Since the launch of the first iPhone back in 2007, Apple has been providing its customers with a wide range of iPhones to choose from according to their budget, needs, and tastes. You can easily find a variety of iPhones under $1000, especially if you are into excellent camera quality, HD display, and incredible battery life.
If you have good money to invest in the all-new iPhone, then you might want to wait for the iPhone 12 coming out very soon. However, if you don’t want to wait, then following is the list of best iPhones under $1000 that you might want to check out.
1. iPhone 11 Pro
Apple has always been innovative in its design department with new generation iPhones. Although in the beginning, the squircle-shaped triple camera design of the iPhone 11 raised a lot of questions and controversies, now it has become everyone’s obsession.
The smartphone delivers impeccable performance in a compact package. You get triple rear cameras with an ultra-wide lens, a new night mode, and much better Smart HDR. Compared to most other smartphones, the iPhone 11 Pro is now the best camera phone around.
Other worth-mentioning highlights of the phone include its very bright 5.8-inch display that you can easily use with one hand and a fast A13 Bionic chip that just smokes Android devices when it comes to performance.
Finally, we have a fast charger for the iPhone in the box. The only thing that bothers me is that they should’ve included more base storage space, which is only 64GB. That being said, the iPhone 11 Pro is a stellar flagship phone that’s a solid buy if your budget allows. For more details, read our review of the iPhone 11 Pro.
2. iPhone 11
Many people were skeptical at first whether to trade in their old iPhone for the latest one or not, but when they saw the new flagship smoking old phones, they immediately made this major switch. The iPhone 11 is indeed an excellent phone with one of the best cameras I have ever seen on a smartphone, along with amazing battery life.
However, if you think that iPhone 11 is the perfect phone that provides all the high-tech features and has the best specs a phone can ever have, it is not the case. If you are a tech geek and only want to invest in the latest tech, don’t go below the latest iPhone 11 Pro.
Basically, the iPhone 11 is an ‘S’ update to last year’s iPhone, the iPhone XR. It looks almost the same from the front and even has the same design and 6.1-inch 720p display with fancy, rounded corners. However, the design has been made slightly better by tweaking the iPhone 11 a bit here and there. The glass on the front and back is a bit stronger, and the water resistance has been made better.
3. iPhone XS
When the iPhone X was launched back in 2017, it marked the beginning of the all-new generation of iPhones with a complete redesign. Apple introduced the iPhone XS and XS Max in 2018; both phones followed the same design pattern as the iPhone X. Although the iPhone 11 is the natural successor of the iPhone XS, you shouldn’t overlook the deals on it and underestimate its power. It is still one of the most powerful iPhones.
Being an ‘S’ model, its display screen and design are the same as the model it replaced, the iPhone X. It has the same edge-to-edge, 5.8-inch OLED display that rocks a notch on the top and is packed full of sensors. Many people prefer a notch-less display experience, but if you can manage your day to day tasks on your smartphone while bearing that notch on the top, then iPhone XS provides the best value for money. Also, what Apple started with iPhone X (notch design) has been followed by pretty much all smartphone companies out there.
Furthermore, the iPhone XS has a glass back supporting wireless charging, a stainless steel core for more durability, and overall quality almost the same as the iPhone X. That said, there are many improvements, especially in the department of water resistance and glass quality (which is tougher than before).
To get our full thoughts, read our review of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.
4. iPhone X
Although iPhone X was a huge gamble for Apple, it paid off quite well, and soon people started admiring its design (after a period of controversy). Altering the design and losing the home button was a dangerous move, but it was needed after years of similarity in design.
Innovation is impossible without trying something unique, and Apple knows this. They took a big risk and introduced a unique device with several upgraded features, such as Face ID, a new display screen, a notch, and no home button. In short, iPhone X is the major leap forward that Apple smartphones needed after ten years.
Losing the home button while introducing new ways to navigate and operate the iPhone was quite risky for the company that was already breaking new ground by removing the traditional headphone jack. Apart from its complete redesign, the phone features a glass front and back and comes in two standard colors; Silver and Space Grey. Moreover, it features a polished stainless steel frame around the edge that sure makes it look like a premium device, which it is.
Its 5.8-inch display is better and larger than, say, the iPhone 8 Plus, but the chassis is quite smaller. Those who thought that ‘Plus’ iPhones were too big for them will be happy to hold such an almost bezel-less iPhone that is much better proportioned than the iPhone Plus sizes.
5. iPhone SE (Budget Winner)
The first generation of iPhone SE, released back in 2016, was a blessing for those who wanted performance like the latest iPhones but were not comfortable with larger phones.
Similarly, the second generation of iPhone SE, released in 2020, is one of the best values in phones, especially for people who prefer compact handsets without compromising on the performance. Despite a somewhat dated design, the power this compact iPhone packs is unmatchable.
The new iPhone SE is equipped with so many premium features that you won’t find on any Android device in this price range. Some are metal-and-glass design, wireless charging, water resistance, Touch ID, and obviously, Apple’s iOS. However, I wish that Apple had trimmed its bezels, improved its design a bit, and added a night mode for the camera. At any rate, it is the best choice for those who are shopping for a small smartphone.
Our complete review of the iPhone SE covers all the features this phone has to offer.
Apple Wins the Game with These iPhones Under $1000
All the iPhones under $1000 we’ve listed above are undoubtedly some of the best devices one can buy for the money. iPhones are not only premium on paper, but they actually provide top-notch performance and quality. If you are an iPhone fan who wants to upgrade to a newer Apple device or an Android user thinking of making a big switch, now is the time to do so.
