Buy now or wait? Apple's new iPhone SE vs. the rumored 'iPhone 7'
It's one of the most common questions any prospective smartphone buyer asks: Should I buy now, or wait? The launch of the iPhone SE -- an uncharacteristic-for-Apple mid-cycle upgrade -- makes the answer slightly more complex this year.
tl;dr: If you prefer smaller phones, now is the time to buy the iPhone SE. If you want a larger screen and you can hold out, at this point you're probably better off waiting until September for the "iPhone 7" and skipping the iPhone 6s (or getting it at a discount).
It's been more than six months since the launch of the iPhone 6s. And while the iPhone 6s is a fantastic phone, we're now closer to the anticipated debut of an "iPhone 7" than we are to last year's launch of the iPhone 6s.
That puts prospective iPhone buyers in somewhat of a gray area. And for some, the launch of the iPhone SE may have muddied the waters even further.
For those unsure what to do, here's a helpful guide to deciding what's right for you.
The launch of the new 4-inch iPhone SE has generated some anxiety that Apple may not launch a new flagship model this fall. Don't worry: All indications are that a full-fledged "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" are still in the cards.
What's it expected to have? The real selling point for most could be an all-new design. Apple has historically introduced an entirely new chassis with number upgrades, and this year it's expected to continue that tradition.
Inside, you can expect the usual array of enhancements, including a next-generation "A10" processor. The larger 5.5-inch "iPhone 7 Plus" is also expected to have more RAM for even greater performance.
The cameras will also see an upgrade, with rumors suggesting Apple is working on a dual lens design that could greatly improve stability and image quality, while also potentially adding an optical zoom function.
In all, the "iPhone 7" is expected to be a healthy upgrade from the iPhone 6s and the iPhone SE, which feature many of the same components.
The newly launched 4-inch iPhone SE will likely remain in Apple's lineup for awhile -- Apple isn't expected to revamp that form factor this year. And it may not even touch it next year either.
So if you were holding out hope for a new 4-inch iPhone, right now is the time to buy. Apple's latest update is powerful and competitively priced, and it's expected to remain as-is through the end of 2016 and beyond.
You'll also save a fair amount of money: The iPhone SE starts at just $399, while it's likely the "iPhone 7" will carry Apple's typical entry price of $649. Saving $250 and getting a phone six months sooner is nothing to sneeze at.
But if you prefer a larger phone or you're a bleeding-edge type of user, the issue is a little more complex. Apple is expected to launch its new "iPhone 7" in September, putting us currently smack dab in the middle of the iPhone 6s cycle.
If you can wait, and you prefer larger (and better) screens on your iPhone, you probably want to put away your wallet and be patient. The "iPhone 7" is expected to be a big upgrade -- the biggest since the iPhone 6.
Why wait? Well, if you're looking for the best in mobile technology, and you've already made it this long without an iPhone 6s, you'll be happier if you hold off.
Of course, not everyone can wait. Maybe your old iPhone 5s finally bit the dust. Maybe you dropped your iPhone 6 in the ocean and the cost of repairing it is prohibitive, but you still need a smartphone for the next six months. Maybe you don't really care about the latest and greatest.
For those buyers, the iPhone 6s is a great choice. You'll be happy with it. Just don't develop a sense of buyers' remorse come September, because there's always something new around the corner.
Finally, let's touch on one persistent --?but unconfirmed -- rumor about the "iPhone 7." Namely, that it won't have a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack.
Even here, we think it's best to wait. If the "iPhone 7" truly does launch without a headphone jack, and that's a dealbreaker for you, the current iPhone 6s will almost assuredly drop in price by at least $100.
By waiting, you'll have the benefit of choosing between a new "iPhone 7," or a more affordable iPhone 6s. Given Apple's track record, that's likely to be a win-win situation.
Just remember: Patience is a virtue.
tl;dr: If you prefer smaller phones, now is the time to buy the iPhone SE. If you want a larger screen and you can hold out, at this point you're probably better off waiting until September for the "iPhone 7" and skipping the iPhone 6s (or getting it at a discount).
It's been more than six months since the launch of the iPhone 6s. And while the iPhone 6s is a fantastic phone, we're now closer to the anticipated debut of an "iPhone 7" than we are to last year's launch of the iPhone 6s.
That puts prospective iPhone buyers in somewhat of a gray area. And for some, the launch of the iPhone SE may have muddied the waters even further.
For those unsure what to do, here's a helpful guide to deciding what's right for you.
Yes, there will still be an "iPhone 7" this fall
The launch of the new 4-inch iPhone SE has generated some anxiety that Apple may not launch a new flagship model this fall. Don't worry: All indications are that a full-fledged "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" are still in the cards.
What's it expected to have? The real selling point for most could be an all-new design. Apple has historically introduced an entirely new chassis with number upgrades, and this year it's expected to continue that tradition.
Inside, you can expect the usual array of enhancements, including a next-generation "A10" processor. The larger 5.5-inch "iPhone 7 Plus" is also expected to have more RAM for even greater performance.
The cameras will also see an upgrade, with rumors suggesting Apple is working on a dual lens design that could greatly improve stability and image quality, while also potentially adding an optical zoom function.
In all, the "iPhone 7" is expected to be a healthy upgrade from the iPhone 6s and the iPhone SE, which feature many of the same components.
Sizing up your options
The newly launched 4-inch iPhone SE will likely remain in Apple's lineup for awhile -- Apple isn't expected to revamp that form factor this year. And it may not even touch it next year either.
So if you were holding out hope for a new 4-inch iPhone, right now is the time to buy. Apple's latest update is powerful and competitively priced, and it's expected to remain as-is through the end of 2016 and beyond.
You'll also save a fair amount of money: The iPhone SE starts at just $399, while it's likely the "iPhone 7" will carry Apple's typical entry price of $649. Saving $250 and getting a phone six months sooner is nothing to sneeze at.
But if you prefer a larger phone or you're a bleeding-edge type of user, the issue is a little more complex. Apple is expected to launch its new "iPhone 7" in September, putting us currently smack dab in the middle of the iPhone 6s cycle.
Timing, timing, timing
If you can wait, and you prefer larger (and better) screens on your iPhone, you probably want to put away your wallet and be patient. The "iPhone 7" is expected to be a big upgrade -- the biggest since the iPhone 6.
Why wait? Well, if you're looking for the best in mobile technology, and you've already made it this long without an iPhone 6s, you'll be happier if you hold off.
Of course, not everyone can wait. Maybe your old iPhone 5s finally bit the dust. Maybe you dropped your iPhone 6 in the ocean and the cost of repairing it is prohibitive, but you still need a smartphone for the next six months. Maybe you don't really care about the latest and greatest.
For those buyers, the iPhone 6s is a great choice. You'll be happy with it. Just don't develop a sense of buyers' remorse come September, because there's always something new around the corner.
The headphone factor
Finally, let's touch on one persistent --?but unconfirmed -- rumor about the "iPhone 7." Namely, that it won't have a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack.
Even here, we think it's best to wait. If the "iPhone 7" truly does launch without a headphone jack, and that's a dealbreaker for you, the current iPhone 6s will almost assuredly drop in price by at least $100.
By waiting, you'll have the benefit of choosing between a new "iPhone 7," or a more affordable iPhone 6s. Given Apple's track record, that's likely to be a win-win situation.
Just remember: Patience is a virtue.
Comments
The money I save, not getting the 7, will pay for an AppleWatch for running the trails. Really need the HR monitor!
Currently running a 4s on Ting.
My cellphone bill is averaging $30/mo. As John Lennon used to say...."Dig it!"
Best.
- No antenna lines
- No ugly camera bump
Pretty novel approach to innovation, let's break something first, then fix it with pride.
In my experience the vast majority who get the 16 GB model of the latest handset are teenagers and they use phones the most. Therefore, and for other reasons a 16 GB 7 iPhone in 2016 is a poor product and Apple should not offer it for sale. The flagship iPhone this September should start with 32 GB. Apple already has the SE if customers want a more budget iPhone. No excuses for Schiller if it pans out like this and anyone who defends Apple on this will only embarrass themselves.
Personally I think iPhone 7 should start with 64 GB and offer 128 (add 100) and 256 (add 249, ~€1,000).
iPhones are no longer used like phones and should be viewed as computers. A 16 GB flagship iPhone computer in 2016 should not exist.
Just as 64 GB was too small for MBA before Apple killed-off that model, 16 GB is (or will be) too small for a €699 phone from the apparent-best product company in the world in 2016. The experience is too bad for too many people.
For Apple to be about the best experience 32 GB should be the base model iPhone 7. But like I say, I think 64 GB should be the base iPhone 7. It would be worshipped by reviewers (and customers) if the base offering is 64 GB and battery life was much improved at current iPhone 6s body-thickness. These low-hanging fruit are begging to be picked. I'm certainly not naive enough to think a base 64 GB model will happen however.
Most parents and grandparents that I know LOVE to take pictures and shoot video of their kids and grandkids. Teenagers take selfies with the low resolution camera. You would be surprised how many adults love and enjoy using their iPhones.
I assume you don't run a company that makes products? If you did, you might understand how pricing and margins work. You create a device with specifications to meet the projected margins you want to achieve. This is the actual "base" model. Then you say, "What can we do to offer a cheaper model - but make sure it isn't as appealing in order to enable up-selling? Then to make up for the loss of margins from that model, we'll also offer a higher end model."
The 16GB model serves a clearly defined purpose; a less expensive entry model for those who don't need a lot of storage - it's that simple. You don't have to have a ton of storage if you're not interested in storing massive amounts of data on the device. The two biggest storage hogs are media (mainly movies) and gaming. Where might neither of these ever be needed in a mobile device? I'd guess the biggest market would be the enterprise where most data is accessed and stored in the company's cloud infrastructure and apps are created specifically for it.
Would it be nice if Apple decided to bump up the storage space on all of its devices? Yes it would. Who wouldn't want more for less? However, I believe before Apple ever does that, it'll bump up the amount iCloud storage it gives its users for free.
I'm thinking the SE model will be around for at least two years and the price will remain as is until it is finally upgraded. At that point, I doubt Apple will keep it around at lower price, just as with the 5S, they'll want to dump it in favor of pushing the latest SoC. Which is what this new model is all about, making sure it lasts. By keeping around older technology, you can sell for less, but you also eventually hold yourself back from needing to support those older devices. As of right now, everything Apple sells has at least an A8 with 1GB RAM (except the iPad mini 2 which has an A7). In three years time this will be the minimum requirements for iOS.
If 32GB is true, you may not see 64GB but 128GB for the next tier and maybe 256GB for top tier with $150 jump for each tier. You see that in iPad Pro; you may see it in iPhone. Who knows? Apple may not release iPhone 7 this Fall but iPhone Pro (even the name sounds stupid) with no antenna line or camera hump and 5.8" screen.
There won't be a small iPhone 7.
If you want a small iPhone, buy an SE right now.
Pretty simple.
But to answer the premise of this article:
If you're still using a 4, 4S, 5 or 5S because you like a smaller screen but want a faster phone with a better camera - iPhone SE
If you're using a 6 because you want a faster phone AND a larger screen - iPhone 7
If you're using a 6S, but absolutely have to have the latest and greatest right now before anyone else, and don't care about expense - iPhone 7
If you want a 4 inch iPhone, buy now. If you want a 4.7 or 5.5 inch iPhone, wait a few months and get the 7 or 7 Plus. It's that simple.
Ridiculous comment. The storage amount has nothing to do with the device's performance only how much stuff you can store on it. So, the only bad experience will be for those who neeed more storage. Some people don't take a lot of photos or if they do offload them to a computer or cloud storage. Some people only stream videos and never download videos and if they do, they delete it when it's finished. Some people have a handful of games they play. There are many customers for whom 16GB is plenty. 16GB may not be enough for you, but stop projecting your use case on the entire customer base.