The widest range of current iPhones available on the official Apple Online Store page may raise doubts even among people who have been familiar with the technology of the American manufacturer for several years. To figure it out and choose the “Best iPhone” with an acceptable price tag, you need a comprehensive approach to the issue. In this material we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of certain iPhone models and try to help you make a choice.
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Unlike manufacturers like Samsung or Xiaomi, Apple has a rather succinctly constructed line of smartphones with intuitive naming, where every buyer can easily distinguish a budget model from a flagship one. However, the choice of iPhones in 2021 is quite wide, which means that many potential users of Apple smartphones could use help when choosing a gadget.
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Which iPhones should you not buy new in 2021?
Let's start by explaining why some once-popular iPhone models should not be considered for purchase in 2021.
So, you should not buy in 2021: iPhone 7 / 7 Plus, iPhone 8 / 8 Plus, iPhone X and iPhone XS / XS Max - all these smartphones are officially discontinued. The offers of these smartphones still found in some online stores at affordable prices should be treated with skepticism. There is a high probability that instead of a new device, they will sell you a “repackaged, refurbished used device” (details here). Be careful.
In addition, the 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max models are also no longer produced, but are still available in official reseller networks (Svyaznoy, M.Video, MTS, etc.) - you can buy them.
Also, do not forget that Apple officially offers refurbished smartphones (refs) that are no longer in production. We talked in detail about how to distinguish a real ref from a fake in this material.
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#4 - iPhone XR
Price: 39,480 rubles
The iPhone XR is another good contender to buy in 2021. The manufacturer equipped it with an Apple A12 processor. Don't be afraid that the chipset has already acquired two successors. Considering the brand’s policy, the smartphone will remain relevant for the next 4 years, at least. So, if you don’t know which iPhone to buy in 2021 and not regret it, the iPhone XR is definitely worth considering as an option.
Compared to the previous competitor, it looks more attractive due to its larger screen. It has a 6.1-inch diagonal, and therefore it is much more convenient to consume content. Another point where the iPhone XR wins comparison with the iPhone SE 2020 is battery capacity. Here it is 2940 mAh. According to reviews, the device, which is budget by the company’s standards, can easily live away from an outlet for up to two days. But as far as photo capabilities and case reliability are concerned, the two devices are absolutely identical. Because of this, many believe that the iPhone XR is the best iPhone in terms of price and quality.
iPhone XR
How to choose the best reliable iPhone in 2021
Naturally, the best iPhone will be the most expensive, current top model, however, when choosing the main personal device, the buyer should focus solely on his own needs and whether his desires match his financial capabilities. At the same time, it is important to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff and abstract from functionality that most likely will not be in demand, because not every user needs the power of the latest Apple A14 Bionic processor and certainly not everyone can distinguish by eye photographs taken using a LiDAR sensor and without him. But at the same time, the presence of additional functions significantly affects the cost of the device.
To make the choice easier, we will divide all current iPhone models in 2021 into three groups: budget, mid-level and premium segment.
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iPhone SE 2021
Cheapest new iPhone
★★★★☆
RUB 39,990
price may vary
WATCH IN M.VIDEO
Apple8
Screen size: 4.7 inches Retina HD (1334 x 750) Processor: A13 Bionic Cameras: 12MP (f/1.8) / 12MP front (f/2.2) RAM / Storage: unknown / 64GB, 128GB, 512GB
pros
- Affordable price
- Top-notch A13 processor
- Compact design
Minuses
- No night mode on camera
- Large frames
You can't keep a good iPhone, so Apple has revived the iPhone SE four years after releasing the original low-cost compact iPhone. The 2021 iPhone SE is slightly larger than before—with a 4.7-inch screen and the form factor of the discontinued iPhone 8—but it maintains a low price that will appeal to iPhone fans looking for the best deal.
It's not just the price that makes the iPhone SE so attractive. The phone is powered by the same A13 processor found in the iPhone 11, so the iPhone SE will remain a powerful phone for years to come, especially as regular iOS updates add new features. You only get one rear camera with this phone, but it's a good one, complemented by the A13's Neural Engine to complement your photos with computational photography.
Our 2021 iPhone SE battery tests show it's not the longest-lasting iPhone, and we wish this camera supported Apple's Night Mode for better low-light photography. But if you want premium power in a phone that fits comfortably in one hand, iPhone SE is made for you.
Budget (cheap) iPhones in 2021: iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR
Perhaps it will be the most difficult for an inexperienced buyer to make a choice in the budget price segment. Both current models have their disadvantages and advantages, and the 2021 iPhone XR (review) is more expensive than last year's iPhone SE 2 (review).
In terms of design, screen diagonal and body dimensions, the iPhone XR is closer to top-end smartphones.
Size comparison between iPhone XR and iPhone SE 2
iPhone XR design
There is a 6.1-inch IPS display, which occupies almost the entire space of the front panel. Among the six available colors, the most striking are the original coral, yellow, and blue.
In turn, the 2021 iPhone SE has a design borrowed from the iPhone 8 with plastic inserts on the bottom and top of the 4.7-inch screen.
iPhone SE 2 (2020) design
By the way, the 4.7-inch iPhone SE 2021 is equipped with the same quality display (also IPS) and the same image density as the iPhone XR - 326 ppi. Only black, white and red (product RED) are available as primary body colors.
iPhone SE 2 colors
The main advantage of the second generation iPhone SE should be considered the Apple A13 Bionic processor coupled with the third generation of the Neural Engine system. The iPhone XR is equipped with the previous generation of Apple chips, but has a more capacious battery and Face ID facial recognition system instead of the outdated Touch ID fingerprint scanner.
iPhone XR camera system with built-in Face ID
Home button in iPhone SE 2 with built-in Touch ID fingerprint scanner
It should also be noted that among the specifications of the iPhone SE there is a version with 256 GB of internal memory (iPhone XR is limited to 128 GB in the top version).
The cameras on both devices are identical: a main wide-angle camera with an ƒ/1.8 aperture and a 7 MP front camera.
You can find a detailed comparison of iPhone XR and iPhone SE 2 on this page.
The cost of devices in the Apple online store is:
iPhone XR: from 42,000 rubles ; iPhone SE 2: from 34,000 rubles .
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Balance of price and features: iPhone 12
Of last season's entire line, I like the iPhone 12 the most. The basic model is a convenient size, lasts a long time, the phone is fast and beautiful. Now the price has also dropped. If when buying an iPhone 11 you still choose an old device, then with the iPhone 12 you won’t have this feeling. The materials are the same as the iPhone 13, the design is the same, apart from minor cosmetic changes. And also an OLED screen, support for MagSafe, 5G in the end.
Given the price difference between the iPhone 12 and 13, it remains to be decided which is more important. If you like to take photos and shoot videos, pay extra for a fresh one. If you just want a current design, but don’t know what to fill your phone’s memory with, then the iPhone 12 will be the right choice.
The minimum price on Yandex.Market for iPhone 12 64 GB is 59,000 rubles.
Mid-range iPhones in 2021: iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini
The iPhone 11 (review) differs from the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini (review) primarily in design. If the iPhone 11 continued the series of Apple smartphones with rounded corners, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini received a square form factor a la iPhone 4.
iPhone 11 design
iPhone 12 design
In addition, the three current mid-level Apple smartphones differ in their display modules. If we talk about screen area, the iPhone 12 mini has the smallest diagonal - 5.4 inches, while the iPhone 11 and 12 are noticeably superior to the mini model in this indicator - both gadgets are equipped with 6.1-inch displays.
Size comparison between iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini
Size comparison between iPhone 12 and iPhone 11
However, smartphones released in 2021 delight the eye with a clearer picture thanks to OLED screens that provide image quality at 476 dots per square inch, which distinguishes these screens from the IPS display in the iPhone 11 with a quality of 326 ppi.
As for the cameras, all three smartphones have almost the same modules, with the exception of minimal differences such as a slightly stronger aperture in the iPhone 12 and 12 mini, the lack of the ability to shoot video in the Dolby Vision standard and TimeLapse with active night mode in the iPhone 11, etc. d. The front cameras of the gadgets are also almost identical.
It is also worth noting that the iPhone 12 and 12 mini support MagSafe wireless magnetic charging, which can also be used to attach accessories to the back of the smartphone (iPhone 11 only supports regular wireless charging).
Other notable differences include support for next-generation 5G networks in the iPhone 12 and 12 mini, a less capacious battery in the iPhone 12 mini, as well as improved protection against drops and moisture inside the case for newer gadgets - according to the documentation, the iPhone 11 can be submerged into water to a depth of no more than two meters, while with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini you can safely dive six meters into fresh water.
And, of course, the main parameter when comparing models remains their cost; at the moment it is:
Buy iPhone 11: from 49,000 rubles ; Buy iPhone 12 mini: from 62,000 rubles ; Buy iPhone 12: from 70,000 rubles .
Based on the price/quality criterion, the iPhone 11 can be called the best iPhone in 2021 for most users. This is a reliable smartphone that has everything you need.
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The most compact: iPhone 12 mini
Until recently, the title of the smallest and most powerful iPhone was held by the iPhone 12 mini. After the release of the iPhone 13 mini, it is no longer the most powerful, but it is still very small and light.
By modern standards, the phone has an unusually small screen, so if you like to surf the Internet and write messages, then think carefully about how comfortable you will be with a miniature iPhone. Also remember that the iPhone 12 mini does not have the best autonomy - a reason to pay extra for the iPhone 12.
The minimum price on Yandex.Market for iPhone 12 mini 64 GB is 52,000 rubles.
Frosted glass. Pleasant to the fingers and eyes
The main change in terms of design of the iPhone 11 Pro is the rear frosted glass . First of all, it looks different. The glass reflects less and does not attract fingerprints. It always looks neat, there is no need to endlessly wipe it.
But the biggest difference is in the tactile sensations from the glass. If you stroke the case with your finger, it glides directly over the matte surface of the case. Does not get stuck, as happens with glossy glass. The paradox is that the iPhone 11 Pro with a matte body fits more confidently in the hand and does not slip out.
I really liked the frosted glass . When you hold a smartphone in your hand, you feel its novelty. A year ago, when I first touched the iPhone XS after the iPhone X, there was nothing like this. The update in terms of design was as boring as possible.
The iPhone 11 Pro has the same design (remember the cycles). But due to the frosted glass there is a feeling of newness. For me, this is a very important indicator, especially for those who plan to switch to a smartphone from the iPhone 8/8 Plus and other newer models with glass cases.
And if it's short?! Frosted glass - top! It looks cool and doesn't collect fingerprints; it slips less in your hand.
iPhone 13 and 13 mini reviews: noticeable improvements in cameras and batteries
Last Tuesday, September 14, Apple introduced a new generation of smartphones - the iPhone 13. The series, as last year, included four devices: the 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini, the 6.1-inch iPhone 13 and 13 Pro, and also the 6.7-inch iPhone 13 Pro Max. Recently, reviews of new products were published on the Internet, and here we have collected the most interesting excerpts from them.
Source of images here and below: The Verge
The most important innovations in the iPhone 13 series compared to the iPhone 12 series are increased battery capacity, improved cameras, improved displays and, of course, an updated chipset. But in fact, the new products are significantly superior to their predecessors, which is confirmed by the words of reviewers who have already tried the iPhone 13.
The fewest changes, as expected, affected the more affordable models: iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13. However, even at first glance, the new items differ from the previous generation smartphones. The front panel of each iPhone 13 series stands out from all the company's smartphones released over the past four years with a 20% smaller “notch” that hides the front camera, True Depth sensors and earpiece. The outlines of the body repeat those of the iPhone 12, however, when looking at the back panel, a different arrangement of the main camera lenses, which are now arranged diagonally, catches your eye.
Cameras
iPhone 13 and 13 mini, like their predecessors, received an identical set of main camera sensors. However, the modules have become better. The main change concerns the wide-angle sensor, which has become much larger. By the way, this is the same sensor that was used in last year's iPhone 12 Pro Max. It’s very nice that Apple’s most advanced camera of last year is now available in the iPhone 13 mini, the price of which starts at 69,990 rubles.
Reviewers note that before the release of the iPhone 13 Pro, it was the best sensor in the overall smartphone market. Experts from The Verge note that photos taken on the iPhone 13 and 13 mini are in no way inferior to photos from the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The improved picture quality is especially noticeable in photos taken at night. The video quality, according to reviewers, is also beyond praise. The camera boasts optical stabilization, which works great in all shooting modes. You can only find fault with this camera by comparing it with the camera of the iPhone 13 Pro. The ultra-wide-angle sensor has also been updated, but the improvement is fairly minor and mainly concerns slightly more natural colors and white balance when shooting at night. The front camera sensor remains unchanged.
Example of a night photo on iPhone 13
Special attention should be paid to the camera software. Apple has added two big new features: Cinematic Mode and Photo Profiles. Reviewers describe Cinematic mode as the video-only equivalent of Portrait mode for photos, available on iPhones since the launch of the iPhone 7 Plus in 2021. It locks onto the face and blurs out the rest of the scene, as if using a wide aperture lens. You can change the focus yourself while shooting. This can also be done when editing a video that has already been shot, but only in Apple-branded applications such as Photos or Final Cut. Among the shortcomings of the cinematic mode, reviewers note that it only works in Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second. In addition, strange contours are sometimes observed around the subjects.
Examples of pictures taken using different photographic profiles
Photographic profiles allow you to adjust settings for tone, color temperature, and other image parameters. It's no secret that Samsung smartphones take very bright photos, while Google Pixels take very contrasty and slightly bluish photos. Apple recognizes that users may prefer this image, so it decided to give them the opportunity to experiment with profiles.
Autonomy
The battery life of last year's iPhone 12 did not satisfy all users. The iPhone 12 mini was frankly disappointing. Apple took the mistake into account and thoroughly improved the batteries of new smartphones. The iPhone 13 mini's battery has increased by 9%, and the base iPhone 13's battery has increased by 15.1% compared to its predecessor. Thanks to this, the iPhone 13 mini added an hour and a half to its battery life. iPhone 13 lasts two hours longer than the previous model. Reviewers note that thanks to this, the new products are able to work from early morning until late at night on a single charge during normal use scenarios, which include shooting video, working with email, surfing the Internet, communicating in instant messengers and making phone calls.
In general, as you can understand from the reviews, it’s not for nothing that the new products are called iPhone 13 and not iPhone 12S. Although the innovations do not look large-scale at first glance, they bring a completely new, qualitatively better user experience. Apple has eliminated the few shortcomings of previous models, making the new products extremely attractive both for those who are planning to buy their first iPhone, and for users of previous devices of the brand.
