IPhone 8 or 6s

Discussion in 'Geek Cave: Computers, Tablets, HT, Phones, Games' started by Colgin, Nov 14, 2017.

  1. Colgin

    Colgin Friend

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    My IPhone 5s is hanging on by a thread at this point with the battery almost totally shot. I had been on the typical 2-year contract renewal/upgrade cycle for years, but missed out on the 6s when it was first released for reasons I cannot recall, then waited for the IPhone 7 only to be livid that they removed the headphone jack. So, I stuck it out for another year figuring I could accept losing the jack if I got a sweet almost-bezel-less phone a la the Samsung Galaxy S8. But the IPhone X is not really doing it for me (notch; bad landscape mode; no touch ID), not to mention the exorbitant price. I am sure I will adopt the new form factor in future years, but would love to see some wrinkles worked out first.

    So, I am trying to decide between an IPhone 6s or 8 (either normal or in plus size). Frankly, the IPhone 6s would probably suit my needs just fine, last for at least 2 and maybe 3 years and it is significantly cheaper than the 8. And I get to keep my headphone jack and kick that can down the road.

    OTOH, in a couple of years it will have almost no resale value 4 years from initial release (like my current 5s has very little). If I get the 8 (or 8 plus), I can upgrade to the IPhone X mk II (or plus version) next year if I turn around on that model with annual upgrade option, or simply have decent resale value in 1-2 years. The 8 would be about $300 more than the 6s (for plus size), but I would recoup some of that down the line. My wife has the 8+ and it is a beast. I love the camera on it, but then again I am coming form 5s. 6s will be a solid upgrade for me, but won't be at the 8 level. My wife makes due with the dongle for headphone purposes. As much as it irks me, I guess I could make do as well. (But it really does piss me off.)

    Any thoughts from other IPhone owners are appreciated.
     
  2. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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  3. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    I have an iPhone 6S. I also have a Pixel 2 XL. I use both daily. My suggestion would be to suck it up and go with the Pixel 2 or LG V30. iOS is trash now.
     
  4. AdvanTech

    AdvanTech Friend

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    Theoretically, 6S would suit you fine, but if you keep up with iOS updates it won't be long before it feels like you're waiting a few seconds between a touch and any action on the phone's part (if it's not doing that already). I had a 6 plus and just had to update to an 8 plus because it was nearly unresponsive after the iOS 11 update. It's quite annoying.
     
  5. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    my current iPhone 6S is not sluggish, fine after all IOS11 updates and has never had a hardware blink.
    just saying- small sample sizes here should not sway you. unless you want to buy my iPhone 6S in a month or two.
    going iPhone X just because.
     
  6. Colgin

    Colgin Friend

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    By all accounts IOS 11 is a disaster. That said, I have not personally had an issue with it on my work IPhone 7, but I use that phone exclusively for work email. I have seen a number of videos showing pretty good performance of the 6s on IOS 11 as compared to the 7 or 8, but point taken that it will get crippled soon enough (if not already) in future updates, whereas the 8 should be good for a bit longer at least. I generally try to avoid updates unless there is a security issue or I am forced into it because of apps. The latter eventually happens where my perfectly functioning app will require an update but I cannot update without first updating IOS. And then my phone or Ipad often gets screwed in the process.
     
  7. AKA_FirmHandshake

    AKA_FirmHandshake New

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    FWIW, I “upgraded” to 6s from a 6, and the headphone jack in the 6s doesn’t have the best implementation. While using my Noble X in a quiet environment (no music playing, or on extremely quiet passages of music), I could hear electrical static/noise/fizzing while using apps or doing anything on my phone. This problem was inaudible while I was out and about (which was the only time I really used the X). This may not be an issue for you, but should be something you should consider if you’re going to use sensitive IEMs. This problem is outlined a little here.
     
  8. Colgin

    Colgin Friend

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    For those on newer models, do you use bluetooth HPs, dongle, separate DAC/amp or DAP for portable. I already have to carry two phones. I really don't want a separate DAP.
     
  9. Lingering Sentiment

    Lingering Sentiment Acquaintance

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    Not really trying to sway you either way, just chiming in to say that I have yet to see a slowdown on my iPhone 6s after any software updates. iOS 11 is working fine on it. My personal opinion is that most phones are pretty good now and don't differ much from each other. I'm pretty annoyed by everyone dropping the headphone jack though.
     
  10. BenjaminBore

    BenjaminBore Friend

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    The general rule of thumb I follow is to upgrade when the RAM is upgraded, as Apple keep RAM pretty tight so as soon as a major update’s requirements goes beyond that you’re screwed.

    The 6S was the first iPhone with 2GB, which is why it still works so well. The 7 Plus the first with 3GB, but along with the 8 Plus and X a lot of the additional RAM will be used for the higher resolution display.

    So the 6S “should” be a good model to go with, for the right price, as it’s memory is in line with the rest of the range. I’d guess the new models next year will change this though.
     
  11. rott

    rott Secretly hates other millenials - Friend

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    I went from a 6 to 8+, no regrets so far. The 8 will be supported (by iOS) longer than the 6s, has the same processor(s) as the X, and at least on the 8+, its speakers were nicely upgraded for a much better sound when using without headphones.
     
  12. AdvanTech

    AdvanTech Friend

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    Ah, that's a good point. I'll keep that in mind for the future.
     
  13. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    I have the iPhone 6s and haven’t noticed any issues with speed. I don’t store any music since I only have 16gb and most of my consumed media is streaming. I prefer having a separate DAP for music because of sound quality, space and not draining the battery on my phone. OI on the 6S is ~5ohms while the lightning dongle is 0.37ohms and I have definitely noticed a drop in audio quality with certain low impedance IEMs on the 6S.

    I don’t think I would have an issue if I upgraded to the iPhone 8. The dongle is $9 which is cheap enough for me to buy one for every headphone I carry with me and just leave it on there.

    Before I had an Android phone and I couldn’t stand dealing with it. Maybe when Google releases Fuschia I’ll give other smartphones another chance, but for now I’m content with iOS.
     
  14. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    I have owned just about every model of iPhone between my wife and I, and without a doubt the iPhone 5S is the best sounding of them all imo. Plus it has low output impedance- around 2 ohms if I recall correctly.

    With the 6S you are venturing over 4 or 5 ohms. I can’t remember the exact number. So while the overall sound might be better than the Apple dongle, the high OI will screw up most armature iems signatures.

    With the 8 you use the Apple dongle. It is near zero OI. It plays great with hard to properly drive armature iems. However, it can sound a little unrefined overall and a hair wooly in the bottom end. For $9 per dongle it’s a amazing but for a 1K dap it’s a bit lacking. I have about 4 or 5 of them and keep them in various places. It’s freaking annyong to be without one and even more annoying needing to charge and listen at the same time.

    If money were no object, I’d rehab the 5S (new battery) and use strictly as a dap. Then I’d own the new iPhone to use as my jack of all trades smartphone. I’m kinda suprised no audiophile company has made a nice ultra portable dongle by now. CCK to a dragonfly is still unwieldy imo.
     
  15. a44100Hz

    a44100Hz Friend

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    This is a fairly worthless article. I was hoping for something revealing about their production process, internal memos about planned obsolescence perhaps, at the very least some user statistics or software benchmarks from multiple updates over time; this is just a guy complaining about his battery.

    Anyone know if the Massdrop Plus sounds good out of the relatively high OI (4 or 5 ohms) of the 6S?
     
  16. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    My battery is fine after the update. The guy is an ignoramus.

    I ordered the Massdrop Plus and I’ll let you know when I get it. (Estimated ship date feb)
     
  17. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    I have an ipad air 1 since it first came out. Runs faster with iOS11 then whatever it came with. Even didn't notice much difference between 10 and 11 with the latest updates.

    My 7+ runs just as well batery wise on 11 as it did on 10.
     
  18. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    It seems to be a fairly common complaint with iPhones; maybe where there's smoke there's fire? I've not seen similar complaints about Android-based phones.
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2017
  19. %20 Oddity

    %20 Oddity Friend

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    Android-based phones don't get new software. So not much to complain about.
     
  20. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    Surprised nobody mentioned the iPhone SE, still has the headphone jack. The only downfall I see is if you can't go back to small phones...
     

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