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Once simple models, the iPhone lineup has become more and more charged over the years. We’re far from being overly active with some Chinese manufacturers, but Apple currently offers no less than 8 different models (excluding memory and colors)! Therefore, choosing the right iPhone is not as easy as it seems.
The case for iPhone 12
Although still in the catalog, we’re not very interested in the iPhone 12 and 12 mini. At only 100 euros cheaper than the alternatives, they pale in comparison to the latter, especially in terms of autonomy and photography. If you want to save money, choose a really cheap iPhone 11 or wait for a possible sale.
It’s still early days, but rumors of the first iPhone 14s are starting to blow.
Don’t have the budget for a brand new iPhone but want to stay or switch to iOS? Don’t worry, a refurbished iPhone is a great solution.
Here, we’ll try to smooth out the range to help you choose the model that’s best for you. See what’s happening on Android. If this guide is mostly about hardware, it would be a shame to miss out on our excellent iOS 15 review!
Latest iPhone
Like last year, the Pro part of the series consists of two models: the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Unlike the iPhone 12, however, the differences between the two series are more pronounced this year.
Design-wise, not much has changed, and we found the iPhone 12’s design to be a bit thicker with tighter bangs. But unfortunately, the freed storage space is not used by the operating system.
A major development for this smartphone is the introduction of a 120Hz adaptive screen. Better late than never, a feature that has been standard on high-end Android for years. However, we have to admit that Apple didn’t give up halfway: with perfect colors and over 1000 cd/m2 brightness, this is one of the best screens on the market.
The A15 Bionic chip embedded here has one more graphics core than the iPhone 13, and it delivers superb performance with iOS support. But what attracts us is more autonomy. This time around, Apple opted for that packaging and equipped its phones with larger batteries. The results are impressive as we can now use it for two days without any worries.
In terms of taking pictures, the two phones have kept the same camera module this year. In particular, we note a telephoto lens that can go up to 3x, and a sensor that’s more gifted in low light. In fact, the iPhone 13 Pro sits at the top of the photo basket. For video, Apple includes ProRES mode and Movie mode in the package. Two interesting features, but not very useful to mortals.
Apple used to listen to its audience (we’re still waiting for USB-C…) and improve its flagships in every way. This retro 2021 iPhone Pro is a must-have. We covered it in detail in our review of the iPhone 13 Pro and review of the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
What more do you want to ask?
Unlike last year, the gap between the Pro and Standard series is now quite large. Because even though the two phones are nearly identical in appearance, there are distinct differences. The first is the screen, whose content has a refresh rate of only 60 Hz. The latter is certainly of high quality, but this option is increasingly difficult to justify.
On the processor side, we’re entitled to a slightly castrated version of the A15 Bionic chip with one less graphics core. In practice, the chip is still overpowered and more than adequate, regardless of usage. The most notable improvement is autonomy, which is up nearly 25 percent compared to last year.
As for the photo sensor, Apple recycled those from the iPhone 12 Pro, which translated into solid performance in all cases. This iPhone won’t have the best photo phone, but it does offer high-quality playback.
For those tired of the never-ending growth of smartphones, Apple is keeping the iPhone 13 mini on the menu despite rumors of its imminent retirement.
The Tom Thumb series has the same features as the iPhone 13, but with a 5.4-inch screen. The result is a next-generation phone that’s more compact than the iPhone SE, while offering more display space. He takes full advantage of his autonomy over the rest of the family. Unlike its ancestors, you finally manage to end your day without recharging. Add that to the low €100 price and you have an attractive overall package.
For the vast majority of buyers, the iPhone 13 will be the reason we want to take advantage of 120Hz, but Apple has decided not to do so for now.
Standard counter
The “short” iPhone 11, introduced in 2019, is still in the catalog this year. As the name suggests, it retains the core of the thirteenth-generation innovations, including the A13 Bionic processor or the ultra-wide-angle photosensor, while eliminating some of the unnecessary improvements of the Pro series.
Gone is the OLED screen, replaced by LCD technology, or just two photosensors on the back (2x zoom omitted). LCD screens are still considered the best out there, but the technology has flaws that OLEDs don’t have. Water resistance, FaceID and wireless charging, on the other hand, are still there.
If you’re tired of the iPhone 12’s new design and OLED screen, the iPhone 11 is still a pretty solid option, especially at a steep discount.
iPhone is almost cheap
It’s one of the models expected to launch in early 2022: the iPhone SE 2022 is finally official. Unsurprisingly, it adopts the design of the iPhone 8 again. The latter has evolved over the years, but the workmanship is impeccable, and thanks to the IP67 certification, the device is waterproof.
The iPhone SE remains one of the few small smartphones that performs well, with a 4.7-inch panel and an Apple A15 processor. The introduction of the latter makes the iPhone SE one of the most powerful phones out there. We won 5G compatibility. Autonomy is also revised upwards.
However, the photo section is not developed as we are only using a 12-megapixel sensor. The best promise, however, is on the software side, with improved image processing.
While it’s at least evolving, the price of this iPhone SE 3 has gone up considerably, as the base model now retails for 529 euros. Given that the service is up-to-date in some ways, we found the price a bit salty.
BEFORE BUYING IPHONE
How much RAM should I choose for my iPhone?
Unlike many mobile phones in the Android environment, the storage capacity of the iPhone cannot be expanded after purchase. Therefore, it is important to choose the correct amount from the beginning. All iPhones this year have 64GB of storage by default. This is enough for many users. However, if you store a lot of videos, photos, music, and apps on your phone, we recommend choosing a higher capacity: 128 or 256 GB, depending on the model.
When should you buy your iPhone?
With a few exceptions, it’s been about a decade since Apple introduced new iPhones in September. If you’re looking to buy a new iPhone after June, it might make more sense to wait for a new smartphone model at the start of the school year.
The best time is obviously after the announcement. Regardless, keep in mind that iPhones get relatively small discounts over time. If you want the latest model, promotions are unlikely to arrive in the first 6 months of its release, after which price drops are still timid.
Can I use my waterproof iPhone underwater?
Smartphones are mostly waterproof in case of accidents. It is not designed for taking underwater photos. It is strongly recommended not to voluntarily immerse your phone in water. This is also a disclaimer of the manufacturer’s warranty.
Using or restoring an iPhone, is it worth it?
Buying a used iPhone can be a great option for buying an Apple phone at a discounted price. However, be careful not to choose a model that is too old. While iPhones generally have a good lifespan, the battery may not be at its best over the years. Also note that iPhones have relatively small discounts on the used market, so the initial investment in a new terminal can sometimes be less when resale prices are considered.
