We ranked all the iPhone from the best to the worst

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iPhone SE, 12, 13, 14, plus, pro or pro max: which iPhone to choose in 2023 ?

With five new models released in 2022, choosing the best iPhone can be complicated. Do not panic, 01net is there to guide you in this choice. What is the best iPhone for early 2023 ? follow the leader.

Over the years, Apple has achieved a nice round, that few other smartphones manufacturers can boast of succeeding. This year, not only did the American giant introduce a border of new models – in this case, the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 pro and 14 pro Max – and also a new iPhone SE, but it keeps some of the strong models of previous years to serve as a middle and entry -level level.

It is in all eight iPhone models that Apple officially offers in its catalog, even if the year promises to be laborious in terms of production. However, two elements must be underlined. The first: despite the impression of change, Apple keeps its course towards excellence. The second is that he complicates our task a lot when advising you.

Sustainability: the guarantee of iOS

The first point is, that with the arrival of iOS 16, Apple has done some cleaning. Thus, the iPhone 6S, released in 2015 and which benefited from the update at iOS 15, in 2021, ended its adventure this year. It is not compatible with iOS 16. He is therefore no longer entitled to the big annual updates, but only to security patches.

However, this change should not obscure the essential: Apple is the king of software monitoring in the long term. The iPhone 8, which are the oldest iPhone compatible with iOS 16 now, were launched in 2017 ! The choice of iPhone 8 (and 8 plus, and x) is not trivial. You have to turn to the side of the on -board chip to find a technical explanation. The A11 Bionic is the first Apple chip to carry a neural processor to help calculations related to tasks based on the machine learning. However, these artificial intelligence functions are more and more present in iOS, and especially in this year version.

The guarantee of being entitled to major updates for about six years may seem a detail, but that is not. From the point of view of safety, sustainability and maintaining the value of an iPhone when you are looking to resell it, it’s essential. Remember that Android competition applauded (and rightly) when it reaches the four years of software follow -up.

Recall that this software follow -up, Apple now adds efforts to weigh its raw materials, to compensate for its ecological impact, to recycle its products and especially to facilitate (and this is where there is the most work to do again) repairing its devices. You will then have some reasons to think that buying an iPhone is an investment in the “long term”. As such, do not forget that the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, identical in appearance to iPhone 13, benefit from a new internal architecture that makes repair much easier.

Prices that weigh more and more heavily

Now let’s move on to the second element that complicates our advice task. IPhone have always been considered “Premium”, with a finish, materials, and most of the time components that justify this positioning. However, this year, Apple seems to have dropped a little at the price level of the five iPhone he put on the market.

Thus, the iPhone SE sold from 559 euros, against 489 euros for the previous generation – we will tell you below what we think of this smartphone. In addition to the iPhone SE 2022, there is from 809 euros for the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 13 Mini. Count 909 euros for the iPhone 13, and that’s it for devices sold at less than 1,000 euros.

The iPhone 14 (from 1,019 euros), the iPhone 14 Plus (from 1,169 euros), and the 14 pro models (1,329 euros) and Pro Max (1,479 euros) all crossed this Cap. The fault of inflation, the shortage of components, a strong dollar, and obviously, a desire of Apple to spare its margins and two markets of important markets. Indeed, the United States has been spared by price increases, Apple chooses its domestic market which it archs, and does not want to run the risk of being jostled there. China, the third market for the Cupertino giant after Europe, was also spared … for obvious reasons of commercial conquest.

In short, this year, buying new and latest generation iPhone is always accompanied by the guarantee of a good lifespan of your device, but will ask for a larger financial effort than usual. Far the time when we crumbled when we saw an iPhone exceed the 1,000 euros ceiling in its highest configuration. It is now with the 2,000 euros mark that the 14 pro (1,979 euros for 1 TB) flirts, while the pro Max explodes this ceiling, at 2,129 euros for 1 to 1 to. Certainly such a capacity is to be reserved for those who will use it almost professionally, nevertheless the price is there and hurts both the portfolio and the morale.

Last points…

• All oled. You may have noticed, except for the iPhone SE, which wears old design, the LCD tiles have disappeared from Apple’s main offer. The iPhone 11 retired, which means that from the iPhone 12 to 14 pro max, all iPhone have OLED tiles. It’s a real comfort.
• Recent and powerful SoCs. When you are interested in the power of the SOCs, one thing is certain, all the iPhone sold have enough resources to allow you to play and use many applications without slowdowns. The oldest chip is the A14 Bionic, launched in 2020. It is found in the iPhone 12. The iPhone SE, any entry -level it is, is entitled to the A15 Bionic introduced in 2021. Difficult to ask more, since it is found in the iPhone 14 and 14 plus in a slightly more muscular version. In addition, in recent years, the difference between the Apple SoC has been done mainly in the graphic part and the rise of the Neural Engine – for the machine learning, once again.

• Top floor autonomy. Another important point, all the iPhone (except for SE) ensure an autonomy that exceeds 3 p.m. However, empirically, it is the threshold in our versatile autonomy test which generally allows us to know that a smartphone will quietly hold a long day, or more. We are talking about of course normally intensive use – in other words not if you use GPS permanently or play constantly.
• 5g for all. All iPhone in the 2022 range are compatible with 5G (and 4G, of course). You can use an ESIM card as well as a nanosim card.
• The same design and connector. With the exception once again the SE, all the iPhone offers more or less the same design, inspired by that of the iPhone 4, with a vertical metal or steel (aluminum or steel), which holds well in hand. Likewise, for the moment, all the devices sold are using a Lightning connector. Apple should switch to USB-C next year, if everything is going well. In the meantime, this allows you to reuse your old chargers, if they are powerful enough.

iPhone SE 2022, without conviction ..

From 559 euros

Updated last March, the third generation iPhone SE is a good iPhone, with a good SOC, a 5G compatibility, an almost perfect finish and all the potential of iOS 16 in the hollow of your hand. But is it sufficient ? No. And especially not at this price.

With its more than aging design, its tiny screen and its front facade gnawed by large borders, it feels like Apple tries to refourguer the very old by changing the minimum. It is time for this design to disappear, that the slab becomes edge to edge and possibly adopts the OLED.

Especially since in the back, there is always only a photo module, yes, in 2022, and for this price. It’s just incredible.

Especially since at 559 euros, you are entitled to the 64 GB model, which means that to be quiet in the long term, you will have to pay 629 euros for the model equipped with 128 GB. So yes, the iPhone is compact and the most affordable of iPhone, but turn rather to iPhone 12 or 12 mini reconditioned, if it is compactness you are looking for. It will offer better autonomy and a much better quality/price ratio, which is worth it.

• Finishing
• Compactness
• 5G and A15 Bionic

• The designer far too dated
• The clumlet/screen cutting ratio
• The outdated photo part
• 64 GB, really ?

For who ? For tight budgets, which are not afraid of having the impression of being a bit of the stuffing turkey, and those who want to take advantage of all the iOS experience, with Touch ID identification, without breaking the bank despite All. Despite all the reconditioned before you start.

iPhone SE 128 GB 2022 at the best price basic price: € 579

iPhone 12, large and “affordable”

From 809 euros

Available between three storage capacities, and will once again recommend that there is to ignore the 64 GB model, and add 50 euros for the 128 GB model, the iPhone 12 is still a very good choice.

Its 6.1 inch oled slab gives it beautiful display comfort while not being too large for medium -sized hands or small. It’s always an excellent compromise in this sense. 5G compatible, always, motorized by the efficient A14 Bionic, the iPhone 12 has something to ensure comfortable use, regardless of your uses.

The only area in which this iPhone marks the step is the photo. It only offers two cameras modules, which limits the possibilities and power of optical zoom offered, always. He also does not support the Smart HDR 3, nor the portraits in night mode. Likewise, it is not compatible with photographic styles, which allow you to personalize on the fly or good time for all the settings of the shots you make.

Finally, remains the question of autonomy. Without being a war lightning, it holds more than 17 hours in our versatile autonomy test and should therefore last at least a day away from a catch.

This year again, in view of the prices of the generation of iPhone 14, it embodies the large -format iPhone still affordable.

• The size/screen surface ratio
• Ergonomics
• The performance of the A14 Bionic
• Its autonomy

We ranked all the iPhone from the best to the worst

16 generations of iPhone, 3 special editions, 38 models in total … The history of the iPhone is rich. Some models have marked their time, others were quickly forgotten. This ranking returns to the history of the iPhone, subjectively.

Tuesday, September 12, Apple will unveil the iPhone 15. A deceptive name, since it is not the 15th generation of iPhone, but the 17th (the “S” models have created offsets). In total, since 2007 and the very first iPhone, Apple has marketed 38 different iPhone models. All the owners of the Apple smartphone necessarily have their darling, as evidenced by the hundreds of answers that we have received on X.

What is the iPhone that most marked its time ? Who is the most disappointed ? In this ranking, Numerama returns to the history of the iPhone, in a subjective order that does not take itself too seriously. Some models are unanimous, others divide. If you are looking for a recent model, we also have a comparison of today’s iPhone, to know which one to choose.

The best iPhone ranking

1. iPhone 5S (2013)

The iPhone 5S is unanimous. This is the first iPhone with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, the first iPhone with 4G in all French operators and undeniably the best smartphone of its time. The iPhone 5S remained for years the reference to be beaten, by its versatility and its quality of design. It is also the last of the small iPhone (4 inch), before Apple decides to see bigger. The Mbappé of iPhone.

2. iPhone X (2017)

3. iPhone 4 (2010)

The iPhone 4 was the first iPhone with a new design. Glass on the back, flat borders … He also brought the first Apple chip (the A4) and the first Retina screen, with its invisible pixels, which changed the industry. We also remember it for its many controversies, such as antennagate (with the shell offered by Apple) or the forgotten prototype in a bar, which had annoyed the brand a lot … An anthology smartphone.

4. iPhone 4S (2011)

Less ambitious than the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S nevertheless remained in the memories. Faster, better in photo and, above all, first apple device to embark the vocal assistant Siri … without doing too much, the iPhone 4S has become a smartphone difficult to forget.

5. iPhone (2007)

Forever the first. How to forget the one without whom it all started ? So certainly, the first iPhone may seem ridiculous today (no app store, no wallpaper, no copy and paste, no MMS, no 3G …), but its two-tone design is still recognizable 16 years later. This is a product that caused a societal revolution, even David Pujadas spoke about it.

6. iPhone SE (2016)

Apple’s first “affordable” iPhone. At 489 euros, the iPhone has resumed the design of the iPhone 5S, with an iPhone 6S chip. A good compromise, which allowed lovers of small Apple smartphones not to have to opt for large models too fast. The future became larger and therefore lost part of their audience.

7. iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini (2020 and 2021)

After years with large smartphones, Apple tried to bring back small formats in 2020, with the iPhone 12 Mini. After two generations who have not seen the sales off, Apple finally gave it up. Part of its customers continue to swear by the 13 mini today, with the ball in the stomach as soon as it thinks of replacing it with a larger model.

8. iPhone 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max (2019)

After several years without major advances, Apple has made a good forward with the iPhone 11 Pro, which has made clear photos in photo. It is also the latest iPhone with a rounded design, before the flat borders return. It is especially for its autonomy that we remember the iPhone 11 Pro, since he broke records by becoming the most enduring smartphone on the market. The end of a 12 -year -long ordeal for Apple fans, who were finally able to live without an external battery.

9. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus (2014)

In early 2014, Apple was the only market manufacturer to offer only small phones. The iPhone 6 changed this, with two different sizes (4.7 and 5.5 inches, which was immense at the time). Only defect: it is better not to sit on it, it folds.

10. iPhone 12 (2020)

An iPhone with the right value for money with an OLED screen, from 5G (a first at Apple !) and a new design in line with that of the iPhone 5. Difficult not to like the 12. The “affordable” iPhone that reconciled us with the “affordable” iPhone.

11. iPhone 12 pro, 13 pro and 14 pro (2020, 2021 and 2022)

Three for the price of a. In continuity of the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple has improved its pro range with ever more enduring products, even better in photos, with crazy screens and fire power. Three golden generations, available in two sizes (Pro Max model), with the Dynamic Island for good surprise, which appeared with the iPhone 14 Pro. Really complete devices.

12. iPhone 5 (2012)

The iPhone 5 is the first iPhone with a slightly larger screen (4 inches instead of 3.5). If the iPhone 5S stole his place in our hearts, since it was more powerful and with a Touch ID sensor, the iPhone 5 brought a fresh air stroke. It is also the first iPhone with a Lightning port to, probably, the iPhone 15. Only defect: its black color that was going far too fast.

13. iPhone 13 (2021)

In 13, the iPhone 13. Without doubt one of the most complete general public iPhone, with too little differences with the 13 pro so that we can not recommend it. Even his successor, the iPhone 14, has not done better. A sure value !

14. iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (2015)

For a reason that exceeds us, the iPhone 6S divides. Some make it their favorite iPhone (this is an improved iPhone 6, at the same time), others see it as a useless generation, with a decrease. A good mid -table iPhone.

15. iPhone SE (2020)

An iPhone 8 with the chip of an iPhone 11, a second successful iteration of the formula imagined in 2016. A little expensive in the face of Android competition, but a convincing product for lovers of the Home button.

16. iPhone 3GS (2008)

The third iPhone brought lots of interesting things. Much faster than the two previous models, with a camera capable of filming and, above all, first iPhone with multitasking (thanks to the iOS 4 update), 3GS was an interesting evolution. But the iPhone 4 quickly made it cheesy.

17. iPhone XR (2018)

The iPhone XR is a product that divides. Some loved it for its colors, others hated it because of its LCD screen and its big borders. It was still an affordable iPhone for the time, with the design of the iPhone X in a little more cheap, so we cannot like it.

18. iPhone 11 (2019)

The iPhone 11 is an improved iPhone XR. It is a little better, but keeps the same faults. Bof.

19. iPhone xs and xs max (2018)

Like the iPhone X, the iPhone XS was perfectible. But unlike him, he was not revolutionary. An iPhone that we quickly forgot, even if the XS Max model was hot thanks to its good autonomy.

20. iPhone 7 (2016)

The iPhone 7 was a very good smartphone, but it was felt that Apple was starting to slow down before the iPhone X the next year. He owes his bad place in this ranking to his black declination of jet, which was so quickly striped that we dared not touch him. As fragile as Neymar.

21. iPhone 3G (2008)

Instant Confession: The iPhone 3G is the first iPhone of the author of this article. Difficult therefore to be too mean to him, even if it must be recognized that his plastic design and his weak new features compared to the first iPhone did not make history. 3G is his only real big novelty.

22. iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (2017)

Iphones born old -fashioned, in the shadow of the X announced on the same day. The iPhone 8 are not bad iPhone, but they didn’t make anyone want to the new Apple monster.

23. iPhone 14 and 14 Plus (2022)

Latest iPhone to date, the iPhone 14 did not differentiate themselves from the iPhone 13 (even their chip has not changed). The 14 Plus also missed its target, because of its very high price. A somewhat useless generation that we can’t wait to see replaced.

24. iPhone SE (2022)

The iPhone SE of 2022 makes fun of the world. Unlike the 2020 model, he has not changed his design. His only novelty is his more powerful chip, with 5G compatibility. The rest is identical … more expensive. Difficult to recommend a product with an obsolete design of 8 years. Strongly the 4th generation SE.

25. iPhone 5C (2011)

With its iPhone 5C, Apple thought he could attack the mid -range sector. Colorful and plastic, with an official shell with holes (what a bad idea), the iPhone 5C was a commercial success, but has never conquered Apple fans. He never had a successor and the public forgot him.

What place will the iPhone 15 occupy in this ranking ? Will the best smartphones today be able to compete with the new Apple phones ? Answer in a few weeks, when we have tested them.

The future of Numerama is coming soon ! But before that, we need you. You have 3 minutes ? Answer our investigation

What is the best iPhone to choose in 2023 ?

Purchase guide The range of Apple smartphones continues to evolve. The best iPhone in 2023 is the most powerful or the most economical ? Do you have to choose an iPhone 14 Pro Max or prefer an entry-level iPhone SE ? Discover the whole range in detail

20 minutes Buyer Guide
Posted on 02/09/23 at 11:23 am

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The 20 -minute writing did not participate in the realization of this article.

Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily life. If you are looking for a new iPhone, you have a wide choice available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To help you make the right choice, discover all the models in this buying guide to help you choose the best iPhone in 2023.

Selection of the best iPhone in 2023

• Apple iPhone 14: the new generation of iPhone
• Apple iPhone 14 Plus: a larger slab for more comfort
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro: efficient in all areas
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: A powerful and impressive smartphone
• Apple iPhone 13 Mini: compact and refined
• Apple iPhone 13: the right student
• Apple iPhone SE: the reasonable choice

Apple iPhone 14: the new generation of iPhone

Apple’s iPhone 14 is a high quality smartphone. With a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR screen, you can enjoy an incredible display quality, with rich colors and clear images. The iPhone 14 camera system includes a 12 megapixel main camera with a night mode, a portrait mode and a 4K video mode. Portrait mode uses advanced image processing technology to offer a professional background blur.

Most :

• A15 Bionic processor;
• Night photo mode quality.

The lessers :

• His price ;
• Limited progress in the face of the previous generation.

Apple iPhone 14 Plus: a larger slab for more comfort

The 14 Plus Apple is a high -end smartphone. With a 6.7 -inch Super Retina XDR screen, you can enjoy an incredible display quality, with rich colors and clear images. Its A15 Bionic processor is efficient. The long -lasting battery of the iPhone 14 Plus allows you prolonged use.

Most :

• Several memory capacities available;
• Sound quality.

The lessers :

• Its price in version 512 GB.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro: efficient in all areas

Designed for the most demanding consumers, the iPhone 14 Pro is a superior quality device. With an elegant stainless steel design and a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR screen, it is both aesthetic and powerful. Its 12 megapixel main camera has a night mode, a portrait mode and video in 4K. It is ideal for those looking for a smartphone with professional video quality. It allows you to make short films with its functions of idle and acceleration. Its only defect remains its price, in particular with a large memory capacity.

Most :

• Quality of its photo-video sensor;
• Processor processing power.

The lessers :

• Available with 1 TB of memory, but at a very high price.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: A powerful and impressive smartphone

Apple’s high -end smartphone offers a refined design. He receives a 6.7 -inch Super Retina XDR screen for an immersive visual experience. The power of its processor ensures fluid performance. Its internal memory can be configured from 128 GB to 1 to. The latter is more than enough to store all your photos, videos and applications. The photo part includes a 12-megapixel main sensor and a large-angle camera to capture detailed photos and wide landscapes. Between its qualitative finish, its power and its advanced camera, it is an ideal choice for the most demanding users.

Most :

• Large Super Retina XDR screen;
• Professional video quality.

The lessers :

• No memory card reader to extend memory;
• Price that can exceed the € 2,000 mark.

Apple iPhone 13 Mini: compact and refined

The iPhone 13 Mini is intended for users seeking a high -end compact smartphone. Its 5.4 -inch Super Retina XDR screen offers high display quality, while its A15 Bionic processor guarantees excellent daily performance. The 12 megapixel main camera, jointly with the high-angle camera, allows you to capture superior quality photos, with net details and vibrant colors.

Most :

• He has everything big except the size;
• Efficient in all areas.

The lessers :

• It remains expensive for an old generation model.

Apple iPhone 13: the right student

Between its price and its technical sheet, the iPhone 13 is an excellent compromise. It is a high -end smartphone. Its 6.1 -inch Super Retina XDR screen offers high display quality, while its A15 Bionic processor is very fast. By opting for an internal storage of 256 GB, you have enough space to store photos, videos, music. You will not have to worry about missing space. It offers a good quality photo and video. Its high-angle mode is practical and the quality of the photos in night mode is remarkable.

Most :

• The right compromise;
• Sound quality.

The lessers :

• Old generation.

Apple iPhone SE: the reasonable choice

Apple’s entry-level offers excellent value for money for users looking for a powerful smartphone at an affordable price. Its 4.7 -inch LCD screen offers decent display quality, while its A14 Bionic processor provides more than honorable performance. The internal storage of 64 or 128 GB allows you not to worry about the available space.

Most :

• Little price ;
• Quality photo sensor.

The lessers :

• Always a screen of only 4.7 “in 2023.

How to choose your iPhone in 2023 ?

If you are looking for a new smartphone in 2023 and you have decided to buy an iPhone, you have made the right choice. However, with a range of different models available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

Memory capacity is an important aspect to take into account. If you take a lot of photos and videos, or if you download many applications, you will need higher memory capacity. Make sure to check the internal memory size before making your choice. The iPhone cannot see its extensive capacity by a memory card.

Photo and video quality is another important factor. The iPhone 14 have superior quality cameras with features such as image stabilization, night mode and 4K shooting. If the quality of the photo is important for you, be sure to check the specifications of the camera before making your choice.

Price can be a determining factor for some people. The latest iPhone models can be expensive, but it is important to remember that you get what you pay. If you opt for an older model, like the iPhone 13 Mini, you may save money, but you will lose some of the most recent features.

Why choose an iPhone instead of an Android smartphone ?

The iPhone is one of the most popular smartphones on the market, and there are many reasons why it may be better to buy an iPhone rather than another smartphone. First of all, the iPhone has a superior construction quality. The Apple brand enjoys a well -established reputation for the design and construction of high quality products, and the iPhone is no exception. The materials used are robust and durable, which guarantees a long service life for the phone.

In addition, Apple smartphone is compatible with the iOS operating system, which is known for its ease of use and stability. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it an ideal choice for people looking for a smartphone without complications. The iOS operating system is also very secure, which protects personal data and user financial information.

The iPhone is an ideal choice for people looking for a superior quality smartphone offering a fluid user experience, increased safety and a variety of useful features. If you are looking for a reliable and versatile smartphone, the iPhone is a great choice. However, the prices charged by Apple remain a little high in the face of competition.