As part of its iPhone XS and iPhone XR introduction yesterday, Apple made some major shakeups to its iPhone lineup. As we reported, the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone X are no longer being sold by Apple.
This leaves the iPhone lineup as being the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone Xr, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone 7. Read on as we compare the price and specs of these devices.
iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max
The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max set themselves apart primarily in their screen technology. The two devices are the only iPhones sold by Apple to use OLED, and they feature much higher resolutions than the rest of Apple’s lineup. The iPhone XS measures in at 5.8-inches, while the iPhone XS Max is 6.5-inches.
iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max also feature higher waterproofing ratings than the rest of the iPhone lineup. At IP68, they can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. Apple, however, will not cover water damage under warranty.
As for internals, the iPhone XS and iPhone Xs Max are powered by Apple’s new A12 Bionic processor – with early reports suggesting 4GB of RAM, though that is unconfirmed at this point.
Here are the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max camera features (click to enlarge):
Unlike past years where the ‘Plus’ iPhone offered additional features compared to the smaller model, the iPhone Xs and iPhone XS Max are identical in every way except their size. The iPhone XS measures in at 5.8-inches, while the iPhone Xs Max is 6.5-inches. The smaller model weighs 177 grams, while the Max weighs 208 grams – making it the heaviest iPhone sold by Apple today.
The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max also set themselves apart in terms of price. The former starts at $999 and increases from there, while the latter starts at $1,099. Both base models include 64GB of storage. Available in silver, space gray, and gold.
iPhone XR
In many ways, the iPhone XR is a lot like the iPhone XS: you get Face ID, the A12 Bionic Chip, and a similar overall design – albeit with slightly bigger bezels.
That’s not to say there aren’t some notable differences, though. The display of the iPhone XR is a 6.1-inch LCD ‘Liquid Retina’ panel with 326 pixels-per-inch. That’s lower than the iPhone Xs, as well as the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus.
Further, the iPhone XR doesn’t support 3D Touch, and only includes a single camera on the back. The iPhone XR is, however, capable of features like Portrait Mode thanks to new software algorithms, and HDR thanks to a Smart HDR feature.
Here are the iPhone XR camera features (click to enlarge):
The iPhone XR, in terms of screen size, serves as sort of a middle ground between the iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max. It features a 6.1-inch display, which is larger than the iPhone Xs, but smaller than the iPhone Xs Max. It weighs in at 194 grams, which is more than the iPhone 8X but less than the iPhone 8 Plus.
The iPhone XR is slightly less water-resistant at IP67, which certifies the device can be submerged in up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
The iPhone XR is available in six colors: white, black, blue, coral, yellow, and PRODUCT(RED). It starts at $749 for 64GB of storage.
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
As has become a trend in recent years, Apple is keeping last year’s iPhone available at a lower price this year. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus remain available this year, touting the classic chin + forehead design.
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus both use LCD displays. The former features a 4.7-inch display with 326 pixels-per-inch, while the latter features a 5.5-inch 5.5-inch screen with 401 PPI.
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus also differ slightly in camera specifications. The Plus model features a dual-lens design on the back, allowing for features such as Portrait Mode and optical zoom. Meanwhile, the iPhone 8 uses a single 12MP lens on the back.
The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus also feature Touch ID rather than Face ID, as well as an A11 Bionic processor instead of the A12 Bionic processor. You get 3D Touch, as well as a glass back and wireless charging support.
Here are the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus camera features (click to enlarge):
As far as overall size, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus feature a larger ratio of body to screen size. This means that while the iPhone 8 Plus has a smaller display than the iPhone XS, its body size is much larger. The iPhone 8 weighs in at 148 grams, while the iPhone 8 Plus weighs 202 grams.
The iPhone 8 starts at $599 for 64GB of storage, while the iPhone 8 Plus starts at $699. Both devices are available in silver, space gray, and gold.
Read our full iPhone 8 & iPhone 8 Plus review.
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus
Last but not least, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are also remaining available this year. These devices were originally introduced back in September of 2016, and they now represent the cheapest iPhones available.
Two years later, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are certainly starting to show their age – but they represent a great value, especially when compared to the iPhone 8.
The main difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7 is that the iPhone 7 features an aluminum design and thus lacks wireless charging, whereas the iPhone 8 features a glass design and wireless charging.
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are both powered by A10 Fusion processors. They feature the same screen technology as the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 7 uses a 4.7-inch display with 326 pixels-per-inch, while the iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch screen with 401 PPI.
Camera technology is also similar, with the 4.7-inch model featuring a 12MP lens and the 5.5-inch featuring dual 12MP lenses. However, the iPhone 7 camera doesn’t have the ability to take Portrait mode photos, while the 7 Plus does.
The primary difference between the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus is that the latter lacks support for Portrait Lighting. The iPhone 7 series also lacks automatic HDR.
Here are the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus camera features (click to enlarge):
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are almost identical to the iPhone 8 in terms of size. The iPhone 7 is slightly lighter than the iPhone 8, weighing in 138 grams. The iPhone 7 Plus, meanwhile, weighs 188 grams – 14 grams lighter than its successor.
Perhaps most notable of all, the iPhone 7 starts at $449 for 32GB of storage, while the iPhone 7 Plus starts at $569. Both devices are available in black, silver, gold, and rose gold.
Read our full iPhone 7 review.
Wrap up
As you can see, Apple’s iPhone lineup has changed quite a bit over recent years. While the company certainly focuses more on the flagship iPhone XS line, the fact that the iPhone 7 is still available at less than $500 is notable in its own right.
By offering older devices at lower price points, Apple is able to hit all segments of the market without having to adjust the pricing of its high-end devices. While the iPhone 7 might not have all of the bells and whistles of the iPhone XS, it still represents a great value – especially for first-time smartphone buyers.
What do you think of Apple’s iPhone lineup? Is there anything you would change? Let us know down in the comments!
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