Apple currently offers 7 distinct iPhone models, including the luxury iPhone 13 Mini, 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max; the previous-generation iPhone 12 and iPhone 11; and the budget-friendly iPhone SE 2022.
Choosing which model is ideal for you with so many options might be challenging. We’ve examined every iPhone in Apple’s current lineup so that you can make an informed selection. Below, we will describe each Apple model, what it can and cannot accomplish, and who it is most suited for.
The king: iPhone 13
(Image courtesy of Apple.com)
The iPhone 13 satisfies the essential requirements in a form that allows you to do much. While the performance of the iPhone 13 Mini and the iPhone 13 are equal, the iPhone 13’s larger screen makes it more valuable, and the keypad feels considerably less cramped.
The 6.1-inch display is enough for viewing web pages, scrolling through timelines, and, most importantly, typing. In contrast to the 13 Mini’s keyboard, which can seem cramped, the 13’s keyboard is spacious, easy to master, and reminiscent of prior iPhones. The iPhone 13 has an OLED screen, which provides the text with vivid colors and deep blacks.
However, the iPhone 13 does not include a quick refresh rate. It is not a deal breaker if you’re coming from a gadget with the same slower but the standard refresh rate. Even though the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have a faster refresh rate (120Hz compared to the 13’s 60Hz) and information streams more smoothly, the ordinary user will not find the difference significant enough to justify the expensive purchase.
The iPhone 13 has one of the most impressive dual-camera systems we’ve ever evaluated, with a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The images are more detailed and colorful than most other smartphones, but the lighting makes a significant difference. We discovered that photos captured in poorly lit areas exhibit less blur or fuzziness thanks to a bigger sensor that collects more light. We also found that the iPhone 13 doesn’t have many settings that need to be changed during our testing. You just need to point and shoot to make the best shot possible. You will have access to Portrait mode, Night mode, and many video recording choices.
The iPhone 13’s 128GB of storage capacity (at the same base price as the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini’s 64GB) should be sufficient for most consumers. In the United States, the phones also work with 4G LTE and 5G (Sub-6 and mmWave) on various carriers.
The iPhone 13 Mini, with a screen size of 5.4 inches and a starting price of $699, is available to those desiring a smaller phone with the same capabilities.
The photography king: iPhone 13 Pro
(Image courtesy of Apple.com)
Those who desire the most outstanding possible cameras for capturing photos and videos in any environment should choose the iPhone 13 Pro. It has three 12-megapixel cameras: a wide-angle 12-megapixel camera, an ultrawide 12-megapixel camera, and a telephoto 12-megapixel camera.
These include updated sensors and lenses that allow them to absorb the most light, resulting in a significant improvement for low-light photos, which are typically characterized by grain, noise, and blurriness. However, these improved cameras eliminate all that noise and pack an incredible quantity of light and detail. It is a noticeable improvement over the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max, and much more so when compared to previous smartphones.
This telephoto lens allows you to zoom in without actually moving or losing data visually. It is an excellent upgrade over digital zoom that causes rapid blurring and loss of image information. The iPhone 13 Pro makes notable strides in photography and cinematography. You can, of course, photograph in Portrait mode and Night mode; shoot video in up to 4K; record slow-motion or time-lapse footage; and utilize the new Cinematic mode, which has performed reasonably well in our tests and is similar to Portrait mode for video.
The iPhone 13 Pro has an even crisper OLED screen than the iPhone 13 at 6.1 inches. You will still receive a crisp and colorful display, but it may become extremely bright, allowing you to utilize it in any lighting environment, including direct sunshine. The 13 Pro also includes a display with a high refresh rate, making the video appear more realistic and displaying smooth streaming content.
And similar to the iPhone 13, the 13 Pro is powered by Apple’s most recent mobile tech, the A15 Bionic. It’s pretty quick and will allow you to blast through almost every work you might perform on an iPhone (or any other phone). Additionally, the battery life is excellent and typically lasts a day. The 13 Pro lasted 14 hours in our battery test, which is better than the 12 Pro’s 12 hours and 10 minutes.
The budget king: iPhone SE 2022
(Image courtesy of Apple.com)
If you want contemporary iPhone performance but don’t want to pay $1,000 on a new phone, or if you simply prefer a smaller device, the iPhone SE 2022 is a perfect choice. Apple’s $429 iPhone is equipped with the same fast A15 Bionic CPU as the most recent iPhone 13 lineup, with which it makes very few power concessions. You will have no trouble switching between applications or enjoying the newest iOS games here.
With its 4.7-inch screen, it’s perfect for folks with tiny hands, but it’s also the tiniest iPhone in the range (or small pockets). The design is reminiscent of older iPhones, which includes rather broad screen bezels at the top and bottom and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor not seen on more expensive models. Its Retina HD display is ideal for viewing movies and playing games. Although it lacks the two- to three-camera configurations of the iPhone 13 series, its sole 12-megapixel lens shoots good photographs and can snap in Portrait mode for expert portraits.
Then, what are you sacrificing for this price? The display of the iPhone SE is smaller and less fluid than those on the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, and it excludes the ProMotion technology that enables 120Hz scrolling and streaming. Also absent are MagSafe features for magnetically connecting appropriate chargers and cases and Face ID facial recognition unlocking. But suppose you can live without the most modern camera technology, the best-looking appearance, or the largest display. In that case, the iPhone SE is a tiny, high-performing iPhone that will survive for years for a fraction of the cost of an iPhone 13.
Other iPhone models to explore
iPhone 12
(Image courtesy of Apple.com)
With the introduction of the iPhone 13, Apple officially cut the starting price of the iPhone 12 to $699 for the primary model and $549 for the iPhone 12 small. As a reminder, the iPhone 12 introduced a design with flat edges that Apple has now used for the iPad Mini and iPhone 13 lines.
And let’s be clear: the iPhone 12’s A14 Bionic chipset is nearly as quick as the iPhone 13’s. It’s a relatively minor improvement that increases productivity and results in programs launching somewhat faster. The iPhone 12 is sufficiently swift for daily chores and games. More processor-intensive operations, such as exporting in bulk or video editing, will benefit from the newer iPhone 13. In addition, we predict that the iPhone 13 will continue to function marginally longer than the iPhone 12 as the phones mature.
The iPhone 12 lineup begins with 64GB of storage, whereas the iPhone 13 lineup begins with 128GB; 64GB is quite limited, and if you have an extensive photo library, a large number of songs downloaded, or a large number of apps, you’ll likely receive a storage alert sooner rather than later, so the iPhone 13 would be a better option for those who prefer to stockpile digital data on their device.
The iPhone 12’s photography experience is satisfactory. You won’t have access to the iPhone 13’s new Cinematic video or Macro mode, but you’ll still get two 12-megapixel cameras on the back, one wide and the other ultrawide. If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll note that the 13 better illuminates the image. There is more contrast between the depth of field in photos taken with the iPhone 13, such as a classic photograph of someone in front of a sunset. Nevertheless, the iPhone 12 comes with a pretty decent camera.
Both phones run iOS 15, the most recent iPhone operating system, and will be updated in years ahead. This is excellent news, considering the price is still high, and you don’t want to get a phone that Apple won’t update in a few years.
iPhone 11
(Image courtesy of Apple.com)
Apple’s iPhone 11 is an inexpensive solution if you want a contemporary iPhone 11 with a practically bezel-free screen and Face ID for quick unlocking at a more reasonable $499 for the 64GB version ($549 for 128GB).
The primary distinction between iPhone 11 and later versions is its 6.1-inch LCD screen instead of an OLED display. It is not as bright or sharp as recent versions, but it still provides a good viewing experience and extends battery life.
On the back of the iPhone 11, there are two 12-megapixel rear-facing cameras, one for ultrawide pictures — a popular feature — and one regular camera. The images have a high degree of detail and are still Instagram-worthy, but they lack the level of detail that the iPhone 13 can provide. Low-light photographs taken with recent versions are inferior to those taken with older devices.
Overall, the iPhone 11 is an excellent choice for individuals on a strict budget who need a modern style with Face ID.
Selling or exchanging an iPhone
When switching to a modern iPhone, you will probably wish to sell or trade in your older device. It’s a simple method to narrow the price gap, especially considering how expensive a new iPhone can be. Fortunately, several businesses make the process of trading in a phone reasonably painless.
Typically, you’ll begin by picking your device’s model, evaluating its state, and completing a few additional questions, after which you’ll be presented with an estimated value. If you opt to send the device in, the company will lock in that value, and the service will give you a shipping label to return the equipment. After receiving it, they will review it and change the value if necessary. You will confirm, and the money will be sent to you.
We advise using a service such as Decluttr for trading in your phone. It’s Worth More and Gazelle are two other businesses that we have used successfully to trade in or sell our old phones and work quite well too.
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