Advice needed 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?

3 identical threads seems slightly un necessary

I would cancel the contract and get what you were comfortable with. I don’t understand why people need the latest phones as 6 months later something new comes along. We buy apple refurbished from Amazon. They come packaged by apple in the same boxes - only difference is “refurbished” stamped on the box. New cases, headphones and 12 months warranty and a lot cheaper. Also unlocked so we just get payg sims which suit us. Downside is you have to pay for the phone upfront but if you don’t have the cash you could always get an interest free purchase credit card and pay off over several months. A lot cheaper than locking into a contract for years!

Get an 8 plus it should not cost £55 a month though!

I recently switched back from the XS Max to my eight plus again for every reason you've mentioned.

I pay £42 a month for unlimited everything though - £55 seems high?

I change my phone every 3 years or so.
I always buy outright in cash which is cheaper than buying through a contract.

Also, your home and mortgage should be at the absolute top of your priority list - especially more than something as stupid as a phone.

I know phones are your interest but really? Mortgage (ie the roof over your head) shouldn't even be in the same bracket as a mobile.

Do you need that much data? I have 4gb a month and never go over and I'm always using data including sat nav on google maps.

30GB of data?

Thirty??

Are you hosting Netflix or something??

I always buy my iPhones rather than pay for them through contracts. I’ve still got a 6S. I think people used to be judgey if you didn’t have the latest phone but it’s gone the other way now. People think you are a sucker or a fool if you have the latest one as they are so over priced.

Get a sim only and a reconditioned older iPhone model then overpay your 35 year mortgage. Not what you were asking but on earth needs a phone contract at £65 a month 🤨

Why don't you look into the Huawei p20 it has all the same features and my contact was half the price switching with more data than with my iPhone

I can't get past £55 a month for any phone, why is it so expensive?

£65 a month?! For 3 years?!

I got the iPhone X when it first came out with 5 gb of data and that's plenty. It also rolls over any unused data from the previous month so I always have loads left and I'm paying a lot less than that.

I think you should return it and shop around. You should be able to get a much better deal regardless of the model you choose.

I have 50GB of data a month.. not sure why 30 is seen as excessive? It adds up when commuting, streaming, social media etc.

I have an 8Plus and I do love it but the looking at it right now, I think the screen is on the small side now I'm used to it - I had a 7 before so it was a big jump but now feel it's not enough. I'd stick with the Max but that's just me.

If you can get a 0% credit card, do that and buy the handset outright and pay it off over a certain amount of months. Then just get a cheap SIM only deal and use that. It will work out cheaper.

Three are pretty decent if you like lots of data.

PS you can get a second hand but excellent condition 8+ on eBay for under £500

Cancel the contract. Get an iPhone through John Lewis with their 0% interest payment plan and get 2 year guarantee into the bargain.
Shop around for SIM only.
And subscribe to Martin Lewis moneysaving emails which will help your financial decision making.

You said you’ve been getting eye strain from using, are you sure you are able to return it once it is outside of its original packaging (with seal broken?) I’d double check that, then Your decision might be made for you.

I wouldn't worry so much.

You're doing exactly what is expected of you in the Corporatocracy that we live under... being a consumer of pointless overpriced tat and a compliant, obedient, lifelong debt slave worker drone.