The DEFINITIVE iPhone Tier List
Snazzy Labs・35 minutes read
The evolution of the iPhone from the original to the latest models, highlighting the key features, upgrades, and ratings of each version. Despite some innovations and improvements, not all models were well-received, with some being criticized for lacking significant upgrades or facing pricing issues.
Insights
- The original iPhone, despite its groundbreaking multi-touch display, lacked essential features like 3G data support, video recording, and a native app store, limiting its functionality and appeal.
- The iPhone lineup evolved with each iteration, addressing previous shortcomings and introducing new technologies, culminating in devices like the iPhone 11 Pro with superior cameras, excellent battery life, and a comfortable design, showcasing Apple's commitment to innovation and user experience.
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Recent questions
What were the key features of the original iPhone?
The original iPhone had a multi-touch glass display but lacked 3G data support, multimedia messaging, video recording, and a native app store.
How did the iPhone 3G improve upon its predecessor?
The iPhone 3G introduced 3G data, GPS, and app store support.
What set the iPhone 4 apart from previous models?
The iPhone 4 featured a Retina display, Apple-designed silicon, and a stainless steel frame with a glass sandwich design.
What were the standout features of the iPhone 5S?
The iPhone 5S introduced Touch ID, a gold color option, a 64-bit A7 chip, and improved camera features.
How did the iPhone X revolutionize the iPhone lineup?
The iPhone X marked a significant redesign with the removal of the home button, OLED display, Face ID, and stainless steel design.
Related videos
Summary
00:00
Evolution of iPhone: From Original to 5C
- The original iPhone was the first to feature a true multi-touch glass display, but it lacked 3G data support, multimedia messaging, video recording, and a native app store.
- Despite its innovative features, the original iPhone was only available on one carrier, AT&T, and had a high starting price of $499 with a two-year contract.
- The iPhone 3G introduced 3G data, GPS, and app store support, but still lacked features like MMS, copy and paste, and Bluetooth stereo audio.
- The iPhone 3G launched at $199 on contract, making it the first iPhone that sold well, despite its shortcomings.
- The iPhone 3GS was significantly faster than its predecessor, with improved memory, camera, and storage options, making it a solid B-tier phone.
- The iPhone 4 was the first to feature a Retina display, Apple-designed silicon, and a stainless steel frame with a glass sandwich design, earning it an A-tier rating.
- The iPhone 4S introduced Siri, iCloud, and a powerful GPU, making it a solid S-tier phone and possibly the best iPhone ever made.
- The iPhone 5 featured a larger 4-inch display, a new A6 chip, LTE support, and a new Lightning port, but faced criticism for replacing Google Maps with Apple Maps.
- The iPhone 5S introduced Touch ID, a gold color option, a 64-bit A7 chip, and improved camera features, making it a C-tier phone.
- The iPhone 5C, released alongside the 5S, featured the same hardware as the iPhone 5 but in a plastic enclosure, targeting Asian markets but failing to gain traction due to pricing issues.
15:29
Evolution of iPhones: From 5C to XR
- The Lumia rip-off phone received criticism for its bland colors and poor build quality compared to iPhones.
- The iPhone 5C was considered inferior to older iPhones like the iPhone 5, with no compelling reason to purchase it.
- The iPhone 6 introduced a modernized design with larger screen options, improved chips, and new features like Apple Pay and LTE Advanced.
- The iPhone 6S featured significant upgrades like a faster A9 chip, improved cameras, and the introduction of 3D Touch.
- The iPhone SE combined the power of the iPhone 6S with the design of the iPhone 5S, resulting in poor battery life but a budget-friendly option.
- The controversial iPhone 7 removed the headphone jack but introduced the A10 chip for improved battery life, water resistance, and a better camera.
- The iPhone 8, while a great phone, didn't offer significant upgrades over the iPhone 7 and was considered dated compared to newer models like the iPhone X.
- The iPhone X marked a significant redesign with the removal of the home button, OLED display, Face ID, and stainless steel design, earning it an A-tier rating.
- The iPhone XS offered minor improvements over the iPhone X, mainly with the A12 chip and L-shaped battery, making it a minor upgrade.
- The iPhone XR provided a more affordable option with a similar design to the iPhone X but with compromises like an LCD display and lack of 3D Touch.
29:29
iPhone 12 Series: A-tier Value, E-tier Laziness
- iPhone 10R had a single wide-angle camera, similar chip to iPhone 10S, and comparable battery life, but not as good as iPhone 10S Max.
- iPhone 11 Pro introduced the best iPhone color, Midnight Green, had A13 Bionic chip with 4GB RAM, 18W fast charger, and a triple camera array.
- iPhone 11 Pro had excellent battery life, superior cameras to iPhone 10S, and comfortable hand feel, making it an S-tier phone.
- iPhone 11 was similar to iPhone 10R but with a second camera, making it an E-tier phone due to lack of significant upgrades.
- iPhone 12 Pro had a square design, introduced LiDAR sensor, ProRes RAW photos, 5G support, and MagSafe, but was considered lazy and an E-tier phone.
- iPhone 12 and 12 Mini ditched LCD for OLED panels, had similar improvements to iPhone 12, with the Mini being a fantastic addition, both considered A-tier phones for their value.
