You're looking for a new phone and the classic iPhone design has caught your eye. A lot has changed with the iPhone over the past few years, so it can be difficult to determine which one is the best for you. In this article, I'll help you decide on which iPhone you should buy!
Should I Get The New iPhone?
Apple recently announced 4 new iPhone Models: the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Covering a wide range of price points, Apple has made their most cutting-edge cell phone technology to date accessible to the masses.
Each of these devices comes with the new A14 processor, the fastest processing chip ever put into an iPhone. In addition, all four of these models come with an extremely durable Ceramic Shield display, as well as the MagSafe apparatus for wireless charging efficiency.
If you've been putting off upgrading to new a iPhone until Apple released a model with 5G capabilities, your time has finally come! All four members of the most recent iPhone generation are compatible with 5G networks. With this feature and the A14 processor, these are among the fastest cell phones ever produced.
If you're happy with your current data speeds, it might not be worth spending the money on one of the newer iPhones just yet. Many previous-generation iPhones are still extremely powerful, and they're sure to go down in price with the iPhone 12 line announcement.
Refurbished Or New?
Purchasing any refurbished device is a great way to get the latest technology at a discounted price.
For many, the word “refurbished” sounds intimidating, suggesting a second-hand quality to the device. The truth is when searching for a refurbished iPhone, or any other Apple product, there's very little to worry about.
Apple is famous for its high standard of quality, and this policy continues onto refurbished products. In truth, any refurbished part or device from Apple should be absolutely indistinguishable from a brand new product, so that even an Apple tech usually can't tell the difference.
While the box it comes in might look different, a refurbished iPhone will function as perfectly as a brand new one. It even comes with the same warranty. Check out our in-depth guide to refurbished Apple products to learn more.
Should I Buy An iPhone From Apple Or My Carrier?
Buying From Apple
Buying directly from Apple might be pricier than buying from your carrier, but getting an unlocked iPhone might be worth the price. An unlocked phone gives you the freedom to switch carriers and keep your iPhone when you do.
When you purchase an iPhone from Apple, you also get help setting it up from an expert. There aren't any pushy salespeople in the Apple Store, as their employees don't work on commission.
Buying From Your Carrier
The primary limitation of purchasing an iPhone from your wireless carrier is that the phone will likely be locked to that carrier. If you plan to switch carriers in the near future, you'll have a difficult time bringing your iPhone with you.
However, you'll usually get a better deal from your wireless carrier. Carriers regularly offer discounts on new phones to incentivize people to switch or add lines. If you're happy with carrier, buying a new iPhone directly from them is the way to go.
Check out our other article for more guidance on where to purchase your new iPhone.
Best Budget iPhone
The iPhone SE 2 is the most budget-friendly iPhone on the market. Whether you're paying upfront or spreading payments out over several months, you'll find the iPhone SE 2 a premium smartphone without the premium price tag. Take a look at our other article to see if this phone is a good fit for you!
With a 4.7 inch display, the iPhone SE 2 is much more compact than other contemporary smartphones. Unlike the iPhone 11 series, the 2nd Generation SE only has one camera, but it supports Portrait Mode and 4K video recording. It's also equipped with an A13 processor, the same one found in the iPhone 11.
If you're interested in purchasing one of the newer iPhones, we recommend the iPhone 12 Mini. Starting at $699, it's certainly a big jump from the iPhone SE 2's price. However, the iPhone 12 Mini includes essentially all of the major innovations Apple included with the iPhone 12 Generation.
From 5G capabilities to improved Dark Mode photography, don't let the iPhone 12 Mini's size fool you. Despite being the most basic phone in its line, it still exceeds the bar of cell phones that cost twice its price.
Best iPhone Camera
For the cell phone photographers out there, we recommend the iPhone 12 Pro Max. This iPhone takes all of Apple's most recent innovation and puts it in one premium-sized package.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a triple rear camera lens system. Its 3 lenses can shoot in 12 MP wide, ultra wide and telephoto settings. Thanks to Apple's new LiDAR scanner, users can also take low light photos with unprecedented contrast.
This phone is capable of 2.5x optical zoom with significantly enhanced automatic image stabilization. If you're interested in recording video, the iPhone 12 Pro Max can film 4K video at 60 fps and 1080p video at up to 240 fps.
Apple also revamped the iPhone Photos app to accommodate for the upgrades to their camera system. Users can now view and edit their photos and videos more comprehensively than ever before, directly from their iPhone! This experience is only enhanced by the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR Display.
Best iPhone For Kids
If you're looking for something safe and reliable to get your child through such an unpredictable time, we once again suggest looking into the iPhone SE 2. Compact, affordable, and sturdy, the SE 2 can accompany your child through every mess or adventure in their day-to-day.
If you're concerned that the SE 2 might be a little too perfect, fear not. With Screen Time, you can manage app usage and the times that various functions will be available for use. Check out our article on iPhone Parental Controls for more details about how best to ensure your children don't go overboard with their new phone.
Best iPhone In 2020
If you're in the market for the best all-around iPhone currently available, we recommend the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 epitomizes all of the new developments Apple put in place for the new iPhone generation at a mid-range price.
With its 6.1 inch edge-to-edge display, iPhone 12 users can enjoy their favorite media in pristine quality without sacrificing too much space in their pockets or bags. In addition, the A14 processor and 5G compatibility mark two more major steps for iPhone innovation.
While it doesn't have as advanced of a camera system as the iPhone 12 Pro models, the iPhone 12's rear and front facing cameras offer plenty of versatility for casual and serious photographers alike.
The iPhone 12 feels familiar and new simultaneously. Starting at $799 for the 64 GB storage model, we see it as the best valued iPhone in 2020.
The Best iPhone For You!
Purchasing your next smartphone is a big decision, regardless of how you go about it. Only you know exactly what you need from your phone, hopefully with this information deciding which iPhone you should buy is now a simpler process. Make sure to share this article on social media to help your friends and family pick out a new iPhone.
Have any other questions? Leave them in the comments section below!
