Around the holiday season, consumers see prices slashed on the latest and greatest iPhone collection. Many Americans will either upgrade their current iPhone or ditch their Android this year for a glimmering new iPhone. Experts conclude that, once the new iPhones are in stock, the phones will be sold instantly. The long waiting list then begins to grow. Between Sept. 30 and Nov. 30, Apple sold over 46.7 million new iPhones.

Today, it is estimated that 94 million people in America own an iPhone. With growing popularity, the number of American iPhone users is expected to keep growing in the coming months. Surprisingly, a great percentage of these devices are sold or gifted to teen-agers around the holidays. A recent study by Business Wire concluded that 78 percent of teens in America between the ages of 14 and 18 own an iPhone.

Should you gift a new iPhone or add one to your Christmas list this year?

Skeptics believe that the newest iPhone models look similar and function closely to the previous iPhone models. That truth is, major differences exist between the two. The question still remains: Are the new phones worth the upgrade, even if you own a previous version of the iPhone?

Both the iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, and X generations are quite similar in build and craftsmanship. The functionality, in fact, does differ among them. The new iPhones are crafted with a glass body and a stainless steel border; while the previous 7 models are designed with an aluminum chassis and a glass screen. Apple revolutionized the materials in the new iPhones to allow efficient wireless charging, clearer screen pigment, and a tighter waterproof design. Outside of the design aspects, the iPhone 8 and X have new software and components that immensely outdated the iPhone 7.

In addition, IOS 11 creates a better functionality and accessibility for the everyday user. Some improvements include new swipe gestures and a simplified home screen layout, for briefly passing through applications. More importantly, when looking at the bare bones of the new iPhones, the iPhone 8 is not that much different compared with the iPhone 7. The true innovation from Apple is in the iPhone X. This luxurious phone debuted in September, as being one of the most innovative phones of 2017. The iPhone X has awe-stricken many crowds because of the new Face ID, ultrafast wireless charging capabilities (full charge in an hour), longer battery life, advanced LTE connectivity, and a crystal clear front and back camera.

For many Americans, it is hard to justify spending $1,000 on a new iPhone. Why upgrade or buy a new iPhone when your current phone works fine? Another concern consumers have, is that the newest iPhones are not a necessity. Some consumers view them as a waste of money. A $1,000 iPhone X or a $200 iPhone SE?

Daniel Howley, a financial adviser from Yahoo Finance explains you get what you pay for when it comes to the newest iPhones.

“If money’s no object, I would definitely buy it! The Face ID is fantastic and I love everything about it!” Howley said.

In all honestly, as technology continues to advance, an iPhone’s price is bound to skyrocket. The perks and pleasures of a new iPhone are great, but upgrading depends on your personal utilization of the device and the amount of money you are willing to spend on a new iPhone. If the newest iPhone is set in stone for you, look at the wide variety of sales. This holiday season retailers and service providers will have discounts on all the new technology, including the new iPhones. If for any reason, you are locked into a service provider, whether it be reception quality or the type of service plan you own, do not be afraid to price match and ask about sales.

“I received my new iPhone X for $30 a month, right before Black Friday. I needed a new phone, and I loved the advertised features of the iPhone X, so I decided to order it,” Sierra Sutter said.

Some popular holiday promotions include:

Verizon Wireless: Receive up to $300 off with a select trade-in when buying a new iPhone.   

Sprint: Take up to $300 off a new iPhone with a select trade-in when buying a new iPhone. Also, for a limited time lease an iPhone X for $25 a month.

AT&T: Purchase the iPhone X at a reduced contract price of $33.34 per month, or lease one of the iPhone 8 models at a reduced price of $23.34-$26.67 per month.

US Cellular: Customers receive a $50 promotional credit on any new iPhone purchased through the holidays.

T-Mobile: Buyers can obtain a reduced monthly payment of $30 on the iPhone 8 Plus and X devices. The iPhone 8 model is also reduced to $29.17 per month.

In the end, when comparing the two newest iPhones, it is hard to determine, saying yes or no to upgrading. If you currently own an iPhone 6 or an even older iPhone you should definitely upgrade!

The newest iPhones have an abundance of new updates and advances that will create an overall better experience, in your day to day usage. On the other hand, if you own an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus model, do not upgrade to an iPhone 8. Instead, upgrade to the new iPhone X. The software and functionality between the 7 and 8 models are too similar. Upgrading to the iPhone 8 will cost your pocket hundreds of dollars, for the same overall — ordinary, everyday experience. You will receive wireless charging if you upgrade to the iPhone 8, but is the cost worth the one advancement? If you must upgrade, switch to the iPhone X. The iPhone X features some of the best technology in the world. Wireless charging, fast charging, Face ID, advanced LTE coverage, longer battery life, true pigmentation, and a clearer camera, is too much to pass up.

“Without a home button, I thought the iPhone X would be hard to adjust to. Surprisingly, the iPhone X is easy to use and the layout is awesome! I love it!” Sierra Sutter said.