Congratulations! I have an iPhone (plain) 6. It's been dropped a few times and I'll need a new phone sooner rather than later. How do you like the three camera lenses?

Debby, I’m sure you will thoroughly enjoy this upgrade. I know, they are pricey.

I have a 6 too, nickel, and it works fine but I wouldn’t mind a step up myself! Not sure how the newer phones work with no start button. I passed by an Apple store yesterday, and there was a line out the door. People buying new phones I guess.

I upgraded from my 6s earlier this year because it was doing funky things now I wish I had waited. Not being an Apple person I was not aware that new models came out in September. Surprised that they are no longer upgrading the 6s as it only came out in 2014.

I got an 11 but not a pro -- only 2 cameras but oh, my, is it ever neat! Traded a 6 for this one. I am once again in iPhone LOVE!

I would still prefer to be able to "get just a phone". All the other is gravy, which I really don't need.

I have an android, a samsung galaxy s 7.

It all depends on what you use it for, and how much you explore all options.

Debby I had battery draining issues, before I found out all the apps that use battery life all the time, and I never actually use. I have most turned off now, and have no battery draining issue.

Once you get used to all these phones can do, it would be difficult to go back to a flip phone.

DH has a flip phone, smart phones are not for him. He has all he can do to make a call with his.

I got a Samsung Galaxy 9+ last year for my birthday. I just love it, the pictures are fantastic. I also loved my Iphone 6+ I had before, but the fact that you can't put an SD card in them limits the usefulness, to me anyhow. This one has a 64 GB capacity and I have a 64 GB card in it. It was hard switching back to Android from Apple, I think Apple phones are so much more user friendly.

I also have 6s and just put in a new battery because I do not want a bigger phone...this one goes nicely in my pocket and purse. I am happy with my Apple products.

Once you get used to all these phones can do, it would be difficult to go back to a flip phone.

And many people use minimum features. My favorite app this year is
GameChanger. I attend grandson's every game and it's nice to be able to
keep track of the game on the phone app.
When someone asks me the score, I AirDrop GameChanger to their phone.
See for yourself! :)

BTW, if your grandchild plays Little League or other sports leagues, you can
watch their game, play by play. So no excuse to miss out if you're a 1K
miles away. :)

My Asus zenphone has a quad camera system. I love android and the price. Very happy with it. It updated the Android version just fine.

I plan to get an iPhone 11, but not a pro. I just can’t rationalize spending that much money. Debby, how many an gb’s is your phone? (Ignore the word “an”, can’t edit)

I was a Samsung Galaxy user for years. A little over a year ago ( I think) I decided to take the plunge into unknown territory since I wasn't happy with the new versions with glass breakage problems others were experiencing etc. I bought a OnePlus5t online. Never saw one, never held one. Paid half the cost of a new Samsung. I am a convert. It's been a great phone.

Recent comparisons online show the OnePlus keeping right up with the expensive Apples. Still have the price and more storage for those of us who don't buy new phones every year or two. Here is a camera comparison.

I had planned on updating my iPhone 6 last Sep when the new ones came out (nearly always in Sept), but I had a swollen battery in late June and had to replace it then. I got an iPhone 8 and live it. I have been a subscriber to Tidbites now for over 20 years, and today’s addition recommends the new iPhone 11 as the best value for most people. It sounds wonderful but I won’t be replacing my 8 anytime soon, I usually keep my iPhones for 3-4 years.

I love the three lenses. There are more photography options as well with the newer phone, as well as more editing features. My phone is the 256gb. The smaller one is too small for me. My 6s was 128(?) gb. I would have taken that but the 11 Pro doesn't come with that storage. The battery life is phenomenal. I had everything turned off I could possibly turn off on my 6S and it drained sooooooooooo fast. I have the same things turned off on this phone and it barely goes down. It hasn't been below 38% since I bought it and I used it like crazy Sunday to see if I could drain it, even taking a lot of photos in "live" and some video. I posted a few shots on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/debby_ab/

This is like reading another language for me. I opened the thread because my son has suggested more than once that I get a phone with a better camera. While I love my computers and tablets and have carried a mobile phone since the 1990s, for some reason I've never been interested in them. I don't know the battery life of my present smart phone because I often forget to charge it. :-)

I'm sitting here with four cameras on my desk and zero motivation to put money into a phone with better camera capability. If I do, it'll be because people react so differently when confronted with a real camera or a phone. They don't seem to mind having their picture taken with a phone, but if they see a camera they often look alarmed or turn away. Interesting.

Joan, I agree about the DSLR for sure--and the lenses!--but one of my Panasonic Lumix cameras (LX3) is pretty small. It's not tiny like a Canon ELF, but small enough to be handy. Also big enough to intimidate people, unfortunately. :-)

I have just been reading about the new Apple 11. I have a 6+ and will be upgrading soon. Excited for the new features!

I also own a DSLR and a G5X (both Canon cameras), but don't take my DSLR out every day and because my "purse" is really just a wallet on a string, my G5X does't fit in it and I won't shove it in a pocket. It's too bulky and expensive for that. I never leave home without my phone so having something decent in my phone is always nice to have. And now Apple has made major improvements to the camera and photo editing so it's nice to have that option as well. But let me say again: the battery! I can't drain it (it's suggested you do NOT drain it, but still.........). I can probably go a good day and a half before it needs charging.

Debby, I'm sure you'll get a lot of use and enjoyment from your new phone, have at it!. Sometimes phones are like new cars, the excitement and joy they generate alone are worth the price paid.

As a reasonably capable tech user who serves as tech support for both Apple and non-Apple products in the family, it's my view that hardware differences are few. With one exception - Apple has always emphasized hardware and software for exceptional media capabilities in Macs, iPads and iPhones. In a household with a variety of Apple "stuff", it all coordinates and works together seamlessly. Apple's software stresses ease and simplicity of use, being cool and lots of sizzle. People love Apple products more than owners of competitive products. Are the differences real or imagined?

Non-Apple products usually have the same capabilities - an example is that when an app developer produces an IOS app, there will also be an Android version and vice-versa. So saying - "my iPhone will do ......" is usually not something that's unique, unless talking about a media item. In the camera department, as an example, one Motorola model has a Hasselblad attachment. Is it as good or as flexible as an iPhone. Or better? I don't know, but it's just an example of what's commonly possible. With battery life, the Apple 11 Pro has a battery of about 3100mAh. The last Moto phone I had had a 4000mAh battery. Even at nearly 3 years old when I replaced it, it lasted a full two days with fairly heavy use, 3-4 with lighter use.

As with most things, we all have our preferences. What is common is that so many of the newest tech gadgets and capability are fun and extremely useful and make one wonder how we lived without them before.

I know Elmer.