Are you in search of the best iPhones currently? Thanks to the new Apple’s iPhone SE (2022) edition, you can now get a pocket-friendly 5G oriented alternative to consider. In case you’re burdened by the high cost of living already.
However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, is still the people’s favorite among Apple’s devices. As interesting as the handset may be, the initial iPhone 13 lineup demonstrate remarkable improvements compared to the rest. Although they’re also still in the mix but, their costs are a bit lower than before the iPhone 13’s series.
So which among various models should you go for? That’s what we’ll cover in this collective review. Regardless of whether you’re an iPhone user or you feel like shifting from Android to iPhone.
What are the best iPhones?
As mentioned earlier, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is currently ranking high courtesy of its adaptive display, long battery life and superb cameras. Get this phone sold at a price similar to that of iPhone 12 Pro Max and you won’t regret it.
Do you need something less costly? Then, the iPhone 13 is the best option for you. While it doesn’t come with a dynamically adjusting display similar to the iPhone 13 Pro models, its cameras are so strong in their game. Add to that an improved battery, a powerful A15 chip and brighter display, and Apple has got another incredible option in its iPhone 13 lineup. The iPhone 13 Pro as well as the iPhone 13 mini have their distinctive attraction, although it might seem like mini iPhones are being driven off the market.
Apple has maintained two iPhone 12 family members, of 2020’s. You can go for either the iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 mini at $100 less than the iPhone 13. Especially, the iPhone 12 mini, which stands out as a tremendous value, as it presently costs below $600.
In case you can be patient for another five months before purchasing a modern iPhone, the iPhone 14 geared towards bringng forth further modifications, especially to the iPhone 14 Pro categories.
Here’s a collective review of 8 best iPhones you can buy this year.
1. iPhone 13 Pro Max
The best iPhone you can ever purchase currently.
Specifications
- Screen Size: 6.7-inch
- OLED (2778 x 1284;
- 120Hz)Processor: A15
- BionicCameras: 12MP main (ƒ/1.5), 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/1.8) 12MP telephoto (ƒ/2.8) with 3x optical zoom, LiDAR / 12MP front (ƒ/2.2)RAM/Storage:
- Unknown/128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Pros
- Best cameras in a phone
- Superior performance
- Excellent battery life
- Brighter display with dynamic refresh rate
Cons
There’s no topping the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the best iPhone Apple currently offers and a near-perfect device. Pick a category, and the iPhone 13 Pro likely dominates it. The phone adds an adaptive display that can automatically scale its refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz depending on what task you’re performing. That, combined with a larger battery and efficient AT 15 Bionic processor, help the iPhone 13 Pro Max last more than 12 hours on our battery test — an outstanding time.
Those features are all impressive, but the truly great thing about the iPhone 13 Pro Max may be its cameras. The setup is the same as before, with three rear lenses, but Apple has turned to bigger sensors to let in more light, with the ultrawide angle shooter particularly adept at teasing color and detail out of the dark areas of shots. The telephoto lens is better too, with the iPhone 13 Pro Max now supporting a 3x optical zoom.
You’d have to search pretty hard to find many flaws with this phone, and they’re mostly about thing we wish Apple would have added like some form of Touch ID. But the iPhone 13 Pro Max features that are there impress and reaffirm Apple’s place as the industry-leading phone maker.
2. iPhone 13
The best iPhone value for majority of the people.
Specifications
- Screen Size: 6.1-inch OLED (2532 x 1170)Processor: A15
- BionicCameras: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.6), 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.4) / 12MP front (ƒ/2.2)RAM/Storage:
- Unknown/64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Pros
- Brighter display
- Great cameras
- Class-leading performance
Cons
- Lacks 120Hz display
- Slower charging than rivals
The best iPhone for most people will be the $799 iPhone 13, which properly balances a more affordable price with some stellar features. By skipping the more expensive Pro line, you won’t get the fast-refreshing displays, but there are enough great features here to make the iPhone 13 a worthy upgrade from any past iPhone.
One of the best things about this new model is its storage — Apple finally includes 128GB with the base model, so you don’t necessarily have to jump to the next storage tier just to fit everything on your phone. The A15 processor — the same one found in the iPhone 13 Pro models — continues to set the pace for mobile processors, allowing the iPhone 13 to outperform any Android device.
As with any iPhone 13 model, the real story here is the cameras. The iPhone 13 still features two rear lenses, but they have bigger sensors which should translate to improved low-light photography. What’s more, Apple includes a number of computational-powered features like Cinematic mode to automatically shift focus when you’re shooting video. It’s an impressive array of features in a phone that’s affordable priced.
3. iPhone 13 Pro
A collection of the best features of the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Specifications
- Screen Size: 6.1-inch OLED (2352 x 1170; 120Hz)Processor: A15
- BionicCameras: 12MP main (ƒ/1.5), 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/1.8) 12MP telephoto (ƒ/2.8) with 3x optical zoom, LiDAR / 12MP front (ƒ/2.2)RAM/Storage:
- Unknown/128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Pros
- Gorgeous and bright 120Hz display
- Spectacular cameras
- Vastly improved battery life from the iPhone 12 Pro
Cons
- Fast charging limited to 20W
- No mask-friendly face authentication
The iPhone 13 Pro is every bit the great phone that the iPhone 13 Pro Max is, only slightly smaller and $100 less expensive. Unlike in past years, where the larger Pro Max was the clear superior phone, there’s little separating the two iPhone 13 Pro models. So you’re free to get the size you prefer, and for many, that will be the 6.1-inch Pro option with its $999 price.
For that money, you get the dynamically refreshing display found on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Like its bigger sibling, the iPhone 13 Pro also features a larger battery — how big Apple hasn’t said, but it translates to more than 11.5 hours of battery life in our test. The iPhone 13 Pro Max’s camera improvements are on hand in the iPhone 13 Pro, too, including powerful software features like Cinematic mode.
Purchase the iPhone 13 Pro if you want the best features Apple offers in a smartphone, but in a more slender package than the massive iPhone 13 Pro Max model.
4. iPhone 13 mini
Among the best compact iPhones.
Specifications
- Screen Size: 5.4-inch OLED (2340 x 1080)Processor: A15
- BionicCameras: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.6), 12MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.4) / 12MP front (ƒ/2.2)RAM/Storage:
- Unknown/64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Pros
- Improved cameras
- Better battery life
- Base model has 128GB of storage
Cons
- No mask-friendly authentication
- Fast charging limited to 20W
The iPhone 13 mini is the most powerful compact phone Apple’s ever made, thanks to that A15 Bionic chip that powers all the iPhone 13 models. That means the best performance in a smartphone can also be found in Apple’s 5.4-inch model, which also happens to be the least expensive entry in the iPhone 13 lineup.
Compact phones aren’t for everyone, and you won’t find the dynamically refreshing displays featured with the iPhone 13 Pro models, but the iPhone 13 mini has plenty to recommend it. It’s got the same camera setup as the iPhone 13, with larger sensors that let in more light than before. The display is also brighter than the iPhone 12 mini’s screen, and battery life is improved, if ever so slightly.
This may be the last mini phone Apple makes if rumors about future iPhone plans are ture. If so, the iPhone 13 mini goes out with style.
5. iPhone SE (2022)
The modern budget iPhone choice.
Specifications
- Display size: 4.7-inch LCD (1344 x 750)CPU: A15
- BionicCameras: 12MP (f/1.8) rear; 7MP (f/2.2) frontRAM / Storage: 4GB / 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Pros
- Fastest performance for the money
- Very good photo quality
- More durable design
Cons
- No Night mode for camera
- No mmWave 5G support
The iPhone SE (2022) is the most budget-friendly option in the modern iPhone lineup. Starting at $429 for the 64GB model, the latest SE is a veritable powerhouse that runs laps around anything else at this price point. You will not find something that performs better under $500.
With the same A15 Bionic chipset that’s in the iPhone 13, the iPhone SE (2022) can power through any task you set before it, all in an incredibly compact body. However, the 4.7-inch LCD is a bit of a letdown with a low resolution by today’s standards (1344 x 750). The chunky bezels of the classic iPhone design also look incredibly dated.
Perhaps the most egregious omission from the new SE is the lack of Night mode. It’s even sadder because the phone takes great photos in daylight. And it also lacks mmWave 5G, so people hoping to take advantage of Verizon’s Ultra Wideband network will be left out in the cold with the iPhone SE (2022). It’s why Apple’s new phone comes up short in our iPhone SE (2022) vs. Pixel 5a comparison.
The iPhone 12 mini from a year ago remains available, and its lower price makes it one of the best iPhones
6. iPhone 12 mini
Yet a nice compact iPhone, at a lowered price.
Specifications
- Screen Size: 5.4-inch OLED (2340×1080)Processor: A14
- BionicCameras: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.6), 16MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.4) rear / 12MP front (ƒ/2.2)RAM/Storage: 4GB/64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Pros
- Perfect for small phone lovers
- Capable dual cameras
- Reasonable starting price
Cons
- Only 64GB storage to start
- Shortest battery life of all iPhone 12 models
The iPhone 13 mini may be a great compact phone, but for something a little bit cheaper, try the iPhone 12 mini. It may be a year older, but the iPhone 12 mini doesn’t skimp on features. You get the same A14 processor found in the other iPhone 12 models, and the rear cameras on the iPhone 12 mini are every bit as impressive as the ones found on the larger iPhone 12. Even better, it’s now $100 cheaper, as it makes way for the iPhone 13 mini.
Similar to the rest of the iPhone 12 lineup, the iPhone 12 mini offers 5G connectivity, supporting all flavors of the faster networking standard. That includes mmWave 5G, which is particularly impressive given the number of antennas Apple had to fit inside such a compact phone. And the mini has the most attractive price of any new iPhone, now starting at just $599.
General, the iPhone 12 mini is one of the best iPhones yet because its design is so refreshing. And the addition of a purple option to the original five colors gives you yet another way to get an iPhone that matches your particular tastes.
7. iPhone 12
Best iPhone features for a less costly price.
Specifications
- Screen Size: 6.1-inch OLED (2532 x 1170)Processor: A14
- BionicCameras: 12MP wide (ƒ/1.6), 16MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.4) rear / 12MP front (ƒ/2.2)RAM/Storage: 4GB/64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Pros
- Attractive new design
- Impressive cameras
- Comprehensive 5G coverage
Cons
- Only 64GB of storage in base model
- No charger in the box
The iPhone 12 features many of the best aspects of the iPhone 12 Pro, but for less money — this model now starts at $300 less than Apple’s Pro handset after a price cut triggered by the iPhone 13 launch. But you’re not making too many compromises to get this more affordable iPhone.
After all, the iPhone 12 has the same A14 Bionic processor and comprehensive 5G connectivity as the more expensive Pro model. You only get two rear cameras on the iPhone 12, but they perform better than ever, thanks to software improvements Apple made. A new 7-element lens on the main camera combined with a wider aperture than before means better photos in low-light and sharper images overall.
The LCD panel Apple used on the iPhone 12’s predecessor is gone, replaced by an OLED screen that offers the same 6.1 inches of display real estate as before. You’re still confined to 64GB of storage in the base model and there’s no charger included with the phone, but otherwise, this remains a stellar addition to the iPhone lineup.
The iphone 11 now costs $499 making it one of the best iphones even though it’s two years oldbest value
8. iPhone 11
The reasonable iPhone deal.
Specifications
- Screen Size: 6.1-inch LCD (1792 x 828)Processor: A13
- BionicCameras: Dual 12MP wide (ƒ/1.8) and ultra wide (ƒ/2.4)/ 12MP front (ƒ/2.2)RAM/Storage: 4GB/64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- Affordable price
- Great battery life
- Faster A13 processor
Cons
- 64GB of storage in base model
- No fast charger included
The iPhone 11 hasn’t been the new kid in town for a while, with Apple releasing two subsequent generations of phones after this device’s 2019 debut. But it’s still available and it’s the least expensive it’s ever been at $499. That price, combined with the fact that the A13 Bionic processor is still more powerful than contemporary Android phones, makes this a good buy.
Just like the iPhone 12, you are giving up a dedicated telephoto lens, as the iPhone 11 features a 12-MP wide angle and ultra wide angle shooters. But it’s capable of the same camera effects as the rest of the iPhone 11 family, including portrait shots, ultra wide angle selfies and Night Mode for better low-light photos. You can also expect more than 11 hours of battery life from the iPhone 11, though you’ll have to spring for a separately-sold fast-charging adapter to juice back up at the quickest speeds.
The iPhone 11 doesn’t work with 5G. If that’s important to you, you may want to turn to the new iPhone SE or one of the cheap iPhone 12 models. Even with those phones, there are still reasons why you’d want to buy the iPhone 11 instead.
How to Select the Best iPhone for Yourself
The best way to distinguish the iPhone you can purchase is to keenly look at features as well as abilities that are of importance to you. For example, if battery life is particularly important, go for a larger iPhone, as they mostly come with bigger batteries to fit their screen size. Additionally, because iOS is known to be normally efficient in consumption of energy, even the minor models tend to last longer compared to the average on a charge.
In case you’re founding your next iPhone bargain off camera quality, the top-tier Pro variants are simple suggestions, thanks to triple-lens designs that enable you to capture many different perspectives, from zoomed-out ultra wide-angle pictures to shallow depth-of-field images. Furthermore, they’re extremely good in defying lighting scenarios, such as when shooting in a dimly-lit indoor room, or at night outdoors.
With that out of the way, in case price is king, and saving the most significant on your next smartphone investment, you shouldn’t have qualms about grabbing an iPhone 11 and the iPhone SE 2022 that Apple just disclosed. those two phones may be on the resonable side of Apple’s span, but they’re still made of flagship-quality components, with sufficient power and performance to endure years of use.
Nonetheless, be mindful of storage. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 mini only have 64GB of space at those prices; in case you need extra capability, brace yourself for a high price. The iPhone 13 deals with that problem by thrusting base storage to 128GB.
iPhone FAQs
Here are the commonly asked questions about iPhones according to GH.
What is a “smart phone”?
It depends on your definition of “smartphone”. In the most basic of definitions, a “smartphone” is a phone that offers features beyond that of phone calls. Using that definition, the iPhone is a very smart phone indeed, offering music and video playback, photo viewing and organization, Internet access, SMS messaging, a calendar, a camera, and more.
However, some consider a “smartphone” to be a phone that allows one to install applications. As shipped on June 29, 2007, Apple did not allow open third-party software development for the iPhone, so one originally could debate whether or not the iPhone technically was a “smartphone”. Thankfully, on October 17, 2007, Apple reversed the curious decision to prohibit third-party development, and shipped an official SDK on March 6, 2008, so even under this definition, the iPhone officially became a “smartphone” at that time.
Does the iPhone support handwriting recognition?
Not natively. However, starting with version 10.2, Mac OS X does support handwriting recognition via Inkwell.
Lets you write wherever you want to on the screen, and the recognized text just flows to the current insertion point, as if you’d typed it on a keyboard. So when you’re working with a graphics tablet, there’s no need to put down the pen and return to the keyboard just to enter a title, caption or filename.
You can also write command-key shortcuts with the pen — it’s easy to open and close windows, and otherwise control your applications, without lifting your pen from the tablet.
Theoretically, as the iPhone uses a version of “OS X”, Apple could choose to make future iPhone or handheld devices offer handwriting recognition — just like the under appreciated Newton many years ago.
As writing with your fingers would be awkward, it is a decent bet that Apple does not anticipate selling a handheld device with handwriting recognition in the near future.
Nevertheless, on March 27, 2008, MacRumors ran across a job posting on Apple’s website for a handwriting engineer. Although this does not prove that future versions of the iPhone will have handwriting recognition, it does indicate that at the very least Apple is continuing to maintain and possibly enhance the “Inkwell” technology.
The release of the official iPhone SDK also makes it possible for a third-party to develop handwriting recognition software for the iPhone as an application and Gizmodo located one such program from a Chinese developer. It’s much slower than using the keyboard, but an interesting addition regardless.
On May 5, 2008, Gizmodo reported that Chinese and Japanese handwriting recognition had been integrated into the iPhone 2.0 firmware, and on May 28, 2008, MacNN speculated that Apple had purchased this software from the Chinese developer previously identified.
Despite Steve Jobs’ distaste for a stylus, it appears that handwriting recognition has arrived on the iPhone in a major way for languages that do not use Roman characters. It will be interesting to see how handwriting recognition on the iPhone continues to evolve.
Where is the iPhone available for purchase? Can it be purchased from Apple Authorized Resellers?
Unfortunately, new iPhone models only are available for purchase direct from Apple and select carriers in the United States and direct from Apple and respective carrier(s) in other countries. It is not available from Apple Authorized Resellers.
In the US, site sponsor Cricket sells a variety of new and refurbished iPhone models with free shipping and discount options. Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurbished iPhone models also with free shipping. On the other handhand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In Canada, site sponsors Core 1 and Carbon Computing both sell used iPhone models at discount prices, take a look at both for their current inventory to find the best one for you.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used iPhone models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
What is a “smart phone”?
It depends on your definition of “smartphone”. In the most basic of definitions, a “smartphone” is a phone that offers features beyond that of phone calls. Using that definition, the iPhone is a very smart phone indeed, offering music and video playback, photo viewing and organization, Internet access, SMS messaging, a calendar, a camera, and more.
However, some consider a “smartphone” to be a phone that allows one to install applications. As shipped on June 29, 2007, Apple did not allow open third-party software development for the iPhone, so one originally could debate whether or not the iPhone technically was a “smartphone”. Thankfully, on October 17, 2007, Apple reversed the curious decision to prohibit third-party development, and shipped an official SDK on March 6, 2008, so even under this definition, the iPhone officially became a “smartphone” at that time.
Does the iPhone support handwriting recognition?
Not natively. However, starting with version 10.2, Mac OS X does support handwriting recognition via Inkwell.
Lets you write wherever you want to on the screen, and the recognized text just flows to the current insertion point, as if you’d typed it on a keyboard. So when you’re working with a graphics tablet, there’s no need to put down the pen and return to the keyboard just to enter a title, caption or filename.
You can also write command-key shortcuts with the pen — it’s easy to open and close windows, and otherwise control your applications, without lifting your pen from the tablet.
Theoretically, as the iPhone uses a version of “OS X”, Apple could choose to make future iPhone or handheld devices offer handwriting recognition — just like the under appreciated Newton many years ago.
However, in his keynote introducing the iPhone on January 9, 2007 (as documented by Engadget), Steve Jobs said “Who wants a stylus? Yuck!”
As writing with your fingers would be awkward, it is a decent bet that Apple does not anticipate selling a handheld device with handwriting recognition in the near future.
Nevertheless, on March 27, 2008, MacRumors ran across a job posting on Apple’s website for a handwriting engineer. Although this does not prove that future versions of the iPhone will have handwriting recognition, it does indicate that at the very least Apple is continuing to maintain and possibly enhance the “Inkwell” technology.
The release of the official iPhone SDK also makes it possible for a third-party to develop handwriting recognition software for the iPhone as an application and Gizmodo located one such program from a Chinese developer. It’s much slower than using the keyboard, but an interesting addition regardless.
On May 5, 2008, Gizmodo reported that Chinese and Japanese handwriting recognition had been integrated into the iPhone 2.0 firmware, and on May 28, 2008, MacNN speculated that Apple had purchased this software from the Chinese developer previously identified.
Despite Steve Jobs’ distaste for a stylus, it appears that handwriting recognition has arrived on the iPhone in a major way for languages that do not use Roman characters. It will be interesting to see how handwriting recognition on the iPhone continues to evolve.
Where is the iPhone available for purchase? Can it be purchased from Apple Authorized Resellers?
Unfortunately, new iPhone models only are available for purchase direct from Apple and select carriers in the United States and direct from Apple and respective carrier(s) in other countries. It is not available from Apple Authorized Resellers.
In the US, site sponsor Cricket sells a variety of new and refurbished iPhone models with free shipping and discount options. Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurbished iPhone models also with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.
In Canada, site sponsors Core 1 and Carbon Computing both sell used iPhone models at discount prices, take a look at both for their current inventory to find the best one for you.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used iPhone models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
Conclusion
So now you know the best iPhones and have all the information you need to make an informed purchase decision.
