Buying a new iPhone presents you with multiple models to choose from, and which one you should get isn’t a small decision. Your phone will be a nearly constant companion for some time, as you use it to call, text, check the weather, get directions, work, play games, and do just about everything else. The following considerations will help you determine which iPhone will best help you do all of these things.
Processor: More Recent Models Are Better
Processors have gigahertz, cores, structures, benchmarks, and other geeky specs. Thankfully, you don’t need to know any of these details. All you need to know is why a good processor is important and how to find a phone that has a good processor.
The processor is akin to your phone’s brains, and it’s important for a couple of reasons. First, the processor determines how fast your phone can currently run. All of those gigahertz, cores, benchmarks, etc. affect and measure how fast a processor is. Second, the age of your processor will impact how long your phone is supported. Apple tends to update phones for a set amount of time, and the duration is based on the processor rather than the actual iPhone model.
Thus, a better processor will both be faster now and ensure your phone receives updates for a longer period. A processor that’s not as goodwill still suffice, but some performance and longevity will be compromised.
To assess processor quality, simply know that newer phones have better processors. The iPhone 12 has a better processor than the iPhone 11, and the iPhone 11’s is better than the iPhone X’s. This is most evident in the iPhone SE 2nd Generation and the iPhone 8, which are essentially the same except the newer SE has a much better processor.
The processor generally doesn’t change across a model lineup. For example, the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max all run on the same A14 Bionic chip processor.
Memory: Mid-Range is Good
How much memory your phone has is the other major factor that impacts performance.
Memory doesn’t so much affect speed or longevity, but rather mostly how much your phone can do.
Strictly defined, the amount of memory that your phone has determined how much stuff the phone can store locally on its hard drive (yes, smartphones have hard drives). Memory is measured in gigabytes (GB), and more GBs means that there’s more storage space for stuff.
Many people first think of photos and videos when they’re asked about the stuff that gets stored on their phones. These certainly do take up memory (especially videos), but memory usage by photo and video is becoming less of a concern. Advances in cloud storage have made it possible to keep photos and videos on another companies services, so more space on your phone’s local hard drive remains free.
Memory’s impact on capability instead mostly comes in the form of app usage. Apps require a large amount of memory, as the phone must be able to store both an app program and any associated files that the app uses. Without enough memory for apps, you simply won’t have the ability to use your phone fully as you want to.
In order to make sure your phone has enough memory for apps, look for a model’s mid-range offering. You don’t necessarily need the highest amount of memory available (although that’s nice), but you also probably don’t want the least. You’ll be surprised how quickly a low amount of memory can be used up by apps — and apps will only be more demanding in a few years when you still have the phone. A mid-range amount of memory is good for most people’s uses.
5G Connectivity: Depends on Preference
A new consideration is whether you want an iPhone with 5G connectivity. Most devices still run on 4G or 4G LTE, but 5G represents more than a mere continuation of this technology. 5G enables devices to more efficiently communicate directly with one another, and it’s expected to be the connection of the future. As homes become increasingly smart, 5G will become more prominent and important.
Whether you want 5G connectivity now is entirely a personal decision. iPhones without 5G connectivity work perfectly well, but those with 5G will likely do more in the coming years. If desired, 5G is available on the most recent iPhone 12 series.
Budget: Solutions for Different Price Points
Finally, your budget for a new iPhone will affect which model to get. Newer and more capable phones obviously cost more than older, less capable ones. An older used iPhone might be less than $100, but a brand new iPhone 12 Pro Max can set you back by more than a grand. There’s a model for every budget.
One way to increase your budget is by selling your old iPhone through MLG Cash. We’ve developed a quick online too that shows what we’ll pay for your phone, and you can exchange the phone for cash the same day. Get the quote and bring the phone to a UPS Store location. An employee will confirm the phone’s condition, and we’ll immediately send the funds over PayPal or MoneyGram.
To get started selling your old iPhone, check out what it’s worth on our website.