iPhone drama

Upgrading my smartphone has been nothing but a headache. I’m the kind of person who loves tech but doesn’t upgrade often, so when I do, I want something reliable, something that lasts. My current phone is a Samsung, but honestly, Samsung just doesn’t do it for me. Sure, they have a million features, but they never feel worth the $1000 investment. I want something that will actually last, and Samsung phones just don’t hold up.

I love photography and it’s my second passion. I even have a Nikon camera, but let’s be real, it’s too heavy to carry around all the time. So, a good camera on my phone is a must. That’s where my search really began.

At first, I thought about getting a Google Pixel. Their cameras are good, but they over-sharpen everything, and I hate how artificial the photos look. I like my pictures to feel natural, not like they’ve been overedited. On top of that, Google’s Tensor chip is a total letdown. By 2024, it just doesn’t cut it anymore. I don’t want a phone that’s going to lag behind as time goes on.

So, I turned to Apple. I already use other Apple products, and I love their ecosystem. Plus, the ProRAW format is perfect for someone like me who cares about photography. Everything about the iPhone seemed like it would fit.

At first, I thought the iPhone 15 Pro was the answer. Great camera, sleek design. What’s not to love? Well, the battery life, for starters. Then I thought about the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but all I kept hearing were complaints: overheating, screen issues, apps crashing. It felt like everyone who bought it regretted it.

To make things worse, Apple stopped selling the iPhone 15 online after launching the iPhone 16. It felt like they were pushing us to spend more money on the newer models. And honestly, I started wondering if the iPhone 15 series would even get proper support in the long run.

So, I looked into the iPhone 16 Pro. Seemed like the perfect choice until I saw that the base model only has 128GB of storage. For someone like me, who deals with large photos and files, that’s laughable. I’d need the 256GB version, but that would push the price to $1100, which is out of my budget.

I thought about the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but the size is a huge issue. It’s basically a tablet at 6.9 inches, and I have small hands. I don’t want to carry a mini TV in my pocket.

Then there’s the iPhone 16 Plus, which felt like a downgrade in every way. For $1000, it still only has a 60Hz display. In 2024, that’s just embarrassing. My MacBook has a 120Hz display. I can’t go back to something that outdated, especially for that price.

Stuck in the Loop

Now, I’m back to square one, stuck using my old phone and feeling frustrated. I’ve spent hours watching YouTube reviews, and they all feel the same. They don’t really get what it’s like to have a tight budget and still want a phone that checks all the boxes.

I want a phone that lasts, takes amazing photos, and feels worth the money. Right now, it feels like I have to compromise on something, and I hate that. If you’re in the same boat, trust me, I get it. It’s frustrating, and it feels like the perfect phone just doesn’t exist.

For now, I’m holding out hope that one day, the right phone will come along. One that fits my needs without breaking the bank. Until then, I guess I’m sticking with what I’ve got.