Going Apple picking: Choosing the right iPhone in 2023

So in the competition between Apple and Android, you’ve finally chosen to go with an iPhone for your next upgrade. Or maybe it wasn’t even a question for you. But unless you’ve got a blank cheque, selecting an iPhone can be a confusing task.

The latest models are the shiniest and feature the biggest numbers but are they really worth it over last year’s model? And then there are the size, storage, and colour options to choose from.

There are four models in the iPhone 14 lineup, the iPhone 14, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max. Of those, the first two have five colourways and three storage options while the Pro models have four colourways and storage options for a combined total of 62 different combinations. And that’s just the new lot.

Apple has continued to produce and sell its iPhone 13 range. Depending on where you look, you could also still find models from the 11 and 12 lineups on sale. If you’re on a budget there’s the iPhone SE as well.

So, which is the right one for you? We’ve taken a look at a few notable models from different years to point out the things worth pointing out, for better or worse.

For the budget-conscious: iPhone SE (2022) – from R11 600

We’ll start at the low end with the new(ish) iPhone SE 3rd gen. This little guy was released last year and serves as an update to Apple’s only wallet-friendly option. The downside is, in order to still make its money, Apple has had to curtail a lot of the specs of the SE.

A lot, but not all.

It still ships with Apple’s now one-year-old A15 Bionic chip, same as the iPhone 13 and 14. This is quite a bit of power for a budget Apple device.

Elsewhere though, the SE still seems stuck in 2017. The dated 4.7in LCD display, the chonkey forehead and chin bezels, and the physical Home button aren’t doing it any favours in the design department. You’re also still limited to a 12MP camera sensor but the upgraded A15 chip lends its smarts to image processing.

With the third-gen SE, Apple resolved one of the biggest gripes many found in the last model. Battery life will now stretch over 15 hours and 5G support was thrown in for good measure. If money is tight and you must have a brand-new iPhone, this is pretty much your only option.

For the value-oriented: iPhone 12 (2020) – from R15 500

The iPhone 12 is the oldest model still supported by Apple and when it debuted it immediately made its way onto our Top Ten smartphone list. And there it has remained. The display, chipset (this one sports the A14 Bionic), 5G support, and camera chops are the same as the 12 Pro but for less money. That made the iPhone 12 an easy recommendation in 2020.

Now, two years later and for significantly less cash, the iPhone 12 still offers buyers a great value proposition. Sure, the iPhone 13 is better in almost every way to the 12. But we don’t think the performance improvement is worth the price increase for most. Unless the vertically orientated camera lenses are a deal breaker for you, this is a solid buy.

For the small of hand: iPhone 13 Mini (2021) – from R16 000

The iPhone 12 Mini was the first shrunken variant from Apple. Apple was clearly happy with the design because not much changed on the iPhone 13 Mini — externally. Well, the camera bump might be slightly larger, but that’s about it.

Internally, the 13 Mini offers better battery life, improved camera capabilities (with optical image stabilization lifted from the iPhone 12 Pro Max), and Apple’s still-very-capable A15 Bionic processor. All in a much smaller and lighter package.

The drawbacks here are that you need good eyesight and nimble fingers for the 13 Mini to feel comfortable in your hand. This is the way to go if you’re looking for a portable Apple powerhouse.

For the sensibly-minded: iPhone 13 Pro (2021) – from R21 900

Unless you’re really looking, the iPhone 13 Pro and the slightly beefier Pro Max are hard to distinguish from their predecessors save for a slimmer notch and slightly bigger camera bump. That’s because most of the notable changes are internal.

The 13 series saw the introduction of the A15 Bionic. That chip proved to be more than powerful enough as Apple stuck it in 2022’s iPhone 14 as well. The display of the iPhone 13 Pro received a long-awaited refresh rate upgrade to a buttery smooth 120Hz and a 25% boost to sustained brightness. Battery life was improved and the camera array received a few small upgrades too.

It might not seem like much on paper, but the improvements over the iPhone 12 Pro make the 13 Pro Apple’s most well-rounded device in its stable. The problem is getting your hands on one. Apple no longer sells it in the hopes you’d go for the 14 Pro instead. Nevertheless, we believe that if you can stretch the budget, this is the iPhone to get.

For the financially well-endowed: iPhone 14 Pro Max (2022) – from R29 500

For the few of you who are looking for the very best Apple has to offer and don’t mind paying a small fortune, it doesn’t get any bigger and better than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. This is way more smartphone than anyone needs.

The already stellar display receives an always-on update as well as another brightness increase; the notch is now a Dynamic Island where some of your apps will minimise into; the camera array receives a sizeable upgrade with a new 48MP sensor and improved video chops; and the new A16 Bionic chip brings even more performance to the table.

But all those upgrades and nice-to-haves come at a price. A very steep price in this case. Starting just shy of R30k and going all the way up to R43k for the 1TB option, the 14 Pro Max is only for those with the deepest pockets.