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Published on: 28.04.2024 | updated on: 20.05.2024
Apple offers a wide range of devices to cater to different needs and budgets. Each iPhone model, old or latest, has its own distinct features, from high-quality cameras to improved processors to fast charging. Buying a new iPhone depends on your budget, your daily needs, and what features you will use the most. In this iPhone buyer guide, we’ll explain various iPhone models in detail and compare their features to help you make an informed decision.
When deciding to buy a new iPhone, consider what matters most to you—whether you want the better camera to take high-quality pictures, long battery life, or large screen size—and balance these with your budget. Older models are often cheaper than the latest ones, but they don’t offer advanced features. On the other hand, new models such as the iPhone 15 may be expensive, but you won’t regret its latest technology features. It comes with a titanium body, an advanced dual camera system, and a retina display. This Apple iPhone buying guide will help you pick a suitable device.
Assessing your needs before buying a new phone is important to picking the right device. Think of your usage—is it for daily use? Work use? Gaming? Or photography? Consider the features that are essential for you, such as camera quality, battery life, or a large screen. Last but not least, reflect on your budget to determine how much you are willing to pay for a new phone.
The smartphone market today is full of options, from high-end premium smartphones to budget-friendly devices that are fast and reliable. However, with such a large variety of devices available at different price ranges, it can be rather confusing to decide what device to purchase.
But, if you are looking for a device that is not only reliable, fast, and loaded with the latest features but also sleek, aesthetic, and user-centric device, built with quality in mind, it doesn’t get any better than Apple.
Let’s look at a comparison between Apple and Samsung, two of the largest and oldest giants in the smartphone market, and evaluate how they both differ in their offerings;
Feature |
iPhone (iOS) |
Samsung (Android) |
Operating System |
Smooth, user-friendly interface with frequent updates to offer optimal experience. |
Based on Android being offered by a wide range of manufacturers. Highly customizable but less exclusive. |
Ecosystem Integration |
Exceptional integration and cross-compatibility with other Apple devices and services. |
Good integration with other Samsung devices and services like Samsung Cloud, but generally seen as less cohesive than Apple's ecosystem. |
App Availability |
Exclusive selection of apps that often receive new features first due to developers' preference for the platform. Apple thoroughly reviews apps before they are offered on the App Store, ensuring higher security and optimization. |
There are a variety of free applications; however, they do not undergo a strict review process like Apple's, so apps may be laggy or not as smooth as Apple's. |
Software Support |
Long-term software updates (5-6 years) ensuring security and the latest features. |
Typically, 3-4 years of updates, varying significantly between models. |
User Interface Consistency |
Highly consistent UI and UX across all apps and system functions. |
Inconsistent UI across different apps and manufacturers. |
Security |
Industry-leading with stringent app review processes and regular security updates. |
Generally secure, but as an open-ended operating software, it is at a higher risk of malware and hacking as opposed to iOS. |
Price Range |
Higher price, but justified by build quality, ecosystem, and resale value. |
Models priced at different price points offer varying quality and value. Premium models are comparable in price but vary in resale value. |
Smart Home Integration |
Extensive support for smart home devices via HomeKit, with secure automation. |
Compatible with many devices but lacks the security and simplicity of HomeKit. |
Cloud Services |
iCloud offers easy and highly secured backup. |
Samsung Cloud and Google Drive offer similar features but with less seamless integration. |
Augmented Reality |
Superior AR capabilities integrated deeply with iOS and hardware. |
Supports AR but typically with less integration and lower performance. |
Performance |
Smoother performance that does not tend to slow down with age. |
Similar performance but starts slowing down as the device ages. |
Resale Value |
Highest resale value in the whole market due to lag-free performance and superior build quality. |
Devices depreciate faster and cannot hold a stable resale value like Apple. |
Aesthetic |
Sleek and aesthetic design built with impression in mind, making use of premium materials like Titanium. |
Bulky devices that are also sleek and aesthetic but lack the premium appeal of the iPhone. |
Camera |
Advanced camera systems that excel in video quality and color accuracy. |
High megapixel counts, but sometimes inconsistent in color and detail accuracy. |
AirDrop |
AirDrop allows for seamless and instant sharing of photos, videos, etc, between nearby Apple devices without the need for the internet. |
Samsung offers Quick Share, but is slower compared to AirDrop. |
Apple Music or iTunes |
Apple has its own music streaming platform that users can subscribe to and gain access to the latest music, amongst other features. |
Samsung has no such streaming platform to offer. However, Apple Music can be accessed on Samsung devices. |
Find My |
The "Find My" app allows users to track the location of their Apple devices, share locations with friends, and find lost devices even when offline. |
Samsung's "Find My Mobile" offers similar tracking features but is generally less integrated than Apple's. |
If you have made up your mind to purchase an iPhone, listed below are some features to consider;
The first and foremost consideration is the budget. Apple, in recent years, has expanded its range of models and now offers 5 devices, including 4 variants of one model and a budget-friendly iPhone SE.
Depending upon your budget and use case, here is the range of iPhone models you can purchase;
iPhone SE
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone SE is the entry model iPhone ranging between $429-580, then comes iPhone 15 costing around $800. The Pro models are Apple’s premium devices with additional features and premium metal costing upwards of $1000.
Apple offers varying screen sizes across its range of models. The iPhone SE has the smallest screen and boasts an LCD panel. As you move upward in the range, all models start sharing an OLED display however, the screen size varies. iPhone 15 and 15 Pro Max both offer 6.1” while the Pro and Pro Max offer 6.7”.
Since our lives have become so dependent on smartphones, the battery life is an important factor to consider before making a decision. The iPhone Pro Max models offer the largest battery (4441mAh for 15 Pro Max) and are best recommended for users whose primary concern is the battery and not the budget.
When it comes to camera quality, the Pro models are clear winners. However, that doesn’t mean that normal iPhone model cameras aren’t good. They are crisp and excellent at capturing details or color, but the Pro models take it a step forward with an extra camera, Pro mode, and RAW compatibility best suited for professionals.
But if you will be using your device for everyday use, the camera on non-Pro models is perfect for you.
One of the best things about Apple is that it maintains resale value relatively better than all other manufacturers in the market. Within the iPhone lineup, the Pro models have the best value, especially the ones with exclusive colors.
iPhones have had varying storage options offered on their smartphones. For the latest iPhone 15, the storage option begins with 128GB and goes all the way up to 512GB, which is more than enough for most people. However, if you have large files and prefer to keep all data on your device, then you might prefer the Pro model, which offers a maximum storage capacity of 1TB.
If you want the latest and greatest features, such as ProMotion, RAW compatibility, Dynamic Island, and camera features, go for the Pro models. However, if you think that these features are not worth the extra dollars, go for the standard iPhone.
Whether you want to purchase a new device or an older used device, here is a comparison table to help you better decide what iPhone to buy;
Attributes |
iPhone 15 |
iPhone 14 |
iPhone 13 |
Variants |
iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max |
iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max |
iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max |
Battery Capacity |
3367 mAh |
3,279 mAh |
3,227 mAh |
Screen |
6.1” Super Retina XDR |
6.1” Super Retina XDR |
6.1” Super Retina XDR |
Display |
OLED with Dynamic Island |
OLED |
OLED |
Body |
Aluminum (color-infused glass back) |
Aluminum (with glass back) |
Aluminum (with glass back) |
Chip |
A16 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
Camera |
48MP Dual (Main) Smart HDR 5 |
12MP Dual (Main) Smart HDR 4 |
12MP Dual (Main) Smart HDR 4 |
Optical Zoom |
3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 6x optical zoom range |
.2x optical zoom out; |
2x optical zoom out |
Charging Port |
USB-C |
Lightning |
Lightning |
Cellular and Wireless |
5G Bluetooth 5.3 |
5G Bluetooth 5.3 |
5G Bluetooth 5.0 |
If you are low on budget that is no problem. Buying an iPhone doesn't necessarily mean you have to settle for the most up-to-date model of the latest iPhone; if you are a little tight on budget, you can settle for an older device.
One of the best things about the iPhone is that it is optimized not significantly to slow down or lose performance as it ages. Since the latest devices have gotten so powerful, the older devices are more than enough for most users.
Here are some alternatives to consider if your budget is insufficient:
If you want to save money while still enjoying the iOS experience, considering an older iPhone model can be a great option. Here is why:
While these devices may not have the latest cutting-edge features, they still offer solid performance and can run the most recent versions of iOS.
Older iPhones are more affordable, hence making them an attractive choice for those on a budget or for parents looking to provide their children with their first smartphone.
However, it's important to keep in mind that older models will eventually stop receiving software updates from Apple in the future. This may potentially leave such devices vulnerable to security risks in the long run. Additionally, battery life and overall performance may degrade over time, so it's advisable to keep these factors in mind.
Refurbished models are also an excellent alternative to buying a new (more expensive) device. Here is why:
Refurbished iPhones are thoroughly inspected, repaired, and restored to like-new condition by Apple or a certified third-party vendor.
They often come with a warranty and can offer significant savings compared to brand-new devices.
When considering refurbished iPhones, only buy from reputable sources to avoid issues such as counterfeit or poorly refurbished devices. Moreover, the selection of refurbished models may be limited, and the available options may not always align with your desired specifications or color preferences.
Last but not least, you can also consider buying a used iPhone if you are on a budget. With proper research and caution, you can find good deals on previously owned iPhones that still have plenty of life left in them.
Here is what to keep in mind when purchasing a used iPhone:
It's crucial to inspect the device thoroughly for any physical damage, water damage, or other issues that may affect its performance.
You should ensure that the device is free from any carrier lock or activation lock that could prevent you from using it with your preferred service provider.
It's also advisable to purchase used iPhones from reputable sellers or through trusted platforms that offer buyer protection and a returns policy.
It's always good to read through both professional reviews and real user feedback before buying a new iPhone. These reviews can help you identify the pros and cons of an iPhone model you wish to buy and help you understand how that device will serve you on a day-to-day basis.
When deciding to buy a new iPhone, look for a warranty - how long do they cover your new device for, and what is included in the coverage? Are accidental damages covered, or do you’ve to buy an additional insurance plan? Also, research about their customer support - how they deal with the queries or issues.
These things will help you plan how you’ll deal with your new iPhone if any issues occur in the future.
Finding the right iPhone isn't just about the specs—it's about how the phone fits into your life in the long run. By carefully considering user reviews, features, and Apple's reliable customer support, you can choose an iPhone model that not only meets your needs today but will continue to serve you well into the future.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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