Best iPhone 2021: We chose the best Apple phones

Those who miss Apple’s new phone right now have a leisurely must, as the four new iPhone 12 models are Apple’s largest and best to date.

In addition to the basic model, the iPhone 12 Pro , the company's largest iPhone 12 Pro Max and, for the first time in the company's history, the smaller iPhone 12 mini are available .

In addition to these, Apple is offering a more affordable iPhone SE (2020) , released a little earlier than the latest four, as well as a slew of older models. Considering that Apple will support their phones for a long time after they go off sale, buying an old phone can save you many money.

In other words, there is plenty of choice in terms of screen size, phone design, price and features. To make decision-making as straightforward as possible, we’ve put together a list of the best iPhone models right now. There are also older models on the list, which are still available from several different retailers. When used, it is possible to buy even older models.

From the eight different options on the list, you are sure to find the right phone for everyone if you absolutely want iOS as your operating system. Instead, if you’re looking for an Android model for yourself, we encourage you to check out the other links below.

It is also worth noting that in 2021, Apple will see new models again. We will probably see the new iPhone SE model first , which is expected to arrive in April. Later in September, we will see the following iPhone 13 series. So if you’re not going to buy a phone right now, you might want to take a look at this guide for new ones later this year.

Which iPhone to choose?

You are about to buy an iPhone , your first iPhone, and you are terribly afraid of making a mistake. Yes, because now even the Apple mobile phone market has become somewhat fragmented: there is no longer a single model on the market.

Now the choice has expanded: next to the latest iPhones, with full-screen front and Face ID, on store shelves you can also find older and cheaper ones, some of which with the old design and physical Home button, which Apple markets. as entry-level devices intended for those who want to save some money without giving up the purchase of an iOS smartphone. In short, deciding has become much more difficult than a few years ago, this is undeniable!

Then there is the discourse related to storage: the phones of the Cupertino company, as well known, have a non-expandable memory and therefore you must carefully evaluate the cut that best suits your needs, otherwise you risk running out. of space after just a few days of use. Given the figures at stake, the purchase of such a device cannot be done lightly. So let me help you figure out which iPhone to choose based on your needs. It won't take long, we promise!

The best iPhones in a nutshell

1. iPhone 12

2. iPhone 12 mini

3. iPhone 12 Pro

4. iPhone 12 Pro Max

5. iPhone 11

6. iPhone SE (2020)

7. iPhone 11 Pro

8. iPhone 11 Pro Max

1. iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 is more expensive than the iPhone 11, but it also has a slew of new features that will ensure its usability for years to come. These include support for 5G and MagSafe, which allows you to connect various accessories to your phone, such as a charger or a case. Although the phone’s cameras are a little too similar to last year’s models and the battery life is only reasonable, the iPhone 12 is nonetheless significantly better than previous models. In terms of design, it’s back to what the iPhone 4 and 5 have known, which is a good thing. It makes the phone feel more comfortable in the hand. The display has also been replaced with a colorful OLED panel, which once again reminds Apple that it can make stylish phones for a long time.

• • Weight: 164 g
• • Dimensions: 146.7 mm x 71.5 mm x 7.4 mm Operating system: iOS 14
• • Display: 6.1 inches Resolution: 1,170 x 2,532
• • Processor: A14 Bionic
• • Memory: 4 GB
• • Storage space: 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB
• • Rear cameras: 12 MP + 12 MP
• • Front camera: 12 MP

VIEW ON AMAZON

2. iPhone 12 mini

For the first time in its company’s history, Apple unveiled the iPhone mini, which is virtually the same iPhone as the upper one, but only smaller. While the phone has a few other differences, such as slower wireless charging, the otherwise compact size is packed with the same high-quality components, cameras, 5G and MagSafe support. The design makes the phone easy to use with one hand, so now those who want a smaller and more powerful iPhone can get their own. Like the iPhone 12, the phone has an excellent display and only reasonable battery life, but otherwise it’s an excellent individual.

• • Weight: 135 g
• • Dimensions: 131.5 mm x 64.2 mm x 7.4 mm Operating system: iOS 14
• • Display: 5.4 inches Resolution: 1,080 x 2,340
• • Processor: A14 Bionic
• • Memory: 4 GB
• • Storage space: 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB
• • Rear camera: 12 MP + 12 MP
• • Front camera: 12 MP

VIEW ON AMAZON

3. iPhone 12 Pro

Higher than the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 mini, the iPhone 12 Pro is also much more expensive, but has better equipment in terms of both components and significantly better cameras. Compared to the previous two models, the fourth additional cell in the form of LiDAR along with the rear cameras helps the iPhone to better understand what it sees, which helps especially in low light. In addition, the RAM has been increased from four to six, which improves the performance of the phone, especially when editing videos and pictures. Otherwise, the iPhone 12 Pro offers much the same features as other iPhone 12 models, so the higher price gets improvements, especially for shooting.

• • Weight: 189 g
• • Dimensions: 146.7 mm x 71.5 mm x 7.4 mm Operating system: iOS 14
• • Display: 6.1 inches Resolution: 1,170 x 2,532
• • Processor: A14 Bionic
• • Memory: 6 GB
• • Storage space: 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
• • Rear cameras: 12 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP
• • Front camera: 12 MP

VIEW ON AMAZON

4. iPhone 12 Pro Max

Want the best iPhone? The iPhone 12 Pro Max is then your choice, and we love everything this phone can do. In addition to being capable of everything the same as the three more affordable iPhone 12 models, a few important improvements make this model even more brilliant. However, the only reason this model is last in the top four on this list is the price of the phone. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is an absolutely shockingly expensive phone, plus its huge size makes it unsuitable for many users. But if you’re willing to waste your money on this splendor, you’ll get a beast with a huge 6.7-inch screen that will make your iPhone 12 Pro even better in some areas. First, its battery life is vastly better than other iPhone 12 series, in addition to which slightly more powerful cameras make photography downright heavenly enjoyable. If you want the best and are willing to pay for it, then the iPhone 12 Pro Max is your choice.

• • Weight: 228 g
• • Dimensions: 160.8 mm x 78.1 mm x 7.4 mm Operating system: iOS 14
• • Display: 6.7 inches Resolution: 1,284 x 2,778
• • Processor: A14 Bionic
• • Memory: 6 GB
• • Storage space: 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
• • Rear cameras: 12 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP
• • Front camera: 12 MP

VIEW ON AMAZON

5. iPhone 11

The iPhone 11 isn’t the best phone from previous-generation models, but it’s still an excellent option in terms of value for money. And before the release of the iPhone 12 series, it was also number one on this list. It exhausts the telephoto lens found in previous models, but the main camera and ultra-wide angle are certainly enough for many photography needs. The older LCD screen is not as high quality as the new OLED panels, but this is reflected in the excellent battery life. RAM has also been increased to four gigabytes. When the phone is still safe to receive updates in the future, there will be a high-quality and excellent phone for photography, for example.

• • Weight: 194 g
• • Dimensions: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm Operating system: iOS 13
• • Display: 6.1 inches Resolution: 828 × 1 792
• • System Circuit : Apple A13 Bionic
• • RAM: 4 GB | Storage space : 64/128/256 GB
• • Battery: 3,110 mAh
• • Rear camera: 12 MP + 12 MP
• • Front camera: 12 MP

VIEW ON AMAZON

6. iPhone SE 2020

The new iPhone SE (2020) was released in April 2020 and while it looks like the old model, it has plenty of quality inside the covers. In addition, it is also the most affordable iPhone at the moment. In terms of design, it is almost identical to the iPhone 8, but inside, the A13 Bionic chipset, which was also seen in the iPhone 11 series, rumbles. It is also a few new models with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor. In addition, the cameras are good, but do not match the level of better iPhone models. Battery life is also moderate. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper iPhone, the options are few and so this is an unbeatable champion individual.

• • Weight: 148 g
• • Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
• • Operating system: iOS 13
• • Screen size: 4.7 inches Resolution: 1,134 x 750
• • System circuit : A13 Bionic
• • RAM: 3 GB
• • Storage space : 64/128/256 GB
• • Rear camera: 12 MP
• • Front camera: 7 MP

VIEW ON AMAZON

7. iPhone 11 Pro

The iPhone 11 Pro is a higher quality alternative to the iPhone 11, but it is also reflected in the price. The phone can be used with one hand, the screen is of high quality and it is the cheapest option among the iPhone 11 series with three rear cameras. In all respects, this is an excellent phone that ranked second on this list even earlier. However, buyers of a new phone often look at the price tag, which is why this model may not be bought by many. Especially when compared to the iPhone 11 or newer models with better features. Fortunately, thanks to the new models, this phone is also available at an even lower price, so a good discount is still an excellent option.

• • Weight: 188 g
• • Dimensions: 144 x 71.4 x 8.1 mm
• • Operating system: iOS 13
• • Display :: 5.8 inches Resolution: 1125 x 2436
• • System circuit : A13 Bionic
• • RAM: 4 GB
• • Storage capacity: 64/256/512 GB
• • Rear camera: 12 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP
• • Front camera: 12 MP

VIEW ON AMAZON

8. iPhone 11 Pro Max

Not only was the iPhone 11 Pro Max confusing with its naming convention, but it was also the largest, fastest, and most powerful iPhone of its release year - and significantly more expensive. Compared to previous models, the cameras have been upgraded to be better, of which the ultra-wide angle in particular makes a big difference. The camera software has also been significantly improved, making the overall shooting experience smoother and the images higher. The battery also lasts a staggering four hours longer than the previous iPhone XS Max, so for those looking for a quality and long-lasting model, this is still a great individual.

• • Weight: 226 g
• • Dimensions: 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm
• • Operating system: iOS 13
• • Screen size: 6.5 inches Resolution: 1,242 x 2,688
• • System circuit : A13 Bionic
• • RAM: 4 GB
• • Storage capacity: 64/256/512 GB
• • Battery: 3,500 mAh
• • Rear cameras: 12 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP
• • Front camera: 12 MP

VIEW ON AMAZON

Guide to the best Apple smartphones

iPhone 12 , iPhone 12 Mini , iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max - here are the latest great phones launched by Apple. But when we talk about the smartphones produced by the Cupertino house , limiting ourselves to the latest generation is an understatement. For this reason, in the guide we wanted to take an overall look at the Apple universe , first addressing the general aspects and then describing the individual models on the market. Choosing a new phone is both a matter of taste and daily needs. And in our guide, you'll find all the tools you need to buy the right model for you.

How to choose an iPhone

Top performance , intuitive operating system and unmistakable design : here are three good reasons to choose an Apple smartphone . And if these characteristics unite all Cupertino devices, it is also true that there is no lack of differences between the latest and oldest devices. The choice is inevitably linked to our needs. And if we are not looking for an ultra-advanced smartphone to use in the professional field, the purchase of a model with a few years on its shoulders proves to be a winner. And it also saves us something. Not to mention that for the nostalgic of the more traditionalist design, Apple launched an admittedly cheap product in 2020. Let's talk about the iPhone SE, a powerful and complete smartphone, also equipped with the very convenient Home button with integrated Touch ID. Generally speaking, Cupertino mobile phones tend to devalue little. And this is another important aspect to consider, especially if we intend to switch from one iPhone to another, giving back the used one. Top-notch cameras , bright displays and constant operating system updates: these and others are the highlights of an iPhone. On one point, however, it is necessary to be careful. In fact, no Apple smartphone provides the possibility of expanding its internal memory. For this reason, evaluating the space we will need is essential before purchasing. Also because as the available capacity increases, the price increases considerably.

How much does an iPhone cost?

When compared to the products of other giants in the industry, Apple's smartphones can be considered almost all of the high-end. If we limit ourselves to the price, in fact, it is difficult to identify really cheap models, unless you opt for mobile phones with more than a year on their shoulders. The quality of the Cupertino brand is not to be doubted. But the price of the iPhone , in addition to the excellent performance and the chosen memory cut, also weighs the obsessive attention to design and the huge investments that the company makes budget for the technological development of increasingly innovative functions.. In addition, each iPhone guarantees the user unparalleled security and an operating system practically free from bugs, as well as well protected against viruses and cyber attacks. But the cut of memory we are going to choose is also a significant factor on the final price. Our selection opens with the least expensive products whose maximum budget is set at 600 Dollar . Next we have the mid-range with a limit set at 950 Dollar . And beyond this threshold , we meet the latest and most performing high-end tops .

Economic range (within 600 Dollar)

When it comes to Apple smartphones, the word "cheap" can be misplaced . The great attention paid by the brand in the choice of materials and in the optimization of performance, in fact, makes each device a quality product. The best way to contain spending, if anything, is to choose cell phones that are no longer recent, models with a few years on their shoulders but still performing. Or opt for the only openly cheap smartphone : iPhone SE. We refer, of course, to the 2020 version, an update of the original 2016 model. Compact , light , colorful : iPhone SEeven with a somewhat dated design, flexes its muscles when needed. And in the 256 GB version, it is offered at an almost unbeatable price. Even iPhone 8 is a device that, on an aesthetic level, accuses a little of the weight of the years. Despite this, it still works very well today and, given the presence of the two bands around the display, it keeps the much loved Home button with Touch ID on board . Also available in the Plus variant , it remains a great deal for those who do not want to spend more than 600 Dollar. But as long as you choose at most the 128 GB version for the iPhone 8 and the 64 GB version for the Plus variant. For those who, on the other hand, are looking for the maximum possible savings, the solution comes from the 2016 generation smartphones. toiPhone 7 , a phone that, albeit with what limit, gives the user a very satisfying user experience.

Mid-range (from 600 to 950 dollar)

With the mid-range of the Apple range (which for many other brands would be considered high), we take an obvious leap forward in terms of technology. And alongside fairly recent smartphones , although not of the latest generation, it is also possible to insert one of the devices launched in 2020. We are talking about the iPhone 12 Mini , the small top of the range from Cupertino that shares practically everything with the iPhone 12, except for its dimensions. . Compact , slim , ultralight : with a stunning 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, has nothing to envy to his older brother. The same goes for the photographic sector (which counts on an excellent double rear sensor) and for the 5G support. Going back a bit, we have chosen for our selection one of the best Apple smartphones of 2018: iPhone Xr , the cheapest of the line. Colorful and full of style, it requires the user to make some small compromises regarding the display and photographic quality. But the low price makes up for it all. For those looking for the best, however, iPhone Xs is the right answer. Top phone of the 2018 generation, is a worthy heir to that iPhone X that marked Apple's recent revolution. Powerful, complete and technologically advanced, it features an extraordinary Super Retina OLED panel. And we conclude in a big way with the top of the basic range of 2019 . iPhone 11 is today one of the best Apple smartphones for value for money. And in addition to the exceptional performance, it features a much higher autonomy than previous devices.

High-end (over 950 dollar)

After the 900 dollar threshold, you enter the Olympus of technology, a universe populated by the best Apple smartphones . Alongside the latest generation top of the range launched in 2020, however, we have also included a device from last season. We refer to the iPhone 11 Pro , a smartphone that is a must for the professional who wants to save something. Performing at all times, it features a beautiful OLED display and three high-quality photographic sensors . After a year, it's iPhone 12 Prothe direct successor of the 2019 branded phone. And it does so by introducing many new features, starting with the renewed square design. Similar in size, it brings the display from 5.8 to 6.1 inches. And it protects it with the durable Ceramic Shield glass . Made of steel, it is the Apple smartphone that introduces the LiDAR photo sensor , designed to speed up focus and optimize night shots. But the video output also grows significantly, allowing you to record HDR movies in Dolby Vision up to 60 fps. Also available in the Pro Max variant with huge 6.7-inch display , it's the mobile phonedefinitive for editing professionals. Last but not least, here is the basic variant of the top of the 2020 range . iPhone 12 , although with a few fewer features than its older brothers, is a compact, stylish and excellent device at all times. Made of aluminum , it boasts the IP68 certification against shocks and splashes. And it supports, like the other models in the line, MagSafe wireless magnetic charging technology .

The iPhone revolution

It's been 13 years since Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone to the public in 2007 . We are talking about a relatively short period of time in which the smartphone has changed our livesin a radical way. Small, stocky and with a poorly defined display: this is what that pioneering model looks like today. Not to mention that the reduced internal storage space would make it unusable at the moment. Not to mention the performance of the original hardware and software, called OS 1. But if we think that just one year after the launch, at the end of 2008, the first Android phone was put on the market, the scope of the iPhone phenomenon acquires greater consistency. In over 10 years the clash between the two main operating systems has become increasingly fierce, giving life to a better smartphone than the previous one every year . And, what's more, producing healthy competition to the benefit of users, thanks also to the spread ofcheap cell phones . Technological innovation has now reached futuristic levels, the camera rivals reflex cameras and the displays continue to amaze generation after generation. For all these reasons we can safely talk about the iPhone revolution, a revolution that does not seem destined to stop.

Apple hardware and software: a unique universe

Android and iOS are the two most popular operating systems ever on smartphones . But while the first is present on board mobile phones produced by many different companies (Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Sony, Asus ...), the second works only and exclusively on Apple smartphones.. The advantage linked to this approach is evident because a software designed for a single machine is much more efficient than one compatible with many different models. The same goes for the hardware part of the phone, in particular for the processor: the engine of the device that Apple strengthens year after year. From the perfect combination of hardware and software, the overall performance of the smartphone benefits. But that's not all: system stability, user safety and reliability over time also improve. Let's look at these two aspects of the iPhone in more detail.

Hardware

The first iPhone introduced on the market could count on a 412 MHz ARM 11 processor. The recent iPhone 12 , on the other hand, on the ultra-powerful A14 Bionic capable of exceeding 3 GHz . Beyond the technical details and the rather high-sounding names, it is enough to know that the power of the most recent processor is over 100 times higher than that of the first example. We are talking about a chip capable of surpassing even the Apple CPUs of the last generation, significantly improving performance in gaming and graphics. But similar progress has also been made in regards to the GPU and RAM memory . At the level of internal space for storage, Apple's choice not to make it expandable is confirmed. And thereforeiPhones do not have the compartment to add an SD card that almost all Android phones integrate under the body. For this, it is important to choose the internal capacity carefully, based on our real needs. The latest iPhone 12 Pro , for example, is sold with 128 , 256 or 512GB memory . The price, as you can imagine, varies significantly from version to version.

Software

Speed, simplicity and security: here are three key aspects that Apple device owners have come to know and appreciate. From the point of view of the immediacy of use, in fact, it is difficult to identify a better smartphone than the iPhone. Suitable for both the professional world and less geek users, it is characterized by an exemplary aesthetic linearity. Everything appears orderly and harmonious, the settings are easy to reach and the apps present by default are very useful and functional. The credit for everything is the software part based on the iOS operating system. We are talking about an ecosystem optimized to the maximum and, therefore, able to limit the waste of energy resources. And with the latest Cupertino release, the iOS 14 operating system, the potential is even more. But also the restyling of the interface has been designed to make the system more intuitive, offering many customizations based on users' habits. In particular, it is the optimization of Widgets that ensures great flexibility in the user experience. As well as the reorganization of the App Library, now more reasoned and simple. In addition, the improvements made to video calls allow you to manage them without abandoning what we were doing previously. Finally, the App Store , the online shop from which it is possible to download apps, wallpapers, films and music tracks , is increasingly rich and varied . The only limitation of such a well designed system lies in a certain difficulty in making it communicate with the outside world, for example with Android-based devices or computers with Windows 10 on board .

Apple smartphones: technology that makes life easier

Top-notch hardware and software put a wide range of apps and features in the hands of users that make the best Apple smartphones truly unique. Computing power and intuitive interface are the background to functions that can simplify the user's life. And on this point, beating an iPhone is really hard. Especially since the constant updating of the operating system improves the user experience year after year. Let's now see some of the features most appreciated by users:

Siri

Introduced for the first time in 2012 on the iPhone 4s , Siri has cleared the concept of voice assistant making it affordable for everyone. Today, the dualism with Google Assistant for Android smartphones is strong but we must not forget that Siri remains the first ever. Practical, comfortable and fast, it helps us in all daily operations, making the interaction intuitive through voice commands . In addition, Siri grows with us, learning about our habits to offer customized solutions to all our needs.

Face ID

Presented with great fanfare on the iPhone X , Face ID replaces the Touch ID technology for unlocking the device. In practice, thanks to the TrueDepht front camera, the phone maps our face using 30,000 points. By doing so, it can recognize it in any light condition, even if we are wearing a hat or a pair of glasses. Fast and effective, in addition to unlocking the device , it allows us to make payments in complete safety , working in tandem with the Apple Pay app.

Clip app

Among the prominent innovations of iOS 14, the App clips are designed to revolutionize the way you download applications from the Apple store. The system is based on the use of ultra-compact apps to use for quick operations, such as ordering food online, renting a bike or paying for parking. When necessary, it is the Apple smartphone that reports the app we need. And since the App clips are very small and light , they can be downloaded in a flash to be immediately exploited.

Maps

Similar to Google Maps for Android, on Apple devices it is Maps that manages our routes. Complete, detailed and very precise app, it is now enriched with the Guides section , which collects valuable information on the places we intend to visit. Tourist and gastronomic tips and many curiosities: the Apple Guides are the result of an editorial team of experts who update them regularly.

Home and CarPlay

Here are two apps designed to make some everyday operations more comfortable. Casa was created to manage all devices connected to Wi-Fi , through a highly customizable home automation platform. CarPlay , on the other hand, is dedicated to our car, offering usage optimizations designed for those behind the wheel. And with the launch of iOS 14, it's also possible to register a digital copy of your car key in the Wallet app . By doing so, we will be able to open it and start it even without the original key.

The display: a feast for the eyes

The technological evolution of smartphones has largely focused on the display . And no one like Apple has worked to offer products that surpassed the previous ones. The Retina display of the iPhone 4 was the innovation that opened a new course at Apple, followed year after year by constant improvements. It is no coincidence, therefore, that the latest generation of Apple smartphones makes a further leap forward. iPhone 12, in all four versions in which it is proposed, it mounts the same type of panel. Called Super Retina XDR OLED, it boasts an almost double resolution compared to the screens mounted on the iPhone 11. We are talking about screens with exceptional brightness and contrast, able to make the best even 4K content and those designed for augmented reality. In addition, the non-backlit OLED displays excel in the rendering of blacks and guarantee a very high color range, also enhanced by HDR. As for the measure of the diagonal, Cupertino mobile phones today ensure greater versatility than a few years ago. The most compact model of the latest generation is iPhone SE 2020 , with a 4.7-inch screen. While iPhone 12 andiPhone 12 Pro feature an identical 6.1-inch panel. The Max version , on the other hand, becomes much larger, sporting a beautiful 6.7-inch display. But the real novelty of 2020 is iPhone 12 Mini which, with a 5.4-inch diagonal, is the smallest of the best Apple smartphones.

A camera that is always on the cutting edge

The photographic sector has always been the flagship of Apple smartphones . Until a few years ago, anyone who wanted to take professional-level shots should have bought an iPhone. And although the cameras of the latest top of the range Samsung and Huawei have significantly shortened the technological gap, the Cupertino smartphones always remain one step ahead. On board the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, for example, we find a very fast triple rear camera from 12 Mp with advanced sensors and HDR. Designed to take quality photos in any context, it further improves the night shot through thenew LiDAR sensor . We are talking about an environmental scanner that maps the shooting area to offer even faster focusing and higher brightness. But which, according to Apple's plans, will serve in the future to create applications devoted to augmented reality. The best Apple smartphones are also equipped with a high-quality front camera, also from 12 Mp . Thanks to TrueDepht technology , it is able to better capture the depth of field and ensure absolute precision in facial recognition via Face ID. But it is also the many shooting modes offered by the software that bring out the subject in the best way in any scenario. Not to mention the many customization possibilities offered to the user through effects , backgrounds , emoji , animoji and memoji . Last but not least, the main camera of the top-of-the-range models is capable of recording HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps . But what makes the difference is also the optical image stabilization that offers exceptional performance. In addition, the latest generation of Cupertino pushes the editing bar high, guaranteeing professionals new extraordinary work tools.

Focus firmly on the sound

The multimedia side of smartphones is, by tradition, another of the prominent elements of the Cupertino company. In fact, Apple has understood that the only way to offer a complete user experience is to combine extraordinary images with an equally satisfying audio sector. To begin with, the latest generation of Apple smartphones are equipped with two speakers : one at the bottom, near the lightning input and the other at the top, inside the microphone capsule. Such a system is capable of offering stereo soundparticularly convincing when we rotate the phone horizontally, perhaps during a gaming session or watching a video. And although the speakers are extremely compact, the sound is always full-bodied and well equalized, also enriched by the low frequencies which, as a rule, appear flat (if not completely absent) in such small devices. Another audio upgrade is represented by the Dolby Atmos technology , launched on the iPhone 11 , capable of giving a three-dimensional and enveloping sound. But even more detailed is the listening with headphones that allows us to grasp all the nuances of the sound. In particular thanks to the AirPods , wireless earphones designed to measure for Apple cell phones . Connectable to the smartphone via Bluetooth, they give the listener an incredible spatial audio experience. Dynamic head position detection optimizes the surround channels even as we move. In addition, with the latest update, iOS is enriched with effective tools to customize the sound to our liking. And depending on the context of use.

Apple connectivity: the new frontier of wireless

The Wi-Fi of Apple smartphones ensures great stability and speed in browsing and file transfer. Especially since, with the latest generation of mobile phones, Apple also enters the world of 5G , the connectivity standard of the future. And although the networks are still immature at the moment, the Cupertino brand is preparing to compete with the other giants of the sector that have already launched models with support for this technology. Always at the top as regards the exchange of data in the cloud within the ecosystem Apple, iPhone have focused firmly on wireless connectivity , pushing hard on the potential of Bluetooth (in the Magazine of Trovaprezzi, iPhone 12: here are what accessories will be needed for the new Apple smartphone ). And it is no coincidence, in fact, that the Cupertino company attributes a key role to wireless in the future. It is a choice of field, a goal towards which to aim almost exclusively. The elimination of the 3.5mm headphone input, made a reality with the IPhone 7, was a fundamental step in that direction. The rest of the smartphone market has not yet adapted to this choice but experience tells us that often the innovations present on board the iPhone are pioneering. It's probably only a matter of time before there are only wireless earbuds around . Or maybe not. The fact remains that the best smartphones Apple are now equipped with a single entrance called lightning to be exploited for any type of physical connectivity. And with a view to a progressive elimination of cables, the introduction of wireless charging was also a fundamental step. In this regard, Apple 's iPhone 12 support MagSafe technology , a magnetic system to be exploited precisely for wireless charging of the smartphone, as well as for many other applications based on accessories of various kinds.

Autonomy and recharge

The autonomy of the iPhone has been a critical issue for several years. Most of the difficulties, however, were overcome with the 2017 mobile phones: iPhone 8 , 8 Plus and, above all, with the futuristic iPhone X. From here on, performance has progressively improved. Although for the iPhone 12 Apple has not yet revealed the capacity of the batteries, it is estimated that the performance is in line with the devices of the past generation, models that had marked an important leap forward in terms of autonomy. The iPhone 11, in fact, field 4 or 5 hours of battery more than the models of the previous year. But the most striking aspect is the autonomy in relation to the battery capacity. iPhone 11 , for example, features a 3100 mAh battery, which rise to 3190 with the iPhone 11 Pro , and then touch 3500 on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Measured in milliampere hours (mAh), in Apple smartphones, the capacity is lower than that of the top of the range of the competition. But through excellent software optimization, performance is competitive, allowing iPhones to rival the best Android smartphones. Another key aspect of the Cupertino smartphones is, then, the fast charging which offers the possibility of bringing the battery to 50% in just half an hour, provided you use a power supply of at least 20 W. And let's not talk about wireless charging , flagship novelty of the iconic iPhone X. Taking advantage of the principles of magnetic induction and the glass cover, this function allows us to recharge the phone only by placing it on a special dock. Called Qi chargers, these supports are now on sale at a price that is not prohibitive at all. Finally, to further improve the wireless charging on the new iPhone 12, is the MagSafe technology, originally launched on the MacBook and revived by Apple in 2020. The magnetic system on which the operation of the docks is based offers greater stability to the smartphone and a higher speed in charging.

Weight and size

Apple was the last major company in the industry to adapt to the trend of increasingly larger sizes for displays . Suffice it to say that among the 2017 mobile phones there are two models that are still very traditional in terms of design and measurements, namely iPhone 8 and 8 Plus . The larger version, for example, features a 5.5-inch panel that the Android universe would certainly not consider huge. The adaptation, therefore, begins with iPhone X , an Apple smartphone without the bulky frames that characterized the previous style. Eliminating them and introducing the notch(the bezel that encloses the front camera), a twofold objective has been achieved: reducing the size of the phone and expanding those of the screen. With the latest generation of Apple mobile phones , a further step has been taken in that direction. Compared to iPhone 11, for example, the ' last born iPhone 12 is visibly more compact and thin, while maintaing the diagonal of the display (in the Magazine of Trovaprezzi , iPhone iPhone 12 vs 11: the two compared smartphone). All with a significant impact on the weight that goes from 194 grams to 162. But also the other models recently launched, iPhone 12 Pro and the larger Pro Max variant, record record results. Although slightly more voluminous than the similar smartphones of the past year (except for the thickness), they mount panels with a decidedly higher diagonal, optimizing the front space to the maximum. In terms of weight, however, the values ​​remain practically identical. But the real novelty of 2020 is the iPhone 12 Mini, the most compact top of the range in Cupertino . Only 131.5 mm high, it boasts a width of 64.2 mm and a thickness of 7.4. And the extraordinary weight of 133 grams.

Design and materials

Unique and often copied, especially from Chinese smartphones , the design of iPhones, as well as that of iMacs and MacBooks , has always represented a point of reference for other companies. And this not only for the lines and shapes but also for certain technological intuitions that have influenced the aesthetic aspect of the phone. Among the most recent examples, we find the beloved and hated notch , the notch on the upper side of the display that circumscribes the front camera from iPhone X onwards. And with the latest generation of Apple phones, the design has undergone a substantial restyling, proposing a return to more squared shapes inspired by the popular iPhone 4. It is certain that the care with which Apple smartphonesare built has raised the average quality level of the entire category. The iPhones were the first to offer a metal body capable of making them more elegant to the touch and sight . For the iPhones of 2020 , the materials used are even two: aluminum on the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini; steel for the Pro and Pro Max variants. But to further strengthen the phone is the use of a newly developed glass for the display. Called the Ceramic Shield , it makes the screen four times stronger than previous generation models. And again, the best smartphones in Cupertino are also immune to dust and splashesaccording to the IP68 certification which protects them against involuntary immersion in water up to 6 meters deep for 30 minutes. Coming to the color variants , iPhone 12 and 12 Mini are available in captivating shades of black, white, red, green and blue. While iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max are sold in the more sober silver, graphite, gold and Pacific blue colors.