I’m seeking advice from the hive mind on why you might recommend a one iPhone over another based on my usage as described below. I understand that the choice is personal and influenced by various factors, but any input will be valuable as I may be overlooking certain considerations. So, thanks in advance!
As unusual as it may sound, money isn’t a significant factor. While it’s not entirely irrelevant, it’s not the deciding factor.
I take photos, but I’m not currently using the iPhone for “real photography” work. However, I might restart my photography hobby in a few years and focus on mastering the iPhone for “real” photography rather than my DSLR and expensive lenses. I’m aware that the iPhone can’t replicate the capabilities of a DSLR or DSLM.
My primary phone usage includes making calls (yes, I make calls!), FaceTime, catching up on the news, texting, dictating short emails, checking my calendar and reminders, adding notes to Notes or tasks to Reminders, and using CarPlay. I don’t game, rarely take videos, and try to minimize phone usage.
I travel four to five times a year.
I prefer the screen size of my iPhone 13 Pro Max, but I dislike its bulk.
I use a MagSafe wallet attached to my phone case. While I don’t particularly like carrying a separate wallet, I’d consider it if I could find a really good, thin wallet that can accommodate four to five cards.
Until recently, as my 13 is getting older, I never ran out of juice because I charge my phone every night. The exception is when I’m traveling and have a particularly long day of flying, especially with delays.
I’ve always used a case, but I’d love not to. That said, despite dropping my phone a few times (with a case on it), I’ve never scratched or broken its screen, or a screen on any of my previously owned phones. I’m very careful with my stuff. In fact, my 13 looks brand new when I take it out of the case.
I’m intrigued by the iPhone Air, but I have two concerns: 1) the camera downgrade may be too significant, even considering my limited photography use, and 2) I’m worried about its battery life when traveling. However, I could purchase the MagSafe battery pack for when I’m traveling.
I haven’t seen the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max in person, but I think I like the orange color. However, if I keep it in a case, that hardly matters.
I plan to go to the store to look at them all before purchasing, but I’m going to wait for crowds to thin out before I do. In the meantime, any thoughts that might help me make a better decision?
I think you should try the Air. Slightly bigger screen than the regular pro with less weight. I travel a lot and don’t understand people’s battery life concerns. I charge my iPhone overnight and give it a quick charge during flights or in rental cars.
I thought of a more recent example - the music festival my wife and I are at right now. This is the more unusual case for me where there is no access to power readily available AND where our phones are in very frequent use. Answer: I have an Anker Slim battery and a lightning cable in my (very small) festival bag. It was able to top off both of our phones yesterday with plenty to spare. I would have regretted making my phone buying decision for something that happens so few times per year and, on those occasions, is so easy to work around.
I frequently had days when I was on a single call for several hours. And have taken trips when my only chance to charge my phone was at night using a single outlet shared with multiple users.
My solution in years past was an iPhone in one back pocket connected to a spare battery in the other. I plan to buy a MagSafe battery pack for my 16 Pro before my next trip.
I highly recommend the Bellroy Hide and Seek wallet. It easily holds 5 cards, stays slim and still looks like a classy men’s wallet, not a high tech card case.
spare. I would have regretted making my phone buying decision for something that happens so few times per year and, on those occasions, is so easy to work around.
That is a good point and a helpful reminder, thank you.
I just did a comparison of the Air, Pro, and Pro Max. The Air is amazingly well equipped, better than I anticipated. After reviewing the camera specs and implications for photos and videos, I don’t need those features. I’ve definitely narrowed this down to the Air and Pro Max. I suspect a visit to the store will settle the question for me. If I go with the Air, I’ll get a MagSafe battery pack—either from Apple or Anker.
Surprisingly, depending on use in a given day, I’m still getting through the day on my 13. It shows 86% capacity. That seems pretty good considering its age.
I’ve had a Spigen clear TPU case on my iPhone 16 since I got it last September and it’s held up. If it’s not still “crystal clear” it’s pretty darn close, and it’s protected the phone well.
I’m on the same boat, use the phone for same tasks as you, and definitely don’t need pro features, hate the bulk of Pro Max models, and the 16 Plus is lighter, you keep the benefy of its two cameras, great battery life and also a very modern chip and architecture.
Also, the MagSafe charger could me more compatible that the Air one (the charger is exclusive to that model)
I used their original wallets for several years, and gave one to my brother in law after he asked where he could get one.
I stopped using cash during covid and now just carry one credit card and my driver’s license in a distilunion MagSafe wallet most days. I keep my medicare, medical insurance, and HSA cards, & paperwork, etc. in a separate “boomer goes to the doctor” wallet.
I got one of these slim cork card cases to tuck into my camera bag instead of my regular wallet. I liked it so much I ditched the wallet and now just use this instead. I carry four - six cards plus a couple of folded up $20’s and it’s all I need.
It looks as though you have listed everything you use your phone for. What is the IPhone 13 not doing that your requirement list outlines? Do you need a new phone or want a new phone?
