Apple’s latest iPhone models feature a lot of trickle-down upgrades from the Pro lineup, including Dynamic Island and a 48MP main camera. The iPhone XR also offers new color options and a stunning forged titanium chassis.

If you want a simple iPhone that’s easy on your wallet, this dinky model is the one to buy. It offers a powerful chip, fast battery life and a useful USB-C port.

Camera

Apple continues to push the boundaries of mobile photography and videography with each new iPhone. The latest flagships, the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro Max feature an upgraded main camera system. The new 48MP sensor is a big improvement over the previous generation and offers improved Smart HDR and Night mode.

The telephoto camera gets an upgrade too. It now has 5x optical zoom. It uses a tetra prism periscope to bounce light four times internally for a longer focal length. The new cameras also support 4K Apple ProRes video recording and offer Cinematic mode.

Other improvements include enhanced image stabilization. This reduces camera shake and provides better image quality even in low-light conditions. This is a welcome addition to the iPhone’s impressive photo capabilities.

Battery

With iPhones being non-removable, the battery plays a huge role in how your device performs. As with any rechargeable battery, eventually it will lose capacity and function over time.

Earlier leaks indicated the new iPhone 15 series would feature huge battery capacity improvements. But, it seems that Apple hasn’t really delivered this year. The iPhone 12 comes with a 2815mAh battery, down from the 3046mAh unit in the 11 Pro and 3110mAh on the 11 Plus.

This is a bit surprising because it’s been a while since Apple last saw an increase in its flagship iPhone battery size. Most Android phones, even those with a smaller screen, have higher capacities than Apple’s latest model.

Apple does make up for this with its software, which slows the phone down when it detects a degraded battery to prevent unexpected shutdowns. You can check the health of your iPhone’s battery by visiting Settings, then going to Battery and finally Battery Health.

Performance

In terms of speed and performance, the iPhone 15 Pro and its phablet sibling are a clear step up from older models. They use Apple’s A13 processor for fast booting, smooth games and reliable multitasking.

The bigger Pro models also feature a faster wireless charging port, a more sophisticated rear camera and a titanium design. They also support the new Action button, which can be customized to launch apps and shortcuts.

For those who prefer a lighter, more compact handset, there’s the iPhone SE 2022. It offers iPhone 13-grade performance in a sleek and simple design for an excellent price. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display looks superb for watching movies and catching up with TikTok, and its A15 Bionic chip can power demanding games. It will likely last for years, too, as long as you keep it updated with iOS updates.

Design

Apple designs both the hardware and software for its iPhones, allowing for tight integration and optimization. The result is a smooth experience with minimal bugs or glitches.

In 2022, it introduced the 4.7-inch iPhone SE, which packs powerful technology into a compact design that fits in your pocket. It has the same A15 Bionic chipset you’ll find in most newer models, and it’s capable of handling just about any task you can throw at it.

The iPhone 15 Pro and Max are a significant upgrade over their predecessors, thanks to more power and features. They’re built with aerospace-grade titanium that makes them lighter and stronger, and they’re the first iPhones to use USB-C for faster data transfer speeds. They also have a customizable Action Button that replaces the ring/mute button and can be used for shortcuts, launching the camera, and more. Plus, the new cameras make them better for taking pictures in low light or capturing shaky videos.