Apple doesn’t have the same sheen it did ten years ago. This can be attributed to the passing of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook trying to fit some very big shoes.
It’s like every phone and gaming tablet is a shiny epitaph dedicated to Steve Jobs’ memory. While it’s lost some traction, the iPhone is still the most popular phone in most first world countries. The iPhone 7 still holds the top rank in places like France and the United Kingdom. It’s the only phone that supports Apple’s iOS operating system. Which is one of the reasons why the Android operating system has more ubiquity than the iOS operating system?
While usurpers such as Huawei and Samsung threaten to dethrone Apple, they’re the unsuccessful cause of one simple fact, Apple doesn’t just sell technology, they sell luxury items. It’s their exclusivity and clean sleek jewel-like designs that make them so attractive. They’re also very easy to use and a bit more secure than their rivals. But which is the best iPhone for you?
Top 7 iPhones in 2020
If you’re reading this in 2020, then it’s been over 12 years since the first iPhone was released. Which means there are more options now then there have ever been before. At first, all you had to do was pick the latest one but phones are getting more and more expensive.
Soon, you might have to take out a mortgage just purchase one. This also means that insurance companies that cover phones are also making a killing. If you’re migrating over from Android or another mobile operating system, picking the right iPhone may be a little tough. Like what’s the difference between the iPhone XS and XR? Is an iPhone 8 good enough to run the latest iOS?
In this guide, we hope to answer some of these questions for you (and a lot more). We’ll run down seven of the best iPhones this year. We’ve also included a short buying guide with some helpful information on what to look out for, the next time you go shopping for an iPhone. That’s not all though, if you read on further till the end, you’ll discover a FAQ section where we’ve answered some burning iPhone and Apple questions.
Without further ado…
Best Choice: iPhone XS
Pros & Cons
- Rich OLED display
- Speedy and responsive processor
- Smart HDR allows you to take captivating photography
- Compact
- Pricey
- Subpar battery life
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 5.8 inches
- Screen Type: OLED
- Screen Resolution: 2436 x 1125
- Processor: A12 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB or 512GB
- Battery: 2,659mAh
- Rear Camera: Dual 12MP wide (Ć’/1.8) and telephoto (Ć’/2.4)
- Front Camera: 7MP front (Ć’/2.2)
- OS: iOS 12
- Weight: 174g
- Dimensions: 143.6mm x 70.9mm x 7.7mm
iPhone XS Review
The iPhone XS isn’t world-beating or revolutionary. It’s a steady improvement over Apple’s offering from the previous year (the iPhone X). It was announced along with its two siblings, the XS Max, and XR on the 12th of September 2018. While the iPhone X came with an A11 bionic processor, the XS improves on this with its A12 Bionic chip.
What you get is a phone that can multi-task and run multiple processes in the background without it giving the UI a lag. Apple products have been long known for their clear retina displays. The OLED screen on the iPhone is no exception.
It gives off bright colors and it’s responsive. Perfect for looking through those photos you’ve taken using the Smart HDR-capable 12MP dual rear cameras. They give you near pro-photographer images. It’s the perfect phone for Instagram influencers or people whose occupation involves them taking high-quality images.
The iPhone XS can do anything that the XS Max can do but it comes in a smaller form factor that can fit into your pockets. It’s a more powerful iPhone X.
Premium Pick: iPhone XS Max
Pros & Cons
- Gorgeous OLED Display
- Crazy fast A12 Bionic processor
- Decent battery life
- Smart HDR-capable dual rear cameras
- Holds the record for the most expensive iPhone of this generation
- The base model only has 64GB
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 6.5 inches
- Screen Type: OLED
- Screen Resolution: 2688 x 1242
- Processor: A12 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB or 512GB
- Battery: 3,179mAh
- Rear Camera: Dual 12MP wide (Ć’/1.8) and telephoto (Ć’/2.4)
- Front Camera: 7MP front (Ć’/2.2)
- OS: iOS 12
- Weight: 208g
- Dimensions: 157.5mm x 77.4mm x 7.7mm
iPhone XS Max Review
If you have oven mitt sized hands, then phones like the iPhone XS Max were made for you. This is basically Apple’s answer to the Samsung Galaxy Note. If you’re not used to phones this size, using it for the first time may feel a little awkward. The iPhone XS Max is great for gaming and watching videos. The OLED display makes it even better to stream content on.
If you get the 512GB version, that will afford you ample space for your HD videos, pictures, music, etc. This is a frequent commuter’s wet dream. The display is fluid and beautifully responsive.
While its size makes it a little harder to take pictures with, it would be unfair to leave the Smart-HDR capable rear dual cameras unused. Or you could stick to taking selfies with the front camera which is technically better than most phones’ rear cameras.
Either way, the iPhone XS Max has picture taking capabilities that are nearly on par with the Huawei P30. It has the best picture-taking capabilities of any Apple phone (besides the XS). However, as you’d expect from any Apple product with this type of performance, it’s very expensive.
If you’ve got fat pockets – figuratively and literally then the iPhone XS Max is definitely the best iPhone for you.
Best Value:Â iPhone 8 Plus
Pros & Cons
- Offer wireless charging
- Excellent dual rear cameras with portrait mode and optical zoom
- Decent battery life
- Cheaper than newer phones
- A11 Bionic processor still delivers above-average performance
- Dated design
- Wireless charging accessories sold separately
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 5.5 inches
- Screen Type: LCD
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Processor: A11 Bionic
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB
- Battery: 2,691mAh
- Rear Camera: Dual 12MP wide (Ć’/1.8) and telephoto (Ć’/2.8)
- Front Camera: 7MP front (Ć’/2.2)
- OS: iOS 11
- Weight: 202g
- Dimensions: 158.4mm x 78.1mm x 7.5mm
iPhone 8 Plus Review
With earlier versions of the iPhone and iPod, it was clear that Apple was aiming for compactness. With the iPhone 8 Plus, it seems they realized that there was no harm in adding extra inches to the screen and creating a little more space for the hardware inside.
The iPhone 8 Plus isn’t as outdated as some may think. After all, it sports the same A11 Bionic processor that is found in the iPhone X. The front and rear cameras are also technically on par with the iPhone XS’s. All that’s missing is the Smart HDR on the rear cameras and the TrueDepth feature on the front camera.
What this also means is that there’s no way to get Face ID unlocking or Animoji/Memoji features to work on the iPhone 8 Plus. But do you really need them?
What the iPhone 8 Plus has that newer models don’t is a physical home button. You might still appreciate this, especially if you’re a Luddite like me. The iPhone 8 was one of the first to have wireless and fast charging.
It’s great for games, watching videos, listening to music, and chatting. The screen resolution isn’t as good as the X’s but it’s still high def. If you’re a savvy shopper and it’s very outdated design won’t make you feel self-conscious, this is the best iPhone for you.
Best Battery Life: iPhone XR
Pros & Cons
- Great battery life
- Cheaper than the XS and XS Max
- A12 Bionic processor gives great processing performance
- Rich, bright LCD display
- Comes in a great range of color
- Camera’s don’t have a 2x optical zoom
- Lower screen resolution than the other X’s
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 6.1 inches
- Screen Type: LCD
- Screen Resolution: 1792 x 828
- Processor: A12 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB or 256GB
- Battery: 2,942mAh
- Rear Camera: 12MP (Ć’/1.8)
- Front Camera: 7MP front (Ć’/2.2)
- OS: iOS 12
- Weight: 194g
- Dimensions: 150.9mm x 75.7mm x 8.3mm
iPhone XR Review
With the iPhone XR, Apple tried to cater to consumers who can’t afford their more high-end models. It’s cheaper than the XS but this doesn’t necessarily implicate that it’s affordable to the average consumer.
If you’re planning on buying the XR, you might be asking yourself which corners did Apple cut in order to make this phone more affordable than the others. First of all, you’ll notice that the phone doesn’t come with an OLED screen.
This also means it doesn’t have a resolution that is as impressive as the iPhone XS’s. This does not mean the color display is dull – quite the contrary. The screen gives off clear vibrant colors. You almost forget that it’s an LED screen with a resolution of 1792 x 828.
This could be attributed to the fact that the screen is 6.1 inches. Much like the XS Max, this is a large phone. It’s unfortunate that the bezel takes up so much unnecessary space. The XR has a larger bezel than both the XS and XS Max.
It also comes in more colors than the XS or XS Max. It’s available in six fun colors: black, red, coral, blue, white, and yellow. Due to the lower resolution and larger battery, the iPhone XR has a very impressive battery life. It can last up to 11 hours on a single full charge.
It also runs an A12 Bionic processor which means it’s as responsive and powerful as its siblings. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with telephoto shots but it does have Smart HDR so you can still take amazing photos.
You have to remember that it costs $250 less than the iPhone XS. If these missing features aren’t total deal killers for you, then the iPhone XR is definitely the best iPhone for you.
Most Compact: iPhone 8
Pros & Cons
- Fast and responsive
- Compact
- Affordable
- Features wireless charging
- Outdated design
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 4.7 inches
- Screen Type: LCD
- Screen Resolution: 1334 x 750
- Processor: A11 Bionic
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 64GB or 256GB
- Battery: 1,821mAh
- Rear Camera: 12MP (Ć’/1.8)
- Front Camera: 7MP front (Ć’/2.2)
- OS: iOS 11
- Weight: 148g
- Dimensions: 138.4mm x 67.3mm x 7.3mm
iPhone 8 Review
The iPhone 8 was announced and released in September of 2017. It featured Apples A11 processor and inductive charging. By its design, you’d think that the iPhone 8 is way older than it is. Back when it was released, critics derided its aging design. Outside, it looks like nothing new. While its rivals were releasing phones with bolder designs and larger displays, Apple kept it simple.
They released an alternative model, the iPhone 8 Plus which sported a larger screen. Some people still appreciate the iPhone 8’s compact and old school design.
From its home button to its ludicrously large bezels. While the resolution is a bit low, it isn’t noticeable or pixelated due to the compact size of the screen. Another reason why the display is so clear and smooth is that the iPhone 8 utilizes Apple’s proprietary Retina HD display which was also found in the iPhone 7.
But in the iPhone 8, Apple updated it to include True Tone technology which automatically adjusts the screen based on ambient lighting. While the resolution isn’t HD or even HD ready, you can still play HD content because it downgrades and enhances videos and images to make it appear as if it’s playing full HD video.
The cameras are nowhere as fancy or as powerful as the ones you’ll find in the latest models. But they work for quick point-and-shoot scenarios. The 12 MP rear cameras have autofocus and optical image stabilization which gives you the ability to record 4k video at up to 60 frames per second or HD video at up to 340 fps.
Because of the A11 processor, the phone is still responsive and safe from lag. It’s a great phone for people on the go. It’s small, tough and you can get it at an affordable price.
Best iPhone for Kids: iPhone 7
Pros & Cons
- Water Resistant
- Cheapest iPhone
- Compact
- Can run iOS 12
- Outdated Design and processor
- Features a low-resolution screen
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 4.7 inches
- Screen Type: LCD
- Screen Resolution: 750 x 1334
- Processor: A10 Fusion
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 32GB, 128GB or 256GB
- Battery: 1,960mAh
- Rear Camera: 12MP (f/1.8)
- Front Camera: 7MP front (Ć’/2.2)
- OS: iOS 11
- Weight: 138g
- Dimensions: 138.3mm x 67.1mm x 7.1mm
IPhone 7 Review
Kids lose and break things. Getting them a pet or something they can take care of is a great way to teach them responsibility and the value of duty. That’s why you might want to get them an iPhone as their first phone. You may not want it to be an expensive model since kids lose and break things. That’s why the iPhone 7 is such a great choice for children.
It’s a tough compact phone whose processor may be a little antiquated but can still get the job done. The iPhone 7 is even compatible with the latest iOS. This means you can load it with the latest educational and tracking apps to keep a tab on your child.
The iPhone 7 was also the first water-resistant iPhone. Which is another reason why it’s great for young pre-teen kids. The iPhone 7 is also the first iPhone to come out without a 3.5 mm headphone jack which is still a bit unfortunate. But at least they bundled a Lightning-to-3.5-mm-connector adapter and earphones with it. The camera is also pretty decent.
It’s a great back up or spare phone that doesn’t have to be wasted on your kids. It’s good enough for chatting, phone calls and apps. While it’s very outdated design may make it a little unappealing, it could probably still outperform any phone with the same price tag.
If even our value option is too much for your current pocket situation, don’t worry. Here are some other awesome budget smartphones that you are gonna like.
Most Affordable Phablet: iPhone 7 Plus
Pros & Cons
- Dual rear Cameras
- Cheaper than newer iPhones
- Decent battery life
- Dated design
Specifications:
- Screen Size: 5.5 inches
- Screen Type: LCD
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Processor: A10 Fusion
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB, 128 or 256GB
- Battery: 2,900mAh
- Rear Camera: Dual 12MP wide (Ć’/1.8) and telephoto (Ć’/2.8)
- Front Camera: 7MP front (Ć’/2.2)
- OS: iOS 12
- Weight: 188g
- Dimensions: 158.2mm x 77.9mm x 7.3mm
iPhone 7 Plus Review
It’s almost surprising the iPhone 7 plus came out three years ago (2016). Its slate design gives it away though. While the outdated outer shell may stick out like a sore thumb in today’s market where screens stretch from corner to corner, it still packs enough power to attract the savviest of smartphone shoppers.
The iPhone 7 Plus is technically a phablet, but one thing you have to give Apple credit for is their ability to make their phablets seem compact. When it came out in 2016, it was considered to be Apples best phone.
Yes, critics hated that came without a 3.5 mm jack but it had one of the best displays of that year. But it could not be denied or ignored because of how Apple’s clear Retina display gave off popping colors and how it was able to handle HD images and videos.
The phone also came with a rear dual camera with optical zoom. While it won’t give you the same quality snaps that you’ll get from the latest iPhones, if employed correctly, the results can still be very impressive. While its aging processor may be a turn-off, the iPhone 7 Plus is still compatible with iOS 12 and will also be able to support the upcoming iOS 13 update.
It also has an IP76 rating which means it’s dust and splash water-resistant. If you’re for a cheaper iPhone phablet with a great camera, then I think you should get this one before it’s phased out by the next generation.
Best iPhones: Buying Guide
If money isn’t a problem for you, then all you have to do is purchase the latest version or upgrade your contract and trade in your old phone for a new one. But some of us aren’t so lucky. We need to be a bit more frugal and our credit is so messed up that no Network operator will trust us with a contract.
So if you’re shopping for an iPhone, especially if it’s a used one, you’re going to need a few tips. The following buying guide should cover a few important points.
Screen Resolution: The Clarity of Your Phone’s Display
Shopping for a phone can be like shopping for a monitor or TV. I’ve mentioned this before, but Apple is known for its Retina displays. For instance, while the iPhone 8 may technically have a lower resolution, Apple uses some great tricks behind the scenes to make images seem less pixelated and clearer.
If you looking for a display that supports true-HD images and videos, look for a phone with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Screens with a resolution of around and over 1280 x 720 are also great.
RAM: Your Phones Multitasking Abilities
Your smartphone is a mini-computer. Just like normal computers, its performance is largely dictated by the amount of RAM it has and the power of the processor. Most high-end phones these days come at least 4GB of RAM.
If you’re shopping for an iPhone, make sure that it has at least 2GB of RAM. Other than that, you shouldn’t worry too much about it because the iPhone’s operating system manages apps well enough to prevent crashes and freezes.
Storage: How Many Apps and Pics Can Your Phone Hold?
The biggest gripe that most people have with the iPhone is its lack of an SD card reader. Which means you can’t upgrade the storage and you’re basically stuck with whatever amount of space you bought the iPhone with. Still, there’s plenty of space for some of the most amazing iOS apps, many of which are also available as Apple Watch games too.
Before purchasing a phone, particularly an iPhone, you have to understand your storage needs. You’ll be stuck with whatever amount of space you buy.
The iPhone has a wide range of storage options. The lowest amount you can get is 32GB with the iPhone 7. Earlier models had less, going as low as 8GB. You can still purchase a phone with this storage capacity and use iCloud as your secondary drive where you backup your software, videos, and pictures.
But if you like to keep your stuff offline and in-house, you might opt for getting yourself a 512 GB iPhone. Which can be very expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are iPhones so Expensive?
Firstly, iPhones are expensive because of their production cost. It takes a lot of money to develop their fusion processor. Apple also adds a tax which goes into the development of the next iPhone. They also develop their own unique operating system which is the most secure mobile operating system on the market. They also guarantee their users at least 5 years of iOS updates and support.
What are the Disadvantages of iPhones?
The biggest disadvantage of an iPhone is that it can be extremely expensive. Their range is also limited. They seem to cater more to consumers who can afford luxury items. They don’t come with a 3.5 mm jack or an SD card slot. They’re far less customizable than Android phones. Their accessories are also very expensive.
Do Androids last longer than iPhones?
It depends but on average, the answer is no. iPhones are built to last and generally have a greater resale value. Most Android phones such as the Samsung S5 only has three years’ worth of Samsung Android upgrades. It’s even worse if your phone is locked to a specific network like AT&T. On average, iPhones last longer than most Android phones.
Conclusion
In this guide, we ran down the best iPhones that money can buy for 2020 and onwards. You can expect that Apple will announce the next generation near the end of the year and as always, we’re excited to see what they have in store. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through this guide and you’ve found it helpful.
If you’re not really an iPhone fan, then check out our guide on the best android phones. Thank you for reading.