Upgrading from iPhone 6s

A multi-year journey to finding the perfect replacement

Years of Ownership

Options Considered

~$300

Final Price

Section I

The Upgrade Decision

After owning my iPhone 6s since 2016, I've decided it’s time to upgrade due to deteriorating battery life and the impending release of iOS 14. I've evaluated several options:

Options Considered

→iPhone XR — A device with a large battery and 6.1" screen.
→iPhone SE (2nd generation) — A compact choice featuring Touch ID and the A13 chip.
→iPhone 11 — The balanced option with a large battery, 6.1" screen, and a dual-camera system.
→iPhone 12 — The latest flagship contender during the evaluation period.

Context and Research

### Battery Replacement In February 2020, I replaced the battery on my 6s to extend its lifespan and have been using it as a backup phone. The new battery made a significant difference, allowing the phone to last a full day instead of requiring constant recharges.

### iOS 14 Concerns One of the primary reasons for the upgrade is the potential lack of support for iOS 14 on the 6s, which may force my hand to upgrade in September when the iPhone 12 is likely released.

### Long-Term Considerations I'm leaning towards the SE or 11 because both feature the newer A13 chip, which I believe will ensure my next iPhone remains relevant for 4-5 years.

If the iPhone 12 features Touch ID, it becomes a frontrunner for my 2021 upgrade path.

Comparative Analysis

Option	Key Merits	Points
XR	Big battery, 6.1" screen	2
SE2	Touch ID, A13 chip	2
11	Big battery, 6.1" screen, dual camera	3

Timeline of Updates

### April 2020 The new iPhone SE was released at $399, offering great value with iPhone 11 components in an iPhone 8 body. However, I'm now inclined to wait until 2021 and focus on getting an XR for $200-$250.

### August 2020 With rumors of the iPhone 12 and possible price drops for the iPhone 11, I've been watching the market closely. The XR might be discontinued, but refurbished models could become available at a better price.

### November 2020 My iPhone 6s is struggling, and despite being functional, it’s becoming sluggish. I’ve decided to retire it and upgrade to an iPhone 11, which is priced competitively at around $599, especially when I can share a BOGO deal with a friend, getting my iPhone 11 for about $300.

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2020 is the year of the iPhone...time to upgrade....iPhone 11, 12, SE, XR? // iPhone 11 wins