Which is the best iPhone to buy? Five best iPhones in terms of price-quality ratio. And three are the worst

This is a very old model.

Over the entire more than ten-year history of the iPhone, Apple has released only 18 models of its smartphones. Samsung, for comparison, manages to present a similar number of models almost every quarter. The other day, an enthusiast collected all the released iPhones in one image and shared his creation with users. Apple fans appreciated the work and did not miss the opportunity to choose the most beautiful iPhone ever released. It is noteworthy that the majority came to a consensus.

Which iPhone is the most beautiful?

When it comes to choosing the most beautiful thing, it is, of course, purely a matter of taste. Because of this, there is, of course, no definite answer to the question of which iPhone is the most beautiful. However, in the discussion of the image below, which shows all existing iPhone models from the iPhone 2G to the iPhone X, Apple fans came to a consensus.

Most users named the most beautiful Apple iPhone 5 smartphone in Black & Slate color. According to people who noted in the discussion, they will always consider the black iPhone 5 to be the ideal work of Apple designers, the pinnacle of their craft, which will be almost impossible to climb again.

Of course, many Apple fans called other models the most beautiful for themselves. Even the plastic iPhone 5c, which is unofficially recognized as the “most failed model” of the iPhone, received many reviews filled with admiration. Moreover, some users even expressed a desire to see another iPhone with a plastic body. The latter, however, is unlikely to happen, since according to data from analysts, Apple does not intend to release budget smartphones.

The penultimate plastic iPhone was placed in last place, citing the small number of innovations compared to the iPhone 3G. Personally, as a person who started getting acquainted with Apple precisely with the iPhone 3Gs, I would award it second place. Although visually it is really difficult to distinguish it from the previous model, it is, in my opinion, much more successful.

Another smartphone with a minimal number of differences from its predecessor. In fact, the iPhone 4s compares favorably with the iPhone 4, and not only in the presence of Siri, which, of course, is also important. Among our readers you can gather a whole club of admirers of this model.

It's the best-selling and perhaps the ugliest iPhone. With this model, Apple gave users what everyone wanted for so long. The iPhone has become similar to the iPod touch, only with a larger screen. Moreover, if all iPhone models stood out clearly among the mass of Android smartphones, then the iPhone 6 can already be confused with any of them.

I remember my impressions when I first saw the official image of this model. He looked incredibly beautiful in black. Someone said that this is the kind of smartphone Batman would use, although colleagues from Business Insider believe that he uses a certain Batphone, manufactured by Wayne Enterprises and running on a special version of Android. However, the beautiful iPhone 5 did not last long; its strict edges lost their color too quickly. Revealed and.

This model made a really big leap from its predecessor, getting rid of many of its shortcomings. in a plastic case, similar to a bar of soap, it looked delicious in 2008.

I didn't have the chance to own this smartphone model, but I seriously admire it. It gives a delightful tactile sensation. It is not slippery or cold, unlike many others. It is also the only Apple smartphone available in vibrant colors. Despite all his merits, he was placed in fifth place.

This model looks much more beautiful than its very nice predecessor. For the first time, the redesigned Home button and new colors did the trick. The company may not have added new features and improved performance.

The original iPhone is inferior to all its successors. It has quite a number of shortcomings. The first pancake, as you know, comes out lumpy. But this lump turned out to be better than anything that existed on the market at that time. The iPhone was a breakthrough, for which it was awarded a place on the pedestal.

This smartphone model doesn't get any points for style, but users are delighted with the large screen, so much so that the iPhone 6 Plus ended up in second place in the rating. Maybe we should take a closer look at it.

Steel frame, glass panels, ultra-clear screen. At the time of its release, the iPhone 4 seemed like a smartphone from the future. Now, no matter how outdated it might be called, it looks very beautiful.

Which iPhone should you choose? If previously only one current model was available to us, and the differences in the two generations of iPhone were striking, today the picture has changed somewhat. TechRadar rating answers which iPhone is better! Let's go?

Have you decided on a brand, but don’t know which iPhone to choose? Let’s dot all the “i’s” in Apple smart phones. The choice is responsible - you can spend more than $1,000 on a fresh iPhone 7, or you can save money, take the compact iPhone SE and not lose out on anything. Previously, the choice of iPhone smartphones was not so great. The difference between the Four and the iPhone 5 was colossal, and the question of which iPhone is better was stupid to ask. Today the model range represents a wide selection of colors, diagonals, and memory capacities.

To make it easier for you to choose an iPhone, check out TechRadar's ranking of Apple smartphones. The rating examines the pros and cons of each model, key features and characteristics of the smartphone.

It's easy to choose an iPhone: TechRadar rating

1st place: iPhone 7 Plus

According to the editors of TechRadar, this is the best phone among iPhones.

Key benefits of iPhone 7 Plus:

• Enough power to handle any task
• great camera

Main disadvantages:

• lack of a standard audio jack

iPhone 7 Plus is an ideal choice for fans of phablets with a diagonal of 5.5+. The most significant differences of the model are dust/moisture protection IP68 () and a dual camera with improved optical zoom. Each of the cameras in the module received 12MP. iPhone 7 Plus produces amazing photos with bokeh effect (background blur/foreground focus). We published Galaxy S7 Edge and LG V20.

The autonomy of the iPhone 7 Plus has been improved compared to the iPhone 6 Plus. The 7th generation gets iOS 10 out of the box.

The biggest disappointment for music lovers is the only Lightning connector. Standard headphones can only be connected via an adapter (included). Another option is to switch to wireless. ()

The price tag of the iPhone 7 Plus is high even compared to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6 Plus, but the new features and specifications are worth the premium.

2nd place: iPhone 7

A good smartphone with moisture protection.

Key benefits of iPhone 7:

• The camera takes great pictures in low light conditions
• moisture protection

The main disadvantages of the iPhone 7:

• no obvious differences from the iPhone 6S
• design unchanged for 3 years

iPhone 7 will be a good choice for those who crave new products, but prefer compact smartphones.

Like the iPhone 7 Plus, the younger version did not receive a standard audio jack. The seventh iPhone is protected from moisture, which means that the smartphone will survive a fall into a puddle/glass/sink. iPhone 7 doesn't have a dual camera. The main camera is 12MP, but tests show that the smartphone takes better pictures in low-light conditions.

If you have an iPhone 6/6S, there is no compelling reason to upgrade to a new model. The iPhone 7 has a more powerful processor, and the camera has new software. This is where the list of differences ends.

3rd place: iPhone SE

Compact, affordable and damn powerful.

Key benefits of iPhone SE:

• Enough power for everyday multitasking
• affordable price

The main disadvantages of the iPhone SE:

• worn out design
• outdated display

iPhone SE stands out from the general trend of modern Apple smartphones. His diagonal 4 inches, and the design is not much different from 5/5S. However, this smartphone overclocks powerful A9 processor, and the main camera shoots at the level of the iPhone 6S.

The smartphone lacks 3D-Touch functionality and front camera resolution; the screen lacks clarity and contrast. But this is the most powerful 4-inch smartphone on the mobile gadgets market. If the task is to choose a powerful iPhone and not spend a lot of money, SE is the best option.

Moreover, iPhone SE is the best choice for those who prefer compact phones for basic functions (calls, instant messaging). Its advantage is an attractive price with excellent technical characteristics.

4th place: iPhone 6S

The optimal combination of price, quality and performance.

Main advantages of iPhone 6S:

• great design
• 3D Touch

The main disadvantages of the iPhone 6S:

• low autonomy
• high cost for a smartphone with a low-resolution screen

A9 processor, 2 GB of RAM (a 1 GB gap from the previous model), 12MP main camera, 8MP front camera - all these characteristics distinguish the iPhone 6S from its predecessors: iPhone 6/5S/5/SE. And this is the most objective and honest answer to the question - which Apple iPhone is better. If you remove the brackets of the new product, the iPhone 6S.

The disadvantage is the design inherited from the iPhone 6. There are no changes. You can understand that you are holding an S model solely by the mark on the back cover.

The next disappointment is the display. For the price tag of the iPhone 6S, you can buy a flagship from another brand with an excellent QHD display (for example, the Samsung Galaxy S6 with QuadHD resolution and an excellent SuperAMOLED matrix). The only noticeable difference is 3D-Touch, a feature that offers quick access to the main functions of applications by pressing harder.

5th place: iPhone 6S Plus

Improved phablet from Apple.

Key benefits of iPhone 6S Plus:

• 3D Touch
• bright, contrasting display

The main disadvantages of the iPhone 6S Plus:

• bulky and inconvenient to operate with one hand
• high cost

The main improvement of the iPhone 6S Plus compared to the 6S is a brighter and more contrasting 5.5-inch display. The resolution has improved, the screen is adapted for multimedia - video and games. The smartphone has an improved battery.

Large and productive, with sufficient autonomy, although expensive. iPhone 6S Plus will be the best choice for gamers. And the 128GB version allows you to store hundreds of music tracks and video clips without compromising your main applications.

6th place: iPhone 6

A good phone for undemanding users and only 6th position in the rating.

Key benefits of iPhone 6:

• excellent design compared to 5S
• greater autonomy compared to previous models (5/5S)

The main disadvantages of the iPhone 6:

• high price
• low screen resolution

The iPhone 6 was a breath of fresh air for Apple fans; its design was radically different from previous models. The developers abandoned sharp edges and strict features in favor of rounded edges. The smartphone has a larger diagonal of 4.7 inches compared to 4 inches in the iPhone 5/5S.

However, the display size is the only difference between the iPhone 6 and its predecessor. The display technology and resolution remain unchanged, and the pixel density remains unchanged (both devices have 326PPI).

The iPhone 6 received a significant increase in power with the A8 processor compared to the 5 series of smartphones. Thanks to excellent optimization, iPhone 6 handles everyday multitasking perfectly. A good choice for those who are not chasing new products and advanced technologies.

7th place: iPhone 6 Plus

Apple's first phablet with a great design.

Key benefits of iPhone 6 Plus:

• excellent FullHD display
• good camera

The main disadvantages of the iPhone 6 Plus:

• inconvenient format for one-handed use
• high cost

The 6th generation iPhone introduced users to a choice of diagonals for the first time. Those for whom the 4.7-inch diagonal was not enough appreciated the iPhone 6 Plus with a 5.5-inch screen.

A larger display size is better for gaming and watching videos, and it is more convenient for Internet surfing. The screen itself has a higher resolution: 1080x1920 (401PPI) compared to 750x1334 (326PPI).

The next significant difference between the iPhone 6 Plus and the regular iPhone 6 is the improved camera (optical stabilization has been added). The autonomy of the iPhone 6 Plus has also been improved.

8th place: iPhone 5S

An affordable alternative to the iPhone SE.

Main advantages of iPhone 5S:

• Touch ID fingerprint scanner
• good camera

The main disadvantages of the iPhone 5S:

• low autonomy
• low screen resolution

iPhone 5S is a compact 4-inch Apple smartphone that will appeal to conservative users who need a phone for making calls and sending SMS. The iPhone 5S inherited the design of its predecessor, but under the hood of the smartphone there was an updated, more powerful processor.

A significant improvement in the iPhone 5S compared to the regular five is the 8MP camera, which still takes decent pictures despite its “age” and more than modest technical specifications. However, the most noticeable difference for users is the fingerprint scanner (Touch ID), located in the Home button.

The iPhone 5S is still available for sale, although most stores offer refurbished (Refurbished or “Like New”) devices. But if you're lucky enough to find a new iPhone 5S, it might be the best bang for your buck.

Verdict

Choosing an iPhone is not an easy task. Apple smartphones have two disadvantages:

• The display is not for everyone. Apple will soon abandon IPS.
• Low autonomy.

Both shortcomings are eliminated only in Plus models.

So which iPhone should you choose? If there is a problem of choice, it means that the purchase budget is not flexible, and therefore we will take this into account in our recommendations. If you need a stable and powerful smartphone, durable, with a good camera and affordable, choose . The cost of the version with 64 GB memory does not exceed $550.

The price is even more tempting - for a phone with 64 GB of memory you will have to pay no more than $420. The processor is weaker, but with a limited budget, there won’t be better offers from the Cupertino brand. However, we must remember that Apple updates software for devices within 48 months, and the 5S was released in 2013.

Updated 12.2018. Since the preparation of this article, many new iPhones have been released, some with AMOLED screens, but all still with weak batteries. You can get acquainted with all the new products from the apple company using the following links:

Previously, fans of Apple products had to wait for years until Steve Jobs came up with the next smartphone. Modern Apple teaches us that new iPhones can be churned out like pies - several per year. Whether it is advisable to follow this approach for a company that has established itself as a manufacturer of exceptional quality goods is a big question. The fact is that brand supporters in 2017 now have a pleasant headache: how to decide which iPhone to choose?

What Apple smartphones are on sale?

At the end of 2017, a limited number of iPhone models are officially sold in Russia - namely:

All of these gadgets are available in the Apple online store. The iPhone 6 is not in the catalog on the website - the model is considered too outdated - however, this device, like the iPhone 5S, is still distributed by resellers.

Don’t forget about Avito and other platforms for selling used items. On such portals you can purchase Apple devices of the 5th, 4th and even 3rd generations, perfectly preserved and at a reasonable price. However, before you buy an old Apple phone, you should think twice about it. Using applications on such a device will be problematic at best, and completely impossible at worst. iPhone 4 cannot be updated to iOS 8, but this is the version of the operating system that many programs from the AppStore require as a minimum. Models 4S and 5 are updated to modern versions of iOS, but after the upgrade they begin to lag annoyingly.

When purchasing an iPhone from a little-known, suspicious store or secondhand, you should carefully check the device. The exact measures that need to be taken are described in our article on checking used iPhones.

Which iPhone is better for a photographer to buy?

Apple has never been in the race for megapixels, wisely believing that improving the quality of photos can be done by more than just resolution. Even the latest Apple phones have 12-megapixel modules - by the standards of 2017, this is a very average figure. At the same time, iPhones have always shot at least as well as their closest competitors.

Photography lovers should buy the iPhone 8 Plus.

Here's an example of a photo taken on an iPhone 8 Plus by CNET photographer James Martin in the San Francisco area:

Which iPhone has the best battery life?

For a user who prioritizes the autonomy of a mobile device, we also recommend buying an iPhone 8 Plus. But don’t rush to throw accusations of bias - our advice is not subjective, it is based on statistics provided by mobile market experts and the manufacturer itself.

Here is some information about the autonomy of Apple devices posted on the official Apple website:

It is noted that the “eights” work approximately the same as their “predecessors” of the 7th generation (corresponding in size). The iPhone X is said to have a battery life of 2 hours longer than the iPhone 7. The values ​​provided by Apple suggest that the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus are similar in terms of battery life, although many experts believe that this is not the case: “X” has a larger display and a thin body, which simply could not fit a capacious battery, so in comparison with 8 Plus it will certainly be inferior.

Experts from the TechRadar portal recognized the SE model as the “champion” in terms of price-autonomy ratio. Testing made it possible to determine that at maximum load the gadget will last 4 hours 7 minutes. The iPhone 7 Plus showed the best results, 4 hours 14 minutes (which is obvious - it has almost twice as much battery), however, this device costs much more - 7 “extra” minutes of autonomy in this case clearly do not pay off.

Which iPhone should someone who values ​​compactness choose?

If the user wants to be able to operate the gadget with one hand, he should definitely opt for the iPhone SE with a 4-inch screen diagonal. Although this smartphone is considered outdated, it is still in great demand - especially after its price dropped to 19 thousand rubles. The key to popularity is its advanced hardware: the SE model is productive, takes great photos, and holds a charge for a long time. Oh yes, and the design is simply gorgeous!

Other iPhones on official sale, unfortunately, cannot boast of compactness. iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 devices have display diagonals of 4.7 inches. Plus models are larger - they have 5.5-inch screens. iPhone X is a giant: 5.8 inches.

Which iPhone is better to give to parents?

It’s better to buy an iPhone SE as a gift for mom or dad again. There are a number of reasons for this:

• Few older people understand mobile technology as well as young geeks. Parents, most likely, simply will not be able to appreciate the advantages of the latest model. And if they find out how much such an iPhone costs, they will refuse to use it altogether.
• The SE model is small in size and fits in one hand – with a smartphone comfortable contact, but it is convenience and simplicity that people over 50 value more than functionality. The huge screens of the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X are great for gaming, but older users don't need it at all.
• The SE model looks stylish. If you give a pink iPhone to your mother, her delight will definitely be genuine.

Will you be able to buy an iPhone if money is really tight?

Do you want to become the owner of the coveted “apple”, but you don’t even have enough money to order Blackview from AliExpress at a promotion? Don't despair - electronic bulletin boards will help you! If you look at Avito, you will be amazed at the quantity and at what modest prices used iPhones of outdated modifications are now sold. In particular, iPhone 5 can be found for 5-6 thousand rubles, 4S – for 3 thousand rubles, and a simple “four” – for 1.5-2 thousand rubles. Back in 2012, the iPhone 4S was proudly displayed in the most prominent place in shop windows with a price tag of 30,000 rubles - it turns out that in 5 years the price has fallen by 900%!

There is no other gadget from 2012 that would be as popular in 2017 as the iPhone 4S. Despite the fact that the “four” has a “ridiculous” camera by modern standards, and the processor does not really run modern programs from the AppStore, and the battery does not hold a charge even for a day, the 4S can still be seen in the hands of young people. The “magic of Steve Jobs” works here - the iPhone 4S turned out to be the last smartphone released under his supervision. Many agree that after the death of the visionary, Apple “is no longer a cake.”

Conclusion

For a person who wants to buy an iPhone mainly to show off the newest “Apple” to friends, the best option is the iPhone X. However, it is worth noting that bragging costs more and more every year - in 2017, you will have to pay about 90 thousand rubles.

The best option in terms of price-quality ratio in 2017 and 2018 will be the iPhone 8 Plus. This is a gadget with a large screen, good battery life and a high-quality fast camera. In addition, the 8 Plus model is significantly cheaper than the iPhone X.

For those users who are on a budget, the best option is the iPhone SE. The device, modest in size, is a real “monster” of performance and is not inferior in functionality to Apple devices of the 6th generation. In 2017, SE has a price below 20 thousand rubles - most likely, in 2018 it will be even more affordable.

iPhone has long ceased to be a banal name for a phone from Apple, but has become a sign of the high status of its owner. Even users who have a vague idea of ​​​​trade brands in the world of digital technology have a desire to buy an inexpensive but good iPhone. However, not everyone understands that the company has never produced budget gadgets. The company's products are expensive products for wealthy people who want to get the best in life. Therefore, we decided to discuss which iPhone is better to buy at the beginning of 2018 - 2019, based on the opinions of experts.

Price – iPhone quality

Everyone knows that the price of Apple devices is significantly higher than the cost of most other mobile gadgets on the market. Of course, many readers are wondering why the iPhone is so expensive? And all because the Apple company uses its own developed technologies in the production of phones. They have everything their own, from the body to the screen, operating system and processor. Accordingly, the company fully guarantees the quality of its products, because careful control is carried out at all stages of production and only the most modern, best and highest quality materials are used, and the company’s staff consists of the best professionals in their field. Apple is also famous for its most hack- and virus-protected operating system today. For all this, the apple brand is absolutely justified in asking this price. Of course, you can buy a Chinese iPhone, but you shouldn’t count on the same guarantee of quality and performance as the original. Let's now take a closer look at the brand's most popular models over the past few seasons.

Apple iPhone 5S

It’s worth noting right away that each new version of Apple smartphones is an order of magnitude better than all previous generations, and therefore all outdated models are significantly cheaper, which attracts users who want to. Many buyers are wondering how good the iPhone 5s is? This product looks modern and stylish. The device stands out noticeably among the mass of standard phones of different brands. The model turned out to be thin and compact.

• The display of the device was only 4 inches diagonally, which is not enough for modern gadgets. The IPS screen has a resolution of 1136x640 pixels with a density of 326 PPI.
• The iPhone 5s has a high-quality main photo module with 8 million pixels and is capable of capturing images with a resolution of 3264×2448 pixels.
• The camera located on the front panel is far from the best, as it is 1.2 MP. Although such indicators are sufficient for video communication.
• The A7 processor, consisting of two cores with a clock frequency of 1.3 GHz, is responsible for the speed of operation.
• The capacity of the non-removable Li-Ion battery was 1560 mAh, which is enough for 10 hours of continuous calls.
• Graphics processing is handled by the PowerVR G6430 coprocessor, and 1 GB of RAM helps open multiple applications at once.
• The built-in storage, depending on the modification of the gadget, can have a capacity from 16 to 64 GB.

If we consider the iPhone 5s or 6s models, the presented gadget is slightly inferior to its older brother.

Apple iPhone 6, 6S, 6S Plus

If we say that the iPhone six plus smartphone is an enlarged model of the 6s, then this will accurately describe its appearance. After all, both devices are practically no different. The back and sides of the smartphones are made of aluminum alloy, and the front panel is protected with durable Ion-X glass. Thanks to the oleophobic coating, the IPS panel is virtually resistant to fingerprints. The device included a fingerprint sensor, which was built into the Home button. All devices received a built-in lithium-ion battery, but with different volumes. I would like to note that the 6s Plus model received identical functions as the sixth iPhone. The only difference between different camera phone models is the size of their screens.

• A high-quality Retina HD screen that supports 3D Touch technology is available in sizes of 5.5 or 4.7 inches, depending on the phone version.
• Differences are also observed in the resolution of the displays, which is 1920×1080 or 1334×750 pixels for smartphones 6S Plus, 6 or 6S, respectively.
• All devices under consideration received a powerful 64-bit A9 processor chip.
• The five-lens 12-megapixel camera in the updated version of the S6 Plus has been supplemented with optical image stabilization.

If you want to find a good smartphone with high build quality and performance, then pay attention to the sixth series model.

Apple iPhone SE

If you are looking for which iPhone to choose, then the SE model is well worth considering. Brushed aluminum was used to make the body of this convenient smartphone; in general, the developers do not try to deviate too much from the company’s usual style.

• The high-quality 4‑inch Retina screen displays incredibly clear and bright images. The Multi-Touch display has LED backlighting and is based on IPS technology, and its resolution is 1136x640 pixels. It is protected by an oleophobic coating, preventing the appearance of fingerprints from the user.
• The 4G smartphone is powered by the powerful A9 microchip. Its 64-bit architecture makes it comparable to desktop PC processors, guaranteeing fast response and excellent performance.
• Photos taken by the 12 MP photo module are not inferior in quality to the best iPhone 6s. In addition, you have the excellent opportunity to shoot videos in 4K resolution, which is four times higher than 1080p HD quality.
• With Touch ID, you can easily unlock your iPhone using your fingerprint. This is the most secure password that cannot be lost, forged or forgotten.
• A high-quality lithium-ion battery allows you to watch your favorite movies for 13 hours.

These specs make the SE phone worth buying in 2017.

Apple iPhone 7, 7 Plus

At the first visual inspection, the iPhone 7 Plus smartphone is no different from its predecessor. But according to the manufacturer, its internal filling is a completely different device. And to prove its statements, Apple placed two photo modules on the back of the device. Just a couple of years ago, a high-quality 5.5-inch Apple phone was similar to a 5.7-inch Android smartphone. But today it has become much more compact.

• The screen on the phone is based on IPS technology and can recognize pressure using the 3D Touch function. It received a high resolution of 1920x1080 pixels with a density of 401 PPI, which is much better than the previous seventh model with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels.
• The screen of the Apple smartphone uses support for the DCI-P3 color space, which is used in digital cinema.
• Like the 7 model, the 7 Plus operates on a quad-core A10 Fusion microchip with a maximum frequency of 2.34 GHz. But the new model used not two, but 3 GB of RAM.
• This iPhone has 32, 128 and 256 GB of memory for user content, depending on the modification.
• The main 12 MP photo module received a wide-angle lens, optical stabilization and six lenses.
• The updated device has a battery with a capacity of 2900 mAh, which provides a whole day of operation with fairly active use.

Comparing smartphone models 6s or 7 and 7 plus, we can say that the new devices have surpassed their predecessor in terms of characteristics. And of course, this is not news, since in each of their new developments they try to introduce more and more updated “tricks” in order to surprise the user and overtake competitors in functionality.

Conclusion

Today's electronics market is represented by a large assortment of smartphones from Apple, but of course you can’t buy an inexpensive iPhone for 5,000-10,000 rubles. Therefore, if price does not matter much to you, then buy the newest model from Apple and be sure that it will be the best. And if you just want an iPhone and you don’t care at all which one, then start from performance indicators, ease of use and other useful characteristics and choose from older models, you’ll just save a little. We hope that from our article you were able to learn more about why the iPhone is so expensive and in general which iPhone is better to buy in 2017. Follow our news and stay up to date with all the latest events in the world of gadgets.