If you own an older iPhone such as an iPhone 7 or iPhone 8, you’re probably starting to look for an upgrade. There’s nothing wrong with the iPhone 7 or iPhone 8. In fact, we recently named the iPhone 8 the best cheap iPhone overall in our roundup of the top 10 iPhones for 2021 thanks to its great specs and affordable price. But as time ticks by, even better options become available — and with a bit of Swappa magic, these higher-end phones are now within reach.
This post will primarily focus on upgrading from an older iPhone to an iPhone X, iPhone Xr, iPhone Xs, or iPhone Xs Max. And for those who already own an iPhone X, we’ll also touch on what you would gain by upgrading to an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12. So join us as we take a closer look at some of your upgrade options, so you can find the right iPhone for your needs.
Table of Contents:
iPhone X Model Comparison
Upgrading from an iPhone 7 or 8 means that you’re in the market for a relatively modern device. But since you’ve held on to your iPhone 7 or 8 for so long, you’re probably looking for a good value as well. For most of us, that means jumping up a generation or two and selecting from the 11th or 12th generation of iPhones, such as the iPhone X, iPhone Xr, iPhone Xs, or iPhone Xs Max.
Here’s how the iPhone 7 and 8 compare to the subsequent generations:
| iPhone 7 | iPhone 8 | iPhone X | iPhone Xr | iPhone Xs | iPhone Xs Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A10 Fusion | A11 Bionic | A11 Bionic | A12 Bionic | A12 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| Memory | 2GB RAM | 2GB RAM | 3GB RAM | 3GB RAM | 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM |
| Display | 4.7-inch LCD Retina | 4.7-inch LCD Retina | 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina | 6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina | 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina | 6.5-inch OLED Super Retina |
| Resolution | 750 x 1344 | 750 x 1344 | 1125 x 2436 | 828 X 1792 | 1125 x 2436 | 1242 X 2688 |
| Camera | Wide: 12MP, 28mm f/1.8 | Wide: 12MP, 28mm f/1.8 | Wide: 12MP, 28mm f/1.8 Tele: 12MP, 52mm f/2.4 | Wide: 12MP, 26mm f/1.8 | Wide: 12MP, 28mm f/1.8 Tele: 12MP, 52mm f/2.4 | Wide: 12MP, 28mm f/1.8 Tele: 12MP, 52mm f/2.4 |
| Battery | 1960 mAh Battery No wireless charging No fast charging | 1821 mAh Battery 15W Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 2716 mAh Battery 15W Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 2942 mAh Battery 15W Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 2658 mAh Battery 15W Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 3174 mAh Battery 15W Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging |
| Swappa Price | $100+ | $160+ | $270+ | $289+ | $305+ | $379+ |
iPhone X
Let’s start with the iPhone X, the technological icon that ushered in the current era of modern, bezel-free smartphones. As the first iPhone to feature Face ID authentication and a sleek, gesture-driven UI, the iPhone X set the stage for all subsequent Apple flagships. This means that even though the iPhone X and iPhone 8 feature mostly identical internal specifications, they’re about as different as can be in terms of overall user experience.
iPhone X screen
The first thing you’ll notice when upgrading to the iPhone X is the screen. Not only is the iPhone X screen larger (5.8 inches vs 4.7 inches), but it’s also sharper and more vibrant. This is because the iPhone X features a high-resolution Super Retina HD screen based on OLED panel technology. As a result, everything you do on your phone will simply look better — regardless of whether you’re editing photos, catching up on the latest YouTube videos, or pulling up your favorite e-book.
iPhone X camera
Next up is the camera. Although the primary, wide-angle lens on the iPhone X is very similar to the one found on the iPhone 7 and 8, that doesn’t tell the whole story. The iPhone X also packs a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto lens (52mm) for when you want to zoom in without impacting image quality. This second lens also means that the iPhone X supports Portrait Mode for studio-quality lighting effects and background blur.
iPhone X performance
A nice camera and screen don’t mean much if you don’t have enough grunt to handle demanding apps. Luckily, the iPhone X is powered by the A11 Bionic chip, which is fast enough for all but the most intensive 3D games. And because it comes with 3GB of RAM, the iPhone X is a multitasking powerhouse, capable of switching between multiple apps with ease.
Learn more in our iPhone X Buyer’s Guide and iPhone X Comparison page, then check current prices below.
iPhone Xr
The iPhone X is a great upgrade for those coming from the 7 or 8, but what if you want something a little bigger or faster? That’s where the iPhone Xr comes in. Similar to the X, the iPhone Xr gets you a nearly bezel-free front face, Apple’s innovative gesture-driven UI, and Face ID authentication.
iPhone Xr screen
One of the most important parts of any smartphone is the display. Luckily, the iPhone Xr packs a large, 6.1-inch LCD with an 828 x 1792 resolution. But since the Xr was originally intended to be a more affordable iPhone, it can’t quite match the sharpness, saturation, or color vibrance of the older iPhone X. That said, the Xr still has a great screen — and it’s certainly a massive upgrade from the iPhone 7 or 8.
iPhone Xr camera
Camera performance is another area where the iPhone X and Xr trade blows. Both phones feature 12MP wide-angle camera modules, but the older iPhone X also crams in a telephoto lens, giving you a bit more versatility when taking pictures. On the other hand, the iPhone Xr offers Smart HDR — a computational photography feature not supported by the iPhone X — in order to deliver higher image quality under challenging lighting conditions.
iPhone Xr performance
Packing the powerful A12 Bionic chip and 3GB of RAM, speed is certainly the iPhone Xr’s strong suit. With up to 50% higher performance compared to the A11 in the iPhone 8 and X, the Xr has more than enough grunt for anything you can throw its way — including 3D gaming and demanding applications.
Find out more in our iPhone Xr Buyer’s Guide and iPhone Xr Comparison page, then click below for current prices.
iPhone Xs and Xs Max
What if you’re looking for an iPhone that mates the speedy A12 Bionic chip with a sharp and vibrant OLED screen? This is where the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max come in. Differing primarily by screen size, the Xs and Xs Max are truly drool-worthy flagships that will last you many years to come.
iPhone Xs screen
Just like the iPhone X before it, the Xs packs a large and vibrant 5.8-inch Super Retina HD display. The Xs Max takes things up a notch with its gargantuan 6.5-inch Super Retina HD display. Both phones use OLED panel technology, which means that all your pictures and videos will look incredibly vibrant on either phone. And since they both offer a high 458ppi pixel density, images and text are always razor-sharp.
iPhone Xs camera
Next up is the camera. The iPhone Xs and Xs Max feature the same dual-camera layout as the iPhone X. This means you get wide-angle and telephoto lenses, giving you plenty of versatility when composing your shots. And thanks to the powerful A12 Bionic chip, the Xs and Xs Max can make use of Apple’s powerful computational photography tools such as Portrait Mode and Smart HDR.
iPhone Xs performance
The iPhone Xs and Xs Max are incredibly fast due to their A12 Bionic chip. Either phone can power through even the most demanding applications and 3D games without breaking a sweat. And with a whopping 4GB of RAM, both phones are multitasking monsters that can run several apps at a time without reloading or force-quitting.
Learn more in our iPhone Xs Buyer’s Guide and iPhone Xs Max Buyer’s Guide, then check current prices below!
Upgrade from iPhone X to iPhone 11
What if you crave something even newer? If you already own an iPhone X and want to upgrade to a newer iPhone, the iPhone 11 is a great step up. Here’s how they compare:
| iPhone X | iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone 11 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A13 Bionic | A13 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Memory | 3GB RAM | 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM |
| Display | 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina | 6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina | 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina XDR | 6.5-inch OLED Super Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 1125 x 2436 (458ppi) | 828 X 1792 (326ppi) | 1125 x 2436 (458ppi) | 1242 x 2688 (458ppi) |
| Camera | Wide: 12MP, 28mm f/1.8 Tele: 12MP, 52mm f/2.4 | Wide: 12MP 26mm f/1.8 | Wide: 12MP, 26mm f/1.8 Tele: 12MP, 52mm f/2.4 | Wide: 12MP, 26mm f/1.8 Tele: 12MP, 52mm f/2.4 |
| Battery | 2716 mAh Battery 15W Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 3110 mAh Battery 18W Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 3046 mAh Battery 18W Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 3969 mAh Battery 18W Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging |
| Swappa Price | $270+ | $440+ | $560+ | $639+ |
Stepping up from the iPhone X to the iPhone 11 primarily gets you a faster A13 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM. This means that intensive applications and 3D games will run smoother and multitasking will be a breeze. However, it’s not an upgrade on all fronts.
The iPhone 11’s large, 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display is based on older LCD technology, rather than OLED like the iPhone X’s Super Retina display. This means that text isn’t as sharp and colors aren’t quite as vibrant. Additionally, the base model iPhone 11 only features a single 12MP rear camera (wide-angle), rather than the wide-angle and telephoto lenses found on the iPhone X.
In order to truly upgrade your iPhone X in all areas, you need to step up to the iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max. Upgrading to the iPhone 11 Pro means improved speed thanks to the A13 Bionic chip and 4GB RAM for better multitasking. In addition, the iPhone 11 Pro actually improves on the iPhone X’s phenomenal screen and dual-camera system.
The iPhone 11 Pro features a sharp and vibrant 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR10 certification and 1200 nits of peak brightness, meaning that your photos, videos, and text will look crisp and lifelike. The iPhone 11 Pro Max takes this a step further with its 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR, built using the same OLED screen technology as the iPhone 11 Pro. The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max also get a slightly wider, 26mm primary camera, so you can capture more in every shot.
iPhone 12 Upgrade
Upgrading from an iPhone X to an iPhone 12 means a world of difference in everything from screen size to processing power to camera quality to display resolution and text sharpness, and more. Here’s how they stack up:
| iPhone X | iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 mini | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Memory | 3GB RAM | 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM | 6GB RAM | 6GB RAM |
| Display | 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina | 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina XDR | 5.4-inch OLED Super Retina XDR | 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR | 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 1125 x 2436 (458ppi) | 1125 x 2436 (460ppi) | 1080 x 2340 (460ppi) | 1125 x 2436 (460ppi) | 1284 x 2778 (458ppi) |
| Camera | Wide: 12MP, 28mm f/1.8 Tele: 12MP, 52mm f/2.4 | Wide: 12MP, 26mm f/1.6 Ultrawide: 12MP, 13mm f/2.4 | Wide: 12MP, 26mm f/1.6 Ultrawide: 12MP, 13mm f/2.4 | Wide: 12MP, 26mm f/1.6 Ultrawide: 12MP, 13mm f/2.4 Tele: 12MP, 52mm f/2.0 | Wide: 12MP, 26mm f/1.6 Ultrawide: 12MP, 13mm f/2.4 Tele: 12MP, 52mm f/2.0 |
| Battery | 2716 mAh Battery 15W Fast Charging Qi Wireless Charging | 2815 mAh Battery 20W Fast Charging MagSafe and Qi Charging | 2227 mAh Battery 20W Fast Charging MagSafe and Qi Charging | 2815 mAh Battery 20W Fast Charging MagSafe and Qi Charging | 3687 mAh Battery 20W Fast Charging MagSafe and Qi Charging |
| Swappa Price | $270+ | $685+ | $599+ | $825+ | $1000+ |
We recently took a closer look at the entire iPhone 12 lineup and found them to be phenomenal options for those looking for the absolute best iPhone that money can buy.
All four phones in the iPhone 12 lineup are great upgrades, even if you’re on a relatively modern device such as an iPhone X. Upgrading to any of the four gets you the lightning-fast A14 Bionic chip, next-gen ultra-wideband 5G wireless connectivity, vastly improved camera capabilities, MagSafe wireless charging, and the first major evolution to the iPhone’s industrial design since the iPhone X debuted back in 2017.
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With so many great features shared between the entire iPhone 12 family, how do you choose the right iPhone 12 for you? It’s simple, really.
Most people will be best served by the mainstream iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 is powerful, compact, and packs a phenomenal camera. Those looking for the same features in a smaller package should get the iPhone 12 mini. And if you want a professional-grade camera that offers Dolby Vision HDR recording at 60 fps, look no further than the iPhone 12 Pro. Finally, if you want a larger 6.7-inch screen and an even better camera, get the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- Best mainstream iPhone for most people: iPhone 12
- Best small iPhone: iPhone 12 mini
- Best large iPhone: iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Best iPhone camera: iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro
Whichever iPhone you choose, you’ll always find the best deals on Swappa. We cut out the middlemen in order to keep the cash in your pocket, where it belongs. And since every listing is hand-screened by our expert moderation team, you can be confident that you’ll always get a device that’s fully functional and ready for activation on the network of your choosing.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up a gently used iPhone today!
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