Best iPhone in 2021: comparison + which iPhones you should not buy

The widest range of current iPhones available on the official Apple Online Store page may raise doubts even among people who have been familiar with the technology of the American manufacturer for several years. To figure it out and choose the “Best iPhone” with an acceptable price tag, you need a comprehensive approach to the issue. In this material we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of certain iPhone models and try to help you make a choice.

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Unlike manufacturers like Samsung or Xiaomi, Apple has a rather succinctly constructed line of smartphones with intuitive naming, where every buyer can easily distinguish a budget model from a flagship one. However, the choice of iPhones in 2021 is quite wide, which means that many potential users of Apple smartphones could use help when choosing a gadget.

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Which iPhones should you not buy new in 2021?

Let's start by explaining why some once-popular iPhone models should not be considered for purchase in 2021.

So, you should not buy in 2021: iPhone 7 / 7 Plus, iPhone 8 / 8 Plus, iPhone X and iPhone XS / XS Max - all these smartphones are officially discontinued. The offers of these smartphones still found in some online stores at affordable prices should be treated with skepticism. There is a high probability that instead of a new device, they will sell you a “repackaged, refurbished used device” (details here). Be careful.

In addition, the 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max models are also no longer produced, but are still available in official reseller networks (Svyaznoy, M.Video, MTS, etc.) - you can buy them.

Also, do not forget that Apple officially offers refurbished smartphones (refs) that are no longer in production. We talked in detail about how to distinguish a real ref from a fake in this material.

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iPhone 11 Pro Max is the best battery from Apple

The iPhone 11 Pro Max smartphone of the previous generation seems to be a rather attractive option, which is still able to please the owner with excellent characteristics.
What stands out especially in this model is the battery, which allows you to use the device for a long time without the need to recharge. The older version of the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a modern 3969 mAh battery, which is relatively lightweight and has impressive performance. The device can operate for a very long time even under heavy load.

Compared to XR models, battery life is increased by 1 hour. And if we compare the model with the previous generation Max, we can note an increase in autonomy of almost 5 hours.

At the same time, the 11th model has a powerful processor that consumes about the same amount of energy. Savings were made possible through the use of innovative energy saving systems, which involve uniform distribution of energy across the most involved components of the system.

The model is equipped with an 18 W fast charger, allowing you to get a 50% charge in just half an hour.

How to choose the best reliable iPhone in 2021

Naturally, the best iPhone will be the most expensive, current top model, however, when choosing the main personal device, the buyer should focus solely on his own needs and whether his desires match his financial capabilities. At the same time, it is important to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff and abstract from functionality that most likely will not be in demand, because not every user needs the power of the latest Apple A14 Bionic processor and certainly not everyone can distinguish by eye photographs taken using a LiDAR sensor and without him. But at the same time, the presence of additional functions significantly affects the cost of the device.

To make the choice easier, we will divide all current iPhone models in 2021 into three groups: budget, mid-level and premium segment.

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iPhone 12 Pro is the best camera to date

The iPhone 12 Pro smartphone is a perfect technological solution that uses all the most innovative ideas.
This especially affected the camera, which is now capable of comfortably shooting photos and videos in night mode using the main or ultra-wide-angle lens. This became possible due to the fast lens and more sensitive matrix coating. On the back of the case there are three camera lenses with a resolution of 12 MP. Important changes are observed in the form of leader integration and additional software capabilities. Shooting in Apple ProRAW format is available, as well as support for 10-bit HDR video at 60 fps.

High-quality optical zoom allows you to zoom in on distant objects and shoot them without losing clarity. Moreover, all magnification parameters are conveniently configured using the built-in software.

According to experts, the iPhone 12 Pro model has managed to make a significant leap in the field of photo and video shooting. Due to this, the camera in the devices will remain the best for a long time, and will also allow you to create high-quality content without the use of additional equipment.

Noise reduction works much more effectively, and lack of lighting is no longer too much of a problem when shooting. Ultra-wide and telephoto photos are sharper and more detailed.

Budget (cheap) iPhones in 2021: iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XR

Perhaps it will be the most difficult for an inexperienced buyer to make a choice in the budget price segment. Both current models have their disadvantages and advantages, and the 2021 iPhone XR (review) is more expensive than last year's iPhone SE 2 (review).

In terms of design, screen diagonal and body dimensions, the iPhone XR is closer to top-end smartphones.

Size comparison between iPhone XR and iPhone SE 2

iPhone XR design

There is a 6.1-inch IPS display, which occupies almost the entire space of the front panel. Among the six available colors, the most striking are the original coral, yellow, and blue.

In turn, the 2021 iPhone SE has a design borrowed from the iPhone 8 with plastic inserts on the bottom and top of the 4.7-inch screen.

iPhone SE 2 (2020) design

By the way, the 4.7-inch iPhone SE 2021 is equipped with the same quality display (also IPS) and the same image density as the iPhone XR - 326 ppi. Only black, white and red (product RED) are available as primary body colors.

iPhone SE 2 colors

The main advantage of the second generation iPhone SE should be considered the Apple A13 Bionic processor coupled with the third generation of the Neural Engine system. The iPhone XR is equipped with the previous generation of Apple chips, but has a more capacious battery and Face ID facial recognition system instead of the outdated Touch ID fingerprint scanner.

iPhone XR camera system with built-in Face ID

Home button in iPhone SE 2 with built-in Touch ID fingerprint scanner

It should also be noted that among the specifications of the iPhone SE there is a version with 256 GB of internal memory (iPhone XR is limited to 128 GB in the top version).

The cameras on both devices are identical: a main wide-angle camera with an ƒ/1.8 aperture and a 7 MP front camera.

You can find a detailed comparison of iPhone XR and iPhone SE 2 on this page.

The cost of devices in the Apple online store is:

iPhone XR: from 42,000 rubles ; iPhone SE 2: from 34,000 rubles .

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Successful iPhone models that have been discontinued from official sale but are still available in stores

Apple iPhone 7 32GB is one of the most affordable, but nevertheless successful models

The best iPhone in terms of price/quality ratio in 2021, which can still be found on sale, is the iPhone 7. It will receive an update to iOS 14 and most likely to iOS 15. Its potential is still enough for most games and for smooth operation of the shell . Its display, unlike new products, recognizes pressing force. The beautiful and compact case is waterproof to IP67 standard. The image is displayed on a miniature 4.7-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels. Compared to the six, brightness and color rendition have improved.

There is only one main camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels. It takes good photographs, is equipped with optical stabilization and can shoot video in 4K. The 7 MP front camera with Retina Flash takes colorful photos, and in low light the screen replaces the flash. The Apple A10 Fusion chipset with 4 cores and a frequency of up to 2.34 GHz is responsible for performance. Memory 2/32 GB, but there are versions up to 128 GB. The battery is only 1960 mAh, but it lasts up to 13 hours of video playback.

Pros:

• Fast even in 2020;
• Cool camera;
• Very compact;
• Design;
• High-quality matrix with pressure recognition;
• Cost relative to other Apple smartphones;
• Stereo speakers.

Minuses:

• After the latest updates, the battery drains faster.

Apple iPhone 8 64GB loses its relevance after the launch of SE 2020

In terms of technical characteristics, the iPhone 8 is a level higher than the 7 model, offering a more powerful A11 Bionic processor, but in 2020 it is losing its relevance due to the release of the new SE, the cost of which is only a few thousand rubles higher. Therefore, it is better to buy a 2021 model or take a closer look at the iPhone 7, which costs significantly less.

The screen is no different from the seven and still recognizes the pressure applied. The only difference is that True Tone technology has appeared, which adjusts the color palette of the matrix depending on the lighting around you. To introduce wireless charging, glass became the main body material. The camera is still good, but it is practically no different from the seven - still the same 12 megapixel resolution with f/1.8 aperture. Memory - from 64 to 256 GB.

Pros:

• Build quality;
• Good display;
• Surround and clear sound;
• Shell performance and optimization;
• Design that is still relevant;
• Fast Touch ID.

Minuses:

• Video is recorded on the front camera only at 30 fps.

Mid-range iPhones in 2021: iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini

The iPhone 11 (review) differs from the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini (review) primarily in design. If the iPhone 11 continued the series of Apple smartphones with rounded corners, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini received a square form factor a la iPhone 4.

iPhone 11 design

iPhone 12 design

In addition, the three current mid-level Apple smartphones differ in their display modules. If we talk about screen area, the iPhone 12 mini has the smallest diagonal - 5.4 inches, while the iPhone 11 and 12 are noticeably superior to the mini model in this indicator - both gadgets are equipped with 6.1-inch displays.

Size comparison between iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini

Size comparison between iPhone 12 and iPhone 11

However, smartphones released in 2021 delight the eye with a clearer picture thanks to OLED screens that provide image quality at 476 dots per square inch, which distinguishes these screens from the IPS display in the iPhone 11 with a quality of 326 ppi.

As for the cameras, all three smartphones have almost the same modules, with the exception of minimal differences such as a slightly stronger aperture in the iPhone 12 and 12 mini, the lack of the ability to shoot video in the Dolby Vision standard and TimeLapse with active night mode in the iPhone 11, etc. d. The front cameras of the gadgets are also almost identical.

It is also worth noting that the iPhone 12 and 12 mini support MagSafe wireless magnetic charging, which can also be used to attach accessories to the back of the smartphone (iPhone 11 only supports regular wireless charging).

Other notable differences include support for next-generation 5G networks in the iPhone 12 and 12 mini, a less capacious battery in the iPhone 12 mini, as well as improved protection against drops and moisture inside the case for newer gadgets - according to the documentation, the iPhone 11 can be submerged into water to a depth of no more than two meters, while with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini you can safely dive six meters into fresh water.

And, of course, the main parameter when comparing models remains their cost; at the moment it is:

Buy iPhone 11: from 49,000 rubles ; Buy iPhone 12 mini: from 62,000 rubles ; Buy iPhone 12: from 70,000 rubles .

Based on the price/quality criterion, the iPhone 11 can be called the best iPhone in 2021 for most users. This is a reliable smartphone that has everything you need.

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Rating of the best iPhone models 2020-2021. Top 15 (price-quality)

14th place.

Apple iPhone Xr 64GB is the most popular iPhone in the world in 2019

The average price in Russia is 40,000 rubles.

Sales start date is October 26, 2021. The “budget” iPhone received 77% of “A” reviews in Yandex Market and 84% of recommendations for purchase. This is the world's best-selling iPhone in 2021.

There is only one main camera. It is the same as the main one in the iPhone XS: a 12 megapixel sensor with a wide viewing angle, ƒ/1.8 aperture, optical stabilization and a matrix with enlarged pixels. Front camera 7 MP.

Dxomark gave the iPhone Xr camera a score of 104 for photography and 96 for video according to the 3rd testing protocol.

Other technical characteristics: 6.1-inch screen with unibrow. Screen type - IPS. Resolution 1792x828. iOS 12 OS. 64 GB of storage and 3 GB of RAM, without memory card slot. Apple A12 Bionic processor.

Battery capacity 2942 mAh. The manufacturer indicated the following battery life: talk time 25 hours, music listening mode 65 hours.

13th place.

Apple iPhone Xs 64GB

The average price in Russia is 40,000 rubles.

Sales start date is September 28, 2021. Apple's flagship received 57% of five reviews in Yandex Market and 75% of recommendations for purchase.

Technical characteristics: OLED screen with a unibrow with a diagonal of 5.8 inches with a resolution of 2688 × 1242. iOS 12 OS. 64 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM, without memory card slot. Apple A12 Bionic processor. The result of the AnTuTu Benchmark performance test is 467.4 thousand points.

Battery capacity 2568 mAh. The manufacturer indicated the following battery life: talk time 20 hours, music listening mode 60 hours.

The main camera is dual 12+12 megapixels. Despite Apple’s statement that “the iPhone Xs camera opens a new era in the history of photography,” specialists from the photo resource DxOMark, immediately after testing the iPhone Xs Max, ranked it after the Huawei P20 Pro, released in the spring of 2021, in terms of total points (105 versus 109), according to quality of photos (110) and video (96 points). Front camera 7 MP.

see The best smartphones under 40 thousand rubles

12th place.

Apple iPhone Xs Max 64GB

The average price in Russia is 50,000 rubles.

Sales start date is September 28, 2021. Apple's flagship received 66% of five reviews in Yandex Market and 83% of recommendations for purchase. The Xs Max lineup also has varieties with 256 and 512 GB of memory, however, the version with 64 GB was chosen for the rating, because... it has the best reviews and is also the most affordable.

Screen - 6.5 inches. Screen type - OLED. Resolution 2688x1242. iOS 12 OS. 64 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM, without memory card slot. Apple A12 Bionic processor.

Battery capacity 3,174 mAh. The manufacturer indicated the following battery life: talk time 25 hours, music listening mode 65 hours.

The main camera is dual 12+12 megapixels, the same as the iPhone Xs. Front camera 7 MP. Dxomark gave the iPhone Xs Max camera, according to the 3rd testing protocol, 110 points for photography (7th place in the ranking of the best camera phones for 2021) and 96 points for video.

11th place.

Apple iPhone 11 128GB is the best-selling iPhone in the Russian Federation in 2021

The average price in Russia is 50,000 rubles. Sales start date is September 20, 2021. This model received 80% of five reviews in Yandex Market and 91% of recommendations for purchase (see reviews of iPhone 11).

iPhone 11 128Gb is the best-selling iPhone in Russia in 2021 (see Best-selling smartphones in Russia).

There is also a version of the Apple iPhone 11 64GB, which differs only in the amount of permanent memory.

The first thing you should pay attention to in this successor to the iPhone Xr is the appearance of a dual camera. Despite the fact that the camera module turned out to be quite awkward in appearance (on the Internet it has already been compared to the surprised Pokemon Pikachu or to the hero of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream”), it really improved the shooting capabilities. The first camera with f/1.8 aperture is 12 megapixel wide-angle, and the second with f/2.4 aperture and also 12 megapixel is ultra-wide-angle, about which the manufacturer states the following: “With it, the image area is four times larger. Therefore, landscapes, interesting buildings, groups of people, spacious interiors and moving objects can now be captured even better.” The second camera is also used when creating portrait mode. Another innovation in terms of photography is night mode. This function already exists in camera phones on Android, but for iPhones this is an innovation that has noticeably improved the quality of shooting with a minimum of lighting, as indicated by users of the 11th iPhone.

Dxomark gave the iPhone 11 camera a score of 112 points for photography and 101 points for video according to the 3rd testing protocol. According to the 4th protocol, 129 points for photos, 36 points for zoom and 109 for video. Overall score - 119 (17th place as of October 2021).

Front camera 12 MP. In terms of video, we can note the emergence of the so-called slowfie, that is, a selfie shot in the slow-mo format (slow motion 120 frames per second). The selfie camera received a DxOMark score of 92 for photos and 90 for video.

In fact, the camera ends with useful innovations compared to the iPhone Xr. The protection against water has improved, but it is unlikely that anyone would think to check this, because... The manufacturer warns on its website: “Damage resulting from contact with liquid is not covered by the warranty.” There is support for a second SIM card, but the second SIM is not a full-fledged one, but just an eSIM. Otherwise, everything is the same as a year ago - the same unibrow, the same IPS screen, even the diagonal of the display is absolutely the same.

iPhone 11 specifications: 6.1-inch screen with unibrow. Screen type - IPS. Resolution 1792x828. iOS 13 OS. 128 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM, without memory card slot. Apple A13 Bionic processor. The result of the AnTuTu Benchmark performance test is 521.2 thousand points.

Battery capacity 3110 mAh. The manufacturer indicated the following battery life: 65 hours in music listening mode, 17 hours in video mode.

see The best smartphones under 50 thousand rubles

10th place.

Apple iPhone 12 mini 64GB

The average price in Russia is 50,000 rubles.

The start date of sales in Russia is November 13, 2021.

Specifications: 5.4-inch OLED screen with unibrow. Resolution - 2340x1080. OS - iOS 14. 64 permanent memory (the amount of RAM is not specified by the manufacturer), without a slot for a memory card. 6-core Apple A14 Bionic processor with 5G support. The manufacturer did not indicate the battery capacity, but indicated the battery life in different modes: listening to music up to 50 hours, playing videos up to 15 hours, watching videos in streaming mode up to 10 hours.

Waterproof rating IP68 according to IEC 60529 (allows immersion in water up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes).

There is no fingerprint scanner, instead there is facial recognition using the TrueDepth camera.

Support for two SIM cards, one of which is standard, and the other is eSIM, which in Russia is not yet supported by all operators.

The cameras are the same as in the standard iPhone 12: 2 main cameras of 12 megapixels, one of which is ultra-wide-angle with an aperture of ƒ/2.4 and a viewing angle of 120°, and the other is wide-angle with an aperture of f/1.6, the front camera is also 12 megapixels ( ƒ/2.2).

What are the differences between the mini version and the 12th iPhone? There are three of them: smaller screen size (5.4 inches versus 6.1); slightly lower resolution (2340×1080 versus 2532×1170), as well as slightly worse battery life. Otherwise (processor, cameras, 5G support) the characteristics are identical.

9th place.

Apple iPhone 12 128GB

The average price in Russia is 70,000 rubles.

The start date of sales in Russia is October 23, 2021. The new product received 78% of fives from reviews in Yandex Market and 92% of recommendations for purchase.

Technical characteristics: 6.1-inch OLED screen with the unibrow familiar from previous models. Resolution - 2532x1170. OS - iOS 14. 128 permanent memory (the amount of RAM is not specified by the manufacturer), without a slot for a memory card. 6-core Apple A14 Bionic processor with 5G support. The manufacturer did not indicate the battery capacity, but indicated the battery life in different modes: listening to music up to 65 hours, playing videos up to 17 hours, watching videos in streaming mode up to 11 hours.

Waterproof rating IP68 according to IEC 60529 (allows immersion in water up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes).

There is no fingerprint scanner, instead there is facial recognition using the TrueDepth camera.

Support for two SIM cards, one of which is standard, and the other is eSIM, which in Russia is not yet supported by all operators.

As in the 11th iPhone, there are 2 main cameras of 12 megapixels, one of which is ultra-wide-angle with an aperture of ƒ/2.4 and a viewing angle of 120°, and the other is wide-angle with an aperture of ƒ/1.6.

The front camera is also 12 megapixels (ƒ/2.2).

The first thing you should pay attention to in the camera system is the excellent aperture ratio of the wide-angle camera - ƒ/1.6 (for the 11th iPhone this figure was ƒ/1.8, and, as you know, the lower this figure, the better the camera shoots in low light conditions). lighting). The manufacturer's website says that the new wide-angle camera is capable of capturing 27% more light. Night mode analyzes the surrounding environment and automatically turns on when there is insufficient light. You can now shoot in night mode with both the wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle cameras. The selfie camera also has a night mode. The iPhone 12 camera received a Dxomark score of 132 for photography, 41 for zoom, and 112 for video using the 4th testing protocol. Overall score - 122 (10th place as of October 2021).

Let's look at the differences between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 11. Improved display (OLED instead of IPS, resolution 2532×1170 instead of 1792×828), new processor, 5G support (however, 5G in Russia is not yet relevant, since its deployment in cities with a population of over a million is still is just beginning and will only be completed by 2022-2024). Shooting in the dark has been improved. Autonomy remained at the same level, the unibrow has not gone away. In addition, headphones and a power adapter will now disappear from the package; you will have to buy them separately or use the headphones and adapter from your previous smartphone. The kit will only include a USB-C/Lightning cable. The manufacturer explains this with concern for the environment: “Due to this, we have reduced the size of the packaging, and more goods are placed in containers, which in turn reduces the overall volume of cargo transportation.”

8th place.

Apple iPhone 11 Pro 64GB

The average price in Russia is 60,000 rubles.

Sales start date is September 20, 2021. This model received 93% of five reviews in Yandex Market and 61% of recommendations for purchase.

What are the advantages of the Pro version compared to the regular iPhone 11 and are they worth paying extra for them? The first difference is in the cameras. The first and second cameras are the same as in the iPhone 11, but a third has been added - a telephoto camera with f/2.0 aperture. It allows you to zoom in when you can't get closer, such as when you're photographing wild animals or sports. And also take professional-quality portraits. The front camera is the same as in the iPhone 11: 12 megapixels and f/2.2 aperture. The second, much more important difference is the OLED screen, as opposed to the IPS of the standard version. The manufacturer writes the following about the iPhone 11 Pro screen: “This is the best and clearest display Apple has created for the iPhone. The image on it looks brighter in sunlight. The detail in the highlights is even richer, and the blacks are even richer. Watching HDR video on this display is a pleasure.” Other advantages no longer look so obvious. For example, the iPhone 11 Pro version has better water protection, namely it can be immersed in water to a depth of 4 meters instead of two for the iPhone 11. The manufacturer also indicated another difference: a slightly more capacious battery - 18 hours in video playback mode instead of 17 for the iPhone eleven.

Technical characteristics of the iPhone 11 Pro: 5.8-inch screen with a unibrow (in all promotional photos the screen and the unibrow merge, so it’s impossible to understand whether it’s there or not, but it’s still the same as the iPhone Xs a year ago). Screen type - OLED. Resolution 2436x1125. OS iOS 13. 64 GB of storage and 6 GB of RAM, without memory card slot. Apple A13 Bionic processor. SIM + eSIM support.

Battery capacity 3046 mAh.

We have dealt with the differences from the iPhone 11, but it is more appropriate to compare the iPhone 11 Pro with the iPhone Xs, the successor of which the iPhone 11 Pro is. The differences here are as follows: again, a third main camera, a second front camera, improved performance, increased battery life, and a better screen.

7th place.

Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max 64GB

The average price in Russia is 70,000 rubles.

Sales start date is September 20, 2021. This model received 64% of five reviews in Yandex Market and 84% of recommendations for purchase.

Specifications: 6.5-inch OLED screen with unibrow. Resolution 2688x1242. OS iOS 13. 64 GB of storage and 6 GB of RAM, without memory card slot. Apple A13 Bionic processor. SIM + eSIM support.

The cameras are the same as the iPhone 11 Pro: 3 main + front 12 MP. Dxomark gave the iPhone 11 Pro Max camera a score of 124 for photography and 102 for video according to the 3rd testing protocol. According to the 4th protocol, 132 points for photos, 59 for zoom and 109 for video. Overall score - 124 (8th place as of October 2021).

Battery capacity 3969 mAh. Battery life in video viewing mode is up to 20 hours. The manufacturer’s website says the following: “The iPhone 11 Pro Max battery breaks all records - it lasts up to 5 hours longer than the iPhone Xs Max battery. A fast charging adapter is included in the package.”

The iPhone 11 Pro Max differs from the iPhone 11 Pro with a larger screen (6.5 inches versus 5.8) and a more powerful battery. When compared with the iPhone Xs Max, there are differences in the quality of photography (3 cameras versus two) and again in the battery, as mentioned above, the iPhone 11 Pro Max lasts up to 5 hours longer.

6th place.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro 128GB

The average price in Russia is 80,000 rubles.

The start date of sales in Russia is October 23, 2021. Apple's new flagship received 100% "A" reviews in Yandex Market and 92% of recommendations for purchase.

Specifications: 6.1-inch OLED screen with unibrow. Resolution - 2532x1170. OS - iOS 14. 128 permanent memory (the amount of RAM is not specified by the manufacturer), without a slot for a memory card. 6-core Apple A14 Bionic processor with 5G support. The manufacturer did not indicate the battery capacity, but indicated the battery life in different modes: listening to music up to 65 hours, playing videos up to 17 hours, watching videos in streaming mode up to 11 hours.

Waterproof rating IP68 according to IEC 60529 (allows immersion in water up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes).

There is no fingerprint scanner, instead there is facial recognition using the TrueDepth camera.

Support for two SIM cards, one of which is standard, and the other is eSIM, which in Russia is not yet supported by all operators.

3 main cameras of 12 megapixels: ultra-wide-angle with aperture ƒ/2.4 and a viewing angle of 120°, wide-angle with aperture ƒ/1.6, telephoto (ƒ/2.0). The iPhone 12 Pro camera received a Dxomark score of 135 for photography, 66 for zoom, and 112 for video. Overall score - 128 (6th place today).

The front camera is also 12 megapixels (ƒ/2.2). The selfie camera received a score of 101 for photos and 93 for videos.

As for the wide-angle camera, we can repeat what has already been said about the standard iPhone 12: the aperture has improved to ƒ/1.6, thanks to which the camera is able to capture 27% more light. Night mode analyzes the surrounding environment and automatically turns on when there is insufficient light. You can now shoot in night mode with both the wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle cameras. The selfie camera also has a night mode.

Video recording capabilities have also improved. On the site .

Like the standard version of the iPhone 12, the Pro version comes without headphones or a charging adapter. They will have to be purchased separately.

What are the differences between the Pro version and the standard iPhone 12? The minimum amount of memory for the iPhone 12 is 64 GB (there is a 128GB version of the iPhone 12), and for the Pro version it is 128. The Pro version has three cameras instead of two in the standard version. All other characteristics (processor, screen, battery) are identical. Therefore, if you compare the iPhone 12 128GB and the iPhone 12 Pro 128GB, then in fact the difference is only in the quality of photo and video shooting.

If we compare the iPhone 12 Pro with the iPhone 11 Pro, the new version has a better processor, cameras, water resistance, a larger screen, more memory in a minimal configuration.

5th place.

Apple iPhone 13 mini 128Gb - the best compact iPhone

The average price in Russia is 70,000 rubles.

The start date of sales in Russia is September 24, 2021.

Specifications: 5.4-inch OLED screen with unibrow. Resolution - 2340x1080. OS - iOS 15. 128 permanent memory (the amount of RAM is not specified by the manufacturer), without a slot for a memory card. 6-core Apple A15 Bionic processor with 5G support. The manufacturer did not indicate the battery capacity, but indicated the battery life in different modes: listening to music up to 55 hours, playing videos up to 17 hours, watching videos in streaming mode up to 13 hours.

Rated IP68 according to IEC 60529 (submersible in water up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes).

There is no fingerprint scanner, instead there is facial recognition using the TrueDepth camera.

Supports two SIM cards, one of which is standard and the other is eSIM.

The cameras are the same as in the standard iPhone 13: two 12-megapixel main cameras, one of which is ultra-wide-angle with an aperture of ƒ/2.4 and a viewing angle of 120°, and the other is wide-angle with an aperture of ƒ/1.6. Optical stabilization system. The iPhone 13 mini camera received a Dxomark score of 138 for photography, 55 for zoom, and 117 for video. Overall score - 130 (5th place as of October 2021).

The front camera is also 12 megapixels (ƒ/2.2).

What are the differences between the mini version and the 13th iPhone? There are three of them: smaller screen size (5.4 inches versus 6.1); slightly lower resolution (2340×1080 versus 2532×1170), as well as slightly worse battery life. Otherwise (processor, cameras, 5G support) the characteristics are identical.

The differences between the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone 12 mini are a better processor, a better camera, a new OS and improved battery life.

iPhone 13 mini takes first place in the ranking of the best smartphones with a screen diagonal of up to 6 inches.

4th place.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB

The average price in Russia is 90,000 rubles.

The start date of sales in Russia is November 13, 2021.

Technical characteristics: 6.7-inch OLED screen (the largest screen among iPhones) with a unibrow. Resolution - 2778x1284. OS - iOS 14. 128 permanent memory (the amount of RAM is not specified by the manufacturer), without a slot for a memory card. 6-core Apple A14 Bionic processor with 5G support. The manufacturer did not indicate the battery capacity, but indicated the battery life in different modes: listening to music up to 80 hours, playing videos up to 20 hours, watching videos in streaming mode up to 12 hours.

Waterproof rating IP68 according to IEC 60529 (allows immersion in water up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes).

There is no fingerprint scanner, instead there is facial recognition using the TrueDepth camera.

Support for two SIM cards, one of which is standard, and the other is eSIM, which in Russia is not yet supported by all operators.

Three main cameras of 12 megapixels: ultra-wide-angle with aperture ƒ/2.4 and a viewing angle of 120°, wide-angle with aperture ƒ/1.6, telephoto (ƒ/2.2). Front camera 12 MP (ƒ/2.2).

The iPhone 12 Pro Max camera received a Dxomark score of 138 for photography, 88 for zoom, and 106 for video according to the 4th testing protocol. Overall score: 130 (4th place in the ranking of the best camera phones for 2021). The selfie camera received a score of 101 for photos and 93 for videos. Overall score: 98 (9th place in the ranking of the best front cameras).

The cameras are almost the same as in the iPhone 12 Pro, only the Max version for some reason has worse aperture (ƒ/2.2 versus ƒ/2.0 for the iPhone 12 Pro), while the zoom characteristics have been improved: if the model had a 2x optical zoom and a 10x digital, then the iPhone 12 Pro Max has an optical zoom of x2.5, and a digital zoom of x12.

Other differences between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro: a much larger screen (6.7 inches versus 6.1), a more powerful battery, a slightly larger screen resolution (2778x1284 versus 2532x1170).

3rd place.

Apple iPhone 13 128GB

The average price in Russia is 80,000 rubles.

The start date of sales in Russia is September 24, 2021.

Specifications: 6.1-inch OLED screen with unibrow. Resolution - 2532x1170. OS - iOS 15. 128 permanent memory (the amount of RAM is not specified by the manufacturer), without a slot for a memory card. 6-core Apple A15 Bionic processor with 5G support. The manufacturer did not indicate the battery capacity, but indicated the battery life in different modes: listening to music up to 75 hours, playing videos up to 19 hours, watching videos in streaming mode up to 15 hours.

Rated IP68 according to IEC 60529 (submersible in water up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes). However, damage resulting from contact with liquid is not covered by the warranty, so it is unlikely that anyone would think of testing an iPhone at a depth of 6 meters.

There is no fingerprint scanner, instead there is facial recognition using the TrueDepth camera.

Supports two SIM cards, one of which is standard and the other is eSIM.

As in the 12th and 11th iPhones, there are two 12-megapixel main cameras, one of which is ultra-wide-angle with an aperture of ƒ/2.4 and a viewing angle of 120°, and the other is wide-angle with an aperture of ƒ/1.6. Optical stabilization system. The iPhone 13 camera scores 138 for photography, 55 for zoom, and 117 for video on Dxomark. Overall score - 130 (5th place today).

The front camera is also 12 megapixels (ƒ/2.2).

Let's look at the differences between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 12. New processor and new OS, improved cameras and battery life (for example, the iPhone 12 had 17 hours of battery life while watching videos, and the iPhone 13 had 19 hours), which still does not reach the level of the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

2nd place.

Apple iPhone 13 Pro 128GB

The average price in Russia is 100,000 rubles.

The start date of sales in Russia is September 24, 2021.

Technical characteristics: OLED screen with a frequency of up to 120 Hz, 6.1 inches diagonal with a unibrow. Resolution - 2532x1170. OS - iOS 15. 128 permanent memory (the amount of RAM is not specified by the manufacturer), without a slot for a memory card. 6-core Apple A15 Bionic processor with 5G support. The result of the AnTuTu Benchmark performance test is 839.7 thousand points. The manufacturer did not indicate the battery capacity, but indicated the battery life in different modes: listening to music up to 75 hours, playing videos up to 22 hours, watching videos in streaming mode up to 20 hours.

Waterproof rating IP68 according to IEC 60529 (allows immersion in water up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes).

There is no fingerprint scanner, instead there is facial recognition using the TrueDepth camera.

Supports two SIM cards, one of which is standard and the other is eSIM.

3 main cameras of 12 megapixels: ultra-wide-angle with ƒ/1.8 aperture and a viewing angle of 120°, wide-angle with ƒ/1.5 aperture with optical stabilization, telephoto (ƒ/2.8) with 3x optical zoom and optical stabilization. The iPhone 13 Pro camera scores 144 for photography, 76 for zoom, and 119 for video on Dxomark. Overall score: 137 (1st place in the ranking of the best camera phones for 2021).

The front camera is also 12 megapixels (ƒ/2.2).

If we compare the iPhone 13 Pro with the iPhone 13 Pro, the new version has a better processor, battery life and cameras.

What are the differences between the Pro version and the standard iPhone 13? The Pro version has three cameras instead of the standard version's two and a more powerful battery.

1 place.

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 128GB

The average price in Russia is 125,000 rubles.

The start date of sales in Russia is September 24, 2021.

Technical characteristics: OLED screen with a frequency of up to 120 Hz, 6.7 inches diagonal with a unibrow. Resolution - 2778x1284. OS - iOS 15. 128 permanent memory (the amount of RAM is not specified by the manufacturer), without a slot for a memory card. 6-core Apple A15 Bionic processor with 5G support. The manufacturer did not indicate the battery capacity, but indicated the battery life in different modes: listening to music up to 95 hours, playing videos up to 28 hours, watching videos in streaming mode up to 25 hours.

Waterproof rating IP68 according to IEC 60529 (allows immersion in water up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes).

There is no fingerprint scanner, instead there is facial recognition using the TrueDepth camera.

Supports two SIM cards, one of which is standard and the other is eSIM.

3 main cameras of 12 megapixels: ultra-wide-angle with ƒ/1.8 aperture and a viewing angle of 120°, wide-angle with ƒ/1.5 aperture with optical stabilization, telephoto (ƒ/2.8) with 3x optical zoom and optical stabilization. The front camera is also 12 megapixels (ƒ/2.2).

The Pro Max version differs from the Pro version in a larger screen (with higher resolution) and better battery life. The cameras for both versions are identical.

see Best flagship smartphones of 2021

Which color is better to choose for iPhone?

Traditionally, iPhones are available in several colors, including standard black and white options, as well as quite unusual shades.
If the user does not want to take risks, it is better to choose a classic color, which is reliable and versatile. A bright, unusual shade can quickly get boring. Purple and green solutions are the most calm shades that do not strain the eyes. They appeared in the line relatively recently with the release of the iPhone 11. This option will help you stand out from the crowd and at the same time not be too annoying with its unusualness.

Every year, Apple launches at least one smartphone model available in red. This is a spectacular, bright option that is suitable for those who like to stand out and attract the attention of others. The yellow color looks no less impressive, adding additional freshness to the design of the device. This is a youth option, hardly suitable for official meetings.

The latest iPhone 12 model is available to customers in five colors: black, white, red, green and blue. It was decided to abandon the yellow color immediately, since previously the solution had not become very popular among users.

The black smartphone is suitable for lovers of the classics, as well as those who always plan to carry a case. This is an elegant, strict option.

In the new version, the white color may seem somewhat controversial, since the black frame around the screen forms a certain contrast with the light body. If this doesn’t scare you, then you can safely opt for white.

The red in the new version stands out not only for its brightness, but also because proceeds from sales of red devices are donated to the AIDS Foundation.

Green is a different color from the standard set of shades, so it's a great option to stand out.

iPhone 12 in blue is suitable if you need to indicate that it belongs to a new model. Previously, iPhone lines did not have this shade. A good replacement for a boring black phone.

New benchmark: iPhone 13

The new product of the season has a slightly modified design. iPhone 13 features an updated color palette, and the cameras are located diagonally.

Compared to the iPhone 12, it has improved autonomy, improved cameras, as well as double the amount of memory, the new Apple A15 Bionic chipset and even support for two eSIMs. The result was a very good offer for the balance of price and capabilities with a reserve for the future.

The official price for iPhone 13 128 GB is 79,990 rubles.

Speed ​​of work. So fast it's boring

iPhone 11 Pro features the latest A13 Bionic processor.

Let's look at the numbers right away, for fans:

7 nm N7 Pro process (using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography). 2. 6 cores . 2 productive - 2.65 GHz, 4 energy efficient - frequency unknown. 3. 40% faster than A12. 4. 4 graphics cores . 20% faster than A12. 5. 8.5 billion transistors . 23% more than A12. Neural Engine 3rd generation machine learning system . 20% faster and consumes 15% less energy.

In general, the chip is “faster, higher, stronger.” But is there any difference in speed with the iPhone XS?

Honestly, I tried to discern the differences when performing ordinary tasks. There are none, and that's it! Any movement around the interface, launching VK, YouTube, Instagram, Safari, any other ordinary applications - all this happens at the same speed.

And this is not a problem with the iPhone 11 Pro. It’s just that Apple has hit the ceiling in terms of “live” performance. Some Instagram launches in a split second. Well, how much faster?

However, the iPhone 11 Pro is still faster. I noticed this in games. All sorts of heavy games load faster. In some cases, for 5-6 seconds, in most cases - for 1-2 seconds.

I agree, not impressive. But there are several compelling reasons for the presence of a new processor in the iPhone 11 Pro. You can't argue with them.

1. Energy efficiency . It is precisely because the chip “eats” less that the smartphone lasts significantly longer. We’ll talk about autonomy separately, it’s very interesting.

2. Unique Deep Fusion shooting mode . The A13 processor and third-generation Neural Engine make this innovative mode a reality. Many photos with its use will be below. You will be surprised.

3. Night shooting mode . And it also became real on the iPhone thanks to the new processor. There’s a complete “head off” there.

Would it be possible to implement such modes on older processors? An extremely interesting question, you will agree. Apple itself says that no, it’s not possible, only on new iPhones, please buy ! Third-party developers who could lift the veil of secrecy remain silent. A real mystery, the solution to which we are unlikely to find out in the coming years.

In synthetic testing, the iPhone 11 Pro has no equal. Check out the difference.

Geekbench 4

• iPhone 11 Pro - 5472/13095 points in single-core and multi-core modes.
• iPhone XS - 4786/11052 points.

Geekbench 5

• iPhone 11 Pro - 1336/3523 points in single-core and multi-core modes.
• iPhone XS - 1111/2322 points.

Metal (graphics benchmark)

• iPhone 11 Pro - 29025 points.
• iPhone XS - 20968 points.

iPhone 11 Pro is the fastest smartphone in the world . He took this title from the iPhone XS. And, most likely, it will hold on until the release of the iPhone 12. This happens with new iPhones every year.

And if it's short?! The speed of the iPhone 11 Pro is the highest. But this is not very impressive, since we have hit a performance ceiling. Despite this, the A13 Bionic chip is an innovation. Thanks to him, smartphones now have shooting modes that will make your hair stand on end. You will see this again. And, of course, battery life. The chip is very energy efficient, which is why the iPhone 11 Pro lasts longer.

What should you consider when choosing an Apple smartphone?

Obviously, if a person does not know how to choose an Apple smartphone, then it is necessary to at least have an idea of ​​​​what to start from. We will try to help with this and consider the key questions from users that we found on the network:

1. Price policy. Unlike Samsung smartphones or top-end Xiaomi phones, which are updated as quickly as they become cheaper, Apple products always keep the bar high. Luckily, this extends to the aftermarket as well. This can explain the relevance and eagerness of many users to get the new generation. In this regard, the marketing and pricing policy of the iPhone manufacturer has its advantages even for those who are embarrassed by the cost of Apple products.
2. Power. It is no secret that the company uses its own Bionic processor with a certain index, which can explain the good stability and overall balance. The processor is attracted by its high level of energy efficiency. Especially the latest chip based on the 5nm A14 Bionic process. Previous generations, as you understand, run on the company's earlier generation processors. In our opinion, it is still acceptable to use A11, but even older versions are already difficult.
3. Autonomous work. Due to the fact that the company uses its own chip, operating system and advanced technologies (the latest generation processor is built on a 5nm process technology), they use batteries with weightless parameters when compared with analogues. Even 2500 mAh in the case of the latest generation of iPhones is enough for almost the same amount as that of competitors. Although there are certain problems in the early generations (up to the tenth generation, iPhones rarely hold a charge for more than 12 hours with average intensity of use).
4. Operating system. Apple uses its own operating system. Currently the latest version is iOS 14 which can still be downloaded even on Iphone 6. This is a plus. The system works stably. The ecosystem pleases with a smooth interface, many features, and a high level of security.
5. Screen options. Everything is simple here. In the budget segment, an IPS matrix is ​​used. More advanced phablets have already received OLED screens with high technical parameters, but the brand is still not chasing a high refresh rate, despite the achievements of competitors.

Which smartphones have a better camera than the iPhone?

According to DxOmark, even the 5x optical zoom and improvement in the equivalent focal length in the iPhone 12 Pro Max did not allow Apple to make the camera better than the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra and Huawei P40 Pro. The latest camera phones are rightfully considered today leaders in photo and video shooting.

How to check power in an Apple smartphone?

As with any other smartphone, power is tested in benchmarks. One of the most reputable is Antutu, in which the latest iPhone scored 572,333 points. The figure is much lower than many Android smartphones that run on Snapdragon 865+ and score over 600 thousand points.

Why is the iPhone better than other smartphones?

A controversial issue, given that each brand has its own target audience (almost always). In favor of iPhones, one can note low inflation compared to analogues, the presence of in-house production of components, which indicates a good balance and stable operation. The company has its own design and marketing policy that really works and encourages people to buy premium smartphones. Thanks to Apple, many began to treat the smartphone as a business card. Another advantage is the fact that iOS 14 is still suitable for sixth-generation models. With Android firmware such generosity is not observed 2-3 years after the announcement (this is usually the case).

Which Apple phone is better to buy?

When choosing such a device, first of all, you should pay attention to the diagonal of the display; for example, for women, a screen up to 5 inches in size may be enough, but for men, such a gadget will most likely look ridiculous in the hand. Next, you should focus on the operating system and processor; the more cores it has, the more powerful the device. For selfie lovers, the number of megapixels of the camera is no less important; in this case, it should not be less than 12 megapixels.

When deciding on any specific option, it is necessary to take into account the purpose and tasks assigned to the phone:

• Those who value a good camera should pay attention to the iPhone Xs Max 256GB.
• If excellent color reproduction and screen brightness are a priority, for example, for playing games and watching videos, then you should take a closer look at the iPhone Xr 128GB.
• For active surfing the Internet and listening to music, the Apple iPhone Xs 256GB is quite suitable.
• Avid readers who want to switch from an e-reader to a phone and adapt it for comfortable reading are recommended to choose the iPhone 7 Plus 128GB device.
• If you need a smartphone primarily for calls and video communications, then you can buy the iPhone 8 256GB version.
• For fans of online gaming and surfing the Internet, the iPhone SE 128GB is a good choice.
• Those who are interested in “live photography” or cinemagraphs are recommended to purchase an iPhone 6S 128GB with the ability to “freeze” video.
• An Apple iPhone 11 with good stabilization and high image quality is suitable for shooting video.
• To work with various heavy mobile applications, you can safely use the Apple iPhone 11 Pro with a powerful processor.

Of course, at the moment this manufacturer has no competitors in its price category, and there are no plans yet. Apple smartphones are described in reviews as functional, powerful, productive, and easy to use. However, as our rating has shown, one particular model is usually convenient for various purposes and tasks, and therefore it would be more correct to first decide on this particular nuance.