Which iphone is best 2021

The 7 Best iPhones of 2021

See the differences between all iPhones and find the best one for you

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

We’ve come a long way from the days when Apple only released a single new iPhone model each year; with this year’s iPhone 12 lineup featuring four different iPhone models in three different sizes there’s truly something for everybody, and on top of that Apple still has three other models to help those who don’t need the latest and greatest technology get into the iPhone ecosystem at a much more affordable price.

Of course, the big boost to Apple’s big iPhone 12 lineup this year is the inclusion of 5G technology, bringing Apple’s smartphones into the fast lane, and U.S. models now even pack in ultra-fast mmWave technology that can allow for speeds into the gigabit ranges. Combine that with Apple’s ultra-powerful A14 Bionic chip and even more advanced computational photography features across the entire lineup and each and every one of these new iPhones is a winner in its own right.

The downside to this of course is that such an embarrassment of options can make it hard to decide which iPhone the right one for you, but the good news is that the differences aren’t as significant as you might think at first blush, so if you simply focus on price and size and don’t worry too much about spec sheets it’s actually pretty easy to pick the best iPhone.

Best Overall: Apple iPhone 12

Same OLED display and processor as iPhone 12 Pro

Accessories not included

A direct successor to last year’s iPhone 11, Apple’s 6.1-inch iPhone 12 continues the tradition of striking the perfect balance between price and performance, packing in almost all of the important features of Apple’s flagship «Pro» models at a much more affordable price. Just like its predecessor, it remains the best iPhone for most people, and even moreso now that Apple has included faster 5G technology in the mix, including ultrafast mmWave technology in the U.S. models.

In fact, this time around the iPhone 12 is an even more compelling choice, since it also closes the gap with the «Pro» models even further, gaining the exact same Super Retina XDR OLED display as its considerably more expensive siblings. This means you get deep, rich blacks thanks to the 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, along with a P3 wide colour gamut, Apple’s True Tone colour matching technology, and full support for Dolby Vision and HDR10. Plus the flexibility of OLED means that the 6.1-inch display can truly get right up to the edges of the iPhone 12 in a way that was previously the exclusive domain of the iPhone Pro lineup. Apple’s new Ceramic Shield glass screen also promises four times better drop performance so you won’t have to worry about breaking that beautiful display.

Ultimately, all you’re really missing from the more expensive iPhone 12 Pro is the third telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner, but for most folks we really don’t think these are worth the extra cost, especially since the iPhone 12 packs in the same insanely powerful A14 chip for advanced computational photography, so the dual-camera system can take some pretty amazing shots with support for the same Portrait Mode, Night Mode, and Deep Fusion features, plus 4K video recording at 60fps. The iPhone 12 also continues to offer excellent battery life—up to 17 hours of video playback and 65 hours of audio playback—along with Apple’s new MagSafe technology that not only allows for faster 15W wireless charging, but also opens the door to a whole new ecosystem of accessories.

«The iPhone 12 is Apple’s best sub-$1,000 smartphone in years, delivering a premium, polished handset that is packed with power and style alike.» — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester

Best Camera: Apple iPhone 12 Pro

Excellent camera system

Powerful A14 Bionic chip

ProRAW photo capture

Accessories not included

With this year’s iPhone lineup, Apple has really put the «Pro» in the iPhone 12 Pro, with a series of features that are clearly geared even more strongly to power users, serious photographers, and actual professionals. It’s actually pretty amazing what the iPhone 12 Pro can do, so if you’re looking for the most advanced photographic features you can get, then Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro will easily be worth the premium price tag.

Although Apple has closed the gap by bringing its gorgeous Super Retina XDR OLED displays to the entire lineup this year, the iPhone 12 Pro still distinguishes itself by not only adding a third 2X telephoto camera, but also a LiDAR Scanner that helps to enhance the photographic experience even more by reducing autofocus time—it’s up to 6x faster in low light conditions—as well as allowing for Night Mode portrait shots and other similar depth mode photography under low light conditions.

The three-camera system features an f/1.6 seven-element lens as the main camera, while the ultra-wide, which has an f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view, is joined by a third f/2.0 telephoto camera. In total, this gives a full optical zoom range of 4x, plus a digital zoom of up to 10x, and while the camera system is still only 12 megapixels, Apple has repeatedly proven that it’s what you do with those megapixels that counts.

Specifically, Apple’s A14 Bionic chip not only takes last year’s computational photography features like Night Mode and Deep Fusion to a whole new level, but it also enables support for a new ProRAW photo format that combines the benefits of RAW photography with the extra layers of photographic intelligence, so photographers will be able to capture RAW photos without losing the benefits of features like Smart HDR and Deep Fusion. Even more significantly, however, the iPhone 12 Pro supports native recording of 4K/60fps Dolby Vision HDR video, making it the first camera in the world that’s capable of doing this, not just among smartphones, but even among pro movie cameras, and thanks to its ultrafast 5G technology you’ll be able to upload and share those 4K videos more smoothly than ever.

Источник

Best iPhone in 2021: Which model is right for you?

Apple released four new iPhone 13 models, but continues to sell four older generation models to round out its pricing lineup. You can now find iPhone models directly from Apple starting at $399 all of the way up to $1599 so start with the price you want to pay to find your perfect iPhone model.

Matthew Miller started using mobile devices in 1997 and has been writing news, reviews, and opinion pieces ever since. He was a co-host, with Kevin Tofel, of the MobileTechRoundup podcast for 13 years and authored three Wiley Companion series books.

• 

Apple’s iPhones are arguably the best smartphones available — with responsive performance, regular updates for years, compelling hardware designs, outstanding camera technology, and an ecosystem that appeals to the masses.

We have seen improvements in battery life, advanced multi-camera functionality, and continued improvements to Apple’s iOS. The high-end iPhones are pricey, but Apple’s processor architecture has also proven to be the best in the smartphone world. Apple doesn’t yet offer folding phones or vary too much in design from year to year, but the iPhone is a reliable phone to help you get work done.

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

Best iPhone available

Processor: Apple A15 | Display Size: 6.7 inches | Storage Options: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear Cameras: Three 12MP (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Silver, Graphite, Gold, Sierra Blue | Size: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65mm | Weight: 240g | Starting Price: $1,099

Apple’s biggest and most feature-rich iPhone is a mouthful, the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Apple listened to customers and while the phone looks just about the same as last year’s 12 Pro Max it is a tad thicker with a larger capacity battery and longer battery life.

The display now supports a refresh rate up to 120 Hz while optical zoom on the telephoto camera is improved to 6x. Macro photography and cinematic video modes are new features in the camera system that are sure to please photographers and videographers alike.

Apple continues to actively improve iOS 15 while also offering 1TB of internal storage so you can capture content to your heart’s delight.

Pros:

• Lovely display
• Flawless performance
• Long battery life
• Superb cameras

Cons:

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Best iPhone for smaller pockets

Processor: Apple A15 | Display Size: 6.1 inches | Storage Options: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear Cameras: Three 12MP (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Silver, Graphite, Gold, Sierra Blue | Size: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm | Weight: 204g | Starting Price: $999

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro is smaller than the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but still has the triple rear camera array and all of the same features as the 13 Pro Max. Unlike the iPhone 12 Pro models from last year, there are no differences in the cameras in 2021. Thus, it is truly a display size and battery capacity difference when you look at both phones so if you like a smaller phone then you don’t have to give up any feature or function and this is a great move by Apple.

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro offers a smaller 6.1-inch display; compared to 6.7 inches seen on the 13 Pro Max, this model is more pocketable and manageable for most people. Along with the smaller display is a smaller battery so it won’t last quite as long as the largest iPhone.

Compared to the iPhone 12 Pro we see a slight change from Pacific Blue to Sierra Blue color options. The phone is also 0.25 mm thicker to accommodate a slightly larger battery with a 15-gram weight increase over the iPhone 12 Pro.

Pros:

• Smaller form factor
• Flawless performance
• Better battery life than iPhone 12 Pro
• Superb cameras

Cons:

iPhone 13

Best iPhone for most people

Processor: Apple A15 | Display Size: 6.1 inches | Storage Options: 128GB/256GB/512GB | Rear Cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Starlight, Midnight, PRODUCT (Red), Pink, Blue | Size: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm | Weight: 174g | Starting Price: $799

The Apple iPhone 13 is an interesting device since it has the exact same 6.1-inch display seen on the iPhone 13 Pro so size and battery capacity are not differentiators here. There is one less rear camera on the iPhone 13 and there is no support for the LiDAR scanner. If the telephoto capability is not important to you then you can save some money with the iPhone 13 and it does support 2x optical with the existing cameras.

It’s great to finally see Apple start with a 128GB base model rather than charging people for a reasonable level of internal storage when there is such a focus on the camera capability. The phone also supports Apple’s new Cinematic mode for video recording.

The iPhone 13 is 0.25mm thicker and 10 grams heavier than the iPhone 12, but users are sure to appreciate the improved battery life that comes with a bit more depth.

Pros:

• Gorgeous flat OLED display
• Loud stereo speakers
• Excellent cameras

Cons:

• No high refresh rate display

Apple iPhone 13 mini

Best new small iPhone

Processor: Apple A15 | Display Size: 5.4 inches | Storage Options: 128GB/256GB/512GB | Rear Cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Starlight, Midnight, PRODUCT (Red), Pink, Blue | Size: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65mm | Weight: 141g | Starting Price: $699

It wasn’t clear last year how popular the smallest new iPhone was with buyers, but we see Apple once again launch its fourth model in 2021. This small iPhone option offers the same features as the iPhone 13, with a smaller display and smaller battery capacity.

The same Apple processor powers the device with a dual rear camera system that is the same as the iPhone 13. Face ID, 5G, wireless charging, and all the rest from the iPhone 13 are present on the smaller iPhone 12 mini. While we see the removal of the ridiculous 64GB storage option, this also comes with an option for even more storage of 512GB at an additional cost of $300.

The Apple iPhone SE is still available with a 4.7-inch display and low Apple price of $399, but the iPhone 13 mini offers a $100 savings over the larger iPhone 13. It’s far too small for my aging eyes, but people who want a very pocketable phone love the iPhone 13 mini.

Pros:

• Small phone
• Flawless performance
• Excellent cameras

Cons:

• No high refresh rate on the display

Apple iPhone 12

Best last generation iPhone for most people

Processor: Apple A14 | Display Size: 6.1 inches | Storage Options: 64GB/128GB/256GB | Rear Cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Black, White, PRODUCT (Red), Green, Blue | Size: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm | Weight: 164g | Starting Price: $699

The Apple iPhone 12 is an interesting device since it has the exact same 6.1-inch display seen on the iPhone 12 Pro so size and battery capacity are not differentiators here. There is one less rear camera on the iPhone 12 and there is no support for the LiDAR scanner. If the telephoto capability is not important to you then you can save some money with the iPhone 12.

I bought one in Blue (see my full review) before I decided to go all-in and upgrade to the large iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 is likely to be the most popular for the masses who may not need the higher-end cameras found in the Pro models.

The iPhone 12 also starts at a measly 64GB of storage so you have to pay a bit extra to pick up the 128GB or 256GB models. Thankfully, it is only $50 for the 128GB option that I highly recommend for people who use their phone as their camera.

Pros:

• Gorgeous flat OLED display
• Loud stereo speakers
• Excellent cameras

Cons:

• Volume buttons tough to feel
• Starts with 64GB internal storage

Apple iPhone 12 mini

Best last generation small iPhone

Processor: Apple A14 | Display Size: 5.4 inches | Storage Options: 64GB/128GB/256GB | Rear Cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Black, White, PRODUCT (Red), Green, Blue | Size: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm | Weight: 135g | Starting Price: $599

In a rather unique move from Apple, we also saw a fourth iPhone 12 model announced with the 5.4-inch display on an iPhone 12 mini. This small iPhone option also has an OLED display so there are no differences there, other than size.

The same Apple processor powers the device with a dual rear camera system that is the same as the iPhone 12. Face ID, 5G, wireless charging, and all the rest from the iPhone 12 are present on the smaller iPhone 12 mini.

The Apple iPhone SE is still available with a 4.7-inch display and low Apple price of $399, but the iPhone 12 mini offers a $100 savings over the larger iPhone 12. It’s far too small for my aging eyes, but people who want a very pocketable phone love the iPhone 12 mini.

Pros:

• Small phone
• Flawless performance
• Excellent cameras

Cons:

• Average battery life
• Starts with 64GB internal storage

Apple iPhone 11

Best $500 iPhone

Processor: Apple A13 | Display Size: 6.1 inches | Storage Options: 64GB/128GB/256GB | Rear Cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Black, White, PRODUCT (Red), Purple, Yello, Green | Size: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm | Weight: 194g | Starting Price: $499

While this list starts with the most powerful, and expensive, phones available, ZDNet’s Jason Cipriani was right in stating that the Apple iPhone 11 is probably the best older generation iPhone for most people. We typically see Apple keep prices the same, or increase them, each year, but with the iPhone 11, we actually saw a price drop of $50 at launch and a further drop since the iPhone 13 release.

Unlike the terrible decision to launch the iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max with 64GB and then charge a massive premium to upgrade to the next level of 256GB, Apple lets iPhone 11 buyers go from 64GB to 128GB for just $50. Thus, the iPhone 11 with 128GB is an excellent and recommended option for most people.

The iPhone 11 has a size between the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max with long battery life, capable processor, several color options, and rear dual camera setup. The iPhone 11 has an ultra-wide angle and standard rear cameras but doesn’t have the 2x telephoto zoom lens found on the other new iPhone 11 models.

Pros:

• Perfect size
• Flawless performance
• Solid cameras
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Starts with 64GB internal storage

Apple iPhone SE (2020)

Best least expensive iPhone

Processor: Apple A13 | Display Size: 4.7 inches | Storage Options: 64GB/128GB/256GB | Rear Cameras: One 12MP | Front Camera: 7MP f/2.2 | Colors: Black, White, PRODUCT (Red) | Size: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm | Weight: 148g | Starting Price: $399

Apple isn’t known for making affordable phones, but the new Apple iPhone SE (2020) — see our full review — is a perfect option for those who want an iPhone experience without paying high prices. As a person who primarily uses Android phones, it is also a great option as a second phone for those times you want to use iOS.

The iPhone SE is smaller than nearly all other modern phones and looks like an iPhone 8 on the outside. However, it is the inside that matters here with the Apple Bionic A13 processor, high IP67 dust/water resistant rating, and a very capable 12-megapixel camera. You won’t find a budget Android phone with all of these features at this price and it’s wonderful to see Apple offering up such a solid affordable option at this time.

This is a great option for a first iPhone and one for those who just don’t want to give up on a Touch ID button.

Pros:

• Small size
• Affordable price
• Flawless performance
• Touch ID fingerprint sensor

Cons:

• Starts with 64GB internal storage

Is the iPhone 13 Pro worth the extra $200 over the iPhone 13?

This is one of the most common questions new iPhone 13 series buyers have since both phones are the same size, have the same processor, have the same display, and other specs that match each other. The available colors are different and the iPhone 13 Pro has one additional camera, a 6x optical telephoto camera. While there is 2x optical zoom on the iPhone 13, the 13 Pro also supports LiDAR technology.

The iPhone 13 Pro also has a 120Hz high refresh rate display, but Apple’s display responsiveness has always been great and I’m not sure you will notice much difference. High refresh rate displays are clearly easy to spot on Android phones, but Apple already set the bar for display performance.

For most people, the iPhone 13 is the better purchase. However, if you want the best cameras in an iPhone at this 6.1-inch size then the 13 Pro is for you. You also now have the option, albeit for more money, of buying the iPhone 13 Pro with 1TB of internal storage.

Which iPhone models support 5G?

All four iPhone 13 and available iPhone 12 models support 5G wireless technology. 5G continues to roll out across the US, and while it is debatable if there are benefits to the speeds of the network, in my experiences, the broad coverage of low-band 5G has solved my connectivity issues in spotty coverage areas with past iPhone models.

Even more importantly, the 5G iPhone models have Qualcomm chipsets inside that are proving to provide better RF reception than we saw in past iPhones that had Intel chipsets. The presence of a Qualcomm chipset has made it possible for me to use an iPhone 12 Pro Max as my daily driver since I purchased it.

Which iPhone models support wireless charging?

All of the iPhone models in this list support Qi wireless charging technology. Wireless charging is becoming an expected feature for modern smartphones. MagSafe is only supported by the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 models.

MagSafe provides a secure magnetic connection system so that you can connect to wireless chargers with perfect positioning and alignment. MagSafe can also be used with other accessories, such as wallets and kickstands.

How did we choose these iPhone models?

The process to make our selections includes testing the phones for weeks, reading reviews from other websites and publications, researching reviewer guides and manufacturer websites, talking with colleagues and other users who have hands-on experience with the phones, and then selecting the best from all of the available choices.

For this iPhone list, we also only included iPhone models that are available directly from the Apple Store where you will get official support and can purchase Apple Care Plus. There may be other models of iPhones still available from third-party vendors or wireless carriers.

Which iPhone model is right for you?

It used to be fairly easy to choose an iPhone model as you typically selected either the «big» iPhone or the «small» one. With four models available in the iPhone 13 series alone, you have to dig a bit deeper to choose which is best for you. This is especially true of the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro that are nearly the same hardware so check out our question above for more on this decision.

Size is generally the first factor to consider, followed by price. Price limits will also drive the amount of internal storage you select for your iPhone.

One fantastic aspect of the Apple iPhone line is that iPhone models receive software support for years, so it’s OK to buy an older model and trust it will work well for you for years.

Источник