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Apple iPhone contracts

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iPhone 13 Pro 5G
iPhone 13 5G
iPhone 12 Pro Max 5G
iPhone 12 Pro 5G
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone XS
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE
iPhone 14 Pro 5G Dual SIM

About Apple iPhones

Apple iPhones have been at the top of the smartphone market for a while now. Although they may not be the cheapest mobiles around, there are a few simple steps you can take to find the most cost-effective deal.

With a new updated model coming out each year, it can be tricky to decide which model will work for you best. Read on to find out about some of the differences between the more recent models to help you decide which one to go for.

Which is the best iPhone for me?

There’s a lot more to choosing the best iPhone for you than just going for the latest, most expensive model. True, some may want to keep up with the latest technology and show off to their friends, but others may have other priorities.

For example, if you’re on a tight budget, then the latest and greatest iPhone’s may be out of reach. Or, maybe, you just want a small, simple phone that you can fit easily into your pocket.

When comparing iPhones, consider the following criteria depending on whether it’s important to you or not:

Which is the latest iPhone?

Released in the UK at the end of September 2021, the latest iPhone models make up the iPhone 13 range - which includes the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and the iPhone 13 mini.

Which iPhone is the best value for money?

Generally, the older the model of iPhone then the cheaper it is. That being said, there are some exceptions. The second-generation iPhone SE, for example, was released in 2020 but is significantly cheaper than any of the flagship models, but it’s performance will satisfy most users on a budget.

Which iPhone has the biggest screen?

If you like watching videos or editing photos on your smartphones, then you’ll appreciate a big screen. The biggest iPhones are currently the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max, with a 6.7-inch OLED screen each. The next biggest is the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which at 6.5-inch is even bigger than the newer iPhone 13 which has a 6.1-inch display.

Which iPhone is the smallest?

Alternatively, you may not be a fan of the chunky designs that most modern smartphones have, preferring to have a smaller handset that you can fit in your pocket. If this is the case, consider the iPhone SE 2020 with a screen that measures just 4.7-inches. Both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7 have a similar-sized screen, although you can get even smaller by going for even older models - although you may be disappointed with their performance.

Which iPhone has the best camera?

With a 12MP triple rear camera with 4x optical zoom and Night Mode capabilities, both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max have the most complete set of cameras of any iPhone.

Which iPhone has the most storage?

Both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max come with the option to have up to a massive 1TB of internal storage. This is a marked improvement compared to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, which allow up to 512MB. However, this is still a decent amount of memory. If you go for the iPhone X or anything older, you’ll only get a maximum of 256GB.

Which iPhone has the best battery life?

The latest, most expensive iPhones will invariably have the longest battery lives, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max is no exception, with an impressive 4,352 mAh. Compare this to the budget iPhone SE 2020, which only has 1,821 mAh.

How can I get the best iPhone deal?

It's important to compare iPhone deals and tariffs from a number of network providers before making a decision. If you want to cut costs but still get an iPhone that does everything you want it to, consider the following:

  • Timing: When a new model comes out it is likely to come with a substantial cost. Generally, the longer the iPhone is on the market, the more the price will go down. They are likely to be at their lowest price a few months before the next iPhone model is set to come out, so keep an eye on the fluctuating prices. Each time a new model is released, the older models are likely to drop in price even more.
  • Go for a lower spec: When new iPhones are released, they usually come in a range of handsets rather than just one, universal model. For example, the latest Apple release comes in four versions - the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone Pro Max, and iPhone 13 mini. While those with a thirst for the latest technology and features will snap up the Pro and Pro Max models, you can save a lot of money by going for the basic versions - for most users, the differences can be minimal. All iPhones also come with a choice of internal storage, so consider going for a lower option to cut costs.
  • Choose your network wisely: When looking for a new iPhone, it’s important to compare as many tariffs as possible from a range of network providers in order to find the best value deal. Generally, smaller MVNOs such as giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, or Plusnet Mobile, will offer cheaper tariffs than the Big Four (EE, O2, Three, Vodafone) do. However, these tariffs will usually come with a lower data allowance, so weigh all of this up before making a compromise.
  • Consider refurbished iPhones: iPhones are often eye-wateringly expensive when they’re first released, with Pro Max models typically coming with an initial price tag of £1,000+. However, you can save hundreds of pounds by opting for a refurbished iPhone. These are second-hand models, but having been refurbished they’re almost as good as new, and they sell for a fraction of the original retailer’s price.
  • Look out for perks: Mobile providers will often offer you an incentive to switch to them. Lots of providers offer extra perks in their contracts, so make sure to research around and find out which network offers the most competitive contract plus the extras you’re looking for. Such extras include Go Roam by Three which offers you free worldwide roaming, and the O2 Priority Scheme which gives you hundreds of exclusive deals and discounts.

iPhone models compared

It is important to weigh up the cost of each model against the features it has. Decide what features are essential for you and then compare the differences between each model to make the decision.

iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 is the latest flagship model of Apple’s smartphone, released in September 2021 alongside the iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Mini. The iPhone 13 looks and feels much like its predecessor, the iPhone 12, but with some key differences.

In terms of its design, it still has a 6.1-inch screen, or 5.4-inch for the iPhone 13 Mini. What does set it apart, however, is its improved cameras, brighter display, and longer battery life - something which has been a particular annoyance for Apple users over the years. It can also provide up to 512GB of internal storage, depending on the version you get, while you can get up to 1TB on the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max.

One of the best things about the iPhone 13, however, and one which may presently surprise Apple fans, is the cost. With an initial upfront cost of £779, the iPhone 13 is in fact cheaper than the iPhone 12 was on its release date.

iPhone 13 comparison:

Handset iPhone 13 iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 13 mini
Screen size 6.1-inch 6.1-inch 6.7-inch 5.4-inch
Screen resolution 2532x1170 pixels 2532x1170 pixels 2778x1284 pixels 2340x1080 pixels
Internal storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Rear camera 12MP (Ultra Wide, Wide) 12MP (Ultra Wide, Wide, Telephoto) 12MP (Ultra Wide, Wide, Telephoto) 12MP (Ultra Wide, Wide)
Front camera 12MP 12MP 12MP 12MP
Processor Apple A15 Bionic Apple A15 Bionic Apple A15 Bionic Apple A15 Bionic
RAM 6GB 8GB 8GB 4GB
Battery life 3,227 mAh 3,095 mAh 4.352 mAh 2,406 mAh
Dimensions (HxWxD) 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.65mm 146.7mm x 71.5mm x 7.65mm 160.8mm x 78.1mm x 7.65mm 131.5mm x 64.2mm x 7.65mm
Weight 174g 204g 240g 141g

Compare iPhone 13 deals

You can compare iPhone 13 deals from a wide range of providers with usave. Just head over to our dedicated page to see the best mobile contract options from major networks like O2, Three, and Vodafone, as well as piggyback networks such as Sky Mobile and iD Mobile. Prices start from around £15 a month with low data allowances, but you can also find unlimited data packages.

When comparing mobile deals for the iPhone 13 with usave, you’ll see that the total cost is displayed as well as the monthly charges, which helps you to compare between packages and see which one is the best value for money.

iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 was released in 2020 alongside the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Mini. Just like its predecessor, the iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch screen, although it packs in a lot more pixels allowing for a clearer, brighter display. It also has a similar camera to the iPhone 11 range, with the 12 Pro and 12 Max coming an extra third rear lens. These versions are also more powerful, coming with 6GB of RAM compared to just 4GB.

The feature that really makes the iPhone 12 stand out, however, is its capability to support 5G networks, which is true for all versions of this model. This makes it the first range of iPhones that are fully 5G-ready.

The iPhone 12 is not cheap - when first released they started at £999 and £1,099 SIM-free for the iphone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max respectively. The iPhone 12 itself was slightly cheaper at £799 for the handset. Of course, with the release of the iPhone 13, the price of an iPhone 12 has reduced dramatically, but if budgeting isn't an issue then you'll get better value paying that bit extra for the latest model.

Compare iPhone 12 deals

If this is the model you’re after, head over to our dedicated page where you can compare iPhone 12 deals in a matter of minutes. You can choose your desired colour scheme and level of storage, then browse through the list of deals from a range of providers, before settling on a package that works for you. We compare plans for both new and refurbished iPhones, while you can also take a look at the iPhone 12 Pro, Pro Max, and Mini deals too.

iPhone 11

The iPhone 11 predated the iPhone 12, having been released in 2019 alongside the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Compared to its predecessors, the iPhone 11 has better cameras, including a dual 12MP camera on the back, while the Pro and Pro Max come with a third rear lens. The iPhone 11 range also has a longer battery life than the previous iPhone X and iPhone XR.

The iPhone 11, admittedly with the fewest features of the three, is surprisingly cheap, and you can find SIM-free deals cheaper than you would with the iPhone XR. But if you are looking for an impressive model with the some of the most premium features and you don’t mind paying a bit extra, then the iPhone 11 Pro Max could the one for you.

iPhone SE (2020)

After the hugely successful iPhone SE was released back in 2016, Apple has decided to release a second-generation version of this popular handset. With a design similar to the iPhone 8, a small, 4.7-inch screen, the iPhone SE is one of the most usable smartphones, fitting snugly in your pocket.

The 2020 version comes with a few updated features, including 4K video and wireless-charging capabilities. The iPhone SE is also a much cheaper alternative for those not wanting to stump up the high price tags for the iPhone 11 or iPhone X.

iPhone XR

The iPhone XR has some serious money-saving benefits. It has the best features of the iPhone X but with a smaller price tag. There are fewer of the premium features that the iPhone X has but the all-screen front gives it a sleek, high-end design. It is available in 6 bold colours so you can find exactly what you were looking for.

It does only have a single-lens camera however, and the screen works slightly less well than the iPhone X. The handset is also quite large, making it difficult to use with one hand, so bear this in mind. This model is ideal if you are looking for something a little cheaper whilst keeping hold of the new and exciting features.

iPhone X

The iPhone X has the same all-screen front and no home button with all the premium features too. It uses facial recognition software so you can use your Face ID to unlock your phone quicker and more securely than ever before. It also comes with a dual-lens camera so avid photographers can use it to take stunning photos.

As with the other more recent models, there is no headphone jack so you’ll have to invest in an adaptor to use your headphones.

iPhone 8

The iPhone 8 has a much more similar design to older models. It’s still got the home button, so the functionality of it will be something you’re familiar with. It has the same processor as the iPhone X, so it works quickly and efficiently and functions well for whatever you need it for.

It’s not hugely different to the previous model, the iPhone 7, so it may be worth looking into how much cheaper you can find an iPhone 7 for. Compare the benefits of the iPhone 8 with the added price point. If you are looking for a fast phone with a familiar design that fits in your pocket, then an iPhone 8 could be ideal for you.

How do Apple's iPhones compare to other manufacturers smartphones?

iPhones are by far the most popular smartphones in the UK, with Apple commanding a 51.62% market share of mobile sales in September 2021, according to StatCounter. This is almost double the market share of Apple’s biggest competitor Samsung, and dwarfs that of Huawei, currently the third most popular manufacturer in the country.

But how do iPhones stack up against their rivals? Are they really worth all the hype? Let’s take a further look:

Apple iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy

Both Apple and Samsung dominate the UK smartphone market, accounting for more than 80% of sales between them. But which company makes a better phone?

In all honesty, it depends on your personal preferences. Both the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy are a solid choice of handset, whether you’re into amateur photography, streaming videos, playing games, or just browsing the internet with ease.

But there are some key differences. Many customers to stay loyal to one or the other, choosing to stick with an operating system they’re familiar with. This makes sense, but both the iOS and Android operating systems are simple enough to get to grips with.

And in terms of design, both sets of handsets look sleek and stylish, but again this comes down to personal choice.

If you’re into phones with big screens, Samsung just pips it, with the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s screen measuring 6.9 inches, slightly larger than the biggest iPhone. On the other hand, if you prefer your phones on the smaller side, the iPhone 13 mini at just 5.4 inches has a much smaller screen than any phone in the Galaxy S range.

What about other manufacturers?

There are more smartphone manufacturers apart from Apple and Samsung, of course, with many offering powerful handsets, impressive cameras, and eye-catching design. Let’s take a look at the flagship models from some of the UK’s most popular manufacturers and see how they compare to the iPhone 13:

Phone Screen size Main camera RAM Battery life
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 6.7-inch 12MP 6GB 4,352mAh
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 6.8-inch 108MP 12/16GB 5,000mAh
Huawei P30 Pro 6.47-inch 40MP 6/8GB 4,200mAh
Xiaomi Mi 11 6.81-inch 108MP 6/12GB 4,600mAh
Motorola Moto G100 6.7-inch 64MP 8/12GB 5,000mAh
Google Pixel 5 6-inch 16MP 8GB 4,080mAh