The best 2020 iPhone is one-year old

Henry Man

The launch of the Apple iPhone 12 line-up is complete. But, the best value device from Apple this year is actually the one-year old iPhone 11.

Rumors of the entry iPhone 12 Mini hinted to a cheaper and smaller flagship smartphone. Unfortunately, the latter only materialised.

Starting at $1199 for the iPhone 12 Mini, it isn’t exactly ‘cheap’ – even though it’s still considered a flagship.

While that’s the same starting price tag as last year’s iPhone 11 at launch, you’re now paying the same for a tinier – albeit specced up – phone.

The equivalent to the iPhone 11 is actually the iPhone 12; both have the same 6.1-inch display. The mid-sized 12 now costs from $1349 – representing a $150 increase.

So, if you’re looking for a slightly bigger phone with a larger battery from Apple, the iPhone 11 is still selling at a reduced $999 impost with 64GB storage, $1079 for 128GB, or $1249 for256GB.

That’s a saving of $200 from when it was new last year – and a whopping $350 difference than the latest iPhone 12.

Therefore, the best value smartphone Apple sells right now is undoubtedly the iPhone 11.

The same unique iPhone 11 pastel colours are still offered, including white, black, green, Product Red, yellow, and purple – the latter two aren’t even present on the 12.

The 11 is already fast enough for most people, has a capable dual rear cameras with night mode, Face ID, and will still be supported with at least five more years of iOS software updates.

What don’t you get?

Admittedly, the iPhone 11 misses out on some noteworthy – but not vital – features and specifications compared to the latest 12.

Most importantly, the 11 uses an outdated HD (1792×828) ‘Liquid Retina’ LCD display with 326 pixels per inch (ppi), instead of a 2K (2532×1170) ‘Super Retina XDR’ OLED screen with 460ppi found on the 12.

This essentially means, colours and contrast don’t pop out as much and text might look less crisp up close.

Above: Apple iPhone 12 and 12 Mini

There’s also no HDR support, so frequent Netflix-goers might be disappointed by the iPhone 11.

Granted, both the 11 and 12 have 625 nits of maximum brightness, with the latest iPhone only boosting up to 1200 nits when viewing HDR content, plus Apple calibrates the LCD screen on the iPhone 11 quite well.

The iPhone 12 also has the throwback square-frame design, the option of a blue shade, stronger IP68 water and dust resistance, and improved wide and ultra-wide cameras. Also, exclusive to the 12 is Apple Magsafe for faster wireless charging and compatibility with a host of accessories, 5G network support, and a faster A14 Bionic processor.

However, these are mostly negligible features for the ordinary consumer.

And all iPhone’s sold nowadays don’t have an included power brick – not just the latest 12 range.

But it’s still expensive?

If you want a good value Apple iPhone, the 11 isn’t the only option.

The iPhone SE has also had a slight price cut following its launch earlier this year, starting from $679 with 64GB storage.

While it’s a new phone in an ageing design with thick screen bezels, a single rear camera and Touch ID, the iPhone SE is still a good option if you want a small and simple – but still capable – smartphone from the Cupertino company.

Above: Apple iPhone XR (left) and Google Pixel 5 (right)

Additionally, there’s the two-year-old iPhone XR still selling from $849 with a range of more vibrant colours. It lacks the improved cameras, battery life and power of the 11, but still has the same size LCD display, Face ID, and rounded aluminum frame.

Compared to the iPhone 11’s $999 price-tag, there’s a plethora of Android options to consider, too. You can get the semi-flagship Google Pixel 5, budget-premium Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and even the Oppo Find X2 Neo at similar prices – and often can be had with further discounts.

Nonetheless, the iPhone 11 is still the best value option in Apple’s line-up if you prefer a new-ish, easy to use flagship smartphone in a median size and last for years to come.

iPhone 11 Pricing by Country (64GB outright)

  • $999 AUD
  • $599 USD
  • £599 British Pounds
  • $1129 NZD
  • $849 CAD
  • 4799 RMB (China)
  • $5199 HKD
  • $979 Singapore Dollar