A Guide To The Best iPhones: Unleashing The Latest Technological Marvels

When searching for the best iPhones, the iPhone 13 offers a chance to save money, being sold at a price that is €114/£100 lower than the iPhone 14 and €229/£200 lower than the iPhone 15. Choosing this model from two years ago is still a sensible decision for a lot of people. Although it may be tempting to spend on a newer iPhone with extra features, there are convincing arguments to prefer the iPhone 13 instead of its successor, the iPhone 14.

One main reason for this decision is that instead of spending more on the iPhone 14, the funds could be used to increase the storage capacity of the iPhone 13. While the iPhone 14 offers 128GB of storage for €800/£699, the same amount can get you an iPhone 13 with 256GB of storage. This argument for maximising storage becomes even stronger if your current phone already has a higher storage capacity.

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 have a similar appearance. They are visually similar, making it difficult for the average person to tell them apart. The 2021 iPhone has brighter colours compared to the more subdued tones of the 2022 version. Both the iPhone 14 and 13 have a small notch at the top of the screen, unlike the iPhone 15 which has the unique Dynamic Island, making it easily distinguishable as a new model.

If you are considering upgrading from an older iPhone but are not ready to spend money on the iPhone 15, remember that choosing the iPhone 13 instead of the iPhone 14 does not require major sacrifices as it used to. It is a smart decision for those who want to save their money while still getting good performance and features.

Apple’s decision to discontinue the iPhone 13 mini has left the iPhone SE as the only compact option in their lineup. Those who prefer the traditional size of the iPhone 8 may want to consider this model.

One important point to mention is that choosing an iPhone with a 6.1-inch screen, like the iPhone 13, 14, or 15, will give a bigger display without drastically increasing the phone’s size.

However, there is another convincing reason to opt for the iPhone SE, especially for individuals who value the Home button. The reassuring touch and ease of use it offers can be extremely valuable.

Although numerous individuals have adapted to Face ID and gesture controls, there are still some who prefer the physical button for its familiarity. To accommodate this user group, Apple continues to provide iPhones with a Home button, but its future remains uncertain. For those who rely on the Home button, there is also the alternative of using a software-based Home button.

Apart from its special characteristics, the iPhone SE stands out as Apple’s most affordable new iPhone for 2022, with a price of €491/£429. Nonetheless, it is crucial to confirm that you are not unintentionally buying an older version of the iPhone SE, as this model is the third generation. The initial version was released in 2016, followed by a second version in 2020.

Even though the iPhone SE may not be the primary suggestion for the majority of users, it still holds significant value, particularly for individuals who prefer the Home button or have budgetary concerns.

The way Apple names their products may give the impression that the iPhone 14 will have the A16 Bionic chip. However, it is more similar to an “S” version, like the iPhone 13s. The standard iPhone 14 (and Plus) will not be using the A16 Bionic chip like the iPhone 14 Pro (and Max) does. Instead, it will stick to the A15 Bionic chip used in the iPhone 13 Pro, but with an extra graphics core that sets it apart from the available iPhone 13.

The presence of both the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14, which have several similarities, presents a considerable hurdle for the latter. For individuals looking for a cost-effective upgrade, there are two closely related iPhone choices available, with one providing a discount of €114/£100.

The iPhone 14 offers a range of enticing features that may justify investing in the device, depending on your preferences. One of the most noteworthy differences is in the camera capabilities, as the newer model boasts a faster aperture (ƒ/1.5 instead of ƒ/1.6) and a larger sensor for the main camera, which promises better overall performance and low-light photography. Furthermore, the iPhone 14 benefits from a new Photonic Engine computational system, which enhances details in challenging lighting situations and improves features such as Foreground Blur. This ultimately results in improved low-light photography and less need for extended stabilization.

The iPhone 14 gains an additional attractive aspect known as Action Mode, setting it apart from the iPhone 13. This new feature allows for steady video recording while on the move, making it a highly desirable feature for users. The front-facing camera of the iPhone 14 also receives improvements, including a bigger aperture and the ability to autofocus.

The iPhone 14 stands out with unique elements such as Crash Detection, providing increased practicality during crucial moments.

In terms of comparing the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, the latter requires an extra €114/£100 but provides a considerable range of improvements for the added expenditure.

Significant enhancements of the iPhone 15 include a high-quality 48MP camera, the incorporation of a USB-C port, the addition of the Dynamic Island feature, and the powerful A16 Bionic chip. These impressive upgrades make choosing the iPhone 15 a compelling decision, while still being able to save money by selecting the iPhone 13 is also a feasible choice.

Upon its release in 2022, the iPhone 14 Plus created some ripples as it gave consumers an alternative to the previously favoured iPhone 14 Pro Max, especially for those seeking a larger phone. This new option allowed them to save a considerable amount of money while still obtaining a new iPhone with basic functionalities. Additionally, opting for a 512GB iPhone 14 Plus instead of a 256GB iPhone 14 Pro Max meant not only saving money but also gaining more storage capacity. In some cases, the need for more storage may outweigh the desire for additional Pro features.

Apple has recently reduced the cost of the iPhone 14 Plus to €915/£799 from €1089/£949 and positioned it below the iPhone 15 Plus, which is now priced at €1030/£899. This provides a significant discount for those choosing the older model, or you could choose to have twice the storage on the iPhone 14 Plus for the equivalent price of the 128GB iPhone 15 Plus.

There are numerous factors that make the iPhone 15 Plus a superior option for those who do not require additional storage (which may not be necessary if iCloud is used). It boasts an improved camera, the addition of Dynamic Island, and a superior processor. However, for individuals seeking a cost-effective, larger iPhone, the iPhone 14 Plus is a viable alternative.

The perfect choice for those on a budget, the iPhone 15, starting at $799, offers a compelling upgrade over its predecessors, boasting subtle yet significant improvements. Despite lacking some of the premium features found in the Pro variants, the iPhone 15 presents a tweaked design, enhanced display tools, improved performance, and a robust camera system—all at a price point that’s hard to overlook.

It delivers excellent value for money, providing premium features at a more accessible price compared to previous models.

Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 offers snappy performance and smooth multitasking, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Equipped with upgraded sensors, the iPhone 15’s camera system captures stunning photos and videos, rivalling those produced by higher-priced smartphones.

The inclusion of a USB-C port offers enhanced connectivity options, allowing for faster data transfer and compatibility with a wider range of accessories.

The introduction of the Dynamic Island feature enhances the overall display experience, providing dynamic content for various app functionalities.

Unlike some higher-end models, the iPhone 15 lacks an Always-On display, which may be a drawback for users seeking constant access to information without unlocking their device.

Some users may miss features like ProMotion technology or a telephoto camera, which are available in higher-end models like the iPhone 15 Pro.

While the iPhone 15 offers respectable battery life, it may not last as long as some other iPhones, particularly the Pro variants.

Despite these limitations, the iPhone 15 presents a compelling option for users seeking a blend of performance and value. With its sleek design, reliable performance, and capable camera system, the iPhone 15 delivers a premium smartphone experience at a more affordable price point. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of its Pro counterparts, the iPhone 15 remains a solid choice for users looking for a reliable and budget-friendly smartphone option.

The iPhone 15 Plus, which is essentially a larger version of the iPhone 15, has many similar features such as the new USB-C port and the powerful A16 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU.

With a display measuring 6.7 inches, similar to that of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Plus impressively surpasses the Pro Max in terms of size. Despite its larger size, it surprisingly maintains a lighter weight of 7.09 ounces, and even boasts a reduced weight compared to the 2022 Plus model.

Although the Pro Max stands out for its exceptional features such as the innovative “tetra prism” periscope lens and an impressive 5x zoom, the iPhone 15 Plus also presents a significant camera improvement when compared to its previous model. It introduces a new 48MP main camera with a wider aperture of ƒ/1.6, a considerable upgrade from the 12MP with ƒ/1.5 aperture found on the 14 Plus. Additionally, its photography capabilities are further heightened by Smart HDR 5.

The Dynamic Island, a notable attribute that enhances the notch’s capabilities, is also present in the Plus version of the iPhone 15, similar to the standard model. Nevertheless, the iPhone 14 Pro’s advanced features like ProMotion and an Always-On display are not included in this model.

The more alluring pricing of the iPhone 15 Plus is one of the key factors that will attract consumers in 2023.

The newest addition to the iPhone line, the iPhone 15 Pro, differs significantly from its previous models due to a revolutionary change in materials and design. Unlike its predecessors, this model features a titanium body instead of the usual stainless steel. Renowned for its strength and lightness, titanium reduces the phone’s weight by 9%, making it only 6.60 ounces and improving its portability. It comes in four impressive colours: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium. However, despite the structural enhancement, the phone still has a glass exterior, so protective cases are still necessary.

One factor that adds to the decrease in weight of the phone is a small reduction in size, achieved by trimming the borders surrounding the screen. This enhancement leads to a more efficient and comfortable device.

One of the highlighted aspects is the implementation of the Action Button, which replaces the mute switch found on previous models of Pro iPhones. This versatile button provides a tactile feedback and animated display when used, allowing for customization to perform different tasks such as opening apps or starting voice recordings.

The iPhone 15 Pro contains an A17 Pro processor, which is the first 3nm chip to be featured in a consumer device. According to Apple, the chip offers improved performance, including a 10% increase in speed for high-performance CPU cores, better high-efficiency cores, and a 6-core GPU that is both 20% faster and more energy-efficient. Additionally, the Neural Engine has also been upgraded to deliver double the speed.

The battery life of the new iPhone 15-series is similar to its predecessor, providing a maximum of 23 hours of video playback. The fast charging feature still maintains its efficiency, reaching 50% in only 30 minutes with a 20W adapter. A significant change in the iPhone 15 series is the replacement of the Lightning port with USB-C, resulting in improved speed and versatility. The Pro models also benefit from a faster USB 3 connection, which can handle up to 10 Gbps of bandwidth and supports DisplayPort for connecting to high-resolution external displays.

The Pro models will come with additional upgrades such as Wi-Fi 6E, replacing the standard Wi-Fi 6 found in the regular iPhone 15. In addition, the 15 Pro series will also feature Thread, a low-power mesh technology for home networking, and a second-generation U2 Ultra Wideband chip, which provides improved accuracy over longer distances.

Although the specifications of the camera may not seem significantly different on paper, the iPhone 15 Pro features a bigger 48MP primary camera compared to its previous model. It can capture 24MP HEIF images by default and can smoothly transition between three different zoom levels, similar to 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm lenses. Additionally, the telephoto camera has been enhanced, with a 12MP resolution and the capability to zoom up to 3x, providing exceptional photography opportunities.

The Pro Max versions of Apple’s iPhones have been historically viewed as larger versions of the regular Pro models, with added features. However, in 2023, the Pro Max model goes beyond just being a “big” iPhone 15 Pro, due to its innovative camera technology that includes an impressive 5X zoom on the telephoto camera.

Similar to the Pro version, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a titanium outer shell, but it is still encased in glass. It maintains the same attractive range of colours: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Titanium. Adding to its charm, the 15 Pro Max is not only more compact due to reduced bezels, but it also weighs less than its previous version, shedding 7.81 ounces instead of the previous 8.47 ounces.

Both Pro versions of the iPhone are equipped with the A17 Pro processor, which is Apple’s first 3nm chip and is known for its exceptional performance. The 2023 Pro iPhones are notable for their improved GPU with a shift from 5 to 6 cores, a significant upgrade from the 2022 models. This advancement is paired with a new shader architecture and various innovative graphics capabilities, including mesh shading and hardware acceleration for ray tracing. According to Apple, this hardware-based ray tracing is the quickest in any smartphone and can perform up to four times faster than software-based ray tracing. Additionally, the inclusion of a hardware AV1 decoder is a testament to Apple’s dedication to staying at the forefront of technology.

The latest model of the iPhone, the 15 Pro Max, revolutionizes the traditional periscope lens by incorporating a “tetra prism” design. This innovative feature allows light to be bounced internally four times, resulting in an impressive 120mm focal length and a powerful 5x zoom capability. This major enhancement surpasses the 3x/77mm telephoto camera found in the iPhone 15 Pro and greatly improves the digital zoom capabilities from 15X to an impressive 25X.

In addition, the 2023 Pro versions also come with an Action Button that replaces the conventional mute switch. This customizable button serves as a versatile feature, giving users the ability to personalise their settings for various tasks such as opening apps, starting voice recordings, and other functions.