The popularity of iPhones
Apple is equally as desirable today as they were over a decade ago, having sold 37.7 million iPhone 11 handsets in the beginning of 2020, and over 100 million units of the first iPhone in 2007.
Why are they so popular? iPhones are aesthetically pleasing, with soft curved edges and a large screen; simple and easy to use; and work harmoniously with many other iOS products.
Finding the right iPhone
iPhone models below the 8 can’t support the latest iOS updates, so it’s probably not worth seeking out anything earlier. Use the navigation below to find out more about each handset:
iPhone 13 range
The iPhone 13 range came out in Autumn 2021 to great applause.
Apple has kept everything that made the iPhone 12 great, but massively improved on the battery, chipset, and the camera.
Some industry experts are saying this is the “best camera system on any smartphone”. Of course if you want the latest iPhone, you’re going to have to pay for it, with prices starting from £677.99.
Specifications
|
|
iPhone 13 Mini |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 13 Pro |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
|
Cost |
||||
|
Display |
Super Restina XDR display 5.4 inch OLED display 2340 x 1080 resolution |
Super Restina XDR display 6.1 inch OLED display 2532 x 1170 resolution |
Super Restina XDR display 6.1 inch OLED display 2532 x 1170 resolution |
Super Restina XDR display 6.7 inch OLED display 2778 x 1284 resolution |
|
Size |
H = 131.5mm W = 64.2mm D = 7.65mm |
H = 146.7mm W = 71.5mm D = 7.65mm |
H = 146.7mm W = 71.5mm D = 7.65mm |
H = 160.8mm W = 78.1mm D = 7.65mm |
|
Weight |
140 grams |
173 grams |
203 grams |
238 grams |
|
Camera |
Dual 12MP: Ultra Wide and Wide cameras 12MP front camera 2x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom 4K video recording |
Dual 12MP: Ultra Wide and Wide cameras 12MP front camera 2x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom 4K video recording |
Triple 12MP: Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras 12MP front camera 3x optical zoom, 6x optical zoom range, and 15x digital zoom 4K video recording |
Triple 12MP: Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras 12MP front camera 3x optical zoom, 6x optical zoom range, 15x digital zoom 4K video recording |
|
Battery |
3,095mAh Up to 17 hours video playback Up to 55 hours audio playback Fast-charging capable |
3,095mAh Up to 19 hours video playback Up to 75 hours audio playback Fast-charging capable |
3,095mAh Up to 22 hours video playback Up to 75 hours audio playback Fast-charging capable |
3,095mAh Up to 28 hours video playback Up to 95 hours audio playback Fast-charging capable |
|
Chip |
A15 Bionic 6-core CPU 4-core GPU |
A15 Bionic 6-core CPU 4-core GPU |
A15 Bionic 6-core CPU 5-core GPU |
A15 Bionic 6-core CPU 5-core GPU |
|
Material |
Ceramic shield front Glass back and aluminium design |
Ceramic shield front Glass back and aluminium design |
Ceramic shield front Textured matt glass back and stainless steel design |
Ceramic shield front Textured matt glass back and stainless steel design |
|
Colour |
Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, Green |
Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, Green |
Sierra Blue, Graphite, Gold, Silver, Alpine Green |
Sierra Blue, Graphite, Gold, Silver, Alpine Green |
|
Water resistance |
IP68 - max 6 metre submersion for up to 30 minutes |
IP68 - max 6 metre submersion for up to 30 minutes |
IP68 - max 6 metre submersion for up to 30 minutes |
IP68 - max 6 metre submersion for up to 30 minutes |
|
Storage |
128GB |
128GB |
128GB |
128GB |
|
Operating System |
iOS 15 |
iOS 15 |
iOS 15 |
iOS 15 |
|
Features |
Face ID Siri Apple Pay MagSafe and Qi wireless charging compatibility Bluetooth 5.0 5G |
Face ID Siri Apple Pay MagSafe and Qi wireless charging compatibility Bluetooth 5.0 5G |
Face ID Siri Apple Pay MagSafe and Qi wireless charging compatibility Bluetooth 5.0 5G |
Face ID Siri Apple Pay MagSafe and Qi wireless charging compatibility Bluetooth 5.0 5G |
Summary
✔ Apple’s most advanced dual-camera system yet
✔ Compatible with wireless charging and new MagSafe technology
✔ Greatly improved battery life over the iPhone 12
✔ Cinematic mode for professional looking videos. Features automatic focus transitions and depth effects
✔ Super fast chip that speeds up your day to day use
✔ Ceramic Shield screen is tougher than the average smartphone glass
✘ Expensive - it’s the latest iPhone after all
iPhone 12 range
The iPhone 12 range was only released in October 2020, and brought with it some fancy new features and functionality, as well as the expected better specs. You’ll of course have to pay for it though - they don’t come cheap! For the fastest, newest, most up-to-date phone, take a look at the options below.
Specifications
|
|
iPhone 12 Mini |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 12 Pro |
iPhone 12 Pro Max |
|
Cost |
||||
|
Display |
5.4 inch OLED display
2340 x 1080 resolution |
6.1 inch OLED display
2532 x 1170 resolution |
6.1 inch OLED display
2532 x 1170 resolution |
6.7 inch OLED display
2778 x 1284 resolution |
|
Size |
H = 5.18 inches |
H = 5.78 inches |
H = 5.78 inches |
H = 6.33 inches |
|
Camera |
Dual 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide cameras
2x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom
4K video recording |
Dual 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide cameras
2x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom
4K video recording |
Pro 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras
2x optical zoom, 4x optical zoom range, and 10x digital zoom
4K video recording |
Pro 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras
2/2.5x optical zoom, 5x optical zoom range, 12x digital zoom
4K video recording |
|
Battery |
2,227mAh
15 hours video playback
50 hours audio playback |
2,815mAh
17 hours video playback
65 hours audio playback |
2,815mAh
17 hours video playback
65 hours audio playback |
3,687mAh
20 hours video playback
80 hours audio playback |
|
Material |
Ceramic shield front and aerospace-grade aluminium |
Ceramic shield front and aerospace-grade aluminium |
Ceramic shield front and aerospace-grade aluminium |
Ceramic shield front and surgical-grade stainless steel |
|
Colour |
Blue, Green, Red, White, Black |
Blue, Green, Red, White, Black |
Pacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, Silver |
Pacific Blue, Gold, Graphite, Silver |
|
Water resistance |
IP68 - 6 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
IP68 - 6 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
IP68 - 6 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
IP68 - 6 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
|
Storage |
64GB, 128GB, or 256GB |
64GB, 128GB or 256GB |
128GB, 256GB or 512GB |
128GB, 256GB or 512GB |
|
Features |
Face ID Siri MagSafe and Qi wireless charging compatibility 5G |
Face ID Siri MagSafe and Qi wireless charging compatibility |
Face ID Siri MagSafe and Qi wireless charging compatibility |
Face ID Siri MagSafe and Qi wireless charging compatibility 5G |
Summary
✔Compatible with wireless charging and new MagSafe technology
✔Huge storage options, up to 512GB
✔Strongest water resistance to date - up to 6 metres under
✔Large screens
✔Compatible with 5G
✘Expensive
✘Lower battery life than previous generation
iPhone 11 range
The iPhone 11 range was released in 2019, and until recently was the most advanced Apple range on the market. These are still being made, so you can either buy brand new, or see if there’s a cheaper, refurbished one out there.
Specifications
|
|
iPhone 11 |
iPhone 11 Pro |
iPhone 11 Pro Max |
|
Cost |
£924 |
£1,149 |
|
|
Display |
6.1 inch LCD display
1792 x 828 resolution |
5.8 inch OLED display
2436 x 1125 resolution |
6.5 inch OLED display
2688 x 1242 resolution |
|
Size |
H = 5.94 inches |
H = 5.67 inches |
H = 6.22 inches |
|
Camera |
Dual 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide cameras
2x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom
4K video recording |
Triple 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras
2x optical zoom, 4x optical zoom range, 10x digital zoom
4K video recording |
Triple 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras
2x optical zoom, 4x optical zoom range, 10x digital zoom
4K video recording |
|
Battery |
3,110mAh
17 hours video playback
65 hours audio playback |
3,046mAh
18 hours video playback
65 hours audio playback |
3,969mAh
20 hours video playback
80 hours audio playback |
|
Material |
Glass and aerospace-grade aluminium |
Glass and surgical-grade stainless steel |
Glass and surgical-grade stainless steel |
|
Colour |
Purple, Yellow, Green, Black, White, Red |
Midnight Green, Silver, Space Grey, Gold |
Midnight Green, Silver, Space Grey, Gold |
|
Water resistance |
IP68 - 2 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
IP68 - 4 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
IP68 - 4 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
|
Storage |
64GB, 128GB or 256GB |
64GB, 256GB or 512GB |
64GB, 256GB or 512GB |
|
Features |
Face ID Siri Qi wireless charging compatibility |
Face ID Siri Qi wireless charging compatibility |
Face ID Siri Qi wireless charging compatibility |
Summary
✔Big storage options
✔Large screens
✔Compatible with wireless charging
✔All-day battery
✔Stronger water resistance - up to 4 metres under
✘Expensive
✘Quick to be overtaken by next model
iPhone X range
The iPhone X (10) range was released in November 2017, and consisted of four new models: the iPhone X, XS, XS Max, and XR, giving users more choice than ever before.
If you’re looking for a fresher, faster, and slightly newer model, you’re spoilt for choice in the X range. Prices are for refurbished models.
Specifications
|
|
iPhone XR |
iPhone X |
iPhone XS |
iPhone XS Max |
|
Cost |
£679 |
£679 |
£719 |
|
|
Display |
6.1 inch OLED display
1792 x 828 resolution |
5.8 inch OLED display
2436 x 1125 resolution |
5.8 inch OLED display
2436 x 1125 resolution |
6.5 inch OLED display
2688 x 1242 resolution |
|
Size |
H = 5.94 inches |
H = 5.65 inches |
H = 5.65 inches |
H = 6.20 inches |
|
Camera |
12MP Wide camera
5x digital zoom
4K recording |
Dual 12MP Wide and Telephoto cameras
2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom
4K recording |
Dual 12MP Wide and Telephoto cameras
2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom
4K recording |
Dual 12MP Wide and Telephoto cameras
2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom
4K recording |
|
Battery |
2,942mAh
16 hours video playback
65 hours audio playback |
2,716mAh
13 hours video playback
60 hours audio playback |
2,658mAh
14 hours video playback
60 hours audio playback |
3,174mAh
15 hours video playback
65 hours audio playback |
|
Material |
Glass and surgical-grade stainless steel |
Glass and surgical-grade stainless steel |
Glass and surgical-grade stainless steel |
Glass and surgical-grade stainless steel |
|
Colour |
Blue, White, Black, Yellow, Coral, Red |
Silver, Space Grey |
Silver, Space Grey, Gold |
Silver, Space Grey, Gold |
|
Water resistance |
IP67 - 1 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
IP67 - 1 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
IP68 - 2 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
IP68 - 2 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
|
Storage |
64GB or 128GB |
64GB or 256GB |
64GB, 256GB or 512GB |
64GB, 256GB or 512GB |
|
Features |
Face ID Siri Qi wireless charging compatibility |
Face ID Siri Qi wireless charging compatibility Bluetooth 5.0 |
Face ID Siri Qi wireless charging compatibility |
Face ID Siri Qi wireless charging compatibility |
Summary
✔Big storage capabilities
✔High resolution screens for optimal viewing
✔Compatible with wireless charging
✔Impressive zoom abilities
✘Not brand new - can only get second-hand
✘Cameras aren’t as impressive for the price
iPhone SE
The iPhone SE 2020 (2nd generation) is an improved version of the 1st generation iPhone SE from 2016. It’s perfect for Apple lovers who want a smaller phone, but don’t want to sacrifice the better hardware.
Specifications
|
|
iPhone SE (2020) |
|
Cost |
|
|
Display |
4.7 inch LCD display
1334 x 750 resolution |
|
Size |
H = 5.45 inches |
|
Camera |
12MP Wide camera
5x digital zoom
4K video recording |
|
Battery |
1,821mAh
13 hours video playback
40 hours audio playback |
|
Material |
Glass and aerospace-grade aluminium |
|
Colour |
Black, Red, White |
|
Water resistance |
IP67 - 1 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
|
Storage |
64GB, 128GB, or 256GB |
|
Features |
Touch ID Siri Qi wireless charging compatibility |
Summary
✔Large storage options
✔Compatible with wireless charging
✔Good size to transport easily
✘No 5G
✘Only one camera due to size
Older iPhone models
iPhone 8 range
The iPhone 8 range was released in September 2017, and while it’s still available on the market, newer models will be better if you’re looking for a reliable and fast phone. As no new ones are being produced, if you want an 8 it’ll have to be refurbished or second-hand.
|
|
iPhone 8 |
iPhone 8 Plus |
|
Cost |
£339 |
£379 |
|
Display |
4.7 inch LCD display
1334 x 750 resolution |
5.5 inch LCD display
1920 x 1080 resolution |
|
Size |
H = 5.45 inches |
H = 6.24 inches |
|
Camera |
12MP Wide camera
5x digital zoom
4K video recording |
Dual 12MP Wide and Telephoto cameras
10x digital zoom
4K video recording |
|
Battery |
1,821mAh
13 hours video playback
40 hours audio playback |
2,675mAh
14 hours video playback
60 hours audio playback |
|
Material |
Glass and aerospace-grade aluminium |
Glass and aerospace-grade aluminium |
|
Colour |
Silver, Space Grey, Gold |
Silver, Space Grey, Gold |
|
Water resistance |
IP67 - 1 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
IP67 - 1 metre submersion for 30 minutes |
|
Storage |
64GB or 128GB |
64GB or 128GB |
|
Features |
Touch ID Siri Qi wireless charging compatibility Bluetooth 5.0 |
Touch ID Siri Qi wireless charging compatibility Bluetooth 5.0 |
✔More affordable than other models
✔Portable sizes for easy transportation
✔Compatible with wireless charging
✔Water resistant up to 30 minutes
✘Not brand new - can only get second-hand
✘Battery won’t last all day
Continue reading
Regardless of which iPhone model you’re thinking of buying, here are some tips and tricks you might find helpful with your new phone.
If you’re still not completely sold on an Apple phone, check out our other guides:
