I study these phones, and even I have a hard time keeping up!  But with Apple's new iPhone launches this year, I think I can bring the picture into focus and help you find one that is right for you.  Note:  I've decided to review only the new iPhones here, instead of the latest Androids.  There seem to be about a million different Android phones out there, and trying to discern their differences is a topic for another day.

What make this year's new iPhones significant are three things:  features, size, and price.  This spring, Apple released the iPhone SE (2020/2nd edition).  Then, at the end of October, they announced the iPhone 12.  Here's a quick rundown of what makes this so intriguing.

1.  Features:  Both phones have very nice cameras--especially the iPhone 12 Pro, with its telephoto lens, night mode, and 4x optical zoom range.  Both phones are made to withstand damage more than ever.  The iPhone SE is water resistant under 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, and the iPhone 12 can stay under that length of time at 6 meters.  The iPhone 12 also is made of tougher materials to protect it from the occasional drop on the floor.  

The 12 uses facial recognition to unlock it (like the iPhone 11 and 10).  The SE still has the Home Button for fingerprint ID (like the iPhone8 on back).  Many of my clients prefer the home button, as they find it easier to unlock and navigate back to the home screen.  Best of all, both phones are lightning fast, and they run the most current operating software, with the most secure updates.  

2.  Size:  This is something I've been waiting for for a while now–smaller physical size.  Remember when cell phones first came out, it was cool to see how small we could get them?  Then somewhere along the way, they kept growing and growing, until you felt like you were holding an iPad up to your ear.  Well, the iPhone SE is the same size as the iPhone 8 at 5.45" with a 4.7" display.  The iPhone 12 comes in 3 sizes:  Regular, Max, and Mini.  The regular size is just a little taller than the iPhone 8, but the Mini is only 5.18" tall, making it the smallest new iPhone available.  It's roughly the same size as your old iPhone 4.

For me, I like putting the phone in my pocket, so the smaller the better.  However, I now wear progressive lenses on my eyes, so the Max size may be in my near future.    Whatever your preference, you can now find an iPhone size to fit your needs.

3.  Price:  For the past few years it felt like, if you wanted a new iPhone, you were going to have to pay about $1000.  Now, fortunately, Apple offers a more diverse pricing lineup.  You can still by the top-of-the-line model for over a grand, but the iPhone 12 mini starts at $699.  The iPhone SE, at $399.  I've even had several clients purchase the SE from Consumer Cellular for $250!  (It's also worth mentioning that Apple's models in between, like the iPhone 11 can be had for a good price too, starting at $599.)

So, which one is best for you?  If you enjoy photography and want the ability to take professional-looking pics and videos, one of the iPhone 12 models may be your best bet.  If you prefer a good, standard phone that does calls, texts, emails, and web browsing well–at a reasonable price–then the iPhone SE might be your choice–especially if you still prefer to use the Home Button.  Any way you slice it, Apple has made it much more enticing for us to retire our old phones.

As always, let me know if you'd like help picking one out, setting it up, and/or teaching you the fun things you can do with it!