Should you wait for iPhone 15 or upgrade to earlier models now?
The iPhone 15 series is reportedly coming soon, and you may wonder—is this the best time to upgrade to earlier models or wait for the latest kind?
The next Apple event, scheduled for Sept. 13, 1 p.m. (Manila time), may reportedly introduce the new iPhone series, and it is expected to be one of the "best-released iPhones" over the years. According to predictions, the iPhone 15 series will come with several features Apple aficionados have long been waiting for.
For starters, the iPhone 15 series will reportedly up its built, with a titanium frame which is entirely different from its current stainless steel body.
When it comes to the design, the upcoming lineup is expected to have slightly thinner bezels and rounder edges. Dynamic Island is another feature that each of the models is expected to have, unlike last year when the feature is limited to only iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
Under the hood, each of the iPhone 15 models will reportedly boast an A16 Bionic chip currently found only in the iPhone 14 Pro series. When it comes to shooting photographs, the entire iPhone 15 series is expected to produce sharper and brighter images with its 48MP main shooter also currently exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
For a major game changer, the new series is expected to ditch its Lightning port for a USB-C for improved interconnectivity, but will still have the Lightning-equivalent speed.
Its Pro version is expected to additionally feature a periscope camera that will enable users to do an optical zoom when taking photos. And just like previous models, the starting price of the iPhone 15 series may be more or less P60,000.
Now that we’re days from its reported—not to mention much-awaited—release, you may want to think about whether to wait for the iPhone 15 or settle with purchasing earlier models, particularly the iPhone 14 or iPhone 13. After all, how much of a difference do they really make?
To guide you in getting the most out of your buck, PhilSTAR L!fe rounded up below the things you should consider before ditching your good 'ol trusty handset for a new iPhone.
Features
iPhone 14 has four varieties to choose from: base 14, Pro, Pro Max, and the comeback of its “Plus” model, which allows consumers to enjoy a larger screen without the need to spend much as compared to the Pro versions.
It is powered by an A15 Bionic chip, a 6‑core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores, a better display with its 5‑core GPU, and a 16-core neutral engine.
It will also come in handy for unfortunate events with its Emergency SOS via satellite messaging, as well as crash detections.
The iPhone 14 Pro version, meanwhile, has a 48-megapixel sensor on the main camera that's also physically larger than its predecessor. This would enable you to capture better photos in its zoomed mode and at nighttime.
It also boasts a Dynamic Island feature—a first in the iPhone lineup—that allows users to have a real-time update from apps without having to open the actual app. It is also built with ProMotion technology and an Always-On display that would not drain too much of your battery.
The iPhone 13 series, meanwhile also has four versions: its base 13, Pro, Pro Max, and its Mini version—seemingly the parallel of the new Plus version in iPhone 14, but obviously bigger. Unlike the iPhone 14 Plus, the iPhone 13 Mini sports a 5.4-inch display that will allow you to enjoy the handset's features without straining your hand too much.
Like the iPhone 14, it is also powered by an A15 Bionic chip, a 6‑core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores, 16‑core neutral engine, but it only has a 4‑core GPU as compared to the 14’s 5-core.
The iPhone 13 Pro version introduces the Cinematic Mode, a way to shoot videos with a shallow depth of field so you can keep your subject in focus.
It also boasts a ProMotion feature that has up to 120hz compared to the standard 60hz, allowing you to have a smooth experience in scrolling and/or navigating between apps.
Prices
Apart from the features, a crucial factor in deciding whether to upgrade or wait is, of course, the phones' prices. If the iPhone 15 wouldn't fit your budget, you might want to opt for earlier models. To compare, here are the starting prices of the iPhone 13 and 14 series as of writing, as listed by Power Mac Center:
iPhone 14 series
14 – P55,990
14 plus – P63,990
14 pro – 71,990
14 pro max – P78,990
iPhone 13 series
13 – P47,990
13 mini – P44,990
13 pro - P 59,990 (256GB)
13 pro max - P 54,990 (128GB)
So, should you wait for the iPhone 15 or upgrade to earlier models now?
Now that you know the features and price tags of the two latest iPhone series, it's time to check the status of your own phone.
Is it still working well or do you need an upgrade? If you do, ask yourself how soon you need it.
Should you need it right away and currently have a base model iPhone 13 or its Mini version, switching to 14 may not be much of an upgrade due to the similarities of the features, except if you will opt for its Pro or Pro Max versions.
If you’re coming from much older units, like from the iPhone X series, switching to either of these phones is a major upgrade, especially since it will better cater to the iOS updates in the future that will help make you feel that your phone is brand new and high-end, regardless of its model. Just be sure of your needed features to make the most out of your money.
However, according to tech experts, it is still best to wait a bit more after the release of the iPhone 15 series to properly compare its features. If you're not eyeing the newest iPhone and prefer its predecessors instead, waiting will also help you save on spending.
Based on current trends, the best deals and discounted prices of previous iPhone models are usually released near or after the launch of the latest one. So expect to get huge price drops on the iPhone 14 or 13 series when the 15 is launched.
Last year, Power Mac Center dropped the prices of its iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series just days after the iPhone 14 lineup launched on Sept. 8. The iPhone 12 series had price cuts of as much as P4,000, while iPhone 13 models went on sale with discounts of up to P9,000. Prices dropped even lower long after the launch.
What's waiting for a few days compared to the big discounts—or the latest features in the newest model—right?