If you’re reading this, you’re likely going to buy an iPhone, or at least heavily leaning towards doing so. For one reason or another (and there are quite a few), you want one. Yet when you go online, you find that there are a bunch of models to choose from. There are 13 generations of iPhone and the SE line, and for some time, there have been variations on each of the main models to choose from on top of that.
Realistically you have to choose between this generation and the last, and then which sub-model you want among those. Yet that’s still quite a bit to choose from, and we want you to make the best choice.
Here’s what you need to know about the differences between models and some information on the best iPhone for you:
Usually, we would mention some factors that go into our decision-making when recommending phones, though the needs are slightly different in this case. You’re only going to pick from five or six models realistically, so you must fine-tune your requirements and think clearly about the differences.
The differences between lines (12, 13, etc.) will be greater than those between model types (mini, pro, pro max, etc.). New features and tech are usually added in those larger changeovers, and there might be something you miss if you go with an older model. The variations might add some extra screen real estate or power, but you’ll be functionally able to do the same things between them.
On top of that, when shopping online or in the store, there may be differences in the amount of storage space on the iPhone. We won’t differentiate much between these while discussing the phones, so be careful when you go shopping for your phone of choice so that you get your preference.
While there is a clear winner in terms of the “best” iPhone regarding specs, screen size, and more, that isn’t the whole picture for smartphone users. Price comes into consideration, and people might want a smartphone of a different size. Some people might even like the generation of iPhone before the current one, given that they are more stable, the best model is perfected and available, and they likely still run well. They might also be more available, given the shortage of some tech items in recent years.
We’ll go over the main options and then add subsections for each of the sub-models that you can choose from:
If you want a simple answer to the question of what the best iPhone is as of this writing, then you have it. The iPhone Pro Max has everything that came before it and more.
From the “Max” label, you can imagine the phone is larger than its alternatives, and this is the case. Some people will like that and others might find it too big for their hands. It will be up to you and your preferences whether it’s the right size. However, it is overall the most advanced phone available from Apple, if by just a smidge over the iPhone 13 Pro.
Naturally, with all the above, it can do anything you would hope a smartphone can do and run any app in the world designed for an iPhone unless the app is old and fails to update correctly. You’ll get the power you need, an amazing camera setup, and an amazing display.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max sounds great, but that isn’t the only iPhone 13 in the store. What about the other options? Let’s review some key differences you should know about with each model.
The base iPhone 13 is quite an achievement in terms of hardware and improvements and remains a solid option for many people. However, the iPhone 13 base model only has two cameras on the rear, has a display rate of up to 60Hz instead of 120Hz, and has less battery life. Additionally, internal storage options are generally lower, and performance will be slightly slower while using the same chipset (the Pro and Pro Max have one more core). Finally, as expected, the base model is smaller than the Max Pro. Yet given that the iPhone 13 base model is about $300 cheaper, you must ask if those tradeoffs are worth it.
Much like the 12 Pro before, the iPhone 13 has a regular Pro version that is a bit smaller than the Pro Max but nonetheless has most of the excellent hardware and features that make the Pro Max one of the best currently available phones. The technical aspects are practically the same, though the display on the Pro is slightly smaller (6.1” vs. 6.7” for the Max Pro), and the resolution is necessarily slightly lower. However, the difference is hardly noticeable, given the screen size. The Pro also costs about $100 less than the Max Pro.
There are people with smaller hands or smaller pockets that prefer smaller phones. This might be the iPhone for them. It is much smaller than the Pro Max, having a screen size of about 5.4”. Otherwise, it generally has the exact specifications as the base iPhone 13, though it has a slightly shorter battery life. It is also slightly cheaper than the base iPhone 13, starting at about $700. It’s effectively made for people who want a smaller phone.
Now that we’ve gone over the current generation let’s talk about the iPhone 12 and whether it might be the best choice for you. As with the iPhone 13 line, there are several options, but the Pro Max version is the best.
Before the iPhone 13 came about, the iPhone 12 Max reigned supreme, with good reason. It has (and still has) a fantastic screen and lots of processing power under the hood and could compete with any other flagship you could name. It continued to have all the strengths that iPhones were known for, if with a few annoyances outside of the box.
And while the iPhone 13 Pro Max is the new king, at least for the moment, the iPhone 12 Pro Max can still be the best option for many readers. If you want a great phone at a price that is much more affordable, keep on reading the details below:
While the iPhone 12 Pro Max should be relatively affordable and is the best choice among the iPhone 12 line for most people, perhaps it isn’t for you. Here are some general notes about the other iPhone 12 models. We will not include price information as it varies widely and changes often.
The base iPhone 12 is still an impressive phone today, and many people recommend it as a good option compared to the budget models still being released today. Compared to the Pro Max, the iPhone 12 base model has lower internal storage options, no telephoto lens, a slightly shorter battery life, and is smaller. It is also generally cheaper than the Pro Max, so you must balance those considerations for yourself.
The iPhone 12 Pro is effectively the pro max, but with a smaller screen. The Pro Max also has a slightly better camera than the Pro, allowing for better zooming and a larger main wide camera sensor. The differences are primarily minimal except for photo enthusiasts, however. We’re partial to larger screens for ease of use and entertainment purposes, but the iPhone 12 Pro is the way to go if you have different preferences.
As can be expected from the name, the iPhone 12 Mini is an iPhone 12, just smaller with a smaller screen. It has a slightly shorter battery life, a slightly lower resolution (but the difference is hardly noticeable), is naturally lighter, and doesn’t perform much differently, if at all. It is a fine choice if you’re looking for a last-generation iPhone that is as small as possible and might be just a little cheaper.
On top of the 12, 13, and likely soon to come 14 line, there is also the SE line that Apple has released as a budget-friendly option compared to the major options. For people who are turned off of Apple due to the high price of the phones, the SE line might be the best option. Currently, the third-generation model (also known as iPhone SE 2022) is the one you’ll find in stores, so let’s go over the details below.
All the above might get a little overwhelming, and you might think there is more to differentiate the models than there is. Many of the differences are related to the size of the phone and a few design differences. Often the hardware, which matters most to most people, is the same. While the Pro and Pro Max models have hardware improvements, they aren’t so huge as to constitute a different product. Remember that you effectively choose between three options and then make a few minor decisions.
Apple products are in an exciting space in the used product market. While they are likely to be okay, there is always an (often justified) stigma against used or refurbished products of any sort. After all, someone first got rid of them or traded them in for a reason, right? Your personal situation will vary, and as such, only you can decide whether one of these products is the right choice. However, here are some notes and thoughts that can help you decide:
On top of the above, by the time you read this, a new line of iPhones may have been announced and even released. While we will update this article appropriately as we are able, you should try to be aware of the latest releases and do a quick check before you dive into your current choice. We promise it won’t take much looking if there’s a new iPhone on the way.
However, note that it can feel like there is a new model always on the way, and that will be the case until either the end of time or Apple, for some reason, stops making iPhones (whichever comes first). Don’t delay getting a new phone just in the hope that something will be around the corner and ensure that you have a smartphone that is so needed in today’s world.
If you’re set on an iPhone, most of the work of picking a model has been done for you, but not all. We hope that this article has helped narrow things down for you and that you will be able to pick out the perfect phone for yourself or someone close to you. There are hundreds of millions of happy iPhone owners already, and you can be one of them with the right choice.
