Which iPhone to choose according to your uses?

Are you an Apple fan, and for you, there is no question of leaving the Apple ecosystem to buy your next smartphone? The air of nothing, its catalog counts many devices, among which it is not always easy to choose. Overview of the different iPhones available and the points to take into account to make the right choice.

No need to be fooled: the best endowed iPhone is also the largest. Between a massive 6.5-inch OLED screen, an A13 Bionic processor, and 4 GB of RAM, but also a design with a frosted glass back and a triple dorsal photo module, the iPhone 11 Pro Max enjoys it all. The know-how of the Apple. The other two devices in its 2020 range make compromises: the iPhone 11 Pro, a little more compact with its 5.8-inch panel, loses the third photo block of the Max model, while the iPhone 11 itself must be content with an LCD screen. Features at the cutting edge of technology from the moment that Apple charges a high price, however – from 1259 euros for the iPhone 11 Pro Max 64 GB. For more storage, count 1429 euros (256 GB) and 1649 euros (512 Go). Best Apple Phone: which iPhone is right for you in 2020?

For fans of small formats

As you read above, “small format” iPhones – understand the 4-inch screen – are no longer in the odor of sanctity at Apple. The iPhone SE in 4-inch format is still awaiting its successor, which is rumored to take over the design of the iPhone 6 and subsequent generations. Understand that “small,” at Apple, now means 4.7 inches and that this role is currently held by the iPhone 8. Still efficient and running under the latest version of iOS (iOS 13), it is equipped with a Touch ID fingerprint reader who has disappeared from its successors and a still solid technical sheet. Its A11 Bionic flanked by 2 GB of RAM is yet powerful, it has a unique photo module allowing you to take good quality shots. An option to remember, therefore.

For small budgets

No need to procrastinate: Apple offers with its iPhones the most expensive range of smartphones on the market, and its price is low. However, some models are able to meet the requirements of small budgets. At the cost of some compromises, since these models arrive at the end of the update cycle, are equipped with a low internal storage space that the operating system takes up in large part and are no longer sold today. ‘in reconditioned version. This is particularly the case with the iPhone 6 and 6s, which can be found for less than 200 euros, or the iPhone 7, which allows you to take advantage of the A10 Fusion chip and a waterproof design. The iPhone X, sold as a limited edition to celebrate the 10 years of the iPhone, is also available on the refurbished market, but at prices flirting with 700 euros. The cost to pay to benefit from a 5.8-inch OLED screen and the Face ID system, all supported by an A11 Bionic chipset, 3 GB of RAM, and with perfect battery life.

For multimedia enthusiasts

Who says watching videos says big screens. In this little game, two devices stand out. Starting with the most expensive, but also the most advanced iPhone, namely the iPhone 11 Pro Max. It must be said that it is equipped with an imposing 6.5-inch panel displaying 1242 x 2688 pixels, like the iPhone Xs Max, for that matter – which Apple no longer sells. Their extensive OLED display is obviously suitable for watching videos, however, at the cost of a notch visible in the upper part of the screen, which Apple has just reduced on its latest addition. The Apple charges a high price for this comfort since you have to agree to pay a sum well over 1000 euros to enjoy it.

Below this threshold, other options are available to users who like large screens. The iPhone 11 and the iPhone Xr share a 6.1-inch LCD panel offering a beautiful display surface, still with a notch, however, and for a definition of 828 x 1792 pixels. Count a little over 700 euros for the iPhone Xr, and a hundred euros more for the 11 model, which allows you to take advantage of the A13 Bionic chip and guaranteed updates for a little longer.

For experienced photographers

Apple made undeniable efforts in 2019, offering three back-mounted photo modules on its Pro range. A complete set consisting of a 12 Mpx module with a stabilized wide-angle lens (26 mm equivalent, f / 1.8), a second 12 Mpx module with a 52 mm equivalent lens offering x2 magnification, and finally an ultra-wide-angle (13 mm equivalent) with again a 12 Mpx sensor. The set, supported by a full application, offers high-end results and many software options, especially in terms of its portrait mode. Added to this is the ability to shoot in 4K at 60 frames per second. An option which is democratizing on competing smartphones, but which remains rare.

Remember that the iPhone 11 makes the choice of a wide-angle and an ultra-wide angle, without zoom, however. The results are also more than satisfactory, even if we regret that the x2 effect, more and more widespread in the Android ecosystem, is lacking.

To keep a jack

The iPhone 7 signed the end of the 3.5mm jack on iPhones. The last to benefit from it is, therefore, the iPhone 6s, which, however, is only available in reconditioned to date.

The other Apple models offer sound output through the Lightning socket and come with suitable EarPods headphones. So, it should also be noted that Apple has provided from the iPhone 7 and up to the iPhone X a Lightning to jack adapter so that users with traditional wired headphones can continue to use them. This is no longer the case since the iPhone Xs and Xs Max, delivered without the small accessory. It is now to be purchased separately, or to be replaced by headphones with the proprietary Apple plug… or only wireless (Bluetooth). Between competing brands and Beats Audio – whose very recent Solo Pro stopped by our Lab for a full test – which is part of Apple’s ecosystem, the choice is vast.

To benefit from the best possible autonomy

iPhones have long lagged behind when it comes to battery life. As a whole, they still have a way to go, but the latest models available show a marked improvement. When generation Xs took about 8 hours to our JavaScript autonomy test, the iPhone 11 Pro, for example, provides 10 hours 24 hours of use before shutting down. But the prize, once again this year, goes to the iPhone Xr dating from the end of 2018. With its 15:45 hours of use during our autonomy test, the smartphone is not only better than the other iPhones, but it is in the lead. Models tested in our Laboratory. It should be noted that its direct successor, the iPhone 11, does less well, posting 11:23 hours of use. The large iPhone 11 Pro Max is in last place in this 2019 range, with less than 10 hours according to our protocol.

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