5 Good Reasons to Keep Your Older iPhone

Every fall, iPhone owners are faced with a decision -- should I keep my older iPhone or sell it and use that money to purchase the latest and greatest model? Of course, many people sell their old iPhones, but an increasing number of users are deciding to keep them. The reasons why they hold onto their aging iPhone 6s and not jump to the shiny, new iPhone may surprise you.

That said, here are 5 Reasons to Keep Your Older iPhone.

1. Cheap to Replace

With one slip up, your existing phone may plummet to its death, landing in a heap on the pavement or floating in the toilet. If you are the type of person who tends to destroy phones, you better stick with the older, cheaper iPhones. It hurts a lot less to plunk down $300 for an older iPhone X than to shell out $1000 or more for an iPhone 13 replacement.

2. Easy to Repair

With third-party batteries and screens a dime a dozen, it's easier than ever to fix up an older phone and keep it in tip-top shape. Jump on YouTube and find a channel like iFixit to discover all you need to know about fixing your iPhone. You can purchase kits that come with a replacement screen or battery and all the necessary tools to get the job done yourself depending on the extent of the damage.

3. Carrier Freedom

Very few people lay down $1000 to get a new phone. Most people purchase a new iPhone with a contract or a payment plan. This strategy is easy on the wallet, but it sticks you with a two or three-year commitment. You have to either stay with the carrier or pay off the phone in a lump sum. If you have no significant life changes, you may not care. However, if you are moving or want to switch carriers, then you may want to stick with an older, off-contract phone that you can take with you no matter what carrier you choose.

4. Environmental Concerns

Many people are concerned about the environmental impact of phones, both the waste from older phones and the materials needed to manufacture a new phone. People who strive to minimize their footprint seem to keep their phones for as long as possible. As long as it's working and can be repaired, there is little reason to upgrade and contribute to global electronics waste.

5. Fan of Older Features

Not everyone likes the changes Apple has made to its iPhone lineup. Many people prefer Touch ID over Face ID, even if it means there is a bigger bezel. Size is another factor. The iPhone has gradually grown bigger and bigger over the years, and not everyone wants an oversized phone. Some people prefer the smaller form factor of the iPhone 6, 7, or 8.