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9 Reasons Why I’m Waiting for the iPhone 6

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Rumor has it, Apple has a new iPhone release on tap for 2014. Rumors suggest that the company will announce two new iPhone 6 models later this year to take over flagship duties for the iPhone 5s. While there are plenty of smartphone options available right now, devices like the LG G3 and Samsung Galaxy S5, there are a number of reasons why waiting for the iPhone 6 could be in your best interest.

Back in 2012, I was rocking the iPhone 3GS, a device that I picked up to replace my BlackBerry. It was clear to me, after the iOS 5.1 update, that the iPhone 3GS was on its last legs, something that fit in perfectly with the plan that I had laid out for myself many months before.

After the iPhone 4s announcement, I decided that I would wait for the iPhone 5. I never cared for the glass design of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s and I wanted 4G LTE data speeds to go along with a larger display. It was a bit of a gamble but it was a gamble that paid off.

In September of 2012, Apple announced the iPhone 5, a device with a 4-inch Retina Display, 4G LTE, a brand new design, and several other upgrades that had me waiting up until midnight to put in my order. I bought the iPhone 5 the second it went on sale and I was among the first people to get the device when it arrived later on in the month.

iPhone-6

Fast forward to today. Like many iPhone users, I’m taking a look at my options. I’ve heard whispers about the Galaxy Note 4, seen the LG G3, and have been buried underneath an avalanche of iPhone 6 rumors for the first six months of the year. Picking out a new smartphone can be extremely difficult, even for someone with a job like mine.

In the past couple of days, I’ve been wrestling with a decision. Buy something now, a cheap iPhone 5s or an LG G3, or wait to see what Apple has up its sleeve later in the year. After much debate, I’ve come to my decision.

I gambled on the iPhone 5 and got rewarded and I’m hoping that my next gamble pays off. Here’s why I’m waiting for the iPhone 6 and why I think you should too. Even if you’re not an iPhone person.

Because I Can & You Probably Can Too

It used to be that smartphones would start falling apart heading into their third year of service. My iPhone 3GS started showing signs of trouble as it approached the iOS 6 update, an update that would serve as its last. However, devices like the Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2 and iPhone 5s, devices from 2012, are holding up much better.

iPhone-5S-Rumor-Roundup-002-575x365

My iPhone 5 still is pretty good shape thanks to the iOS 7.1 update that emerged earlier this year. In fact, if I wanted to, I could probably keep it for another year or perhaps two before kicking it to the curb. That’s if I wanted to, but I don’t.

The point is this. I don’t need to rush into my decision. I can take my time knowing that my phone isn’t going to fall apart any time soon. And with an iPhone 6 release heavily rumored for September, just about two months from now, there is simply no incentive to go down to the AT&T store and look for something new.

Devices Aren’t Going Anywhere, In Fact…

The smartphone market is chock full of top of the line Android and Windows Phone 8 smartphones. The HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S5, LG G3, and Nokia Lumia Icon are just a few of the big names that have caught my eye. The thing is, I see no reason to make a move.

These top devices aren’t going anywhere. They will be on shelves in two months when the iPhone 6 arrives. And they’ll still be fantastic, perhaps better than they are right now.

LG G3 and iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s sits atop the LG G3 Review unit

The Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8 are already in the bargain bin at Amazon and the LG G3 should be heading there in just a few short weeks. We’ve also seen iPhone 5s deals emerge in recent weeks and there’s no question that we’ll see an iPhone 5s price drop once the iPhone 6 touches down. So, if we don’t fall in love with the iPhone 6, we’ll have the same options available to us at a cheaper cost.

If the iPhone 6 isn’t what I want it to be, I could see myself scooping up a $99 LG G3 from Amazon.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

By waiting for the iPhone 6, you will also open yourself up to one of the few remaining Android flagships left to launch in 2014. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is a very intriguing smartphone and it’s a device that appears to be on a collision course with the iPhone 6.

Here is a checklist of Galaxy note 4 features this Galaxy Note 3 owner wants.

Here is a checklist of Galaxy note 4 features this Galaxy Note 3 owner wants.

All signs point to the Galaxy Note 4 having an impressive array of hardware and software features. And with the pressure on Samsung, I have a feeling that this device is going to deliver. So, by waiting a few weeks for September to arrive, I, like you, will be able to weigh the iPhone 6 against another top competitor from 2014.

It’s always nice to have options especially when those options are flagships like the Galaxy Note.

Two iPhone 6 Options

Speaking of options, iPhone 6 rumors suggest that Apple will be releasing two new iPhones, a 4.7-inch model and a 5.5-inch model. So once again, by waiting a few weeks for Apple to make its announcement, there is a chance that your list of potential successors will grow.

128GB iPhone 6

I’ll be honest, the prospect of being able to choose between two high-end iPhone 6’s is far more interesting than choosing between the devices in Apple’s current iPhone lineup.

It’s even more interesting when you consider how manageable both devices might be.

Bigger Display is Now Manageable

I loved the iPhone 5’s Retina Display when it first came out. The Retina screen resolution still perfect for what I do on my phone (watching videos, web browsing, texting, and playing the occasional game) but after two years of using large screen Androids, I would absolutely love to own an iPhone with more screen real estate.

Years ago, I shunned big screen smartphones because of their size. Huge thick bezels led to massive overall footprints that I simply could not handle. I need something portable, something lightweight that isn’t a burden.

Rumors suggest Apple will offer an iPhone 6 with a 4.7-inch display, the same size display as we see on the Moto X to the right of an iPhone 5s in this image.

Rumors suggest Apple will offer an iPhone 6 with a 4.7-inch display, the same size display as we see on the Moto X to the right of an iPhone 5s in this image.

As technology has improved, companies have been able to make design tweaks (like thinning out bezels) to put larger screens into smaller form factors. The Moto X, for instance, is a 4.7-inch Android smartphone that’s just a little bit larger than the iPhone 5s. I love that.

Our 5.5-inch iPhone 6 model shows how easy it could be to use with one hand.

Our 5.5-inch iPhone 6 model shows how easy it could be to use with one hand.

iPhone 6 leaks suggest that the next iPhone will have the big display but that it won’t be overbearing. To me, that’s the best of both worlds. Tons of screen for gaming, web browsing and watching movies and a small, thin design that I can just slide into my pocket and forget about. Even the 5.5-inch iPhone 6, which you can see in a mockup below, appears to be manageable.

5.5-inch iPhone 6 mockup.

5.5-inch iPhone 6 mockup.

It’s hard to use big screen devices like the Galaxy Note 3 with one hand, it appears that the iPhone 6 won’t have that problem. And that to me is worth waiting for.

I’m Clumsy and Don’t Like Cases

I’ve used the iPhone 5 without a case for two years. It’s held up pretty well though it has started to show some signs wear and tear over the past six months. Part of that’s because of age, part of that’s because I’ve dropped it. Overall, it has held up pretty well.

An iPhone 6 scratch test video shows the strength of Sapphire.

An iPhone 6 scratch test video shows the strength of Sapphire.

iPhone 6 rumors point to a metal design and a sapphire display in the front. In other words, a premium design that’s well protected. That’s hard to find these days amongst the sea of plastic designs.

Some Android devices like the Galaxy S5 come with solid protection, an IP67 certification for example, but they simply don’t have the build quality I want from a $200+ piece of hardware.

I Need a Better Camera

I go to a lot of live music and occasionally, I’m that guy and I take out the phone to record a favorite song or moment. For instance, I was in New Orleans and I shot some footage of an amazing jazz band at a club on Frenchmen St. Two years ago, the results would have amazed me. But now that I’ve used the cameras on top smartphones from 2013 and 2014, the results were disappointing.

Apple and HTC have not joined the megapixel race.

Apple and HTC have not joined the megapixel race.

I was recently comparing photos with a couple of friends of mine and their cameras, on the iPhone 5s and HTC One M8 (Read our HTC One M8 review), blew mine out of the water. I’m jealous, very jealous.

iPhone 6 rumors point to an improved 8MP camera with image stabilization. The iPhone’s camera is always amongst the best, the iPhone 5s camera still is, so I’m excited to see what Apple does with its latest camera sensor. Image stabilization, particularly for someone like me who spends time shooting footage while dancing, would be huge.

Better Battery Life? Yes Please

As I’ve pointed out, the battery life on my iPhone 5 is still good. I can still get a full day use out of the thing as long as I am switching back and forth between Wi-Fi and LTE. Still, there is room for improvement and thankfully, iPhone 6 rumors suggest that we could see some changes.

iPhone 6 battery details leak, suggesting Apple will rely on iOS 8 and efficient hardware for better battery life.

iPhone 6 battery details leak, suggesting Apple will rely on iOS 8 and efficient hardware for better battery life.

Rumors point to a larger battery and a new A8 processor that’s focused on battery life and performance. While the specifics of the two aren’t known, Apple’s  history with battery life is reason enough to take a wait and see approach.

Two Words: Software Support

Apple is still king when it comes to software support. While iPhones get three years of software support, Android devices are lucky if they get two years of software upgrades.

iOS 8 vs iOS 7 design looks very much the same.

iOS 8 vs iOS 7 design looks very much the same.

It’s also pretty darn impressive that the iPad 2 is getting Apple’s iOS 8 update later this year. iOS 8 will be the iPad 2’s fourth iOS update. That’s something that you simply will not find on Android or Windows Phone. It’s impressive and it’s peace of mind.

When you buy a phone like the LG G3, you simply have no idea.

So here’s the scoop. Wait a few weeks. You might wind up falling in love with the iPhone 6 and its larger screens, battery life, and camera. And if you don’t, you’ll have an assortment of new doors open to you including the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and the same Android flagships that you see on shelves today. Only cheaper.

In my eyes, that’s a win-win and it’s a gamble worth taking.

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Ross

    07/18/2014 at 3:29 pm

    I do not understand why there are not more comments on this since this is a decision a HUGE number of people are facing right now. I have been an iphone user since the first iphone, and I also have the iphone 5 (not 5s). I want a MUCH bigger display, and have seen Android phone after Android phone beat Apple to the punch. In addition, the latest IOS update (7), has been a big disappointment, especially in that it has not really added anything of substance, and instead, focused on adjustments to aesthetics (which I could care less about).

    I want a bigger display simply since it is easier to read and browse. Being a guy over 40 means I am in a large group of business people who want to be able to read email, texts. etc. on my phone without trying to find my readers. I have zero interest in the 4.7 inch iphone, but would be keenly interested in the 5.5 inch version.

    I would have already switched to the LG G3 were it not for the fact that I am so invested in the IOS ecosystem. The difficulty in switching over text messaging to Android (Google this issue and you will find that there is even a class action law suits against Apple over the texting issue), the fact that my son has an ipod touch and I do facetime with him all the time, the fact that I have an ipad and an ipod, all make switching more difficult.

    To switch over to Android means I have to go through some MAJOR hoops to get text messages from my iphone brethren (at least initially), it means switching to skype, which from a video quality standpoint is sub par compared to facetime, it means investing in a number of apps that I already have since I have to buy them on the Android platform, it means I will not be able to sync with my ipad, ipod and my son’s ipod touch, and a number of other items which come with switching platforms.

    I am a windows guy and have 7 computers in the house ranging from vista to windows 8, so I am not a apple “fanboy”. If I do switch over to android (which would mean the lg g3), I would have to really cut more cords than it would seem for just a phone.

    So with that said, your idea to just wait is actually very solid since all of the android phones I am looking at will still be available when the iphone 6 is announced, and probably a few more versions of android phones (Samsung Alpha, Note 4, etc.). I hate dealing with this tiny screen for what will amount to at least 2 or months, but I will probably hold out and see what Apple does as well.

    Good article.

  2. Mark

    07/24/2014 at 7:15 pm

    I still have the original galaxy note 1 gt-n7000 its 3 years old and is used as a daily driver! started on gingerbread then got updated to icecream, then got an upgrade to jellybean. Its been the best phone i have ever used. Apple is only just geting into this area of size with the usual array of static icons and its boxed in jail! The note 4 lloks like a godzilla of a phone and may even have a Quad display. Where not even sure if the iphone 6 will even get a full hd screen. With its fully open source pc like ability even with all files to a usb flash drive, the note 4 is my choice! the iphone 6 is your choice, horses for courses!

  3. Vicky

    07/25/2014 at 1:42 am

    I am facing the same dilemma. I can buy LG G3 today – it is a beauty with internals of a beast. But iPhone 6 is also coming in 2 months time. So iPhone 6 beats G3 in department of looks and powers, I would repent. But if iPhone 6 could not beat G3, then again I would repent on the wasted time as I could have enjoyed G3 months ago as the craze for G3 in Sept/Oct will not be like it is at present. So it is a very tough situation. Very painful and very irritating. The other option is I buy both the phones. LOL But I cannot. Sorry if my grammar is bad.

  4. Nate

    08/07/2014 at 4:52 pm

    Something really wrong with your iphone 6 mockup. If the 5.5″ model keeps the current design it would be much bigger than the Note 3. You show a phone with huge bezels and say that the screen is 5.5″ and then say that it is more manageable. That just doesn’t add up. Apple will have to shrink the bezel much more than that to get down to the Note’s size.

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