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Comment by smodo | Hacker News Reader

“I was extremely worried about downgrading to a phone from four years ago, but it turns out I’m totally fine (…)”

Whenever I read stuff like this I really wonder who these people are. Are you using your phone to host your billion dollar AI startup? To fold enzymes in real time so you can finally put an end to some disease? What do you worry about (extremely!) when you consider an older phone?

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I think the iPhone's video stabilisation/quality had a solid jump in the last few iterations and I wouldn't want to revert from that. I mostly upgrade for the camera functionality.

> I mostly upgrade for the camera functionality.

this is the politically correct answer!

I don't get it either. The "upgrade every two years" cadence is just pure marketing nonsense at this point when it comes to iOS devices. Given long software support lifespans and battery replacements every few years, you can comfortably hold onto an iOS device for 4 to 7 years after initial release.

This year I upgraded my Pixel 2 to a Pixel 5a. Had the Pixel 2 for five years. The upgrade to platform that was four years ahead was great, and only cost $150.

Patience.

> This year I upgraded my Pixel 2 to a Pixel 5a.

Given this internet connected device stopped receiving security updates in 2020, this seems like a poor decision. Security updates for the 5A are expected to stop next year.

Please buy a device that receives security updates.

Battery life, RAM size, and size and weight. I used to use an XR, it is okay in terms of battery life, but it is very unpleasant to hold in hand. Then I switched to the 12 mini, it is nice to hold, but the battery life it much worse than several later generations, it is okay for COVID life, but not much for a regular life. The battery life won't be an issue if you are using a Pro Max phone, and Pro series will feel better than using a non-Pro one (iPhone Xs vs Xr), but I believe if you are using a later generation, you won't want to go back to those two.

I love the camera on newer ones. Otherwise, not much of an advantage for me - battery life is still one day, storage space can be extended on older with cards... ah and newer ones are always bulkier so that's actually a step backwards. But still I'll take them for the camera (maybe I need a better solution here).

Also, that very phone was once a daily driver that people excited to upgrade to! Phones have gotten incrementally better since then but haven't seen a revolutionary jump in a while. The only sacrifice you might have to live with is slightly worse pictures.

App support. AppStore doesn’t have download previous versions options and you can severely limit your options depending on max ios.

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