Jenn McKinlay: This might be the most painful post I've ever written. I'm not even sure what happened. We've been together for years, constant companions, best friends, sharing every high and low and even the boring stuff in between. I thought we'd be together forever -- silly me -- but things change and life has a way of breaking down communication, and so I have come to the decision that we have no choice. It's time to part ways.
I'm not sure how I'm going to move forward. The simple fact of the matter is my cell phone is on life support and I need to buy a new one...but which one? HELP ME!!!!!!
 |
| Jenn with the phone before the phone. |
My current phone is an iPhone 6 Plus. I know, I might as well be chiseling messages on a stone tablet. Why have I not upgraded before now? Because I know where all of my apps are. I know how everything works. I heard they took away the home button on the new iPhones - what? why? I also heard there is a face recognition thing. Again, why? No one needs to be seeing my face when I wake up. No one. Not even my phone.
"If you love your old phone so much, why do you have to upgrade?" you ask. Well, the video camera jiggles like I'm filming the Blair Witch Project, the battery lasts about five minutes when unplugged, and the phone randomly shuts itself off just for giggles, I suspect.
Obviously, I've had different phones before. I reluctantly let go of my LG with the Qwerty keyboard (still miss it). I mean is there anything cuter than those tiny little keys? I rolled to the Samsung smart phone, which was okay. Then I got the iPhone 6 which synced to my MacBookAir and everything was sunshine and buttercups until, well, it wasn't.
Who knew replacing a tired phone could be so difficult?
ReplyDeleteI’m probably not the one to ask for suggestions about new phones . . . my new phone decisions are based solely on the must have [a stylus] and the size of the screen [big, please].
Some six years ago, I discovered Samsung’s Galaxy Note line, and that was it. We’re up to a Note 10+ [and although I could upgrade now, I haven’t because everything works just fine, so why switch?] The camera in the phone zoomed right into an adorable close-up of the baby fawn tucked in beside the back stairs [an unexpected photo opportunity], there’s plenty of memory, and I’ve not yet run out of battery life at an inopportune time, so I guess the battery charge lasts long enough.
Good luck with your phone-shopping . . . .
And it syncs to my computer . . . .
DeleteI’ve more time debating phones than I did choosing a spouse! Ha!
DeleteSorry about losing your buddy!
ReplyDeleteI'm an Android gal. Last year, when I thought I'd be traveling to Europe (hahaha...sniff), I switched to Google Fi, because my son had had great service with the plan in Europe. And I got a new Pixel phone. I love it. Good pix, long battery life, easy to use. I don't take many videos, but it seems to do fine with the ones I take. And the plan is cheap!
My nephew has the Pixel and he loves it!
DeleteMy husband has the Google Pixel 3A and we both love it. I might get it off eBay or just get the the Google Pixel 5G through Verizon because their insurance is really good. CNET didn't like the 4 as much.
DeleteDo you ever use CNET? They have really good reviews.
I am also an Android cell phone user for over a decade, and have always used Samsung phones. I got my free upgrade last fall to a Samsung Galaxy A71 without going to a store. They shipped the phone to my home and I could easily transfer all my apps and content wirelessly from my old phone using the Samsung Smart Switch app. It takes great pictures and has plenty of storage (128 GB). And the phone syncs key Google apps such as Gmail, Chrome (internet bookmarks) on my tablet and laptop.
ReplyDeleteOoooh, that does sound easy. Thanks, Grace!
DeleteWe are iPhones all the way here. My six died a couple years ago, and although the 10s were out, I choose and 8+ Have a look at last years model, whatever it is. It might be a better buy. And check out T Mobile if you are planning lots of trips out of the country. They are gagging to have your business and giving away free phones to get it. We have friends with it who are delighted -- until we all went to Canada and they had all sorts of connection issues.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy shopping, look around for the best deal that has all the features you want.
And then buy the purple one!
The purple is pretty sweet!
DeleteI have the lilac iPhone 11, which works well. Consider too the next iPhone comes out in September, then there will be great deals on the iPhone 12.
DeleteI have the lilac iPhone 11, which works well. Consider too the next iPhone comes out in September, then there will be great deals on the iPhone 12.
DeleteThe purple/lilac is everything! And switching from one iPhone to another is so easy. We bought my son a new one in February, and all I had to do was put them next to each other, and everything transferred over. I had them switch mine at the store, and everything was right where they always were.
DeleteThat should be "aren't planning lots of trips out of the country."
ReplyDeleteI bought a new phone for myself for my birthday last October. It cost as much as 2 years in college plus room and board. (Public school, mid 60's...but still...)
ReplyDeleteIt's a Samsung and I am happy with it. Lots of unnecessary bells and whistles, for me. But if videos and photos are important, you'll need the three years of university phone.
They are insanely expensive!
DeleteMy phone has the same symptoms: an iphone purchased in early 2016 when I handed down my phone with the little key pad to my husband, who loves it. The poodles chewed off the plastic otterbox, I charge it three or more times a day, I can't download photos to my computer OR email the photos, and I can't update it because said photos are hogging too much memory. I'll have to go big in price for photography capability. I've learned that my iphone takes better photos in Egyptian tombs than my camera (at several sites, only cellphone photos were allowed, no cameras). Good luck with your search!
ReplyDeleteExcellent tips, thank you!
DeleteWish I could help! I have an iPhone 6, and I’m hanging on to it as long as I can. Two years ago I had to get a new battery, but other than that, things have been fine with it,
ReplyDeleteDebRo
If it weren’t for the wonky camera, I’d keep it forever. *sigh*
DeleteGo with the iphone 11 pro Jenn, you'll love it! You love videos and photos and this one is a pro. You'll figure out the no home button thing within the day:).
ReplyDeleteThank you for the pep talk, Lucy! I’ve been dithering for a year. It’s ridiculous.
DeleteOh, my. I keep my phones until museums call, so I'm afraid I'm not much help. I'll be following your adventures and selection with interest.
ReplyDeleteYou’re a woman after my own heart...
DeleteLOL - my phones and my cars! I’m very vintage! LOL.
DeleteDon’t ask me: my phone is an iPhone SE from 2016 and still does what I need it to... though I’d love a better camera
ReplyDeleteHallie, me too with that 2016 SE, and for me the photos are good enough.
DeleteSometimes a little blurriness is a good thing - LOL!
DeleteI'm no help either. In fact, I'm in the same situation. My dear, tired old Samsung is beginning to show signs of death and I just dread the learning curve for a replacement.
ReplyDeleteYes! The learning has me completely freaked out!
DeleteStay iPhone Jenn, I hear your pain but I went from a 6 Plus to a X. It was easy, plus you have your H’s to help you, plus Apple will take the old phone and turn its life for someone else. You get the discount. There are also great discounted models on their site. I love the facial thingy. Cameras - great! Apps - much easier to move, plus there is the new say NO to adds thingy. I remember buying mine on
ReplyDeleteline, then setting it up by phone with Apple. Really easy peasy. But make sure your stiff in in iCloud. Before you buy. Good luck
Thank you, Celia! You’re boosting my confidence!
DeleteCoughs nervously - stuff - not what I wrote in error!
ReplyDeleteLOL!
DeleteSince I was probably the last person to even get a smart phone I have no advice to give. For what it's worth it's a Samsung and does what I need it to do. I'm sure you'll end up with something great, Jenn!
ReplyDeleteI did love my Samsung!
DeleteI have an iPhone 8+, but also need to upgrade. I’m having some of the same problems with battery life. Also sometimes when I am talking to someone, the phone mites itself. It has really been doing a lot of weird things. I will stick with an iPhone, though because That’s what I’m used to.
ReplyDeleteI simply can’t learn new icons - you know?
DeleteDon't scare us like that, Jenn. I thought you were leaving the Jungle Reds.... :^0
ReplyDeleteSorry!!! I was feeling very dramatic when I wrote the post! 😂
DeleteOh be still my heart, Jenn. I thought you were leaving JRW! Nooooooo...Oh, ok. It's just your phone you're leaving. PHEW!
ReplyDeleteI have no advice, as I remain wedded to my current iPhone 6. But I shall follow all advice offered here, and I look forward to a report from your new device relationship.
LOL - when I read the post out loud to the Hub, he thought I was divorcing him! 😂😂😂
DeleteTalk about drama!
DeleteMy phone is a Samsung, don't ask me which one. It has a stylus, which is one the reasons I chose it. I don't to like to single finger type on squishy, tiny keyboards. It's battery isn't lasting as long as I would like but it took me so long decide I needed to replace my previous phone that replacing this one will obviously be pushed into the future until I have no choice. Good luck, Jenn.
ReplyDeleteOh, I would love a stylus 😍
DeleteOh, I would love a stylus 😍
DeleteI had exactly this experience. Exactly! It happened last year around this time, actually. My iPhone 6s was just crumbling before my eyes. Before the pandemic, I had to lug battery packs with me wherever I went, because I could honestly watch the battery power diminishing.. I don’t know why I resisted, it just seemed like it was going to be such a huge pain.
ReplyDeleteBut when the pandemic hit, I thought oh no! This is even going to be worse. So I ordered a new iPhone 11s and had it delivered to my house. And I thought OK, if this goes all to pieces, at least I have this back up.
Then one day I tried to use my phone, and the touchscreen did not work. I won’t go into the ensuing horrors, but I did manage to switch over to my new phone.
Let me just ask you: do you know how to change a Sim card? I do now.
But if you can just go to the phone store and have them change it for you and— make sure everything is backed up! That’s the key.
And now I happily use my iPhone 11s with the cool camera and the battery that lasts for at least 12 hours.
But I remember it was an ordeal. Not the actual switch over so much as the deciding to change phones. But in the end, all good.
It is the idea of it all - like moving to a new town daunting, you know? Thank you for your survivor story - it gives me hope!
DeleteIt'll be fine. It's honestly one day of worrying. But it's all about being backed up to the cloud before you do anything. And a TINY bit of learning curve.
DeleteYes, an iPhone 11 Pro. It’s great. And I agree with Lucy , the home button switch over just takes a day.. And the facial recognition to open it is brilliant! .
ReplyDeleteBut..ack...it terrifies me!
DeleteHank, does the facial recognition still work whether or not you are wearing makeup? If you wear makeup one day and the next day no makeup?
DeleteDiana
Diana-- It recognizes me with or without glasses, and with hair down or up. Makeup makes no difference. A mask confuses it, though... :-)
DeleteOh, Jenn, I hear you. There is nothing like the hassle of having to switch phones. It's easier than it used to be, but still no fun.
ReplyDeleteTwo of my kids (plus their husbands and the kids involved) have iPhones, and swear by them. The middle daughter has a brand-new Samsung Galaxy and loves it.
We are also Android users, with Motorola phones. They do the job, but if I didn't feel like my husband and I needed to have the same model (so we could both know how to answer them, etc.), I kind of wish I had a nicer one, and one with a better camera. Watching this conversation, since I'm looking towards our upcoming trip to photogenic Kenya.
Kenya requires an excellent camera!
DeleteJenn, I hear you. Like you, I have the iPhone 6 and I feel stupid because I did not read the reviews before buying that phone. It got the worst ratings of all iPhones in recent years. I looked at the reviews for the new iPhone 12 and I am seriously considering buying that iPhone.
ReplyDeleteMy iPhone had lousy battery life and I had to go to the Apple store in person and they fixed it so it is supposed to be good for a year. It has been four months since the repair and I am already seeing problems again.
Hope that you get a new smartphone that works better!
Happy Sunday!
Diana
Thank you, Diana! Sounds like you and I bought the same one.
DeleteMy first smart phone was a Samsung. That is what my neighbor uses and she is very tech savvy. The phone was smarter than me and I gave up. It refused to be set up so I could check email on it. My next phone was an iPhone 5c. I was perfectly happy with it. I'm not sure why I gave it up for the iPhone 8 I use now. My phones all come from Consumer Cellular so I completely avoid the Apple store. Not so my husband. He has a bigger, more advanced iPhone than me and a more expensive plan with whoever. I have no idea how to use his phone. It is too different from mine.
ReplyDeleteThey change them so much! It's maddening.
DeleteAndroid Galaxy here, Jenn, an 8. I love my phone and hope it doesn't want to break up with me anytime soon! Easy to use, takes great pics, has a removable SD card for extra storage. The android phones don't seem to be nearly as breakable as the iPhones, so in spite of the fact that I've butterfingered my phone countless times, the screen is perfectly intact.
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about the Galaxy, Debs. Thus...dilemma.
DeleteI'd like to say that I have some incredible insight into the whole search for a new phone for you Jenn, but I'm pretty much the LAST person who can do that for you.
ReplyDeleteAfter all, my cell phone is a flip phone. It makes and takes phone calls. Up until about 4 years ago, I didn't even have the option to text activated on my phone. I don't have any apps, it doesn't really take decent pictures and other than the phone calls themselves, there's nothing that all of you who have the fancy-schmancy phones could do with it except wonder why it isn't a phone museum.
But this works for me because it lets me ignore the outside world to the extent I need to. On top of which, when people ask me why I don't have some damn fancy phone, I just tell them I don't need a phone that is capable of running the nuclear defense system!
So please enjoy your hunt for your government approved human tracking device while I hope I never have to upgrade beyond my flip phone.
Jay, I am seriously thinking of going back to the flip phone because it seems the newer smartphones have declined in quality over the years. I always got text messages on my flip phone, though. I will have the iPad for social media.
DeleteDiana
I still miss my flip phone!
DeleteI just upgraded from the iPhone 7 to the 12 Pro and I love it! After seeing the pictures from it, my mom and SIL both upgraded too. I ordered it from the Apple Store and when I turned it on with my old phone sitting nearby, it asked me if I wanted to transfer everything and it did it all automatically. Super easy! The kids and I keep trying to convince my husband to upgrade from his 6, but he's holding on, even though AT&T emailed him that by next year it won't even work for calls. 😂 Good luck with your decision!
ReplyDeleteAmanda, thank you! I am seriously considering upgrading to the 12 Pro from my iPhone6.
DeleteDiana
The 12 is calling to me. I'm afraid to answer. LOL.
DeleteJenn, last year I went from an iPhone 6plus to the iPhone 12, just the regular 12. It's fine, but I know I don't take advantage of its upgraded features.
ReplyDeleteSo many features! I never feel as if I utilize mine enough.
DeleteI’m also clinging to my 6 plus because I hate change but battery Is shrinking daily. I know I need a new one but hate the hassle. I have to stick with IPhone for easy sync between iPad and MacBook.
ReplyDeleteRhys, I think it is possible to transfer everything from the Apple iPhone 6 to 12 Pro? And when I got the new iPad last year online, I was able to sync it with my MacBook and the iPhone. The battery life is AWFUL on my iPhone, which is temporarily fixed for now. For deaf people like me, the smartphone is a lifeline and a necessity.
DeleteDiana
Exactly, the hassle is very off putting.
DeleteI upgraded from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone 12 in December. I love it! I've gotten used to the no home button very quickly, and the face recognition is wonderful. Well, except that it doesn't recognize you with your mask on.
ReplyDeleteMark,
DeleteThanks for letting us know.
Diana
Oh, you're ahead of the curve, Mark! I admire your fortitude.
DeleteLast year I went from a very decrepit iPhone5 to an iPhone11. It's so nice. The battery lasts forever & it has tons more memory & a very good camera. The Apple store switched everything over for me & gave a quick tutorial. It was still similar enough to my 5 for me to get the hang of it quickly & I am very tech-challenged. Facial recognition works with hair up or down, makeup or no makeup, glasses or not.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer, you're giving me courage. LOL.
DeleteI had always used android phones, but my kids and almost everyone else had an iPhone. I wanted to be able to share pictures easily and FaceTime. So when my 5 year old dinosaur of a phone gave up the ghost, I upgraded to an iPhone 12, with extra memory. I LOVE it. Love apple car play, which works so much better than android auto. It makes it so easy to listen to books and podcasts, and use the mapping feature. The photos are excellent. Haven’t learned all the tricks yet, but really enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteJenn, I "upgraded" from an iPhone 2 to a 6 two years ago. I love it, but its battery conked out quickly, too. So I took it in for a new battery. $35 and I am a happy woman.
ReplyDeleteI just upgraded my hand-me-down (from a friend who had dropped it in a puddle) I-phone 5 to an 11 SE (which still has a home button). The apps on the 5 were no longer being supported so they gradually had stopped working--for instance, I could no longer upload photos directly to FB from my phone, and Cash App would not let me upgrade to the new version. My helper at the ATT store warned me that this will happen to my new 11 "in a couple of years"...planned obsolescence..sigh. I do love my new phone though!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck phone shopping, Jenn! We have both Android and iPhone in our household, and there are pluses to each.
ReplyDelete