Each year, Apple dazzles customers with an exciting new lineup of phones. Right in time for the holidays, it’s now officially upgraded season. Whether you’re looking for a sweet deal on last year’s iPhone or want the latest and greatest in Apple tech, we’ve got some amazing options for you. So check out this guide on iPhone difference so you can find the best model for you.
iPhone Differences: Before We Begin
With the release of iOS 13, Apple has not officially discontinued support for the iPhone 6. And since most people are looking to upgrade to current phones, we’re going to focus on iPhone differences between newer phones released from 2017 and later. You’ll have plenty of great options to choose from that fit any budget. Do note that although some phones have been discontinued including the iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, iPhone X, and iPhone XS, they are still supported and should be for the foreseeable future. Let’s dive in with a short description of each phone:
2017 iPhone Releases
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
Key Features:
- A11 Bionic Processor
- Wireless charging
- 4.7 and 5.5-inch display
- 64, 128, and 256 GB Storage
- 12 Megapixel Camera
- IP67 Water Resistant Rating
- TouchID
If you’re looking for a classic iPhone, then the iPhone 8 is the perfect choice for you. Released simultaneously with the iPhone X, the iPhone 8 packs so much into a sleek, form-fitting design. It’s highly affordable and still continues to be supported (as of the 2019 model year)
The iPhone also features a glass body which enables wireless charging along with upgraded processors (A11 chip), cameras, and display.
Why Would You Buy an iPhone 8?
The iPhone 8 may not feature the edge-to-edge design introduced with the iPhone X. It also doesn’t feature the TrueDepth camera system required for FaceID. However, the iPhone 8 still takes great photos and 4K video. Its processor is also super fast which will make it a great phone for years to come.
It’s also water-resistant up to a meter and does support LTE advanced allowing for super-fast data speeds of up to 600Mb per second. It’s also much more durable compared to previous generations and the iPhone 8 Plus even features dual-cameras which allows for phenomenal photos. Finally, the iPhone 8 still features TouchID for those who prefer fingerprint identification.
If you don’t mind missing out on Apple’s latest features or prefer a more classic look, the iPhone 8 is a solid reliable phone that starts at a great price point.
iPhone X
Key features:
- 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display.
- A11 Bionic chip with Neural Engine.
- 3D-sensing TrueDepth front camera.
- Dual rear 12-megapixel cameras with TrueTone flash.
- Face ID
- Bezel-LEss Design
- The glass back, stainless steel band.
- The IP67 water and dust resistance
- Wireless charging.
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the iPhone, Apple introduced the iPhone X (pronounced “iPhone 10”) as an addition to the iPhone 8 and 8 plus release. Although discontinued in 2018 with the release of the iPhone XR and iPhone XS, Apple still supports the device and will continue to for the foreseeable future.
The design goal of the iPhone X was to create an all-display iPhone. The device features a 5.8-inch front display (compared to 4.7 inches on the iPhone 8, and 5.5 inches on the iPhone 8 Plus). The device comes in a durable glass body available in space gray and silver. It also features a dual-lens camera for great wide-angle shots.
The iPhone X also marks the beginning of a wide range of premium Apple features. The first is an OLED display. Compared to LCD, OLED features truer colours and strong contrast ratios. Put simply, LCD is fine but OLED is amazing. The iPhone X also was the debut of FaceID. Replacing TouchID, FaceID creates a 3D map of your face to use for purchases, downloads, and other security features. Finally, the iPhone X features a bezel-less design. This means Apple was able to pack a larger screen in the same space.
Why Would You Buy an iPhone X?
At its core, the iPhone X is still powered by the same chip as the iPhone 8. It’s also has a more expensive starting point and is now only available through authorized resellers and not directly from Apple. So why you get this fun? Think about things like the iPhone X was Apple’s flagship phone in 2017. It’s packed with many more features than the iPhone and will continue looking contemporary for a few more years. It also is the last device to support Apple’s popular 3D touch which Apple replaced with haptic touch in 2018. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a premium phone without paying a premium price, it’s a great option for you.
2018 iPhone Releases
iPhone XR
Key features:
- Edge-to-edge 6.1 inch display
- Face ID
- Glass body with aluminum frame
- Upgraded 12-megapixel camera
- A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 64, 256, 512 GB storage
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Wireless charging
- Six color option
The iPhone XR has been hailed by many critics as the best iPhone release in years. It walks the line between offering Apple’s higher-end features at a more affordable price point. In fact, Apple still sells it directly on their website and in stores because it’s such a popular phone. Now that it is one generation old, it’s offered as another great alternative to newer models.
In 2018, Apple released the phone with a $749 price tag with the goal of reaching as many customers as possible with the latest features. Overall, the iPhone XR has many great features sharing many with the premium iPhone XS option although some areas do have compromised. The phone now starts at $599 at the Apple store with great deals on refurbished projects available online at major retailers. The iPhone XR is power by the A12 Bionic Chip which is 15% faster and 50% more efficient compared to the A11.
Although the iPhone XR only features a single-lens camera, software enhancements make it a solid rival to its dual-camera counterparts. Although it does not feature an OLED display, it features a revamped “Liquid Retina” display with an amazing array of colours. FInally of the 2018 models, the iPhone XR has the longest battery life with up to 15 hours of video time and 16 hours of internet usage. Finally, it features dual-sim support with a physical sim and e-sim compatibility.
Why Would You Buy an iPhone XR?
Apple wants to cover all budgets to attract more iPhone users. The iPhone XR was hands down the best value iPhone of 2018. It’s still an incredible phone that will be supported by Apple for a number of years. While it doesn’t have all the latest features of the comparable new iteration (the iPhone 11), it’s overall a great phone that starts at an even lower price point. For people looking to upgrade who are on a tighter budget, the iPhone XR is a great option. Finally, although many people have praised the dual and triple-camera functionality of the latest release, the design choice has galvanized many people who prefer the look of the 2018 releases.
iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
- 5.8 and 6.5-inch screen sizes
- Silver, space grey, gold colours available
- 64, 256, 512 GB storage
- Faster Face ID and edge-to-edge display
- A12 Bionic chip with the neural engine
- Water and dust resistant (IP67 Rating)
- Faster Gigabit LTE
Apple’s 2018 flagship phones caused a lot of debate when it was released. The highest configuration iPhone XS Max topped out at $1,449 prompting the question “who needs a $1500 smartphone?” Apple has officially discontinued the phone replacing it with the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro models, but many retailers now offer it at a significant price reduction.
The iPhone XS shares a similar design to the iPhone X but with significant improvement. In fact, the iPhone XS Max features a 6.5-inch display, the largest of any iPhone. Moreover, Apple claims the device has the most durable glass out of any phone. The iPhone XS also features an even more robust water resistance with an iP68 rating.
Several premium enhancements distinguish the iPhone XSD from either the iPhone X or iPhone XR. The first is the “Super Retina” OLED display with support for Dolby Vision, and a huge range of incredible colors and contrast. The dual camera features a 2X optical zoom along with 5X digital zoom. Optical zoom makes photos look clearer from farther distances. Another feature is Gigabit LTE, the fastest data connection possible until the upcoming release of 5G.
Why Would You Buy an iPhone XS or XS Max?
There are many major iPhone differences between the iPhone XS and XS Max. Since the phone has now been discontinued, you can get Apple’s premier 2018 phone at steep discounts. This phone will be useful for years to come. You can upgrade it to hold a whopping 512 gigabytes, use its amazing processors and cameras, and other great features like Haptic Touch and more. It also has the look and feel of premium Apple design which will stay contemporary for years.
2019 iPhone Releases
iPhone 11
Key Features:
- 6.1-inch LCD.
- A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 1792×828 display w/ 326ppi.
- Dual 12-megapixel cameras (wide and ultra-wide)
- Optical Image Stabilization.
- Aluminum frame.
- Water and dust resistant improvements (IP68 rating)
- Six colors.
- Glass body.
- 1 hour longer battery than XR.
- 64, 128, 256 GB storage
- $699 Starting price
In September, Apple unveiled its newest offering, the iPhone 11 with a host of powerful new features and updates. The iPhone 11 isn’t the most groundbreaking phone on the market especially as most rumors suggest 2020 will mark some truly incredible updates such as 5G compatibility and more. However, the iPhone price tag dropped fifty dollars to $699 and is the perfect iPhone for most people.
The phone features a rich 6.1 inch LCD dubber “Liquid Retina HD Display” with a massive amount of colors, brightness, Truetone support and more. It comes in an even stronger glass body in white, black, yellow, red, purple, and green. From the front, the iPhone 11 doesn’t look much different from the iPhone XR.
However, flipping the phone around will reveal the greatest advancement of the generation—the new dual, wide-angle camera which features a 120-degree depth of field. It also features a portrait mode that works not only people but also objects, pets, buildings and more. The camera has a 2X optical zoom and 5X digital and smart HDR which uses machine-learning to capture fantastic images with pixel-by-pixel photo processing. It’s a huge bump up from the iPhone XR camera.
Both the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro are powered by the A13 Bionic chip and a third-generation neural engine. Apple claims it’s the fastest smartphone chip ever when 20% better performance compared to the A12. Although it’s not 5G compatible, it does feature Gigabit-class LTE, Wifi-^ support, Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-sim capabilities. It also uses a U1 Ultra Wideband Chip for better spatial awareness.
Why Would You Buy an iPhone 11?
With the release of iOS 13, anybody with an iPhone 6 has now been shut out off the update cycle. This not only means a lack of app grades but potential security and support flaws. Many people are excited about the 2020 updates, but if your phone is falling apart, the iPhone 11 is a good choice. Another thing to consider is that it will take at least a couple of years before a proper 5G rollout occurs across the country and there may be issues with first-gen 5G phones. So don’t hold out if you need an update. Moreover, this phone will hold its value well so you can resell should you want to upgrade to Apple’s latest and greatest.
The bottom line is if you have any of the other phones on this list from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone XS, you might want to hold onto your current phone. For anything older, the iPhone 11 is a fantastic upgrade option.
iPhone 11 Pro
Key Features:
- Triple-lens cameras w/ new ultra-wide-angle lens
- More durable, water-resistant body (IP68 Rating)
- Matte finish and new dark green color
- Night Mode for better low-light images
- Haptic Touch instead of 3D Touch
- 64, 256, 512 GB storage
- Ultra-Wideband support
- A13 Bionic chip with a neural engine
- Faster WiFi and LTE
Many people have welcome Apple’s re-entrance into logical names for its phone. Following in the line of other products like the iPad and the MacBook which feature entry and pro-level series, the iPhone 11 Pro, takes the latest Apple developments to the next level. The Pro is for people who want the best phone on the market. And the iPhone 11 Pro is sure packed with a huge range of features.
Those interested in the iPhone 11 Pro are likely to be less budget-conscious. They want the top phone for either professional or personal reasons. Available in two sizes, 5.8 and 6.5 inches with a Super Retina XDR Oled Display, these phones are just packed with incredible developments.
Several things set the iPhone 11 Pro apart from the iPhone 11. You have to begin with the triple camera lens with 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle, wide-angle, and telephoto cameras. Compared to last year’s iPhone XS, the telephoto lens can capture 40% more light. Moreover, it supports both 2X optical zoom in and zooms out and digital zoom up to 10x. It also features dual optical image stabilization for both the wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
The phone is available in textured matte finishes that make even the new iPhone 11 looks not so hot by comparison in gold, space grey, silver, and the new Apple color of midnight green. It comes standard with an 18W USB-C adapter for fast charging—up to 50% in 30 minutes (sold separately for the iPhone 11). Storage also tops out at a whopping 512 GB. Finally, it offers significant batter enhancements lasting over 4 hours longer compared to the iPhone XS. Overall for an iterative update, it packs a serious punch.
Why Would You Buy an iPhone 11 Pro?
Many of the same arguments can be made for the iPhone 11 Pro as the iPhone 11. For high-end customers who are for an upgrade such as those with an iPhone 7 Plus who doesn’t want to hold out any longer, it’s a fantastic option. Likewise, it’s a phenomenal phone with a huge range of features that will keep it competitive for years to come. Finally, for those who are seriously committed to iPhone photography, it’s the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
iPhone Differences Made Simple
There are so many amazing iPhones to choose from. Now you have the essential on all of them. But maybe you’re still confused. When it comes to iPhones nowadays, you have a little bit of choice overload. You can choose from the newest options and take advantage of Apple or carrier financing to get even the most expensive offerings at a reasonable monthly price. Or you can find some sweet discounts on some of the discontinued phones that still fantastic options Apple will support for the next few years. So how do you decide?
One thing is for sure, each year Apple will release another round of amazing phones with incredible features. So you can’t let this overly influence your decision. Instead, see which phones fit into your budget and go from there. Begin by checking how much money you can get for your old phone. From here, you can use this money to deduct from the cost of a new phone.
So Which Do I Choose Already?
- For budget-sensitive customers, your best bet is the iPhone 8. It’s a solid iPhone that will work for several years. It’s also a great option if you are waiting for the 2020 iPhone but need something in the meantime.
- For those looking for a solid upgrade after holding onto an iPhone 5, iPhone 6, or iPhone SE, you can’t go wrong with either the iPhone XR or iPhone 11. The iPhone 11 starts only $100 more than the XR and includes some incredible enhancements so it may be a better option for you.
- Finally, for iPhone customers who are less budget-sensitive, you can’t beat the new iPhone 11 Pro. It’s an incredible device packing groundbreaking features.
Whatever you decide, Buyback Boss makes it easy to sell your used iPhone. And when you head on over to our blog, you can learn even more iPhone essentials such as how to upgrade your iPhone, what to do before you sell your phone, and everything else you need for an incredible experience. Head on over there now!
