As a first-time iPhone user, I want to share my experience with the iPhone 14, which I purchased nine months ago for 70,000 rupees. My usage pattern is fairly light: I primarily use WhatsApp, watch YouTube videos for a couple of hours in the evening, and occasionally use the camera for events like weddings and birthdays. Despite this minimal usage, I’ve encountered several issues that potential buyers should consider.
Battery Health
One major concern is the battery health, which has dropped to 91% in just nine months. This is surprising given my limited usage, which mainly involves making phone calls as a sales professional. I rarely engage in activities that could heavily drain the battery, such as gaming or streaming for extended periods. This rapid decline in battery health raises questions about the long-term durability of iPhone batteries.
Call Issues
Another recurring problem is call connectivity. Sometimes, when someone calls me and my phone is not in use, the caller receives a busy signal. This issue, which I also experienced with my previous Android phone, can be quite frustrating, especially given the high cost of the iPhone.
Memory Management
I previously owned a Samsung phone that cost me around ₹11,000. One major issue I faced was the phone’s memory filling up. Don’t think this issue is exclusive to budget phones; iPhones also have this problem. Photos and videos take up a lot of space, and the only solutions are to either pay for iCloud storage (which is more expensive than other cloud options) or regularly delete unnecessary files. If I had managed my Samsung phone’s storage better and repaired its cracked screen for around ₹1,200, I could have kept it in good condition. Even if I spent ₹2,400 annually on repairs, I would only invest around ₹23,000 over five years, which is still far less than the cost of the iPhone 14.
Cost vs. Value
From a financial perspective, the iPhone 14 represents a significant investment, costing nearly three and a half times my monthly salary. In hindsight, this expenditure feels disproportionate to the benefits I’ve received. While the iPhone excels in areas like camera quality and video editing capabilities, these features are not essential for my daily needs.
Alternatives in the Market
Had I invested ₹30,000 in a new Android phone, it would have given me at least three years of comfortable use. Even after that, I could still replace it and have ₹40,000 left compared to the cost of the iPhone 14. This kind of financial calculation might seem straightforward in theory, but it’s often challenging for first-time iPhone buyers to consider due to the strong appeal of owning a premium device.
Psychological Factors in Purchasing
I made the decision to buy the iPhone 14 partly due to social influence and the allure of owning a premium device. However, reflecting on this, I realize that this psychological drive overshadowed practical considerations and advice from others who recommended more cost-effective options.
Here are some excellent deals on Android phones as of May 2024 that you might find useful
Here are some detailed comparisons and options for the iQOO Z9 5G and the OnePlus 12, both of which are excellent choices if you’re looking to buy a new Android phone:
iQOO Z9 5G
- Price: ₹27,999 (approx.)
- Key Features:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- RAM: 8GB/12GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Camera: 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro
- Battery: 5000mAh with 120W fast charging
- Software: Android 13
The iQOO Z9 5G offers strong performance with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, a large battery with very fast charging capabilities, and a versatile camera setup.
OnePlus 12
- Price: ₹65,999 for 12GB/256GB and ₹69,999 for 16GB/512GB
- Key Features:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- RAM: 12GB/16GB
- Storage: 256GB/512GB
- Display: 6.82-inch AMOLED, QHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Camera: 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
- Battery: 5400mAh with 100W fast charging and wireless charging
- Software: Android 14 with OxygenOS 14
The OnePlus 12 stands out with its high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, exceptional camera system, and premium build quality. It also includes fast wireless charging, which is a significant plus.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a more affordable yet powerful option, the iQOO Z9 5G is an excellent choice, particularly if you value fast charging and a good display. On the other hand, if you want the latest flagship experience with top-of-the-line specs, the OnePlus 12 is worth the investment, especially given its advanced camera system and robust performance.
Where to Buy
- iQOO Z9 5G: Available on Amazon India
- OnePlus 12: Available on and Amazon India
For more details on these phones, including user reviews and latest deals, you can check out platforms like 91mobiles and Android Central
Conclusion
My experience with the iPhone 14 has been a mixed bag. While the phone performs well in terms of camera quality and call audio, the rapid battery health decline and occasional call connectivity issues are concerning. Moreover, the high cost of the device feels unjustifiable given my moderate usage patterns.
If you’re considering investing in the upcoming iPhone 16, I urge you to reflect on your actual needs and usage patterns. Sometimes, the allure of premium devices can lead us to overlook more practical and cost-effective choices. Make an informed decision that balances your needs with the financial commitment involved.
Ultimately, while my experience may not be universal, it’s important to perform your own self-analysis and make a choice that best fits your situation.
