Time to update cellphone?

I took my iPhone 5 to Italy last summer because it was unlocked, old, slow. I put an Italian sim in it and meant to use it only as a phone. 3 weeks later, it got really hot during a charge, went black and never worked again. I had brought my new 6+ to be camera, web access, blogging device and everything but phone, so I was ok except for not having a local phone and wasted money on the sim. All this to say, if you plan to rely on the 5 exclusively, it may not have much time left in its lifespan. But you never know. My 5 had been getting a bit warm during charges before I left, so in hindsight I should have known, and just paid the $50 to unlock my new phone.

Because I was also worried about losing my new phone, I attached it to me or my day bag with this case. The company's website appears to be gone, but the cases are still for sale at Amazon and other places. It was easy to pull out the retractable cord and take pictures with the 6+ still attached to my bag. I didn't drop it over any cliffs or have it taken out of my hand that way.

My two cents - just get and take the new phone, you'll probably be happier.

I had the same conundrum with a perfectly useable 5 that was getting a bit out-dated and decided since I only take my phone on trips that I would be much happier and well-served by just buying a new 7.

horse,

Are you thinking of waiting until after your tour in order to have more choices with the new iPhones that will be released in September? As the date approaches for the new releases, you'll probably be able to get some good deals on iPhone 6 or 7 series, while the new release models will be most expensive.

I suppose the important question is whether you can tolerate the slow speed of the iPhone 5 during your trip. If not, then you'd probably be better to upgrade to a newer model now. I use an iPhone 6S and I'm very happy with it. One thing to note about the iPhone 7 series is that they don't have a headphone jack (if that's a concern for you), so you'd have to buy an Adaptor that fits into the Lightning port, or use Bluetooth. I'm always very careful with my phone while travelling and so far haven't had any concerns about "lost, stolen, broken".

It's odd that Verizon doesn't have Slovenia on the list, as they cover that on other parts of their website - https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/trip-planner-tool/#/compatible (I used an iPhone 6 in checking this). You might want to contact Verizon and check with a CS rep that knows something about international roaming, as they'd be able to tell you what your options are for Slovenia.

Regarding an earlier suggestion on Project Fi, it doesn't currently support iPhones so you'd have to change phone platforms (something I'm not willing to do as I'd have to buy all new app's).

I'd suggest you perform an analysis of what you will need your phone for while on vacation. Some people will use more functions others fewer. Then check to see if they work fast enough for this trip. Sometimes deleting stuff like old photos, videos, books unneeded apps will free up memory and speed up functionality. Personally I would probably opt to take the old phone if possible.

if you update to a new phone, make sure you get help from a verizon employee who knows what the heck they are doing. i upgraded about 3 days before leaving just to have international texting
guess what, i didnt.

"Sometimes deleting stuff like old photos, videos, books unneeded apps will free up memory and speed up functionality."

This is very true and good advice. But the main reason is because your phone is ancient in tech years. If it were me, I'd wait to buy until new phones come out in Sept. The technology is very old after 2 yrs so I'd put my money towards the newest one.

To improve your phone's speed, make sure to do system updates in the settings and delete unnecessary apps and photos. My phone 5s which I took to Spain last week worked very well and fast, and I used it for everything- google maps directions everywhere, photos, texts, calls, webs, reading, skype. I did carry an extra battery in my purse which I used from time to time and it also made me not to worry to run out of power.
One thing which makes me reluctant to upgrade to a newer phone is their size. I like 5s smaller size.

Follow-up: my phone decided for me. I dropped it today and the screen popped lose. Even with a waterproof protective case. So tomorrow I'll go to Verizon and get an iPhone 6 or 7. I don't do any financial work on my phone so don't need the faster, prettiest model out there, mainly talk, text, news and RS forum.
Thanks everyone for your earlier advise.

Looks like your decision is made. There should be some good deals at the moment, especially on the 6 / 6S series, as the new iPhones will be released in September (presumably). I have a 6S and very pleased with it so far.

One point to note about the 7 series is that they don't have a headphone jack so you'll either have to connect via Bluetooth or buy an Adaptor that uses the Lightning Port.

My iPhone 7 came with a free adaptor, so ask if one comes with your phone if you go that route.

I'd go to an Apple store not Verizon. Apple Specialists know their products far better than a Verizon employee.

"I'd go to an Apple store not Verizon."

If you go to an Apple store, make sure they're selling you a phone on a Verizon plan and not one of the unlocked models. I'm not sure how sales are structured in the U.S., but up here Apple sells unlocked iPhones that will work on any network, but they're dreadfully expensive. For example, current Cdn$ price for an iPhone 6S with 128 GB is $900 plus taxes.

Apple stores here will sell you a phone for the carrier you're with. They will specifically ask you what carrier you want.

Ken, are you saying that in Canada you can only buy unlocked iPhones at an Apple store? Or do you have a choice between unlocked and carrier specific?

I cannot fathom any Apple employee not asking what carrier a customer is signed up with.

Susan,

As I mentioned, I'm not sure how sales are handled in the U.S. but if I order a phone from Apple Canada, it will be an unlocked model that can be used with any network (I know that as I've done it). I was following the FedEx tracking and the phone was shipped direct from Shenzen, China.

OTOH, if I go into one of the network stores or dealers (ie: Rogers, Telus, Bell) and buy a new phone, it will be locked to that carrier (I did that with my most recent phone as the price was considerably better than ordering from Apple). I was able to get it unlocked with a simple phone call after a few months (can't remember the details).

In the US, the Apple stores will generally ask about your provider and sell you the phone that is meant for your carrier. Your iPhone will come as a Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, etc., phone.

Having said that, when I replaced my last phone, they were out of Verizon phones in the color/style I wanted. So they sold me an unlocked phone and a Verizon SIM card.