Any new iPhone will get you at least that many years. The 12 mini will be closest to your current form factor. I had a 12 pro and “downgraded” to the new SE because I just was a bit nervous having $1,000 in my pocket. It is fine for me. I am the same way you are with social media, camera, and apps. I would wait to see what they release in September. They may have a new mini that would suit you well. If you want something bigger, the regular 12 (or 13) non-pro would work. I used to work at Apple, so I’m a big fan. Answer from Deleted User on reddit.com
Pickr
pickr.com.au › home › news and articles › the 2021 iphone guide: which iphone is best for you
The 2021 iPhone guide: which iPhone is best for you – Pickr
November 1, 2021 - Beyond value, there’s the best iPhone for everyone, delivering solid performance, battery life, and a camera worth craving. And in 2021, there is just one: the iPhone 13.
Trickedoutonline
trickedoutonline.com › home › which is the best iphone to buy in 2021? – part 2
The Best iPhone to Buy in 2021? Accessories & Phone Repair
November 7, 2024 - If cost is not an issue for you, then iPhone 12 Pro Max is hands-down the best and the most powerful gadget available today. It offers multiple upgrades compared to iPhone 12 Pro which justifies its cost and makes it more desirable.
Best base model since the 13 IMO.
literally last year’s pro without the telephoto or USB 3 speeds, i use both of those but most people don’t so for 99% it’s a wayyyyyy better value More on reddit.com
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July 21, 2025Which iPhone to buy in 2021, for a digital minimalist on a budget?
Any new iPhone will get you at least that many years. The 12 mini will be closest to your current form factor. I had a 12 pro and “downgraded” to the new SE because I just was a bit nervous having $1,000 in my pocket. It is fine for me. I am the same way you are with social media, camera, and apps. I would wait to see what they release in September. They may have a new mini that would suit you well. If you want something bigger, the regular 12 (or 13) non-pro would work. I used to work at Apple, so I’m a big fan. More on reddit.com
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April 25, 2021Best photo vault apps for iPhone in 2021
There used to be an app called Stash that was great for this. You could create a segregated vault and it had great file management features. It also also had dummy accounts, file metadata that was better than what iOS had natively at the time, great UI, exclude/include from device backups, just an all around great app to use. It really stood out from the sea of the "fake calculator" garbage type apps at the time. More on reddit.com
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April 20, 2021Iphone XR or Iphone 11 in 2021
I use a Xr I love it but 11 is the more sensible buy in 2021 More on reddit.com
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December 17, 2020Videos
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/buyitforlife › which iphone to buy in 2021, for a digital minimalist on a budget?
r/BuyItForLife on Reddit: Which iPhone to buy in 2021, for a digital minimalist on a budget?
April 25, 2021 -
Obviously I understand that iPhones and tech generally are designed with planned obsolescence and are certainly not "BIFL" products. However, we have to live with them, and as far as I understand, there is no BIFL option when it comes to smartphones.
I have been using my iPhone SE (1st gen) for almost 5 years now, squeezing as much use out of it as I possibly could. It is truly at its last leg at this point - I have to have it plugged in all day, it can barely run most apps, and multi-tasking is literally impossible.
Unfortunately it is unusable at this point and the time has come for me to upgrade. Which iPhone should I buy, now in late 2021? If I have to make a $400+ investment, I want to be sure I can get at least 4 good years out of it. I am a digital minimalist; no social media, no heavy usage of advanced apps, nor a need for a super-advanced camera. Really all I want is something with a very good battery and is a good bang for my buck. I was disappointed to read that the new iPhone SE has poor battery life, so I am wondering if it would be worth it to buy an X, 11, or 12. I also can't make sense of all the different versions out there and what all these R, S, Max, Pro, Mini qualifiers mean.
I appreciate any tips y'all can provide! Thank you
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Any new iPhone will get you at least that many years. The 12 mini will be closest to your current form factor. I had a 12 pro and “downgraded” to the new SE because I just was a bit nervous having $1,000 in my pocket. It is fine for me. I am the same way you are with social media, camera, and apps. I would wait to see what they release in September. They may have a new mini that would suit you well. If you want something bigger, the regular 12 (or 13) non-pro would work. I used to work at Apple, so I’m a big fan.
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In 2018 I upgraded from my (wonderful) iPhone SE to an iPhone X and it still works as smoothly as the day I bought it. I got used to the design changes within a day. That being said, If I were you I would go for a X S as some of the earlier X models have display issues that are most likely not covered by warranty.
Medium
medium.com › @anguilanom10 › ranking-every-iphone-i-have-ever-purchased-5663ccdbba0f
Ranking Every iPhone I Have Ever Purchased | by Mike Anguilano | Medium
August 5, 2025 - Steve Jobs likened the iPhone 4 to a beautiful Leica camera, and I couldn’t agree more. The stainless steel band wraping around the outside, sharp edges, glass on the front and the back, and the skeuomorphic iOS 6 were all incredible.
Reboxed
reboxed.co › home › outside the box › outside the box
Which iPhone is best for you? [2021]
June 15, 2021 - Its 6.1-inch screen offers deeper blacks and a wider range of colors over the LCD on the iPhone 11, and it packs as many pixels as the iPhone 12 Pro, meaning you can take your Netflix game to the next level.
TechRadar
techradar.com › phones › iphone
The best iPhone: which Apple smartphone reigns supreme?
2 weeks ago - We've tested and ranked the best iPhones, from the supersized iPhone 17 Pro Max to the budget-friendly iPhone 16e.
Tom's Guide
tomsguide.com › phones › iphones
Best iPhones in 2025: Which iPhone should you buy? | Tom's Guide
2 weeks ago - What we think about the iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Pro Max continues to be be the jewel in Apple's iPhone lineup, containing all the top features and setting the standard for other Apple phones to follow.
Amateur Photographer
amateurphotographer.com › home › buying advice › i review iphones for a living – these are the best iphones for photography
Best iPhone for photography - these are the top rated options | Amateur Photographer
October 29, 2025 - It could be worth stepping back two or more generations if you want a “Pro” iPhone at a good price, while still getting hold of good image quality. ... The 2021 iPhone 13 Pro might be a few generations old now, but that just means you can ...
Quora
quora.com › What-will-be-the-best-iPhone-in-the-world-in-2021
What will be the best iPhone in the world in 2021? - Quora
Answer (1 of 57): iPhone 11 Price If all you want is a functional iPhone, and you want value for money, meaning an iPhone that doesn’t cost the earth, an iPhone 11 – the phone itself is now cheaper, thanks to the release of the iPhone 12 ...
CPR Cell Phone Repair
cellphonerepair.com › which-is-the-best-iphone
Which is the Best iPhone for 2021? | Cell Phone Repair
May 7, 2021 - The easiest way to determine which iPhone is right for you is to decide which features you value the most. If you’re a budding photographer, then the 11 Pro models are likely the best choice. Do you care more about having the latest tech and ...
Macworld
macworld.com › home › iphone › reviews
iPhone 13 (2021) review: An essential phone but a nonessential upgrade | Macworld
October 15, 2021 - The iPhone 13 is an easy phone to recommend. Even with iPhone 12 looks, it doesn’t feel like a stale design and it has tremendous battery life. At $799 ($829 unlocked), it’s the same price as the iPhone 12 and you get a little more for your ...
Apple
apple.com › iphone › compare
iPhone - Compare Models - Apple
Compare features and technical specifications for iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e and many more.
CNN
cnn.com › electronics › smartphones & tablets
Best iPhone in 2021: Which is for you?
September 28, 2025 - The Pro Max model consistently gets the best endurance in our testing, since its larger size means larger battery. The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro proved to be neck-and-neck in our experience; both will get you close to 20 hours of video playback.
Counterpoint
counterpointresearch.com › en › insights › global-top-10-smartphones-2021
Apple Captures 7 Spots in 2021 List for Global Top 10 Smartphones
The top five models in 2021 were from Apple. The iPhone 12 was the best-selling model, followed by the iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 11. The top three models contributed 41% to Apple’s total sales. The pending demand for 5G upgrades by a strong and loyal iOS user ...
PCMag Australia
au.pcmag.com › guide › mobile phones
What's the Best iPhone to Buy in 2026?
September 22, 2025 - These models include the older iPhone 16, the budget-minded iPhone 16e, and the latest iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max. Each has a specific appeal, whether it's the price, size, features, battery life, or a combination thereof.
Stuff
stuff.tv › features › best iphone in 2026 ranked from best to worst
Best iPhone in 2026 ranked from best to worst | Stuff
1 week ago - With the upgraded camera, the Pro Max is the ultimate powerhouse – again. The Pro lineup certainly presents a much better option for experienced users than the iPhone Air. ... Looking for the best iPhone there is? That’s the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › phones › best iphone in 2025: here's which apple phone you should buy
Best iPhone in 2025: Here's Which Apple Phone You Should Buy - CNET
3 weeks ago - As I tested the new Pro phones, I was consistently impressed: Even after a full day of heavy use, the Pro Max's battery still had 22% or more left. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the best battery life of any phone that CNET has ever tested.
Quora
quora.com › What-s-the-best-Apple-iPhone-model-right-now
What’s the best Apple iPhone model right now? - Quora
Answer: The iPhone 16 Pro is the best iPhone in 2025, offering a great balance of performance with the A18 Pro chip, a 6.3-inch 120Hz display, and an advanced camera system with 5x telephoto zoom, all at a more affordable price than the Pro Max.
CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › phones › iphone 12 review: in 2021, it's still an excellent buy
iPhone 12 review: In 2021, it's still an excellent buy - CNET
iPhone 12
He co-wrote and starred in the ... won the Best Wisconsin Short Film award at the Milwaukee Short Film Festival. ... CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. ... Update, Sept. 24, 2021: Apple announced the iPhone 13 series ... 5G support, a new striking design, improved cameras and four different models all add up to make the iPhone 12 an absolute unit.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/iphone › best base model since the 13 imo.
r/iphone on Reddit: Best base model since the 13 IMO.
July 21, 2025 -
Apple really stepped up their game with the base 17. 120hz, dual 48 MP cameras, center stage front camera. There’s now literally almost no reason to get a Pro, unless you want a big phone. I’m not upgrading this year but if I was I’d seriously consider the base model. ProMotion was the only thing keeping me on the Pro.
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literally last year’s pro without the telephoto or USB 3 speeds, i use both of those but most people don’t so for 99% it’s a wayyyyyy better value
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This is probably the tightest base vs Pro I can recall. Unless people want/need the extra cameras, the more RAM, and some of the other Pro features, it's a no brainer to go for the 17 while saving the $.