Best iPhone 2022: all available iPhone options ranked
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If you're looking for the best iPhone in 2022 and want no other device in your pocket then you've come to the right place – as this is where all up-to-date iPhone models are compared, tested and ranked.
In this guide, we're going to focus on the best iPhones currently sold by Apple. You can still pick up older models – such as the iPhone 13 Pro – on the second-hand and refurb markets (which is ideal for those on a budget or headed back to school), so that's something else to bear in mind.
Remember, however, that T3 has a number of phone guides and if you don't need an iPhone then you could be better served elsewhere. For example, in our best small phones feature we list devices that are ideal for people will small hands, while in our best Android phones feature we highlight the best of Google's system. In addition, we also cover the best gaming phones, best Samsung phones, and best cheap phones.
Best iPhones 2022: The top 3
The ultimate iPhone is the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max. If you're after a slice of everything that Apple has to offer then look no further: new cameras, the best processor, new features such as an always-on display and Dynamic Island put thisd larger 6.7-inch iPhone at the top of the stack. It is expensive though.
The best iPhone for most people is the Apple iPhone 14. With its 6.1-inch screen it nestles easily into the hand, iOS 16 makes it look great, and while its less feature rich than the Pro or Pro Max and not massively different to the iPhone 13 from before, it's still a small buy mighty offering.
The best budget iPhone is the Apple iPhone SE (2022). Want cheap? This is as cheap as they come. Sure, it looks a little dated, but with the latest software on board, if you don't want a massive or pricey iPhone then it's a great Apple option.
(Image credit: Future)
1. iPhone 14 Pro Max The ultimate iPhone Specifications Weight: 240g Dimensions: 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85mm Screen size: 6.7 inches Resolution: 1290 x 2796 pixels (460 ppi) CPU: Apple A16 Bionic RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB Battery: 4323 mAh Rear camera: 48MP main + 12MP 2x & 3x + 12MP ultrawide Front camera: 12MP Reasons to buy + 48MP camera is the best yet + Dynamic Island rather than notch + New always-on display Reasons to avoid - Most expensive option - Always-on display costs battery - Still no USB-C or fast charging Today's Best Deals £1,199 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab) £1,199 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) £1,199 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab)
As we said in our review: "The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the ultimate iPhone and boasts three killer features that make it worth the upgrade. The new 48MP camera is truly impressive, the always-on display is really useful and the Dynamic Island is not only a feat of hardware and software collaboration but actually adds to the user experience.
These new features can cost the battery life a bit, however, which is why we think the larger Pro Max, with its 6.7-inch screen and larger battery capacity, is the more savvy option over the iPhone 14 Pro this time around. Sure, it's pricey, but it sure is punchy too.
(Image credit: Future)
2. iPhone 14 Plus The best iPhone for most people Specifications Weight: 203g Dimensions: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8mm Screen size: 6.7-inches Resolution: 1284 x 2778 pixels CPU: Apple A15 Bionic RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB Battery: 4323mAh Rear camera: 12MP main + 12MP ultrawide Front camera: 12MP Reasons to buy + Great big screen + Easy-to-use and capable cameras system + Last-gen power but it's still highly capable Reasons to avoid - Not everyone wants a 6.7-inch screen - No always-on display - Still has a notch Today's Best Deals £949 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab) £949 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab) £949 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab)
The all-new 'Plus' model in the range has ousted the standard iPhone 14 from a higher spot in our list. We think the Plus's bigger screen, at 6.7-inches, is better for most people – and the bigger size means better battery longevity too (arguably better than the iPhone 14 Pro, as there's no always-on display feature with the Plus).
Sure, not everyone will want a bigger iPhone, but there are other options out there: you can go cheap with the iPhone SE, or small yet premium with the iPhone 13 Mini (that model's done and dusted now, so won't appear in the more recent range). So there are still options.
That said, in the current market, we find the Plus to be a really great balance. If you don't want the additional zoom camera, as you might never use them much, then the Plus saves you the cash compared to the higher-end iPhone 14 Pro Max. And that, for many, will make it an ideally positioned and more financially suitable option.
(Image credit: Future)
3. iPhone SE (2022) The best budget iPhone Specifications Weight: 144 g Dimensions: 138.4 mm x 67.3 mm x 7.3 mm Screen size: 4.7 inches Resolution: 750 x 1334 pixels (326 ppi) CPU: Apple A15 Bionic RAM: 3GB Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB Battery: TBC Rear camera: 12 MP wide Front camera: 7 MP Reasons to buy + Affordable price point + Very compact form factor Reasons to avoid - Basic camera Today's Best Deals £419 (opens in new tab) at Fonehouse (opens in new tab) £449 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab) £449 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab)
As part of its March 2022 event, Apple announced a brand new iPhone SE – the third generation of the affordable handset. It's the cheapest iPhone in the Apple range, even though its starting price is a little bit higher than its predecessor.
This model looks pretty much identical to the old one, and Touch ID is still used instead of Face ID. There are improvements over the previous iPhone SE though: better battery life, a faster processor, and the addition of 5G. Those features might make the upgrade worth it for you.
The iPhone SE 3 is likely to appeal most to people looking to buy a new iPhone on a smaller budget, while getting hold of all that latest apps and iOS software goodies. With a 4.7-inch screen, it's also going to be a tempting proposition for those who want a smaller iPhone, and who don't want to pay for the iPhone 13 Mini.
(Image credit: Apple)
4. iPhone 14 Pro Top features in a not-so-big package Specifications Weight: 172g Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.5 x 7.85mm Screen size: 6.1 inches Resolution: 1179 x 2556 pixels CPU: Apple A16 Bionic RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB Battery: 3279 mAh Rear camera: 48MP main + 12MP 2x /3x tele + 12MP ultrawide Front camera: 12MP Reasons to buy + 48MP camera is the best yet + Dynamic Island rather than notch + New always-on display Reasons to avoid - New features cost battery life - And less battery life than the Pro Max - No USB-C or fast charging Today's Best Deals £1,099 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab) £1,099 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) £1,099 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab)
The iPhone 14 Pro sits below the Pro Max at the top of this list, as it's a bit smaller, at 6.1-inches, instead of the maximum-in-the-range 6.7-inches. That means the Pro is almost identical in stature to the standard iPhone 14, but it comes with some key new features: Dynamic Island rather than the typical notch on the screen; there's ProMotion faster refresh-rate for the panel, which is also brighter; and the cameras receive the same upgrade as the Max, with a 48-megapixel main shooter being the biggest Apple upgrade in quite some time.
We're yet to review the Pro handset here at T3, but anticipate it may be the best for many buyers. That said, as per the Pro Max, the new addition of an always-on display is likely to cost the battery life a little, so you may want to go with the larger Max handset for better longevity overall.
(Image credit: Apple)
5. iPhone 13 mini The best iPhone for smaller pockets and bags Specifications Weight: 141g Dimensions: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7mm Screen size: 5.4 inches Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels (476 ppi) CPU: Apple A15 Bionic RAM: 4GB Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB Battery: 2438 mAh Rear camera: 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide Front camera: 12 MP wide Reasons to buy + Can fit just about anywhere Reasons to avoid - Might even too small Today's Best Deals £639 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) £649 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab) £759.49 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab)
If you want a small-ish iPhone but don't want to skimp on the specs not buy the SE), here's your answer. The iPhone 13 Mini has a screen size of just 5.4 inches, making the handset as a whole very compact. It's also the last in a generation, as there's no iPhone 14 Mini to replace it!
In terms of the rear camera, what you get on the Mini is the same as what you get on the iPhone 13: a dual-lens affair that lacks the LiDAR, the optical zoom and the Apple ProRAW support of the Pro models. Still, if you can live without those features then you can save yourself some money, because this is the cheapest of the iPhone 13 variants.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
6. iPhone 14 The best iPhone if you don't want a 6.7-inch screen Specifications Weight: 172g Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm Screen size: 6.1 inches Resolution: 1170 x 2532 pixels CPU: Apple A15 Bionic RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB Battery: 3279 mAh Rear camera: 12MP main + 12MP wide Front camera: 12MP Reasons to buy + Reliable and familiar design Reasons to avoid - Not a major upgrade over iPhone 13 Today's Best Deals £849 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab) £849 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) £950 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab)
The 'entry-level' iPhone in the latest series is, well, anything but entry. Sure, it's familiar to any iPhone users as generation-to-generation it's not especially different. But that means it's small and reliable, thanks to its 6.1-inch screen and stellar battery life, and while some may see it as an honorary 'iPhone 13S', if you want the new features such as crash detection and satellite SOS then you'll need the latest hardware.
As said in our review: "Upgrades over its predecessor – while certainly welcome – aren't major. That said, with shiny new iOS 16 software, a reliable and familiar build, and pretty much everything in its right place, this smaller-screen iPhone is still a mighty attractive prospect".
(Image credit: Future)
7. iPhone 13 The standard iPhone 13 model Specifications Weight: 174g Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm Screen size: 6.1 inches Resolution: 1170 x 2532 pixels (460 ppi) CPU: Apple A15 Bionic RAM: 4GB Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB Battery: 3240 mAh Rear camera: 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide Front camera: 12 MP wide Reasons to buy + The latest in Apple components + Competitive price point Today's Best Deals £724.99 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab) £859 (opens in new tab) at John Lewis (opens in new tab) £1,065 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab)
Now the iPhone 14 is here, we think that the standard iPhone 13 is competitively priced by comparison - and there's not a huge amount of difference between this older handset and the newer model.
Sure, you miss out on some of the advanced camera tricks of the Pro models (either 13 or 14), but there's a lot here to like, including that bright and sharp 6.1 inch display. We like the range of colours too, with five of them to choose from.
(Image credit: Apple)
8. iPhone 12 The best value iPhone 12 model Specifications Weight: 164g Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm Screen size: 6.1 inches Resolution: 1170 x 2532 pixels (460 ppi) CPU: Apple A14 Bionic RAM: 4GB Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB Battery: 2815 mAh Rear camera: 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide Front camera: 12 MP wide Reasons to buy + Still decent value Reasons to avoid - Dates back to 2020 Today's Best Deals £649 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab) £650.49 (opens in new tab) at (opens in new tab) £777.75 (opens in new tab) at Amazon (opens in new tab)
The standard iPhone 12 is very similar in a lot of ways to the 13 and 14 models, except older and cheaper. You can run iOS 16 software on it, so other than older internals you're not missing out on a huge range of newer features really.
Considering that you still get plenty of screen space from that 6.1-inch panel and super-fast internals for your money, we think the standard iPhone 12 makes a very decent case for being the best-value Apple handset.
iPhone Versus Android
If you’re buying a new smartphone you’ll find yourself thrust into the ongoing battle between iPhone versus Android as they duke it out for a spot in your pocket. While both tech giants have refined their mobile software year over year for an equally speedy and smooth performance, they differ in key ways.
Android’s PC-like interface is more open for developers and manufacturers, giving you more choice in both hardware and software options. Third-party companies like Samsung and Motorola produce different tiers of cell phones, some starting as low as $149. However, there are dozens of models to choose from, and prices climb as high as $1,899 when pushing the envelope with new technology like folding displays. On the other hand, Apple keeps a tight grip over its devices by manufacturing its own software and hardware in-house. The company produces just four types of iPhones, but each is optimized to squeeze out the most performance and battery life. Read on to see how they stack up.
Android Versus iOS
A smartphone isn’t smart without a capable operating system (OS). These handsets run either Apple’s proprietary iPhone Operating System (iOS) or Google’s open source Android platform. This is, at its most basic level, the main software from which you interact with your phone and launch apps.
More From Popular Mechanics
Android and iOS look similar at first glance—they consist of a lock screen that opens up to a home menu with app shortcuts, widgets, and notification centers. Each has an official App Store for downloading more software like games or social networks. And while the primary functions of a phone, like texting and calling, seem to have fallen to the wayside for smart features over the past few years, they’re just as smooth and easy to navigate across devices by touch or voice commands.
Apple iOS Is Closed Off But Offers Stronger Performance and Exclusive Features
Superior iMessage, AirDrop files locally between Apple devices, and smart accessories that pair and swap between devices with ease
Synergy between hardware and software optimizes battery life and performance
Years of support and more frequent updates
Apple’s control over the production of its iPhones means the company knows how to push every component to its limit with minimal power. An iPhone may cost more than an Android, but often pays off in computing strength and longer stretches without needing a charge. Because developers don’t have to account for dozens of phones' specifications, every app is tuned for the same processing chip so even Apple’s budget SE can surf the web and switch between apps as fast as its flagship Pro Max.
But a death grip over Apple’s ecosystem limits what you can do with the phone. Even in the latest version of iOS 15, the layout is locked to six rows of apps per page with a permanent row at the bottom of the screen that docks your four most important apps for quick access. It's easy to navigate, but the lack of customization is showing its age after a decade. Apps are also limited to what Apple has approved for its App Store. You can’t sideload software from different sources, so tinkerers and power users may be turned off.
But forced cohesion makes for a tightly integrated ecosystem among Apple devices. If you use a MacBook or Apple Watch, your data, apps, and notifications seamlessly transfer among all devices. Because developers target similar frameworks for a handful of devices instead of dozens, you won’t see strange gaps in performance or frequent crashes. Apple’s exclusive features, like iMessage, AirDrop, and the H1 chips that instantly pair accessories like headphones and hands them off between devices, have been a sore spot for Android. Add the fact that even six-year-old iPhones are still receiving updates, and you can see iPhone’s penchant for long-term reliability.
Google Android Seems Fragmented But Offers More Choice And Stronger Hardware
Most customization options, from the phone you buy to the way its software looks
More apps, the ability to multi-task, and USB-C support to use your phone like a computer on an external display
Future-forward hardware, from folding phones to sharper displays
Android is a Linux-based and open-source platform that encourages outside developers to toy with it. Android 12 is the latest version with the core experience centered around customization and privacy. Applications can be downloaded from the included Google Play store or from other app stores or sources. Android supports multitasking so you can pull up two apps at one time on the screen, which iPhone lacks. Once installed, each app shortcut is lined in rows on the home screen and submenus. With a third-party app launcher like Nova (another option not available on iPhones), your home screen interface can be completely customized, from the way apps are laid out to animated wallpapers.
Android phones consistently beat Apple to the punch with hardware advancements like better displays, cameras, and even features as basic as app widgets (iOS just got these in 2020). But because so many different companies can produce Android phones, apps aren’t as well optimized as they are on iPhone, photos can be compressed, and updates aren’t as frequent.
This sandbox is best suited for stronger specced mid-range or flagship phones since those systems target providing the smoothest experience. All of this freedom comes at a cost—Android devices can potentially be infected with malware, the Google App store is filled with low-quality apps, and software doesn’t run the same across all hardware types. But Android’s open-source approach allows for the most tailored experience—you have phones specifically made to excel in areas like photography, productivity, and even mobile gaming.
Best Budget Phones Under $500
→ Android Wins
Budget phones are often fine for basic functionality but rarely pack a punch when it comes to features. This year’s iPhone SE and Pixel 6A flip that notion on its head. Apple only offers the $429 iPhone SE (2022) in the sub $500 price range. For comparison, we’ll take a look at the $449 Pixel 6A. It’s similar in size, features hardware and software made by the same company, and also serves as a capable, value version of its more expensive sibling.
Apple 2022 Apple iPhone SE (128 GB, Midnight) Apple 2022 Apple iPhone SE (128 GB, Midnight) $479 at Amazon
When I reviewed the iPhone SE earlier this year, I was impressed by its ability to hold its own against the iPhone Pro in task and navigation speeds thanks to the shared A15 bionic chip. Sure, the pricier flagship model’s sharp OLED screen and cameras outshine the budget hardware on the SE, but this system won't lag while browsing through apps, loading games, and performing everyday tasks like responding to text messages. The SE’s 5G connectivity provides a reliable modern network while the classic rounded design fits comfortably in hand. Its single 12-megapixel camera can even craft portrait shots with a digital bokeh effect. Where the SE falters is for those looking for more out of their screen or camera. Its small 4.7-inch Retina HD screen suffers from distractingly chunky bezels, the single camera isn’t top quality and limits shot options, and the battery is small, which can be a no-go for creatives or those who live on their phones.
Google Pixel 6a - 5G Android Phone Google Pixel 6a - 5G Android Phone Now 33% Off $299 at Amazon$401 at Walmart
Google’s Pixel 6A is powered by Google’s Tensor chip for processing speed and power that’s as good as most mid-range Android phones that come at double the price. While not as powerful as the A15 bionic, it helps the 6A do some neat things, from cranking out AI-optimized images from its 12.2-megapixel camera to powering a vibrant 6.1-inch OLED screen that puts the iPhone SE’s to shame. Since Google makes both the hardware and software, it runs the purest version of Android for buttery performance that rarely crashes (the biggest downside of Android phones). That’s in addition to offering exclusive built-in features like Magic Eraser to can cleanly cut unwanted objects from an image. Overall the Pixel 6A is a sleek device that works even better than it looks while using minimal power for all-day battery life. If that doesn’t win you over, then the fact that it's often on sale for much less than its list price probably will.
Best Mid-Range Phones Under $1,000
→ Draw
Mid-range phones offer the best balance of the latest features at a digestible price. For this section, we compared the two top-selling smartphones, the iPhone 13 and Samsung’s Galaxy S22, which both share a $799 price tag for their 128-GB base models.
If you value specs for the price, the S22 is the clear winner. It’s jam-packed with stronger components like a 120Hz OLED screen, triple-camera array, and 8 GB of RAM, all of which Apple reserves for the $1,000-plus iPhone 13 Pro. This display doubles the 60Hz refresh rate the iPhone 13 is capped to, so whether you’re simply scrolling through pages or playing games, everything looks much more fluid. That’s in addition to reaching higher brightness levels and providing more screen space since it doesn’t have a notch at the top of the display like an iPhone. The S22's triple camera array also includes a telephoto lens for capturing detailed shots at a distance.
Hardware is half the battle. Everyday use, longer software lifetimes, and better battery optimization make the iPhone last longer and work better over time. Its powerful A15 chip processes tasks faster, from transcoding 4K video to reaching the highest frame rates in games. This is good news because the 3D gaming on iPhone lasts twice as long as on the S22. That’s thanks to optimized battery life that outpaces Android. Plus, this chipset is less likely to crash or stutter, outperforming the S22, which has double the RAM. While its dual cameras lack a third telephoto lens, the system holds its own with more natural colors and lighting that brings out highlights and textures just as well, if not better than, the S22. In addition, it takes better portraits and offers cinematic video that can focus on a subject and blur the background.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either phone in this range. The choice comes down to your preference for advanced hardware or stronger performance.
Best High-End Phones Over $1,000
→ iPhone Wins
Once you’re spending over $1,000 on a phone, you’ve entered flagship territory. These phones offer the strongest hardware and performance with prosumer features. We looked at the flagship 13 Pro Max for its larger 120Hz OLED screen (an iPhone first) and bigger battery. It starts at $1,199. We compared it to the Android’s most high-end phone, the Galaxy Fold 4 for $1,799, which can fold out into an 8-inch tablet and condense down to a 6.2-inch candy bar–sized smartphone.
SAMSUNG Galaxy Z Fold 3 (256 GB) SAMSUNG Galaxy Z Fold 3 (256 GB) Now 33% Off $1,215 at Amazon
Samsung’s Galaxy Fold 4 is a premium 6.2-inch Android smartphone that unfolds to reveal a spacious, 8-inch interior screen. Its 120Hz refresh rate provides sleek visuals while watching videos and playing the latest games and supports the S-pen for accurate sketching. The hinge is nearly seamless compared to previous Fold devices and provides plenty of space to read, watch, and multi-task easier while on the go. Beyond this party trick, it uses the same sharp triple camera array as the S22 above, 12 GB of RAM, and the strongest SnapDragon 8+ Gen 1 processor of all Android phones. However, as the iPhone 13 Pro Max proves below, bigger isn’t always better.
The 6.7-inch Pro Max amplifies the iOS experience with the largest screen on an iPhone, better battery life, and a stronger camera array. Its body straddles the line between phone and tablet, so it is a powerhouse for productivity and everyday tasks. No, it doesn't fold, but if you really want a tablet-sized screen, spend $500 on an iPad and you'll still come out ahead of the Fold 4's price. The A15 Bionic chip runs circles around Android’s latest and greatest SnapDragon 8+ in processing and power efficiency. That means you can do more for longer. Its triple lens array bests Samsung in color accuracy, sharpness, and AI optimizations. This is the strongest mobile phone on the market and at this price offers some serious value to boot.
Which iPhone Has The Best Camera?
When it comes to smartphone requirements, a fantastic camera is usually on the top of everybody's list.
While it's easy to see how far iPhone cameras have developed since the first generation, understanding the differences between models is much more difficult. To take a closer look at what's currently available, we put the new generation of iPhones up against previous releases.
iPhone 13 Pro
Our selection
Apple’s most recent line of iPhones continues to push what cameras are capable of in the mobile space.
The 13 Pro camera shares similarities to its 12 Pro predecessor, with telephoto, wide and ultra-wide lenses. All the standard photography settings you’d expect from a premium iPhone are included – such as Night Mode, Time-Lapse, Portrait Mode, and Portrait Lighting with six different effects.
From here we can see some of the improvements Apple has made. The 13 Pro’s wide lens has a wider aperture and larger sensor than the 12 Pro, offering better low-light shots, plus faster autofocus thanks to the enhanced use of the LiDAR scanner. With these capabilities, you can take beautiful, focused headshots in darker environments.
The ultra-wide lens aperture is also wider than that of the 12 Pro, with a faster sensor and new autofocus technology, so shallow-depth-of-field photography looks its best and close-ups maintain sharp focus up to two centimetres. With 6x optical zoom range, you’ll be able to capture the whorls of a fingerprint or the precise detail of a leaf – there’s no end to the possibilities. For long-range camera shots, the 13 Pro excels with its 3x zoom telephoto lens, and distant targets will be captured in rich detail.
Alongside iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, the Pro has Apple’s new Cinematic mode. Much like the standard video recording mode, this feature defaults to a 16:9 aspect ratio, but it also provides you with an aperture number in the top-right corner, which you can tap to manually alter the depth of field. This setting can also automatically identify the most important subject in the shot and change the focus accordingly.
So, if someone else in your video starts to speak, or a new person enters the frame, Cinematic Mode detects this and anticipates the necessary change to in-depth control. The 13 Pro also benefits from HDR video recording with Dolby Vision, which records more details about a specific scene, so you’ll have greater autonomy during the editing process, and be able to edit your footage at a granular level, frame by frame.
Like all phones in the 13 range, the Pro is rated IP68 water and dust resistant, so there’s no need to worry about filming in the rain, and with Cinematic video stabilisation, you can bank on getting smooth video, even when you’re on the move.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Best premium iPhone camera
iPhone 13 Pro Max takes position as our ‘Best Premium iPhone Camera’, even though it features the same camera technology as the iPhone 13 Pro. That’s because the Pro Max is the best iPhone on the market right now for everyday use, and has some extra benefits for the slickest photography and videography, but which device you prefer will come down to your taste in smartphone size, your need for extended battery life and your budget.
With iPhone 13 Pro Max sporting a higher-resolution 1284 x 2778 display on a 6.7-inch screen, your in-device editing capabilities are much improved when it comes to tweaking shots or video footage. Combine this with a battery capable of up to 28 hours of video playback, and you have a powerful editing suite on the go. To compare against iPhone 13 Pro, the latter’s stats come in at 1170 x 2532 on a 6.1-inch display, with up to 22 hours of video playback.
iPhone 13 Mini
Best small phone camera option
iPhone 13 Mini offers very similar camera hardware and software to iPhone 13, but in pocket-friendly form, with a 5.4-inch OLED display. Like iPhone 13, the Mini is equipped with a dual-lens rear camera, comprised of one 12MP wide lens and a second 12MP ultra-wide lens, to help you capture those stunning landscape shots, or get the whole family into a group photo. As a result, it’s a great choice for photographers looking for a smaller, on-the-go camera, despite lacking the telephoto lens present on the Pro and Pro Max models.
With 2x optical zoom range, you can still experiment with close-up photography, catching small details in superb clarity. Meanwhile, when you’re filming in 4K, you’ll be able to make the most of audio zoom – a feature that focuses on the sounds that matter most, leaving out any disruptive background noise for a professional-grade cut.
As well as this, Night Mode is present on every camera in the iPhone 13 series, including the 12MP front camera on each device. These are all TrueDepth cameras, which emit thousands of infrared dots to accurately map your facial data, enabling you to unlock your phone seamlessly with Face ID.
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Best budget iPhone camera
The next step up from the 2nd generation iPhone SE, which Apple called the ‘best single-camera system on an iPhone’, the 3rd gen SE is a brilliant choice if you’d prefer to stick to a mid-range budget for your next handset. New for 2022, the latest iPhone SE has been built with a 12MP rear camera and 7MP front-facing camera - that's plenty of megapixels to snap professional-looking shots in both bright and low light.
iPhone SE shares many of the photography features found on Apple's premium handsets, including Portrait Mode with all six Portrait Lighting effects. You'll be able to get creative with the subject of your shot, and on both the front and rear cameras you can access Depth Control, which will use machine learning and monocular depth estimation to allow you to adjust the amount of background blur in each picture. Simply use the toggle to add more or less blur to a photo - you can even do this after you've taken the shot.
Next-generation Smart HDR 4, meanwhile, helps to enhance every single photo taken. It intelligently adjusts highlights and shadows to ensure your picture has the very best lighting, removing any overexposed or unnaturally dark areas. You’ll also have the option of adding customisable photographic styles: Rich Contrast, Warm, Cool, or Vibrant.
Last but not least is iPhone SE video. You can record on the rear camera at an amazing 4K up to 60fps, and with stereo audio recording, the sound will be crisp and crystal clear. You can even use the QuickTake feature to take a still photo while filming - perfect for capturing unforgettable moments to share on social.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini
With advanced dual-lens cameras on the rear, and a brilliant 12MP True Depth camera on the front, budding photographers won't be let down by iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini. Pulling out all the stops, Apple has added identical specs to both handsets - meaning fans of smaller smartphones won't have to miss out on the latest camera tech.
On the back there's a dual-lens camera system, with a 12MP wide lens and 12MP ultra wide lens. Upgraded from previous iPhone models, the main wide lens now uses an f/1.6 aperture, enabling the rear camera to take in 27% more light. Combined with Night Mode on both lenses and Apple's new Deep Fusion technology, capturing photos in low-light conditions has never been easier.
And that's not all, you'll also find Optical Image Stabilisation on both iPhones, 2x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom, and Apple's own Portrait Mode and Depth Control. Zoom in without sacrificing photo quality, experiment with new styles and explore the blurred background bokeh effect. You can even shoot with confidence, knowing Smart HDR 3 has your back. New for iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini, this feature will automatically adjust your camera's settings, fixing the white balance and enhancing details and colours for the best results.
4K Dolby Vision HDR up to 30fps is now possible with any of the iPhone 12 series. A first for smartphones, this professional 10-bit HDR video format means you can expect to produce outstanding, cinematic videos directly from your phone. There's end-to-end support too, so you can record in real-time then edit and play back video all in Dolby Vision.
iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
Best iPhone camera in a previous generation
If you've been enticed by iPhone 12, but you're after more advanced camera specs, then you're sure to love iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Featuring a triple-lens camera (reserved only for Apple's Pro models), you can shoot like a professional straight from your smartphone.
iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are both packed with Apple's finest smartphone photography specs. There's a 12MP wide lens, 12MP ultra wide lens and a final 12MP telephoto lens, with all three equipped with Night Mode for beautifully clear and vibrant results. iPhone 12 Pro Max, however, has a larger sensor on its wide lens, resulting in a huge 87% improvement when shooting in darker environments. Pro Max is also capable of some seriously impressive zoom capabilities: you can look forward to 5x optical zoom, 12x digital zoom, 2.5x zoom in and 2x zoom out. Even when shooting from far away, you can expect nothing less than super detail shots.
iPhone 12 Pro has plenty to offer too. It sees a 27% improvement in low-light, and has its own cutting-edge zoom specs, with a 4x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom and 2x zoom in and zoom out. You'll have everything you need to take up-close macro shots or photos from far away, and exclusive Apple features like Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3 and Apple ProRAW help you to take your smartphone photography and edits further.
Just like iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini, you can record with the outstanding 4K Dolby Vision. For Pro models, there's a choice between 30fps or 60fps, and the specs don’t stop there. As well as shooting in real time in 10-bit HDR quality, you can edit Dolby Vision directly on the devices, and even play your homemade film for friends via AirPlay.
iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max
Preceding handset with a powerful camera
Apple's first triple-lens rear camera can be found on both iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max - two of Apple's flagships released in September 2019. With an additional lens, Apple has taken smartphone photography up a notch, and all three lenses measure 12MP.
The 12MP Ultra Wide lens shoots with a 120-degree field of view. This means you'll be able to see four times more, making it a perfect option for capturing breath-taking landscapes. The 12MP Wide lens helps autofocus happen at lightning speed - even in low light. Finally, the 12MP Telephoto lens uses 2x optical zoom to give you more control over the depth in your images. You can manually switch between all three lenses quickly and easily, so you'll never miss that vital moment.
Both iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max include a new feature called Night Mode which ensures low-light images are refined, well-lit and showcase colour beautifully. Portrait Mode and Portrait Lightning have been improved as well, with new effects added for more flattering photos.
4K video recording, slow-motion selfies (aka Slofies) and a new 12MP True Depth selfie camera are all yours to explore on both phones.
For more iPhone insights, look at our iPhone 13 review, our iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra comparison, or find out how the 3rd generation iPhone SE measures up to the iPhone 13.
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