Advice on iPhone purchase

[introvert88]

Hi everyone, firstly, I know this is a 'first world problem' but I suffer quite badly from anxiety which is really affecting my decision making at the moment and I would just like some advice as making a decision on this has distracted me all week and is consuming my thoughts. Indecision is a big thing for me at the moment(clearly!)
I have been suffering from anxiety and depression over the past two years and have been trying to start doing things for me and putting myself first.

A couple of weeks ago my phone (iPhone 8 Plus) got stolen and I took this as an opportunity to get the new iPhone XS Max. A phone that I have been coveting since its launch. I took out a contract with this phone for £65 a month for 30 months with 15gb of data. However, since then I have been questioning the decision. While it is a beautiful phone, it is eye-wateringly expensive and has been giving me eyestrain (from the fancy oled screen) and i'm questioning whether the new features (large screen, face id/slightly better camera) are worth the £1200 price tag.

I have a few days to cancel the contract or decide to go ahead with the XS Max.

So, do I change back and get an iPhone 8 Plus, which I loved and was very happy with, before some scoundrel nicked it - a £10/month cheaper contract-£55/month for 24 months and 30gb of data and does 85% of what the XS Max OR do I stick with the latest, beautiful phone, that is £65/month for 30 months and isn't too different to my old phone, but is gorgeous and the large screen is lovely and the eyestrain is wearing off, the face id is ok but sometimes a bit slow.

One other thing that is affecting my decision is that i have just bought a house and will now have a mortgage for 35 years. Should I just hold off and wait a year to upgrade to the latest phone, when I know more about my monthly outgoings?

I think this is all tied up with my anxiety and in the fact that I am terrified of making the 'wrong' decision. It sounds so stupid writing it down but it's honestly been plaguing my thoughts all week.

I've bored my sister, parents and coworkers with this now, I just want to make the decision.

I know to some people it is 'just a phone, get over it' but phones have always been my interest but i suppose i have more responsibility now. But in the next thought, I think, why shouldn't i treat myself?

What would you do? XS Max or 8 Plus?

Surely you can tweak the screen ?? I turn my brightness down because I'm old 😀

3 threads asking the same question seems a bit un necessary don't you think

It depends how much having the latest technology is important to you. I still use a 5s because it works fine and I kept it when my contract ran out and switched to a SIM only, so I pay £10 a month. I'd rather have more money than spend it on something a few grades "higher" that does pretty much the same thing.

I think you should go back to 8plus

Well there is a lot of difference between 15 and 30 gb of data so how much do you actually need as you may be paying for something you don't use. Have you looked properly at all different contracts as I'm sure you could get cheaper. Have you thought about getting a refurbished phone and P&G.

Hotukdeals website usually has the best current contract deals and links to refurbished and new phones.

I personally would probably get a 8 plus unless you don't need the extra money for other stuff which it sounds like you do

For the sake of £10 a month, I’d stick with new one.

New one OP

If I could afford one I would

I have the XS Max and absolutely love it. However, you sound like you love the idea of it more than the phone itself. And if it's triggering your anxiety then it's totally not worth it. I'd go back to the 8 plus and wait till then next cycle to upgrade.

Go back to the 8plus. I have a 7s and can't be bothered to change. My DH has the new one and I don't see really how it is worth it.

I would get the cheaper on if it is making you anxious, no point in getting the most expensive and still being anxious, not very enjoyable then.

I still have a 6S which I recently got a new battery in for £25 as I think it is wasteful to go out and spend a load of money on a new one, when it breaks or doesn't run the latest iOS I will buy a new one then.

Cancel the contract
Buy the phone outright from John Lewis (2 year no quibble returns policy)
Get the iPhone 8 it's cheaper and take a sim only contract.
I've done this myself on a 0% credit card phone was £700, sim only contract is £18 p/m unlimited calls & texts 20gb data.
I'm sorry to hear you anxiety is getting the better of you, never a good time for a big purchase

I went from the 8+ to the Xs Max and hated it at first. It took along time to get used to. I bought mine on eBay as I didn't want an expensive contract. The only reason I didn't sell it on again I'd because the Xs is they way iPhones are going so no point. Stick it out and you'll get used to it.

Personally I would suggest you look at the price to buy an unlocked phone outright then a separate sim, it's a horrendous amount to commit to every month. Giffgaff sell phones over a two year period and have secondhand etc. Also get insurance through your bank, I only pay £3 a month for all the phones in my house.

Thank you all for your advice. Really helpful. I will test it out for a few more days but I think, like one poster said, if it's stressing me out and i can't enjoy the xs max, i should go back to the 8 plus. Really appreciate all the responses. Thank you very much