My Surprisingly Sentimental iPhone 6s
Let me start with a confession: I still use an iPhone 6s. Yeah, I know, I know. It's ancient. My friends tease me relentlessly. They flash their sleek, lightning-fast iPhone 15s, and I just chuckle, patting my trusty, slightly-scuffed 6s. It's more than just a phone; it's a relic, a time capsule holding countless memories.
This phone has seen it all: My first solo trip to Europe (where it valiantly took thousands of photos, many blurry, some breathtaking); my disastrous attempt at baking a cake (the recipe is still saved as a text); even the embarrassing fall I took on a particularly icy sidewalk last winter (the photos prove it wasn't graceful).
It’s slow. Apps crash occasionally. The battery life? Let’s just say it’s 'challenging'. But somehow, despite the many quirks of an old phone, I can't bring myself to part with it. So why?
worn but loved iphone 6s | Image: Supplied
Beyond the Glitches: The Emotional Attachment
It's not just nostalgia talking, although that plays a significant role. It's the sheer weight of personal history. This isn't some replaceable gadget; it's a vessel that holds photos of loved ones, audio recordings of important conversations, and countless messages from friends. These aren't things I can easily transfer and feel the same connection with. They're intertwined with the very device itself. Switching means transferring not just data, but emotional memories, and that's a delicate process.
It's funny, actually. I have to be so careful with this thing, I don't even take it on hikes anymore, or use it while making smoothies. Why? Because it has a crack in the screen from that aforementioned icy sidewalk incident. And replacing it will require a whole new experience I'm trying to avoid.
person holding old phone with sentimental look | Image: Supplied
The Practical Side (Yes, There Is One!)
Okay, let's get real. I’m also saving money. I'm not trying to be cheap, but upgrading every year just feels extravagant. The money I save is better spent on experiences, honestly. Maybe that's why I'm so hesitant to switch—it's more than about the cost of the phone; it's about the opportunity cost of what I could do with that money.
Plus, let's be honest, this phone does what I need it to do. I can text, make calls, and browse the internet; it is just slower, and more annoying than my younger friends' devices. Does it have all the fancy new features? No. Do I miss them? Sometimes. But not enough to justify the expense, or the emotional upheaval of changing my entire phone experience. I'm a creature of habit.
person comparing old and new phones | Image: Supplied
The Environmental Argument
There's another aspect to this that's important to me: the environmental impact. Constantly upgrading electronics contributes to e-waste, and that's something I'm trying to be more mindful of. It's not just about my consumption habits; it’s about the responsibility we all have to look after the planet. While it's not perfect, using my old phone reduces my environmental footprint (as long as I remember to recycle it appropriately someday).
electronic waste pile | Image: Supplied
When Will I Upgrade?
So, when will I finally succumb to the siren song of the latest iPhone? Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe when this one finally gives up the ghost. Maybe when a feature becomes truly indispensable. Or maybe never! I feel pretty happy with what I have, and I'm okay with that. It's not about being behind the times; it's about being intentional with my choices. What about you? Do you prioritize getting the latest tech, or are you happy sticking with what you have?
