We are less than two weeks away from the presentation of the new iPhone 14 and the end of the mysteries of this new generation. A good time to look back and tell you, in my experience, what i learned buying almost every iphone of the original and what is the use of all this to plan my future purchases.
Two years as a reference point for sale or exchange
A few days ago I read an article in iMore telling about the experience gained after buying all the iPhones presented. Lessons on the replacement program, the Apple Card and other aspects that do not apply in Europe, but it gave me the idea to tell my shopping experience. I’ve had the pleasure of using iPhone 3G, iPhone 4, iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone X, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro . Many iPhones, but the list hides more details than it appears.
Starting with the iPhone 3G, the first to officially arrive in Europe and compatible with the networks of our country, I skipped all the S models, especially to have the new design when it was released, although now this change is fades. I also avoided the Max or Plus models and always went for the Pro models. The truth is that in addition to personal preferences, there is calculation in all this
You will notice for example that the purchases took place in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021. It is almost every two years. The reason is resale value. In my experience a phone three years or older sells for much less only one in two. In other words, the devaluation accelerates significantly after a certain time, it is not linear. Between that and using the phone itself, I’ve found that a two-year renewal strikes a very good balance between the recurring cost of the device and the value the old device brings to the new purchase.
It is true that in 2017 with the iPhone X I had to make an exception and leave behind the iPhone 7 which had only been with me for a year, but the change that the iPhone X represented was terrific, huge and called for an immediate purchase. I’ve also noticed that in recent years, especially after iPhones surpassed $1,000 in retail value, the the retention of this value in second-hand sales has remained firmer.
As for second-hand sales, whether on platforms like Wallapop or directly with Apple’s Trade In, a three-year-old iPhone costs more to sell. In contrast, an iPhone that’s only a year old, no matter how much you spec it still has a one-year warranty from Apple (if we bought it directly from Apple) doesn’t seem to get anyone’s attention
Finally, I would like to say that a change every two years seems to me sufficient to take advantage of the novelties and that there is sufficient reason to make the change. Yes, I am aware that Buying an iPhone every two years is more of a whim than a necessity, but, in my opinion, it has an interesting balance between novelties and investment. And since we’re going to follow the game with a regular renewal, I’d rather not be more behind than two versions.
Speaking of the Max and Pro models, we’re much more into personal business now. For me, cameras are essential, so the Pro models have always been my go-to. On the other hand, the Max model seems too big for the use I give it, so I prefer something more manageable. In addition, saving information in the cloud I’ve always opted for as little storage as possible. I prefer more cameras and less space than the other way around, for example.
Advice, something that many readers on Twitter and family and friends always ask me regularly, there are several. When buying, always, always recommend always buy the iPhone directly with Apple. The warranty, according to the law, runs the first year by the manufacturer and then by the seller. Having a two, now three year warranty with Apple, along with its generous replacement and repair policy, is something to keep in mind.
At the time of sale, there is also something to consider. While it is true that we can arrange the Trade In when buying a new iPhone, we can also do it after this period. This leaves us a little leeway to ask family and friends if they are interested and put it on sale on Wallapop for example. If it works, great, we’re tired of haggling and such, we go to Apple for join the Trade In program when it suits us. Ultimately, it’s about having the phone we want when we need it.
