Are you thinking of buying a new iPhone? You’re probably wondering which model to choose between an iPhone 15 or an iPhone 14, or the brand new iPhone 16. Should you go for the titanium frame or the traditional one? What are the available colors, etc.?
If you’re about to make an important decision on purchasing a new Apple phone, then this guide is just what you need to help you choose the best iPhone on the market and get the one of your dreams with just a few clicks.
Price comparison overview of iPhone models
Let’s start with a quick overview of the prices for the different iPhone models, allowing you to find the price range and product line that best suits your budget.
iPhone Model | Available Versions | Release Year | Storage | Price |
iPhone 16 | Standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max | 2024 | up to 1 TB | from 1049.00 CHF |
iPhone 15 | Standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max | 2023 | up to 1 TB | from 849.95 CHF |
iPhone 14 | Standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max | 2022 | up to 1 TB | from 749.95 CHF |
iPhone 13 | Standard, Pro, mini | 2021 | up to 512 GB | from 619.95 CHF |
iPhone 12 | Standard, Pro, mini | 2020 | up to 256 GB | from 549.95 CHF |
iPhone 11 | Standard, Pro | 2019 | up to 256 GB | from 459.95 CHF |
iPhone SE | Standard | 2022 | up to 256 GB | from 479.95 CHF |
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Operating System
As you may know, Apple has created an entire ecosystem around its mobile devices and computers by developing proprietary operating systems that embody Steve Jobs' philosophy: providing everyone with tools to push human creativity to the limits of imagination.
For iPhones, the common operating system is called iOS (short for iPhone Operating System). Each year, a new iOS version is released for download to ensure compatibility with the various smartphone applications. This update requires sufficient memory on your phone, but it isn’t a deciding factor when choosing between iPhone models, as all the devices mentioned above (from iPhone 11 to the latest iPhone 16) are sold with compatibility for the latest version of the operating system.
Design and Dimensions
One of the first aspects to compare among iPhone models is the design and size of the exterior.
For the past 5 years, all iPhones have had a recognizable and unique appearance: a rounded corner shell and a screen that occupies almost the entire front glass with no buttons, except for the volume and screen lock buttons, making the iPhone sleek and elegant. Starting with the iPhone 14, Apple introduced the Dynamic Island, an additional design innovation. The only model that still retains the home button and a screen that doesn’t extend to the edges is the iPhone SE, which can be considered the classic iPhone design.
In terms of size, the best choice for those looking for a small iPhone is the iPhone SE, which is only 7.3 mm thick and 6.73 cm wide. However, this comes at the expense of screen size, which is just 4.7 inches. Another compact iPhone is the iPhone 12 or 13 mini, which has a slightly larger thickness of around 7.5 mm, a height of 13.15 cm, and a width of 64.2 cm. If you're looking for the largest iPhone screen, you should opt for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with a width of 7.67 cm, height of 15.99 cm, and thickness exceeding 8 mm.
Another external feature to consider is the weight, which can vary significantly between the lightest and heaviest iPhones. Despite being the largest iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is not the heaviest: that title goes to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, weighing 238 grams. Those who prefer a lighter device should consider the Mini models, weighing less than 140 grams. On average, standard or Pro iPhones weigh between 170 and 190 grams.
The last aspect to consider is the external material. From the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 14, the Pro version is made of stainless steel, which is more durable than regular steel. Starting with the iPhone 15, the Pro and Pro Max versions are made of titanium, an even more resistant metal that better withstands drops and scratches.
Memory, Battery, and Processor
Now let’s look at the internal characteristics: storage memory, battery life, and processor, which can affect how you use your iPhone.
Starting with memory: all iPhones from the iPhone 13 onward come with a minimum of 128 GB of internal storage, with Pro and Pro Max models reaching up to 1 TB. Keep in mind that the operating system takes up about 15-20 GB during annual updates, so even 64 GB of storage may be sufficient if combined with an iCloud plan for storing photos, videos, and WhatsApp chats.
All iPhones come equipped with an “A-series” processor, entirely designed, engineered, and developed by Apple with the help of global manufacturers. The latest version, installed on the iPhone 16 Pro Max and 16 Pro, is the A18 Pro, while the less recent iPhone 12 has the A14 Bionic processor. In all cases, Apple smartphones are highly responsive and allow for optimized use of all mobile applications.
Finally, battery life has been a critical point in early iPhone models. Having long battery life ensures uninterrupted use of your iPhone without needing to recharge when away from home. The iPhone SE guarantees up to 15 hours of video playback and around 50 hours of audio playback. A more advanced model, like the iPhone 14 Pro, can play up to 23 hours of video, while the iPhone 15 Plus can last up to 26 hours.
Camera and Video
The camera has always been a strong point of iPhones. It varies in photo quality, maximum zoom, wide-angle capability, and video quality. Let’s explore the different features:
Number of cameras: The number of rear cameras on an iPhone ranges from 1 to 3 for more advanced models. The iPhone SE and the iPhone X and XR only have one camera. From iPhone 12 onwards, the standard and Plus iPhones come with two cameras, while the Pro and Pro Max models (from the iPhone 13 to 16) have three cameras.
Zoom: Depending on the camera and model, zoom capabilities differ when taking photos with an iPhone. All iPhones with two cameras offer wide-angle (0.5x zoom), while those with three cameras can zoom up to 5x with the telephoto lens.
Pixels: The iPhone 16’s megapixels are 48 MP when using the wide-angle lens and 12 MP with the telephoto lens. The front camera ranges from 7 MP on the iPhone SE, more than sufficient for high-quality selfies, to 12 MP with Night Mode on Pro models from iPhone 12 onwards.
Video resolution: All iPhones record videos in 4K. From iPhone 14 onwards, Action Mode was introduced, allowing you to record motion scenes with extreme camera stability without losing focus.
Other Technical Features
Here are some other interesting features of different iPhone models:
Privacy: For years, Apple has positioned itself as a leader in user privacy protection. This is achieved through developments in the Safari browser, the default blocking of third-party cookies, and the integration of Apple’s FACE ID. Only the iPhone SE does not support FACE ID and still uses Touch ID to unlock the screen and validate passwords.
Waterproof: All iPhone models are waterproof. The iPhone SE can withstand up to 1 meter of depth, while from the iPhone 12 onwards, they are certified for use up to 6 meters deep.
5G: 5G connectivity is enabled on all iPhone models, although newer models have more optimized antennas.
Accessories
Unlike before, when buying a new iPhone, you no longer receive any accessories. Previously, Apple provided white headphones, the original charger, and the iPhone cable for free, but now you must purchase them separately.
For headphones, you can choose between wired or AirPods (Apple’s wireless earbuds). If you opt for the latter, you can choose between the standard version or the Pro version, which blocks out noise or amplifies ambient sounds while wearing them.
Another essential accessory is the charger: since 2023, your life is easier thanks to the USB-C cable, as per European regulations. You can use any USB-C cable you have at home without needing to buy an original Apple one.
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