Apple is one of the world’s leading brands and they are just as desirable today as they were a decade ago. Before we go ahead and look at the various models, we should highlight an important point - even older Apple models can upgrade free of charge, to the latest version of the latest iOS update.
So, let’s look at the iPhones that you can buy today. Once you decide on your iPhone make sure you order a fantastic value Asda Mobile SIM to accompany it – Order your SIM now.
iPhone XR - From £749
- Latest release ✓
- Want a new iPhone but don’t want to pay £1000 ✓
- Contains the A12 bionic processor ✓
- Less waterproof than the XS ✘
- Lower max storage than XS ✘
- LCD screen as opposed to better OLED screen on XS ✘
Released in September 2018 this premium smartphone delivers some amazing features, but without the £1000 price tag of the more expensive XS. The most major differences between the XS and the XR are the camera and the screen; this phone has a single-lens camera instead of the dual camera and the screen isn't as high-spec with OLED technology. However, in many ways, both phones are similar, sporting the same processor, Face ID and wireless charging systems. The XR comes in many colours, making it more customisable than the XS. What’s more, the XR battery life actually outperforms the XS.
iPhone XS and XS Max - From £999
- Excellent Camera ✓
- Best OLED Screen ✓
- The coolest iPhone out ✓
- Contains the A12 bionic processor ✓
- Bigger and brighter than previous models ✓
- Hefty price tag ✘
This is by far the best and most expensive iPhone yet. If you like having the coolest most cutting-edge technology then this phone is for you; if you can spare £1000.
Both iPhones have OLED and HDR screens, IP69 water resistance, more storage, wireless charging, Face ID and an amazing duel-lens camera. The dual-lens camera though considered standard on an Android phone, works wonders on the iPhone giving its customers near professional images. The phone comes in standard silver, gold or black and you have a choice of the XS (5.8-inch display) or the iPhone XS Max (6.5-inch display). All the amazing features noted above don't come cheap. The XS Max with 512GB is the most expensive iPhone ever made at £1449.
iPhone X - From £750
- You don’t mind having last years model ✓
- Best screen prior to XS ✓
- Best camera prior to XS ✓
- Doesn't have the A12 Bionic chip ✘
The fabulous X model was Apple’s first all screen smartphone, with 5.8 inches of Super Retina OLED display going right to the edge. The phone has plenty of great features; Face ID, a fingerprint sensor and a 12MP dual camera.
This phone is mainly famed for its Face ID feature, which uses facial recognition with an error rate of only one in one million reads. The dual camera and a 7MP True Depth selfie camera contain a feature called Portrait Lighting; providing the ability to add studio lighting effects, blur the background (bokeh effect), or add shadows to selfies. This was the first iPhone to be released without a home button, this may be difficult to get used to at first, but this aside the X is a great phone.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus - From £599
- Same processor as the X ✓
- Lighter than the X Plus ✓
- Best value for money ✓
- Smaller screen size than the iPhone X ✘
The iPhone 8 is thought of as the best value for money iPhone, it is relatively cheap, splash proof, has fingerprint scanning and great hardware. The iPhone 8 introduced AR (augmented reality) experiences to Apple fans. This blends your surroundings with games and other apps, such as home design apps. The 12MP camera is exceptional but photography is taken further on the iPhone 8 Plus, which has a dual rear camera for portrait mode photography, where bokeh blurred backgrounds can be captured. The 8 has the same storage capacity options as the iPhone X; 64GB or 256GB. If you have a habit of giving your mobile phone a hard life, then you will appreciate that it is made from the most durable glass used on any smartphone. In addition to this, the phone is once again IP67 rain and splash resistance.
Unfortunately, the iPhone 8 has a smaller screen and you won’t find OLED, HDR or Face ID on this device. However, if you’re looking for a big screen, the 8 Plus is only 2 inches smaller than the iPhone X. The 8 is available in sophisticated colours similar to the iPhone X and XS; Gold, Silver, Space Grey, Red.
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus - From £449
- Good but an older phone ✓
- Cheaper than the 8 and 8 Plus ✓
- No wireless charging ✘
- Slower processor and less memory ✘
- The camera isn't as good as other models ✘
Originally released in 2016, the iPhone 7 made headlines as it was the first iPhone to launch without a headphone jack. Apple broke the mould with this older iPhone, and soon enough other companies followed suit.
Made from 7000 series aluminium, this iPhone has both the looks and feels great. Crucially, this phone has a display that is 25% brighter than those before it. The iPhone 7 is a practical choice with its rain/splash resistance and a fingerprint reader for security. The speakers are two times louder and the camera exceeds expectations by allowing in 50% more light compared to its predecessor. However, the camera might be good, but the 8, X and XS/XR series offer better ones. If photography is important to you, you might want to consider the newer models. Unfortunately, the 7 and 7 Plus only offer models with 32, 64 and 128GB of storage, this is nothing compared to the XR (256GB) and XS (512GB).
Bottom line is if you want a faster phone with better photography, the latest features, and more memory, then consider newer iPhones. However, if you’re not fussed on having the latest features, purchasing this iPhone rather than an XS could save you a massive £600.
Earlier Models
There is also the iPhone 6s which costs around £459. This phone has a 4.7-inch screen, 12-megapixel camera, A9 chip and Touch ID. It is only available in 32GB and 128GB from third-party providers (you can no longer purchase this from the Apple store itself). However, it is £200 cheaper than the 7, and a great option for those looking to save money.
The most affordable iPhone and the oldest in this list, dating back to the beginning of 2016 is the iPhone SE. You can pick one of these up for around £239 (but not from Apple as they have been discontinued). This smartphone has a 4-inch display (0.7 inches shorter than the 6), a fingerprint scanner and a 12MP camera. The SE also has the same A9 chip found on the 6; which is nearly double the price. The device has plenty of character with an aluminium body and a stainless-steel Apple logo; it feels retro compared to Apple’s latest models. You can purchase the SE with 16GB or 64GB memory, this is low compared to modern day iPhones, however, for, £239 this phone is a bargain!
