Discover an exhaustive journey through the evolution of Apple's mobile phones, from their most iconic models to the latest innovations. This comparative list will help you identify which devices have marked a before and after in the history of mobile technology. Ideal for Apple enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone looking to understand the brand's legacy. Explore the features, designs, and cultural impact of each smartphone over the years.
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1
iPhone 11 Pro
71 Global Votes
Best phone Apple has made
(+4)
The iPhone 11 Pro revolutionized Apple's mobile photography with its innovative triple camera system, featuring Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses. Its introduction of Night mode and advanced video stabilization set a new standard for image and video capture in various conditions.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max integrates the powerful A17 Pro chip, providing exceptional performance for any task, and an innovative camera system with a 5x telephoto lens and 48MP sensors across all its rear cameras. Its titanium design and the inclusion of the Action button redefine the user experience, offering advanced durability and customization.
The iPhone X revolutionized Apple's smartphone design by removing the home button and introducing an edge-to-edge OLED display with Face ID. Its innovative glass and stainless-steel design, along with the introduction of the 'notch', set a new aesthetic and functional standard for the industry.
The iPhone 6 Plus revolutionized the market by introducing the first large screen on an Apple mobile, responding to user demand for larger devices. Its 5.5-inch Retina HD display and thinner design set a new standard for the brand's smartphones, influencing the design of future generations.
The iPhone 5 introduced a crucial redesign with a thinner, lighter aluminum body and a larger 4-inch screen, setting a new aesthetic and functional standard. Furthermore, it was the first iPhone to incorporate the Lightning connector and offer LTE connectivity, marking significant technological advancements for the series.
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6
iPhone 3G
0 Global Votes
Revolutionary with 3.5-inch display
(+3)
The iPhone 3G was a crucial milestone, introducing 3G connectivity and, more importantly, the App Store, which transformed the mobile application ecosystem. Its launch solidified Apple's vision for smartphones, setting a new standard for user interaction and third-party software availability.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max stands out for its exceptional battery life, surpassing many competitors and predecessors by offering up to two and a half hours more usage than the already powerful 12 Pro Max. Its Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz provides a fluid and vibrant visual experience, ideal for any content.
This ranking evaluates iPhone models that have left a significant mark in Apple's history, considering their innovation, reliability, design, and features that made them stand out at the time and over time.
The determination of the 'best' iPhone is based on a combination of historical factors and user perceptions. Models like the iPhone X are considered for their innovation, while the iPhone 6S is valued for its durability. There isn't a single metric, but rather an overall view of their impact and performance over time.
This ranking is based on editorial analysis and the historical context of iPhone models. While user opinions are valuable for understanding each model's relevance, the final ranking is a curation of Apple's most influential and outstanding smartphones.
Criteria include the technological innovation a model introduced (like the iPhone X with Face ID), its design impact (like the iPhone 4/4S), reliability and durability (like the iPhone 6S), and its market relevance at the time of its launch.
How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing
Our methodology for ranking the best Apple smartphones in history focuses on a comprehensive evaluation of their impact, innovation, and legacy. It's not just about technical specifications, but how each model contributed to the brand's evolution and user experience over the years.
We consider the launch context of each iPhone, evaluating how innovative it was at the time and how its key features differentiated it from the competition.
We analyze the perceived reliability and durability of each model, based on general feedback and its longevity in the market.
Design and aesthetics are valued, as Apple has been a benchmark in this regard, with iconic models like the iPhone 4/4S and iPhone X.
We consider general community opinion and reviews over time to understand which models resonated most with users and why.
Innovation: Models that introduced revolutionary features or significant user experience improvements are included, such as the iPhone X with its full screen and Face ID.
Reliability and Durability: iPhones known for their robustness and long lifespan are considered, such as the iPhone 6S, which users highlight for its resilience.
Design Impact: Models that set aesthetic trends or were particularly well-received for their design, such as the iPhone 4/4S and its premium build.
Historical Relevance: iPhones that marked a before and after in Apple's trajectory, influencing future models and the industry in general, are selected.