Apple's iPhone range has grown into a vast and often confusing lineup of different devices released over the years. With widely varying prices and specifications - and some models are only available second-hand - there is a wide variety, which means that everyone should find something for themselves.
But what to choose? Whether you're a tech novice or an avid fan of the latest smartphone technology, Apple has everything you need. Here is our guide to help you make the right decision.
IPhone 12 Pro Max
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is here, it's Apple's biggest and best smartphone yet. It has all the premium features you need - 5G, Super Retina XDR borderless display, ultra-durable ceramic screen, fast A14 Bionic chip and more.
The Pro camera settings are truly top-notch - an industry-leading dark mode, an extended ultra-wide telephoto zoom lens, and this time around, the Pro Max goes even further by adding Apple ProRAW for even more control over your photos.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is right for you if:
- You want the biggest and best iPhone money can buy
- You want to professionally manage your photos with Apple ProRAW
The iPhone 12 Pro Max will be available for pre-order starting Friday, November 6th and in stores on Friday, November 13th.
IPhone 12 Pro
Apple has finally unveiled the iPhone 12 Pro and it's a truly impressive device. iPhone 12 Pro with 5G connectivity features a Super Retina XDR edge-to-edge display protected by a ceramic screen, making it 4x stronger than any previous iPhone.
The new iPhone 12 Pro camera includes ultra-wide-angle and telephoto features so you can capture breathtaking and varied photos. The iPhone 12 Pro also has a new LiDAR scanner so you can play around with augmented reality, and for wireless charging, we're seeing the return of Apple's MagSafe technology.
The iPhone 12 Pro is right for you if:
- You want the latest iPhone with the latest technology and the best specs
- You need one of the best cameras on a smartphone
The iPhone 12 Pro will be available for pre-order starting Friday, October 16th and in stores on Friday, October 23rd.
IPhone 12
The latest Apple phone iPhone 12 series.
The new iPhone 12 features a stunning edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR display that delivers vibrant colors and sharp details. And it's tougher than ever with the new Ceramic Shield front cover.
The iPhone 12, powered by the A14 Bionic chip, is fast and smooth. With a dual camera on the back, complete with wide and ultra wide angle lenses, your photos will be that much better. And at £799, that's a little less than the iPhone 12 Pro.
The iPhone 12 is right for you if:
- You need a new iPhone that does everything right
- You need a larger screen than the iPhone mini
The iPhone 12 is available for pre-order starting Friday, October 16th and in stores on Friday, October 23rd.
IPhone 12 mini
In Apple's new crop of smartphones this year, the Cupertino-based tech giant has launched a small-sized, premium iPhone, the iPhone mini. Essentially with the same specs as the iPhone 12, it's small in size but not in features. And at £699, it's a decent chunk cheaper than the iPhone 12 Pro.
The iPhone 12 mini is right for you if:
- You want a new iPhone for less
- You want a smaller iPhone that fits easily in your hand
The iPhone 12 mini will be available for pre-order starting Friday, November 6th and in stores on Friday, November 13th.
IPhone SE
Apple's latest iPhone was a surprise release, and it's a lot cheaper than the iPhone 11 line. With a design that's very similar to the classic iPhone 8, but with much better specs, this could be the cut-price iPhone we've all been waiting for.
What's good about the iPhone SE
The iPhone SE starts at £429 - more than half the price of the iPhone 11 Pro and significantly less than the iPhone 11. It's even cheaper than many other smartphones on the market.
But, despite the cheap price, the technical characteristics are enough. It is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, one of the fastest processors you can find in any smartphone. It also comes in three colors - black, white and red - and it comes pre-installed with iOS 13, the same operating system you'll find on the top-tier iPhone, with new features like dark mode.
It's smaller than the latest iPhones at 4.7 inches. So if you're one of those people for whom the latest super screen smartphones are a bit of a deal, the iPhone SE might be perfect.
What's wrong with the iPhone SE
Well, as we said, it's smaller than a lot of smartphones coming out these days, so if you're used to watching content on a big screen, you might be a little disappointed.
In terms of design, the iPhone SE follows the classic iPhone 8 design with a home button. While for some this will no doubt be a welcome return, for others this look may feel a little dated.
The iPhone SEE is right for you if:
- You want a new iPhone for almost half the price
- You want a smaller iPhone that fits comfortably in your pocket
- Do you miss the home button
IPhone 11 Pro
The Pro is a step up from the standard iPhone 11. The screen is brighter and brighter and the camera is more advanced, with three lenses on the back, giving you a lot more options to take amazing photos.
It's also more subdued than the iPhone 11 in terms of styling, coming in a few subdued colors.
Why the iPhone 11 Pro is good
It's like the iPhone 11 on steroids. Since it has an OLED screen instead of an LCD, it is brighter and the difference between light and dark parts of the image is much more obvious. This means that the bright parts will actually appear off the screen, while the darker parts will be inky black. In addition, there are more gradual "steps" between these two extremes, giving the picture more detail.
Three lenses on the back allow you to zoom in and out of already taken photos, shifting focus or adding more surroundings for more context. But unlike some mobile cameras, it's still very easy to use.
The color scheme is more muted than the iPhone 11, reflecting its more refined nature. It comes in four colors: grey, silver, green and gold.
And while it's more advanced than the iPhone 11, it's slightly smaller than the iPhone 11, with a 5.8-inch screen (the iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch screen).
What's wrong with the iPhone 11 Pro
There is a price to be paid for all these achievements. The cheapest model costs £1,049 and that only gives you 64GB of storage - not much considering how many photos you'll be taking with this amazing camera. The next step up is 256GB which will set you back £1,199, while the max capacity model (512GB) will set you back £1,399. Ouch.
It's also smaller than the iPhone 11, although not by much. However, if you're paying that much, you might need a bigger phone.
The iPhone 11 Pro is right for you if:
- You want to take it a step further than the standard iPhone 11
- Photography is very important to you
- You don't worry about having the biggest phone
IPhone 11 Pro Max
It's a big daddy. It's Apple's biggest phone, so towering over the others it casts them into shadow.
Otherwise, it's the same phone as the iPhone 11 Pro - the same amazing camera, the same brilliant screen, and the same ultra-fast processor. It even comes in the same colorways.
What is good about the iPhone 11 Pro Max
It's massive. The screen measures 6.5 inches, which is larger than the iPhone 11 Pro (5.8 inches) and iPhone 11 (6.1 inches). This makes it great for watching videos such as movies and TV shows, as well as playing games. Netflix lovers, this phone is for you.
It has the same three-camera arrangement as the iPhone 11 Pro, giving you fantastic photography options, such as the ability to zoom in and out of photos you've already taken.Night mode makes your evening shots so much clearer, and the A13 Bionic processor makes everything move smoother than a samurai sword through hot oil.
What's wrong with the iPhone 11 Pro Max
His biggest strength is also his biggest weakness - 6.5 inches would be too big for some people. In addition to being potentially unusable, it will take up a lot of space in your bag, or maybe not even fit in your pocket. Not ideal.
It is also the most expensive iPhone from Apple. The 64GB model is £1149, the 256GB model is £1299 and the 512GB model is £1499. So it's only for those who spend a lot.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is right for you if:
- You want the biggest and best iPhone on the market
- You can live without a flashy phone
- You watch a lot of content on your phone
IPhone XR
Like the iPhone X before it, the XR comes without a physical home button. So if you haven't used your new iPhone in a while, you'll need to learn a few new gestures to perform basic functions like closing apps and returning to the home screen.
While it may seem like it takes some getting used to, Apple's new intuitive gestures feel like second nature for hours. And without the home button taking up space, the screen can take up the front of the phone, giving you a widescreen display in your pocket.
Why is the iPhone XR good?
As we mentioned, one of the main reasons to choose the XR is the price. While the entry-level XR costs £629, it's certainly not a cheap phone, but it's significantly cheaper than the iPhone 11, which starts at £729.
And for the money, you still get the best of the iPhone without some of the more expensive extras. The camera is still great, the screen is still beautiful, and the design still looks high-end.
It is available in many vibrant colors, including yellows and corals. So the iPhone XR is actually a lot more attractive than the understated elegance of its pricier sibling, the iPhone XS.
What's wrong with the iPhone XR
As you'd expect from the price, the iPhone XR isn't as good as the XS. It only comes with a single-lens camera, not an expensive dual-lens setup, and the screen doesn't glow as brightly.
However, the camera and screen work well and only the most discerning phone users will notice a big difference.
But as good as the iPhone XR is, it might not be right for you if you don't like big phones. Slightly shorter and wider than the mighty XS Max, the XR can feel a bit unwieldy in small hands and is awkward to use one-handed.
The iPhone XR is right for you if:
- You need a mid-range iPhone
- You are happy to do without a couple of premium features
- You can handle a big tube
IPhone XS
A sequel to the beloved iPhone X of 2017, the XS is certainly a worthy successor. It comes with a stunning full-screen front, thinner bezels (edges) than the cheaper iPhone XR, and a fantastic dual-lens camera.
It's smaller than the XR and XS Max, more comfortable to use, and fits easily into your jeans pocket.
It is one of the most durable iPhones on the market with an IP68 water resistance rating. This means that it can survive at a depth of two meters for up to 30 minutes. And although it is made of glass, it is said to be the most durable glass used in smartphones. So it's a lot more difficult than it looks.
What's good about the iPhone XS
The standout feature of the XS range is undoubtedly the camera. While the dual-lens setup is now considered fairly standard even on mid-range Android devices, the XS snapper gives you near-professional images.
Portrait mode has been improved since the iPhone X, and photos taken in low light are surprisingly sharp and detailed.
Elsewhere, while the screen size is smaller than the XS Max, it's just as bright. And as we said before, it only makes it easier to use with one hand.
What's wrong with the iPhone XS
Unsurprisingly, the main factor that turns people away from the XS is the price. And, when there are cheaper alternatives like the XR and iPhone 8 that will still perform very well, it's not hard to see why people choose the less expensive versions.
Plus, it's not much different than the iPhone X. And for the price that Apple is asking, you really want something really innovative.
However, if you have the money, this is still a great iPhone. And the quality of the camera alone makes it superfluous.
The iPhone XS is right for you if:
- You need a great iPhone without spending a lot of money
- A smaller handset suits you best
- A great camera phone really matters to you
IPhone XS Max
The big screen XS Max is really beautiful. The screen is huge, the camera is impressive, and the battery life is quite long.
While its size can make it difficult to use with one hand or fit into the pocket of skinny jeans, having a large display certainly has its benefits. If you enjoy streaming movies or playing video games, they will look much better on the XS Max.
And it is powered by a nice big 3174 mAh battery. But with a screen this size, it needs a big power bank to keep it running all day on a single charge.
What is good about the iPhone XS Max
The XS Max has the same camera as the standard XS, which means stunning portrait shots and some pretty amazing low-light capabilities.
But as we mentioned earlier, the XS Max's main attraction is the 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen that fills the front of the device, save for a small notch at the top that houses the selfie camera and flash.
The larger size can make it look like a phablet. But as people use their smartphones more and more instead of laptops, tablets and TVs, a large display is becoming more and more important.
What's wrong with the iPhone XS Max
While a large screen greatly enhances the experience of watching movies, playing games, or multitasking, a huge phone isn't for everyone. And if you have small hands, you might be better off opting for a more compact device.
Of course, the other main reason you're likely to ditch the XS Max is price. Apple no longer sells it, but when it did, it ranged from a hefty £1,099 for the 64GB model to a positively iWatering £1,449 for the 512GB version.
And for that, you won't get anything very different from what was on the iPhone X, except for a bigger screen and an improved camera.
The iPhone XS Max is right for you if:
- Are you willing to pay more than the iPhone XS?
- Do you like a hefty pipe
- You need a big and beautiful screen
IPhone X
The Best iPhone of 2017 was Apple's first smartphone without a physical home button, and has been a staple since the first iPhone was released in 2007. The result is a stunning looking phone with a screen that takes up the entire front of the case. handset.
The less good news, at least for people who are addicted to their home buttons, is that you'll have to learn a whole new set of gestures to use basic functions like closing apps.
It features the best in OLED screen technology, a dual-lens camera and Face ID, Apple's face unlock security system that is light years ahead of the competition.
What's good about iPhone X
The iPhone X was the first Apple phone to come with Face ID. Apple's impressive new face scanning technology is lightning fast, unlocking your device even faster than the Touch ID fingerprint scanner found on older iPhones. Plus it's more secure.
Elsewhere, the dual-lens iPhone X camera has some great photography features, including a fantastic portrait mode that lets you blur background details so the subject of your shots gets incredibly sharp focus, and a superb zoom function.
It also has a large aperture that lets in more light for better shots in low light conditions.
The stunning full-screen front gives iPhone X a completely different look than any previous iPhone.And it does show up when watching 4K videos and the latest shows on Netflix and Amazon.
It also comes with smart new features that just aren't available on older iPhones, like Animoji, which lets you personalize emoji to sound like you and mimic the movements of your face.
And it also supports wireless charging.
What's wrong with the iPhone X
Unsurprisingly, the main downside to this great iPhone is the price. When Apple sold it, the price started at £999 without a SIM, and the 256GB model went up to £1,149. At the time of writing, contracts that include a free phone start at £50 a month.
Beyond that, it's hard to ignore the notch at the top, which eats up screen real estate and can be quite distracting when you're using apps that require full screen mode.
Considering Apple is so famous for its attention to design detail, it's a little disappointing that it hasn't found a way around this.
Some users also found that there is no home button that is difficult to handle and had to learn new gestures to use the phone. But for what it's worth, we found that we were soon comfortable with the iPhone X and were fully overclocked in a week or so.
Owners of traditional headphones should pay attention to the lack of a headphone jack. So you will either have to use an adapter or use a wireless pair.
The iPhone X is right for you if:
- You are not tied to your home button
- You don't mind paying a higher price
- Are you an avid photographer and use your phone as your primary camera?
IPhone 8
To the untrained eye, the iPhone 8 looks a lot like the 2016 iPhone 7. But under the hood, it packs much more advanced technology, as well as an impressive camera and crisp screen.
Why iPhone 8 is good
The iPhone 8 has the same reassuringly familiar and user-friendly design that has worked so well for years, with the right home button and Touch ID.
But, nicely, it is equipped with an A11 Bionic processor, identical to the processor found in the much more expensive iPhone X. Thus, it works incredibly fast and smoothly, even when multitasking. And it can also be charged wirelessly.
Unlike the iPhone 7, Apple doesn't slow down the performance of the iPhone 8 to improve battery life. At least for now. So you probably won't have any issues with iOS updates for a while.
What's wrong with the iPhone 8
While there are some key differences, the iPhone 8 isn't a major upgrade from the iPhone 7 and features the same camera and design as its predecessor.
And since it's not available in a 32GB storage variant, there's no truly affordable option for the 2017 iPhone.
Battery life is not as good as we expected.
The iPhone 8 is right for you if:
- You need a powerful phone without the bells and whistles of the iPhone X
- You need an iPhone that fits in your pocket
- You want a big-screen phone that has the same design as Apple's classic iPhones.
IPhone 8 Plus
Apple's larger version of iPhone 8 differs from the standard iPhone 8 with a durable dual-lens camera and a large battery, so everything lasts longer. In short, this is the 2017 version of the iPhone 7 Plus with many of the same features as the 2016 market leader.
What is good about iPhone 8 Plus
The iPhone 8 Plus is much larger than the iPhone 8, but better for watching videos and playing games.
However, aside from the obvious size difference, the main benefit of choosing the Plus version over the standard iPhone 8 is the amazing dual-lens camera.
It comes with many different modes, including a great portrait mode for what photography enthusiasts call bokeh shots. This is when you blur the background and make the foreground of the subject in super sharp focus.
The all-glass design means you can charge it wirelessly. And the iPhone 8 Plus battery lasts much longer than the iPhone 7 Plus battery.
It is equipped with the latest A11 processor so it works very well even when you are multitasking.
What's wrong with the iPhone 8 Plus
While the iPhone 8 Plus isn't as expensive as the iPhone X, it isn't cheap. At the time of writing, the cheapest monthly contracts are still around £30 per month.
And for the money, you won't get much more than with the iPhone 7 Plus. While the rear camera is excellent, it's almost identical to its predecessor and doesn't offer anything particularly new or exciting.
Like the iPhone X, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus don't have a headphone jack. Therefore, you will need to choose between using the included adapter or considering purchasing a pair of wireless earbuds.
The iPhone 8 Plus is right for you if:
- You want a relatively fresh iPhone without a high price tag.
- You're a heavy phone user and you need a device with good battery life.
- You watch a lot of videos on your phone and crave a screen that will do them justice
Are you sure the iPhone 8 Plus is what you need? Here are all of our top iPhone 8 Plus deals.
IPhone 7
Now it's a little back. The iPhone 7 was released in 2016. Despite having many of the same features as the iPhone 8, it comes with a much lower SIM free price.
Why iPhone 7 is good
As we say, the iPhone 7 and 8 definitely have a lot in common. Both have an excellent single lens camera and feature the same LCD screen, which is great for watching videos without taking up too much space in your pocket.
The iPhone 7 also has an IP67 water resistance rating, which means it can withstand up to a meter of water for half an hour.
While the iPhone 7 doesn't have the lightning-fast A11 processor, it will run fast and smoothly on the A10 even when you're trying to open multiple apps.
And the black version is by far the prettiest and, frankly, the coolest colorway we've ever seen on an iPhone.
What's wrong with the iPhone 7
The main downside of the iPhone 7 is that it will likely get slower as new versions of iOS come out.
Apple has admitted it uses software updates to deliberately slow down older iPhones, which it says is meant to keep devices from dying too quickly.
And yet it's not the end of the world. Replacement batteries are available through Apple's iPhone Battery Replacement Program.
Elsewhere, the iPhone 7 doesn't have wireless charging. This won't be a stumbling block for too many people, unless you've already purchased a wireless charging mat.
And like its newer siblings, it doesn't have a headphone slot. But then again, you can work around this with an adapter or some wireless headphones.
The iPhone 7 is right for you if:
- You want a recent(ish) iPhone with no premium price
- You don't care too much about incremental iPhone 8 updates
- You're Accident Prone Enough to Need a Waterproof Phone
IPhone 7 Plus
The larger 5.5-inch model from Apple's 2016 lineup was the first to feature a dual-lens camera. Even after all these years, it still competes with most of the competition and helps set it apart from the smaller iPhone 7.
What is good about the iPhone 7 Plus
The dual camera on the iPhone 7 Plus is still one of the best on any smartphone. It has an amazing portrait mode that helps you take great pictures with minimal knowledge.
The phone's design is ultra-sharp, perhaps better than the new iPhone X. Of course, if you're a bit of a traditionalist, you'll love the look of the 7 Plus.
The large screen makes the video especially impressive. So no need to invest in a tablet.
What's wrong with the iPhone 7 Plus
As with the iPhone 7, Apple is slowing down the iPhone 7 Plus to keep the batteries from draining. As such, you may notice a significant performance hit when you update your version of iOS.
And despite this, it is still quite expensive in places where it is still sold.
There is also no headphone jack.
The iPhone 7 Plus is right for you if:
- You love a good camera but don't want to pay extra for an iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X
- You need a big, bright screen for watching videos and playing games
- Do you like the look of a traditional iPhone?
Decided on the iPhone 7 Plus? Here are our top picks for the iPhone 7 Plus.
IPhone 6s / 6s Plus
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus from 2015 are still alive and kicking through third-party retailers. A second set of iPhones with larger displays may have reached their expiration date, but they're still a good bet for iPhone newbies and Apple.
What is good about iPhone 6s / 6s Plus
While they don't have the fancy new-generation dual-lens technology, both the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus have excellent single-lens cameras that still deliver great results even in low light.
The phone itself is fast and smooth, and handles multitasking with aplomb.
And the iPhone 6s Plus is great for those who want an iPhone on the big screen, but without the budget-friendly price tag of the iPhone X.
What's wrong with iPhone 6/6s Plus
Although they are quite cheap like iPhones, they are still iPhones. So you can get better spec phones for less money.
And very importantly, Apple is slowing down these older models as iOS updates. So you will probably have to use the iPhone battery replacement program.
The iPhone 6s / 6s Plus is right for you if:
- You want to get into the iPhone ecosystem and you need a big screen
- You want to make a good deal and don't worry too much about Apple's latest frills.
IPhone SE
The 4-inch iPhone remains a classic. With the same design as the old-school iPhone 5s, the size and simplicity of the iPhone SE, not to mention its affordability, means it's indispensable for those who want to do a little Apple work without the need for an expensive contract.
You can simply choose SE SIM-free and sign up for a SIM-only discount.
What's good about the iPhone SE
One of the main advantages of the iPhone SE is its compact size. Its slender 4-inch screen means even people with slender fingers can use it with one hand.
And it's pretty cheap too. A 32GB SIM-free model can be found online for around £200 without a SIM.
Despite its small size and price, it is actually very durable. It seems to be much stronger than the glass iPhone X and iPhone 8 and can withstand accidental drops.
What's wrong with the iPhone SE
The iPhone SE is almost four years old. So Apple can slow it down to make it last longer.
And the inevitable update means you might miss out on new features later.
The iPhone SE is right for you if:
- You want to try iPhone for the first time
- You like a phone that really fits in your pocket
- You need an iPhone for less than £200
