Which iPhone Series is Worth Buying in 2021?

Apple has recently dropped their newest addition to their lineup which is the iPhone 12 which is the company’s biggest and fastest model to date. It comes with four different options with the iPhone 12 mini being the smallest and the Pro Max being the biggest and most expensive of the lot. The budget-friendly iPhone SE 2020 is still up in the market which is the tech company’s offer for those who are looking for mid-range smartphones.

Which iPhone series should you get in 2021? (photo credit: cnet.com)

On a good note, Apple has made sure that their previous models will support upgrades to their iOS for a few years which means that investing on one right now is a smart choice. But which one should you get? If the newest iPhone 12 is out of reach at the moment, there are other options that come in various sizes, styles, and prices that you can check out.

Best iPhone Series for 2021

Apple products are among the best in the market, true, but they don’t come cheap. As a matter of fact, their iPhone 12 Pro Max is currently priced at £999 minus its accessories. The charger and earbuds will cost you extra so this is something that turns off many of their customers. But should you forego buying a mobile phone from Apple? Not if you look for a refurbished iPhone.

Aside from the Apple iPhone 12 models (which are worth their price), you might be wondering which iPhone is best value for money? Here are the next best models that you can get in new or refurbished condition.

• iPhone 11.
  The iPhone 11 model was the fan favorite among Apple’s collection of iPhones before the release of the iPhone 12. Although it wasn’t the best in the lot, it gave its users good value for their money. In terms of performance, it is better than the XR. It is also missing the telephoto lens but it doesn’t seem to be much of a problem since the combination of the ultra-wide and main lenses worked fairly well.
  Yes, this model retains the LCD display but it makes up for it by having the best battery life which, for many, is a good deal already. It has a higher RAM capacity too which is at 4GB. It also sports the latest iOS 14 and with the software upgradeable in the future, you can expect it to last you for several years.
• iPhone SE 2020
  

  

  The iPhone SE remains a budget-friendly option today. (photo credit: forbes.com)

  A lot of Apple fans were surprised and delighted when the tech giant announced that they will be launching an iPhone in the mid-range category. The Special Edition iPhone has a similar design with the iPhone 8 model but it sports a faster A13 Bionic chipset which means performance wise, this is one fast phone.
  It also comes with a TouchID feature which is a welcome feature as it has been missing out on other models. Fortunately, the camera lenses take good photos though they aren’t exactly great especially when compared with other models. For its price, you will take clear and sharp images which are worth it.
  
• iPhone 11 Pro
  Which iPhone is best for me? Well, the iPhone 11 Pro may have the better features compared to the base model of this series, but the price is always a point of contention for many. In these times, not everyone is willing to pay a steep price for a smartphone even if it is from the brand Apple. On a good note, there is a cheaper way to purchase one and that is to get a refurbished iPhone 11 Pro which you will not have any trouble finding online.
  What makes the 11 Pro a worthy investment, you ask? For starters, the size of the display is smaller which means that it is easier to use this device with just one hand. The quality of the screen is cut above the rest, plus the triple camera lens at the rear let you be more creative with your shots and videos. Fortunately, the retail price of the 11 Pro has gone down recently, which makes it more affordable for many.
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
  

  

  The iPhone 11 Pro Max is a cheaper alternative to iPhone 12 Pro Max. (photo credit: apple.com)

  If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the 12 Pro Max, the 11 Pro Max definitely fits the bill. It is the biggest and most powerful of the 11 series from Apple and of course, the most expensive, though its retail price has certainly gone down now that the iPhone 12 is here. What makes this a good option for 2021? Aside from having a bigger screen, the triple camera lens setup coupled with an upgraded photo software has given users better shooting capabilities.
  It also has a bigger battery pack that adds an extra four hours of life to your smartphone. The design is something to get used to though as the camera lenses at the rear seem awkwardly positioned, but they do give you better zooming capabilities.
  
• iPhone XS
  The XS model is still a good choice this year as it offers you a more compact iPhone for daily use. It sports a 5.8 inch display which fits one hand easily. Yes, this is an older model, but it is still worth taking note of especially when you are looking for an affordable replacement phone. Among its best features include a Smart HDR 12MP camera, a front-facing camera that supports TrueDepth, and of course, a faster processor which is the A12 Bionic chipset.
  You can even save more if you choose a refurbished iPhone XS which you are sure to find in pristine and unlocked condition. Just make sure that you buy from a reputable seller to ensure that you are getting the best deal for it.
• iPhone XS Max
  For those who prefer bigger sized screens, the XS Max is also worth adding to your list of options. It’s OLED screen measures at 6.5 inches and supports HDR 10 too. What does this mean? It can read more colors making any photos or videos that you take look truer to real life. The 12 MP main camera and second camera lens let you play with every snapshot you take with it.
  It also comes with a TrueDepth feature and with a 7MP front-facing camera to use for your portraits and selfies, you will capture as much detail as possible. Though the XS Max was once the priciest iPhones, it’s retail price has certainly gone down with the newest line up added by Apple.
• iPhone XR
  The XR model was the cheapest model that Apple had in its roster when it was first released but it has since been overtaken by the newest SE version. Still, it remains one of the best iPhone models that you can purchase this year. The first thing that captured the interest of Apple users is that it has more color options available. Second, it retains the same components as its older and bigger siblings meaning that it also runs on A12 Bionic chipset plus a dual lens set up as well.
  Although the lack of extra lenses may mean less quality for your photos, the Smart HDR feature does make up for it. With its 6.1 inch screen, the XR remains one of the most loved iPhones and it is still a worthy choice this 2021.

Can You Save More with Your iPhone Purchase?

Now that you have an idea on which iPhone models are still worth buying this year, you might be thinking of how you are going to acquire one without spending a lot. Although Apple has lowered the prices for these series, you can get cheaper rates if you choose a second hand version instead.

Getting a second hand iPhone is a thing nowadays as people are seeing the value of spending less but getting a smartphone that is in pristine condition. Gone are the days when refurbished means poor quality, because now you will be able to get one that can be compared to the newer versions. Of course, you will need to buy one from a reputable seller to ensure that you are getting a professionally repaired and restored unit. More info here about best refurbished iPhone deals.

Why buy this version?

• They are cheaper which is their major draw.
• You will have access to older iPhone models that still work like they are brand new.
• They come with a one-year warranty wherein you are entitled to free repairs.
• A trial period is also included where you can have your payment returned if you do not like the product after a month of use.

Apple’s collection of iPhones are still among the top searched devices in 2021. Those that were included in this list are those that remain popular with Apple fans and those who are planning on switching to one. Which iPhone is best for me, you ask? It will depend mostly on your budget, what your comfort zone is, and what you will be using the device for. Just make sure that you compare the features of these iPhones first and their prices to land the right one for you.