Ever since the original iPhone launched in 2007, Apple has improved each successive generation through a combination of innovation and iteration. This process of continual refinement has extended into the latest-generation iPhone 12, which offers up a slew of upgrades such as 5G wireless connectivity, the A14 Bionic chip, improved cameras, updated displays, and more.
Unfortunately, these premium features come with a premium price tag. The range-topping iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at a wallet-busting $1099 at the Apple Store. Luckily, there’s a better way to buy. Getting your next iPhone on Swappa can save you hundreds. And if you buy a generation or two back, you can save even more. There are plenty of great iPhones in the last few generations to suit everyone’s needs and budgets. But with so many options to choose from, how do you find the right iPhone for you? Keep reading to find out!
iPhone size comparison
The first thing to consider when choosing your next iPhone is size. After all, what good is a phone that’s too small to read or too big to comfortably fit in your pocket? Luckily, Apple offers a variety of different iPhone sizes, making it easy to find the right size for you.
Even though there are quite a few iPhone models to choose from, they can all be lumped into three basic size categories: small, medium, and large. And since every generation has models in each size category, you’ll have no trouble finding a phone that fits your needs.
Physical dimensions and screen sizes for the last five generations of iPhone:
| Display | Dimensions | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 6.7-inch OLED | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | Starting at $995 ($1099 MSRP) |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1-inch OLED | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | Starting at $850 ($999 MSRP) |
| iPhone 12 | 6.1-inch OLED | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | Starting at $680 ($799 MSRP) |
| iPhone 12 mini | 5.4-inch OLED | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm | Starting at $599 ($699 MSRP) |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | 6.5-inch OLED | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | Starting at $615 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 5.8-inch OLED | 144 x 71.4 x 8.1 mm | Starting at $550 |
| iPhone 11 | 6.1-inch LCD | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm | Starting at $435 |
| iPhone SE (2020) | 4.7-inch LCD | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | Starting at $199 |
| iPhone XS Max | 6.5-inch OLED | 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm | Starting at $379 |
| iPhone XS | 5.8-inch OLED | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm | Starting at $290 |
| iPhone XR | 6.1-inch LCD | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm | Starting at $284 |
| iPhone X | 5.8-inch OLED | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm | Starting at $263 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | 5.5-inch LCD | 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5 mm | Starting at $210 |
| iPhone 8 | 4.7-inch LCD | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | Starting at $150 |
| iPhone 7 Plus | 5.5-inch LCD | 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm | Starting at $155 |
| iPhone 7 | 4.7-inch LCD | 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm | Starting at $100 |
As you can see, iPhones are available in a wide range of sizes. But don’t be fooled by screen sizes — newer iPhones with all-screen front faces ditch the bezels and home button, in favor of a gesture-driven UI and Face ID authentication. As a result, they cram larger displays into smaller bodies, making them ideal for those looking for highly pocketable iPhones that are still great for media consumption and reading long webpages.
Best small iPhones (premium)
Best small iPhones (affordable)
Best small iPhones (cheap)
Best medium-size iPhones
Best large iPhones
iPhone camera comparison
The next thing most people look at when selecting a phone is the camera. Our phones travel everywhere we go — and as we all know, the best camera is the one you have with you. So if you’re a shutterbug looking for the best iPhone camera experience, which iPhone do you choose?
To answer this question, we recently took a closer look at iPhone cameras and how they compare. We found that although camera hardware has improved a bit over the past few generations and some iPhones offer additional lenses for added flexibility, most of the advancements actually come from software techniques collectively known as computational photography.
| Camera(s) | Portrait Mode | Smart HDR | Deep Fusion | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Wide: 12MP f/1.6, 26mm Tele: 12MP f/2.2, 65mm Ultrawide: 12MP f/2.4, 13mm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $995+ |
| iPhone 12 Pro | Wide: 12MP f/1.6, 26mm Tele: 12MP f/2.0, 52mm Ultrawide: 12MP f/2.4, 13mm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $850+ |
| iPhone 12 | Wide: 12MP f/1.6, 26mm Ultrawide: 12MP f/2.4, 13mm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $680+ |
| iPhone 12 mini | Wide: 12MP f/1.6, 26mm Ultrawide: 12MP f/2.4, 13mm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $599+ |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 26mm Tele: 12MP f/2.0, 52mm Ultrawide: 12MP, f/2.4, 13mm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $615+ |
| iPhone 11 Pro | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 26mm Tele: 12MP f/2.0, 52mm Ultrawide: 12MP, f/2.4, 13mm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $550+ |
| iPhone 11 | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 26mm Ultrawide: 12MP f/2.4, 13mm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $435+ |
| iPhone SE (2020) | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 26mm | ✔ | ✔ | $199+ | |
| iPhone XS Max | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 28mm Tele: 12MP f/2.4, 52mm | ✔ | ✔ | $379+ | |
| iPhone XS | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 28mm Tele: 12MP f/2.4, 52mm | ✔ | ✔ | $290+ | |
| iPhone XR | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 26mm | ✔ | ✔ | $284+ | |
| iPhone X | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 28mm Tele: 12MP f/2.4, 52mm | ✔ | $263+ | ||
| iPhone 8 Plus | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 28mm Tele: 12MP f/2.8, 57mm | ✔ | $210+ | ||
| iPhone 8 | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 28mm | $150+ | |||
| iPhone 7 Plus | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 28mm Tele: 12MP f/2.8, 56mm | ✔ | $155+ | ||
| iPhone 7 | Wide: 12MP f/1.8, 28mm | $100+ |
iPhones with Portrait Mode
Portrait Mode is a software feature that delivers better portraits by simulating the natural background blur (bokeh) you’d get from a much larger camera and lens combo. What this means to you is better portrait photography with powerful subject isolation and a more professional overall look.
Luckily, almost all iPhones released in the past four generations support Portrait Mode, with the only exceptions being the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8. However, their plus-sized counterparts offer Portrait Mode, as do all newer iPhones. So if you want to take high-quality portraits of friends and family, you don’t have to look very far.
Smart HDR
Smart HDR is another software feature that changes how iPhones capture images in extremely harsh lighting conditions. By combining multiple shots taken in rapid succession, Smart HDR creates a single image with higher dynamic range and greater detail in shadows and highlights.
Smart HDR makes it possible to snap photos outdoors without worrying about blown-out highlights or missing shadow detail. Instead, you simply concentrate on composing the perfect shot and Smart HDR does the rest.
iPhone with Smart HDR 3
iPhone with Smart HDR 2
iPhone with Smart HDR
iPhones with Deep Fusion
Deep Fusion is the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to Apple’s computational photography. Enabled by the powerful neural engine inside Apple’s A13 Bionic and A14 Bionic chips, Deep Fusion performs pixel-by-pixel image processing to dramatically enhance detail, colors, and overall image quality. In fact, this same technology is what allows the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 lineup to capture images in nearly complete darkness using the new Night Mode feature.
iPhone display comparison
Next up is the display. Over the years, Apple has released iPhones with various different screen sizes, resolutions, and display technologies. Because of this, certain iPhone displays are better suited to specific tasks than others.
If you’re a heavy mobile gamer or if you constantly consume video content, you’ll want a large screen based on OLED technology. A large screen improves your immersion and overall multimedia experience, and an OLED panel means you get better contrast and a more vibrant image. But if you mainly use your phone to check email, post on social media, and browse the web, a smaller iPhone screen will serve you just fine.
| Display Size | Resolution | Pixel Density | Panel Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 6.7 inches | 1284 x 2778 | 458 ppi | OLED | $995+ |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 6.1 inches | 1170 x 2532 | 460 ppi | OLED | $850+ |
| iPhone 12 | 6.1 inches | 1170 x 2532 | 460 ppi | OLED | $680+ |
| iPhone 12 mini | 5.4 inches | 1080 x 2340 | 476 ppi | OLED | $599+ |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | 6.5 inches | 1242 x 2688 | 458 ppi | OLED | $615+ |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 5.8 inches | 1125 x 2436 | 458 ppi | OLED | $550+ |
| iPhone 11 | 6.1 inches | 828 x 1792 | 326 ppi | LCD | $435+ |
| iPhone SE (2020) | 4.7 inches | 750 x 1334 | 326 ppi | LCD | $199+ |
| iPhone XS Max | 6.5 inches | 1242 x 2688 | 458 ppi | OLED | $379+ |
| iPhone XS | 5.8 inches | 1125 x 2436 | 458 ppi | OLED | $290+ |
| iPhone XR | 6.1 inches | 828 x 1792 | 326 ppi | LCD | $284+ |
| iPhone X | 5.8 inches | 1125 x 2436 | 458 ppi | OLED | $263+ |
| iPhone 8 Plus | 5.5 inches | 1080 x 1920 | 401 ppi | LCD | $210+ |
| iPhone 8 | 4.7 inches | 750 x 1334 | 326 ppi | LCD | $150+ |
| iPhone 7 Plus | 5.5 inches | 1080 x 1920 | 401 ppi | LCD | $155+ |
| iPhone 7 | 4.7 inches | 750 x 1334 | 326 ppi | LCD | $100+ |
iPhones with large screens: 6.5” and up
iPhones with mid-sized screens: 5” to 6.1”
iPhones with small screens: Under 5”
iPhone processor comparison
A great camera or display means nothing if your phone struggles to run basic apps or browse the web. Luckily, the past four iPhone generations are more than powerful enough to handle everyday tasks like checking email, posting on social media, and light web browsing. But what if you want to do more with your iPhone?
If you want to run more intensive apps or browse heavier webpages, you should look for an A11 Bionic chip or better. This means your best options are the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, or newer. If you’re planning on multitasking with several apps open at the same time, you also need at least 3GB of RAM.
What if gaming on the go is more up your alley? Mobile gamers looking for great graphics and smooth frame rates should pick up an iPhone with an A13 Bionic chip or newer. And for the absolute highest visual fidelity, you’ll want a phone with an A14 Bionic chip such as the iPhone 12 lineup. Independent testing shows that the A13 Bionic is as much as 70% faster in 3D games than the previous generation A12. The A14 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine takes things further by being about 20% faster than the A13 in real-world usage. Learn more in our roundup of the Best Gaming Phones in 2021!
| Processor | RAM | Basic Use | Power Users | 3D Games | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | A14 Bionic | 6GB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $995+ |
| iPhone 12 Pro | A14 Bionic | 6GB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $850+ |
| iPhone 12 | A14 Bionic | 4GB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $680+ |
| iPhone 12 mini | A14 Bionic | 4GB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $599+ |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | A13 Bionic | 4GB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $615+ |
| iPhone 11 Pro | A13 Bionic | 4GB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $550+ |
| iPhone 11 | A13 Bionic | 4GB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $435+ |
| iPhone SE (2020) | A13 Bionic | 4GB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | $199+ |
| iPhone XS Max | A12 Bionic | 4GB | ✔ | ✔ | $379+ | |
| iPhone XS | A12 Bionic | 4GB | ✔ | ✔ | $290+ | |
| iPhone XR | A12 Bionic | 3GB | ✔ | ✔ | $284+ | |
| iPhone X | A11 Bionic | 3GB | ✔ | ✔ | $263+ | |
| iPhone 8 Plus | A11 Bionic | 3GB | ✔ | ✔ | $210+ | |
| iPhone 8 | A11 Bionic | 2GB | ✔ | $150+ | ||
| iPhone 7 Plus | A10 Fusion | 3GB | ✔ | $155+ | ||
| iPhone 7 | A10 Fusion | 2GB | ✔ | $100+ |
iPhone battery life comparison
Rounding out the list, we have battery life. In general, iPhones offer relatively good battery life, but there are certainly a few models that stand out from the rest of the pack. Thanks to recent advancements in processor technology, the very latest iPhones generally deliver the best battery life overall — we’re talking as much as 20 hours of video playback on the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max. But you don’t need a flagship iPhone to get great battery life.
The iPhone 11 and iPhone XR both offer fantastic battery life at a fraction of the cost, and all iPhones since the iPhone 8 offer wireless charging and fast charge support. Here’s an iPhone battery life chart to help you figure out which iPhone can make it through a day of your typical usage.
| Capacity | Video | Music | Talk | Wireless Charging | Fast Charge | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 3687 mAh | 20 hours | 80 hours | – | ✔ | ✔ | $995+ |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 2815 mAh | 17 hours | 65 hours | – | ✔ | ✔ | $850+ |
| iPhone 12 | 2815 mAh | 17 hours | 65 hours | – | ✔ | ✔ | $680+ |
| iPhone 12 mini | 2227 mAh | 15 hours | 50 hours | – | ✔ | ✔ | $599+ |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | 3969 mAh | 20 hours | 80 hours | 20 hours | ✔ | ✔ | $615+ |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 3046 mAh | 18 hours | 65 hours | 18 hours | ✔ | ✔ | $550+ |
| iPhone 11 | 3110 mAh | 17 hours | 65 hours | 17 hours | ✔ | ✔ | $435+ |
| iPhone SE (2020) | 1821 mAh | 13 hours | 40 hours | 14 hours | ✔ | ✔ | $199+ |
| iPhone XS Max | 3174 mAh | 15 hours | 65 hours | 25 hours | ✔ | ✔ | $379+ |
| iPhone XS | 2658 mAh | 14 hours | 60 hours | 20 hours | ✔ | ✔ | $290+ |
| iPhone XR | 2942 mAh | 16 hours | 65 hours | 25 hours | ✔ | ✔ | $284+ |
| iPhone X | 2716 mAh | 13 hours | 60 hours | 21 hours | ✔ | ✔ | $263+ |
| iPhone 8 Plus | 2691 mAh | 14 hours | 60 hours | 21 hours | ✔ | ✔ | $210+ |
| iPhone 8 | 1821 mAh | 13 hours | 40 hours | 14 hours | ✔ | ✔ | $150+ |
| iPhone 7 Plus | 2900 mAh | 14 hours | 60 hours | 21 hours | $155+ | ||
| iPhone 7 | 1960 mAh | 13 hours | 40 hours | 14 hours | $100+ |
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