• How to choose the right iPhone? Selection criteria. Choosing the optimal iPhone model Which iPhone 5s to choose

    Which iPhone should you choose? If previously only one current model was available to us, and the differences in the two generations of iPhone were striking, today the picture has changed somewhat. TechRadar rating answers which iPhone is better! Let's go?

    Have you decided on a brand, but don’t know which iPhone to choose? Let’s dot all the “i’s” in Apple smart phones. The choice is responsible - you can spend more than $1,000 on a fresh iPhone 7, or you can save money, take the compact iPhone SE and not lose out on anything. Previously, the choice of iPhone smartphones was not so great. The difference between the Four and the iPhone 5 was colossal, and the question of which iPhone is better was stupid to ask. Today the model range represents a wide selection of colors, diagonals, and memory capacities.

    To make it easier for you to choose an iPhone, check out TechRadar's ranking of Apple smartphones. The rating examines the pros and cons of each model, key features and characteristics of the smartphone.

    It's easy to choose an iPhone: TechRadar rating

    1st place: iPhone 7 Plus

    According to the editors of TechRadar, this is the best phone among iPhones.

    Key benefits of iPhone 7 Plus:

    • Enough power to handle any task
    • great camera

    Main disadvantages:

    • lack of a standard audio jack

    iPhone 7 Plus is an ideal choice for fans of phablets with a diagonal of 5.5+. The most significant differences of the model are dust/moisture protection IP68 () and a dual camera with improved optical zoom. Each of the cameras in the module received 12MP. iPhone 7 Plus produces amazing photos with bokeh effect (background blur/foreground focus). We published Galaxy S7 Edge and LG V20.

    The autonomy of the iPhone 7 Plus has been improved compared to the iPhone 6 Plus. The 7th generation gets iOS 10 out of the box.

    The biggest disappointment for music lovers is the only Lightning connector. Standard headphones can only be connected via an adapter (included). Another option is to switch to wireless. ()

    The price tag of the iPhone 7 Plus is high even compared to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6 Plus, but the new features and specifications are worth the premium.

    2nd place: iPhone 7

    A good smartphone with moisture protection.

    Key benefits of iPhone 7:

    • The camera takes great pictures in low light conditions
    • moisture protection

    The main disadvantages of the iPhone 7:

    • no obvious differences from the iPhone 6S
    • design unchanged for 3 years

    iPhone 7 will be a good choice for those who crave new products, but prefer compact smartphones.

    Like the iPhone 7 Plus, the younger version did not receive a standard audio jack. The seventh iPhone is protected from moisture, which means that the smartphone will survive a fall into a puddle/glass/sink. iPhone 7 doesn't have a dual camera. The main camera is 12MP, but tests show that the smartphone takes better pictures in low-light conditions.

    If you have an iPhone 6/6S, there is no compelling reason to upgrade to a new model. The iPhone 7 has a more powerful processor, and the camera has new software. This is where the list of differences ends.

    3rd place: iPhone SE

    Compact, affordable and damn powerful.

    Key benefits of iPhone SE:

    • Enough power for everyday multitasking
    • affordable price

    The main disadvantages of the iPhone SE:

    • worn out design
    • outdated display

    iPhone SE stands out from the general trend of modern Apple smartphones. His diagonal 4 inches, and the design is not much different from 5/5S. However, this smartphone overclocks powerful A9 processor, and the main camera shoots at the level of the iPhone 6S.

    The smartphone lacks 3D-Touch functionality and front camera resolution; the screen lacks clarity and contrast. But this is the most powerful 4-inch smartphone on the mobile gadgets market. If the task is to choose a powerful iPhone and not spend a lot of money, SE is the best option.

    Moreover, iPhone SE is the best choice for those who prefer compact phones for basic functions (calls, instant messaging). Its advantage is an attractive price with excellent technical characteristics.

    4th place: iPhone 6S

    The optimal combination of price, quality and performance.

    Main advantages of iPhone 6S:

    • great design
    • 3D Touch

    The main disadvantages of the iPhone 6S:

    • low autonomy
    • high cost for a smartphone with a low-resolution screen

    A9 processor, 2 GB of RAM (a 1 GB gap from the previous model), 12MP main camera, 8MP front camera - all these characteristics distinguish the iPhone 6S from its predecessors: iPhone 6/5S/5/SE. And this is the most objective and honest answer to the question - which Apple iPhone is better. If you remove the brackets of the new product, the iPhone 6S.

    The disadvantage is the design inherited from the iPhone 6. There are no changes. You can understand that you are holding an S model solely by the mark on the back cover.

    The next disappointment is the display. For the price tag of the iPhone 6S, you can buy a flagship from another brand with an excellent QHD display (for example, the Samsung Galaxy S6 with QuadHD resolution and an excellent SuperAMOLED matrix). The only noticeable difference is 3D-Touch, a feature that offers quick access to the main functions of applications by pressing harder.

    5th place: iPhone 6S Plus

    Improved phablet from Apple.

    Key benefits of iPhone 6S Plus:

    • 3D Touch
    • bright, contrasting display

    The main disadvantages of the iPhone 6S Plus:

    • bulky and inconvenient to operate with one hand
    • high cost

    The main improvement of the iPhone 6S Plus compared to the 6S is a brighter and more contrasting 5.5-inch display. The resolution has improved, the screen is adapted for multimedia - video and games. The smartphone has an improved battery.

    Large and productive, with sufficient autonomy, although expensive. iPhone 6S Plus will be the best choice for gamers. And the 128GB version allows you to store hundreds of music tracks and video clips without compromising your main applications.

    6th place: iPhone 6

    A good phone for undemanding users and only 6th position in the rating.

    Key benefits of iPhone 6:

    • excellent design compared to 5S
    • greater autonomy compared to previous models (5/5S)

    The main disadvantages of the iPhone 6:

    • high price
    • low screen resolution

    The iPhone 6 was a breath of fresh air for Apple fans; its design was radically different from previous models. The developers abandoned sharp edges and strict features in favor of rounded edges. The smartphone has a larger diagonal of 4.7 inches compared to 4 inches in the iPhone 5/5S.

    However, the display size is the only difference between the iPhone 6 and its predecessor. The display technology and resolution remain unchanged, and the pixel density remains unchanged (both devices have 326PPI).

    The iPhone 6 received a significant increase in power with the A8 processor compared to the 5 series of smartphones. Thanks to excellent optimization, iPhone 6 handles everyday multitasking perfectly. A good choice for those who are not chasing new products and advanced technologies.

    7th place: iPhone 6 Plus

    Apple's first phablet with a great design.

    Key benefits of iPhone 6 Plus:

    • excellent FullHD display
    • good camera

    The main disadvantages of the iPhone 6 Plus:

    • inconvenient format for one-handed use
    • high cost

    The 6th generation iPhone introduced users to a choice of diagonals for the first time. Those for whom the 4.7-inch diagonal was not enough appreciated the iPhone 6 Plus with a 5.5-inch screen.

    A larger display size is better for gaming and watching videos, and it is more convenient for Internet surfing. The screen itself has a higher resolution: 1080x1920 (401PPI) compared to 750x1334 (326PPI).

    The next significant difference between the iPhone 6 Plus and the regular iPhone 6 is the improved camera (optical stabilization has been added). The autonomy of the iPhone 6 Plus has also been improved.

    8th place: iPhone 5S

    An affordable alternative to the iPhone SE.

    Main advantages of iPhone 5S:

    • Touch ID fingerprint scanner
    • good camera

    The main disadvantages of the iPhone 5S:

    • low autonomy
    • low screen resolution

    iPhone 5S is a compact 4-inch Apple smartphone that will appeal to conservative users who need a phone for making calls and sending SMS. The iPhone 5S inherited the design of its predecessor, but under the hood of the smartphone there was an updated, more powerful processor.

    A significant improvement in the iPhone 5S compared to the regular five is the 8MP camera, which still takes decent pictures despite its “age” and more than modest technical specifications. However, the most noticeable difference for users is the fingerprint scanner (Touch ID), located in the Home button.

    The iPhone 5S is still available for sale, although most stores offer refurbished (Refurbished or “Like New”) devices. But if you're lucky enough to find a new iPhone 5S, it might be the best bang for your buck.

    Verdict

    Choosing an iPhone is not an easy task. Apple smartphones have two disadvantages:

    • The display is not for everyone. Apple will soon abandon IPS.
    • Low autonomy.

    Both shortcomings are eliminated only in Plus models.

    So which iPhone should you choose? If there is a problem of choice, it means that the purchase budget is not flexible, and therefore we will take this into account in our recommendations. If you need a stable and powerful smartphone, durable, with a good camera and affordable, choose . The cost of the version with 64 GB memory does not exceed $550.

    The price is even more tempting - for a phone with 64 GB of memory you will have to pay no more than $420. The processor is weaker, but with a limited budget, there won’t be better offers from the Cupertino brand. However, we must remember that Apple updates software for devices within 48 months, and the 5S was released in 2013.

    Updated 12.2018. Since the preparation of this article, many new iPhones have been released, some with AMOLED screens, but all still with weak batteries. You can get acquainted with all the new products from the apple company using the following links:

    Articles and Lifehacks

    Which Apple smartphone should you choose? Our article will tell you how to choose an iPhone, and also where is the best place to buy a used device. And to begin with, we, of course, need to decide what we expect from the future gadget, and which of its functions are the most important for us.

    How to choose an iPhone?

    Of course, most of us may believe that there is nothing better than buying a new iPhone of the latest model. Yes, and it suggests that the device got better from model to model. However, if we are not in constant pursuit of fashion and approach our choices wisely, we should be guided by completely different criteria.

    As already mentioned, we must first decide what we expect from our new smartphone. You can familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each iOS mobile device model on numerous thematic resources, as well as on the official Apple website.

    One of the most affordable is the iPhone 4. It has a powerful enough processor for us to be able to work with most Apple applications. This device is suitable for buyers without any special needs, but it will allow you to try out all the main features of the iOS platform. The 4S smartphone looks practically no different from the iPhone 4, but has improved parameters.

    Undoubtedly, the best and most proven mobile device at the moment is the iPhone 5. It is ideal for working with applications, watching HD videos and surfing the Internet. And, of course, today everyone will be able to try all the promised advantages and declared high power of the iPhone 6. However, such simple actions as deleting contacts or are almost the same for all versions of this device.

    Whichever Apple smartphone we choose, we should remember that it is designed for wealthy users. Subsequently, we will probably need to purchase some branded accessories, purchase applications, music, and so on. Let's add that all previous models quickly become outdated, and they work worse and worse with updates. In other words, Apple is constantly pushing its customers to purchase new iOS smartphones.

    Now we will tell you how to choose an iPhone if we decide to buy it second-hand.

    How to choose a used iPhone and where to buy it?

    First of all, you should pay attention to the absence of noticeable external damage, signs of impact, scratches, and so on. Of course, this is not the most important thing, but it is worth considering that a strong blow or fall can cause serious damage to the device, and noticeable scratches can greatly spoil the impression of working in daylight. After this, it is recommended to check the screen for dead pixels. It is strongly not recommended to purchase a mobile device with such a defect, since we will no longer be able to fix it.

    Now we try to press various buttons on the smartphone; We don’t have to put any effort into it. In addition, they should not stick, especially since they will have to be used often. As for the body, there should be no chips on it. It should also fit snugly against the screen.

    The demand for used mobile equipment is increasing daily. Of course, this allows you to save a lot of money (depending on the model, from several tens to two hundred dollars). When purchasing a used iPhone, the easiest way is to use the Internet, and a search engine will certainly help us in choosing a seller. Unfortunately, we will not have any guarantee of performance in this case. The risk is always great, but with sufficient care we can protect ourselves from a number of troubles.

    The widest range of current iPhones available on the official Apple Online Store page may raise doubts even among people who have been familiar with the equipment of the American manufacturer for several years. To understand and choose "Best iPhone" with an acceptable price tag, you need an integrated approach to the issue. In this material we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of certain iPhone models and help you make a choice.

    At the time of writing, there are 8 iPhone models on official sale: the latest iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, last year’s iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (), previous versions of the iPhone 7 / 7 Plus (). As for the iPhone X, iPhone 6s/6s Plus and iPhone SE, they are officially discontinued. But since these devices are still on sale from official resellers, this year we will leave them in our review.

    Note: iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 were not included in the list because they are not officially sold by Apple in Russia (but some resellers do). And even now a lot of restored “fives” and “sixes” are sold under the guise of new ones (details and). Be careful.

    The smartphones are equipped with an Apple A9 processor, 2 GB of RAM, 12 MP main and 5 MP front cameras.

    All modern features like 3D Touch (a technology that allows you to determine the force of pressing the display), Taptic Engine tactile feedback, and a second-generation Touch ID fingerprint sensor (when the iPhone is not charging) are present.

    The iPhone 6s Plus model from its younger 4.7-inch brother, in addition to the larger display diagonal, is distinguished by a more capacious battery that provides impressive battery life and the presence of optical image stabilization when shooting through the main camera.

    iPhone 6s is available in space gray, silver, gold and rose gold.

    The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are quite powerful devices that are still relevant today. Currently, 32 and 128 GB versions are available for sale (the 16 GB model was discontinued after the start of sales of the iPhone 7).

    Comparison of technical characteristics of iPhone 6S / 6S Plus, iPhone 8 / 8 Plus and iPhone X (click to enlarge)

    Prices for iPhone 6s in Russia

    You can purchase the basic 32 GB version of the iPhone 6s from retailers in Russia from 29,990 rubles. The option with 128 GB of internal memory will cost 34,990 rubles.

    The cost of iPhone 6s Plus 32 GB is 26,990 rubles.

    iPhone SE is suitable for those who do not like modern “shovels” with a large display diagonal or who want to purchase a relatively modern device, but at a lower price than the iPhone 6s. The gadget will be as relevant as the iPhone 6s - for the next 2-3 years. Supports iOS 12. 32 GB and 128 GB models are available.

    Prices for iPhone SE in Russia

    The only drawback is the lack of a 3.5 mm audio jack, but it seems that Apple has set a new fashion trend, because competing manufacturers have also begun to release models without it. The popularity of wireless headphones and accessories with a Lightning interface has increased dramatically.

    The 5.5-inch model has acquired a large number of exclusive features: a dual main camera (two 12 MP sensors with a wide-angle and a telephoto lens) with a 2x main and 10x digital zoom and 3 GB of RAM.

    Currently, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are sold in two versions with 32 and 128 GB storage.

    Comparison of technical characteristics of iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 (Table)

    Prices for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in Russia

    Battery capacity has decreased slightly, but battery life remains the same due to the use of a more energy-efficient processor. Among the peripheral modules, we can also highlight Bluetooth 5.0, which replaced version 4.2.

    iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus colors

    Prices for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in Russia

    iPhone X

    In 2017, Apple released three smartphones at once, but for those who want to use exclusively “hi-end” devices, the choice has been narrowed to one. iPhone X () costs an order of magnitude more than its counterparts, but also offers much richer functionality.

    Like the iPhone 8/8 Plus, the 2017 flagship received a body with a glass back panel, but the front of the device has changed dramatically. First of all, the 5.8-inch screen, which occupies almost the entire panel area, and the absence of a Home button are striking.

    Its functions are taken over by an operating system that supports new control gestures, as well as Face ID user facial identification technology, which replaced the Touch ID fingerprint scanner.

    At the same time, despite the largest display diagonal in the line, the dimensions of the “tens” are not much larger than the dimensions of the 4.7-inch models.

    Other advantages of the iPhone X include a Super Retina HD screen with a resolution of 2436 × 1125 pixels (458 pixels per inch), an improved camera with optical stabilization technology on both lenses, Portrait modes with functionality, and a function for the front camera.

    Let us repeat that with the release of iOS 12, the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus did not receive a function that allows you to adjust the level of background blur.

    In the fall of 2018, the iPhone X was discontinued, but can still be found for sale at major resellers.

    Prices for iPhone X in Russia

    iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max

    Design and screen

    The new flagship uses exactly the same display module as last year's iPhone X - an OLED matrix, resolution 2436 × 1125 pixels (458 ppi), the same contrast (1,000,000:1), brightness (625 cd/m²) and set of supported technologies (HDR10, Dolby Vision, True Tone, 3D Touch, etc.).

    From a design point of view, there are only two significant changes, one good and the other, as usual, bad. Good, of course, should be called the appearance of a new golden color of the case, which does not look like an “Arabic road”, but is very modern and technologically advanced.

    The negative point was the asymmetry at the bottom edge of the iPhone XS / XS Max case, which can drive a perfectionist crazy. To the left of the Lightning connector there are 7 holes for the speaker, while to the right there are 4 holes and a plastic insert (“antenna”). Probably, the designers had to take such a step reluctantly and under pressure from engineers who demanded better conditions for signal transmission due to the expansion of the list of supported standards ().

    Another announced change is stronger glass, but a number of tests carried out by various bloggers and reviewers show that there has been no revolution in this direction, and it is still just as easy to shoot a “web” across the screen or back panel.

    Performance

    In terms of this indicator, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are significantly superior to the iPhone X, and it is performance that is responsible for such a high cost of the new product. In 2018, Apple managed to significantly outpace its competitors in the nanometer race - while most vendors are having difficulty establishing a 7-nm process technology to create innovative processors, the Apple corporation is already equipping the new iPhone XS, XS Max and even iPhone XR with them.

    As a result, the 6-core Apple A12 Bionic with a clock frequency of 2.6 GHz (predecessor 2.1 GHz) is approximately 20% faster than the Apple A11 Bionic, 50% faster with graphics and 40% more efficient in battery management. Thanks to this, the iPhone XS lasts for half an hour, and the iPhone XS Max for an hour and a half longer than the iPhone X.

    Naturally, the secondary processor modules have also been improved - the graphics coprocessor, the M12 Motion coprocessor and the Neural Engine, which now processes 10 times more tasks (5 trillion) in one second.

    In addition, new Apple smartphones have received an additional gigabyte of RAM and now cope much better when loading a large number of applications into RAM.

    Cameras

    The iPhone XS camera itself (as well as the iPhone XS Max) has undergone virtually no changes, but Apple programmers have worked hard on it. The only innovation that you can “touch” is the increased size of the wide-angle lens matrix, which now has a pixel size of 1.4µm (1.0µm for the iPhone X). But from a software point of view, iPhone lovers now have some really interesting opportunities.

    First of all, advanced users will notice improved performance of the iPhone XS camera with objects in the background, especially those that are in difficult lighting conditions for shooting (in the shadows or overexposure). Thanks to SmartHDR technology, it will be possible to see in the pictures what the iPhone X’s optics could simply “write off” to the side of darkness or light. Another innovation is the ability to adjust the level of background blur on ready-made portrait photos thanks to a new function.

    Face ID

    Long-time iPhone users remember how significant the difference was in the speed of the Touch ID fingerprint scanner between the pioneer of this technology, the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6S. So, in the case of the iPhone XS, one cannot expect the same progress, although a technology update was announced at the presentation on September 12, 2018. Practical tests show that the speed of recognizing the user's face has increased slightly compared to the iPhone X.

    Water and dust protection

    Apple is one of those companies that will play it safe three times before they declare that a device meets any standards, especially when it comes to security. For the new iPhone XS, Phil Schiller boldly declared the IP68 standard and assured that the smartphone can be lowered into water to a depth of two meters for no more than 30 minutes. In addition, the corporation's top manager said that during tests the gadget was also doused with other liquids. This statement, as expected, caused a response from the community - observers and bloggers began to massively drown the new iPhones in whatever they had to (chlorinated and sea water, beer, juice, etc.), and in general confirmed the assumptions that the new case is protected from moisture and dirt is much better than the iPhone X.

    Battery

    The battery capacity of the iPhone XS is lower than that of last year's model - 2658 mAh versus 2716 mAh, however, as mentioned above, the average operating time without an additional power source for the new flagship is as much as 30 minutes higher, which is due to the use of an innovative processor.

    Dual SIM support

    It deserves special attention. All three new iPhone models of 2018 allow you to use the usual nanoSIM along with the electronic eSIM. The latter is not supported in Russia, as well as in most other countries of the world, but some experts predict the launch of the technology by domestic operators in the near future. In addition, especially for the Chinese market, Apple released a special edition version with a double-sided tray for two physical nanSIM cards, which will certainly be in demand in Russia (it works)

    As mentioned above, this year is the first time Apple has equipped all models with the same performance package, further blurring the differences between the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. If previously there were obvious differences between 4.7- and 5.5-inch devices (more RAM, dual camera), now buyers essentially just have to choose between a smartphone with a 5.8-inch screen, dimensions: 143.6 × 70.9 × 7.7 mm, weight 177 grams and a smartphone with a 6.5-inch display, dimensions: 157.5 × 77.4 × 7.7 mm, weight 208 grams.

    It is noteworthy that even resolution will not play any role in the choice, because both displays have identical pixel density - 458 pixels per inch. The only difference is the slightly thinner frames of the iPhone XS Max, where the screen covers 84.4% of the front panel area.

    It's also worth mentioning that the iPhone XS Max has a larger battery (3400 mAh versus 2800 mAh) than the iPhone XS, which significantly increases battery life.

    And, of course, the deciding factor when choosing can be the price.

    Let's put everything on the shelves. This instruction will save you a lot of money.

    Today we will deal with the issue how to buy a used iPhone and make sure that you are not being deceived or cheated out of money. A detailed guide for everyone.

    What to take with you

    The arsenal of an ordinary buyer who goes to the site of a potential transaction looks like this:

    • laptop (preferably with iTunes installed);
    • external battery;
    • smartphone with a stable Internet connection;
    • headphones;
    • working SIM card in a format that is compatible with iPhone;

      • a paperclip to open the SIM tray.

    This gentleman's set will help ensure the functionality of the device.

    How not to buy an iPhone 6 for the price of 6s

    The problem of adjacent models.

    No, this is not stupidity. Many “newbies” who buy their first iPhone are confused about the models. Instead of an iPhone 5s, they sell them a “five”, and the victim overpays 10–20 thousand rubles.

    External inspection

    iPhone 6 or 6s. We look for the presence of the letter S - this is your main guideline.

    iPhone 5 or 5s. Everything is a little more complicated here, since before the release of the iPhone 6, Apple released several versions of the same smartphone, and the 5 and 5s are very similar in appearance.

      iPhone 5s models: A1456, A1507, A1516, A1529, A1532;
      iPhone 5 models: A1428, A1429, A1442.

    Pay attention to the shape of the camera flash:

    The iPhone 5s has a double oval shape (TrueTone), while the iPhone 5 has a single round one.

    On the Home key:

    The iPhone 5s has a TouchID sensor and lacks the characteristic white square.

    iPhone 4 and 4s. We carefully study the model number indicated in the form of a five-digit code: A1332 or A1349.

      iPhone 4 models: A1349, A1332.
      iPhone 4s models: A1431, A1387, A1387.

    Antenna placement:

    On the iPhone 4s it is on the left and right sides at the top, on the 4S it is near the headphone jack.

    Check out a detailed description of the appearance of iPhones of different generations at official Apple website. This will help you determine “by eye” which model is in front of you and not fall for the scammer’s bait.

    Checking the serial number and IMEI will protect you from a “self-assembled” smartphone that has undergone the procedure of replacing the case from a new donor model to an old one.

    Serial number verification

    A seller with a box always inspires more confidence. But there are some nuances here too.

    Open and pay attention to two points: Serial number And IMEI.

    We take the box, which the seller proudly shows us, and check the serial number and IMEI.

    If the numbers don't match: The box is not from your device. If the seller kept silent about this in advance, it makes sense to check the iPhone more carefully, or refuse to purchase if the presence of the box is critical.

    For the future, it’s easier to sell a device with a box, so never throw it away.

    If the numbers match: Let's move on.

    Now we take the branded iClip and open the tray with the SIM card. We turn it over and compare the numbers.

    Note: For iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus, and 6s Plus models, the SIM card tray may not contain a number.

    If the numbers don't match: This can be a “self-assembly” device, or a Refurbrished model. In the first case, it is extremely difficult to understand what is inside the device. Secondly, the device was purchased clearly below the market price, and Apple itself worked to fix the problems.

    You will find prices for devices from the Refubrished category.

    Found an underlay in the form of a diagram? This is Gevey-SIM and we will talk about it below.

    If the numbers match: advice and love - let's move on.

    Look at the IMEI engraved on the back of the smartphone and also compare it with the box, SIM tray and settings menu.

    Now let’s use services to check IMEI and learn a little more about the smartphone. Three sites will help with this: iphoneimei.info , imei.info And www.chipmunk.nl. To calm your soul, check three at once.

    By specifying the IMEI number, you will receive complete information about the device, starting from technical characteristics, model number, case color and up to the release date.

    Remember, the information provided by the seller must be accurate. Otherwise, immodest questions arise.

    Lobed, unfinished and what does it mean?

    Friendly advice - always buy Neverlock. Saving $100–150 later turns into a headache. It’s difficult to sell such a device, it’s a shame to throw it away, and it will become impossible to use over time.

    How to tell if your iPhone is locked? There are a number of signs:

    • A substrate circuit is installed in the SIM card tray. This Gevey-SIM, which allows you to bypass binding to a specific operator.

    The thing is very demanding on the iOS version and requires constant updating in case of firmware upgrades (costs around 10–30 dollars).

    • The iPhone supports the latest firmware (at the time of writing this is iOS 9), but the seller is categorically against the update. You can find out whether your device supports the latest version of iOS at official Apple website(scroll to the bottom of the page).
    • Open Settings – General – About this device. Please note the point Operator.

    This place should contain the name of the operator whose SIM card is currently installed in the iPhone. If only Beeline and MTS work in the country, then the Verizon or Carrier sign automatically means that the device is locked.

    • You can understand that the device is locked even during a reboot. Ask the owner to restart the smartphone and pay attention to how long it takes to connect to the network, and whether you need to call a number to activate it.

    Hardware and “does everything work”?

    If the iPhone has successfully passed all the previous stages of verification, you can temporarily exhale - in front of you unfinished, non-self-assembled device with an exact model.

    The time has come for a total inspection and verification of the device’s hardware. And here there is where to roam.

    Frame. Scuffs, dents and roughness are not critical, but damage to the areas where the antenna module runs can cause poor communication. Dents or chips indicate that the iPhone has been dropped and its continued trouble-free operation cannot be guaranteed.

    Screws. There are two torx screws on the edge where the 30-pin or Lightning port is located. Please ensure that they are of the correct shape without damage or scratches.

    Otherwise, the smartphone was opened.

    Hardware keys. Pay special attention to this point. Replacing faulty keys is not a cheap pleasure.

    • Lock/Mute Lever. Does it turn on/off freely, is it loose? Switching on/off should be accompanied by a vibration response.

      Shake your smartphone in your hand - a loose Mute switch indicates its possible imminent demise. Feel free to turn it on and off a few times.

      Home key. Press the Home key several times. Open a dozen applications and immediately minimize them one by one. It should respond from the first press and under no circumstances stick.

      TouchID sensor(if any). Ask to adjust the scanner to your finger and check its response. Does it read the fingerprint with lightning speed or refuses to work at all.

      Volume keys. Make sure that pressing is accompanied by a characteristic elastic click, and a volume adjustment scale immediately appears on the screen.

      Power key. Lock your phone several times. Hold down Power and turn off your iPhone completely, and then turn it on. Reacting? So everything is fine.

    Camera. Visually inspect the camera's eye. Is there any dust, condensation or debris inside (the iPhone 5/5s models were especially guilty of this). Take some pictures.

    The color temperature of the photographs must correspond to reality: blue or yellowishness indicates damage to the sensor.

    Screen. First of all, inspect the screen for dead pixels - black dots or dots with a “rainbow coloring”, regardless of the picture being displayed. Turn off and on your smartphone. When you turn it on, take a closer look at the screen (preferably in a dark room or covering it with your palms). Pay attention to the uniformity of illumination.

    Open Settings – Screen and brightness and change the brightness from minimum to maximum level and vice versa. Does the brightness change at all stages?

    Try pressing confidently, but not forcefully, around the entire perimeter of the screen to detect any extraneous crunching or squeaking. The presence of this may indicate that the screen has been replaced.

    Sensor. Tap on one of the icons and hold until you enter edit mode (the icons will begin to shake). Slowly and smoothly move around the entire perimeter of the screen, observing the smoothness of the movement. Trembling at certain points or refusal to move (jumps, jerks) indicate that the sensor may be damaged.

    Open the keyboard in any application and check each key - this will help determine whether there are “dead zones” on the screen sensor.

    Geolocation. Launch the application Cards and determine your current location. Pre-enable GPS in the menu Settings – Privacy – Location Services.

    Battery. Enable display of battery status as a percentage by opening the menu Settings – Battery – Charge percentage(on old firmware: Settings – General – Statistics – Battery percentage).

    Remember the percentage value and launch the camera application. Shoot for 1.5–2 minutes. A discharge of 2–5% indicates the normal condition of the battery. If within a few minutes the battery is drained by 10 percent or more, the battery will be replaced immediately after purchase.

    Dial an acquaintance or friend and talk for a few minutes. Pay attention to audibility (in both directions), call quality, change the speaker volume, turn on speakerphone.

    Headphone port. Connect the headphones and make sure that when you turn the plug there is no extraneous noise or crackling; Both channels play (left-right), the plug does not fall out of the port. The main thing is to make sure that your headphones themselves are in good working order.

    Check the behavior of the device at maximum volume by removing the restriction from the point: Settings – Music – Volume Limit.

    Speaker. Listen to the sound of the speaker. Does it wheeze or distort the sound (a sign drowned man– more on this below). For an objective assessment, use the built-in ringtones that have the correct balance.

    Please note that all iPhones only have ONE SPEAKER. Therefore, the second grille on the body, inherent in the iPhone 3g, 3gs, 4, 4s, 5 and 5s models, only serves as a diffuser. There is no dynamics there.

    Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Once again for beginners: Bluetooth in iPhone DOES NOT transfer files to other smartphones. This is fine. To check the functionality of the module, connect a wireless speaker or headset.

    Connect to any available Wi-Fi hotspot (you can create a hotspot from your smartphone by switching it to Modem mode) and check the functionality of the Internet.

    Connecting to iTunes, charging. Connect your smartphone to your laptop and make sure iTunes detects your iPhone. This is further confirmation that this is an original device. Has the charging process started and in general, does the smartphone respond to connection to an external battery or laptop.

    Drowned or not?

    Almost every buyer is afraid of this. A seemingly perfect iPhone may have a sad “watery past.” In other words, a drowned man. The worst thing is that if the potential seller managed to dry it quickly, then the device will work for several more months. And then…

    Let's not talk about sad things. On the official Apple website there is a whole section dedicated to the so-called “red markers”.

    Before finding out, let's first understand what it is and what the iPhone is for.

    iPhone is a multimedia smartphone developed by Apple. Thus, this is a multimedia smart phone that has the functions of an audio and video player, a mobile phone, and a pocket personal computer.

    Before purchasing such a powerful and functional gadget as the iPhone, many people wonder how to choose the right iPhone so as not to later regret their choice. First you need to decide what do you need it for? . It is possible that mid-priced models will be quite suitable for you for work and leisure.

    Modern smartphones have long been competing with laptops and tablets, and if you take into account the iPhone, then the struggle for place in the market is even more noticeable.

    By purchasing an iPhone, you will get something between a wide-screen tablet and a mobile phone. This gadget is also equipped with touch controls, a set of Internet services, navigation, a powerful processor, and good graphics.

    The question of how to choose an iPhone is far from simple, because the range is quite extensive, and it is not so easy to choose what you need among this variety. Thus, older Apple models are noticeably inferior to more modern ones. This is quite noticeable in games, surfing the Internet, and at work.

    What advantage Do new models have advantages over old ones? Firstly, the more RAM and processor performance, the more different applications and games you can use, and the faster the Internet will work for you.

    If you only need an iPhone as a mobile phone, then it will be enough to purchase one of the first models, such as iPhone2G, or iPhone3G. They allow you to surf the Internet, listen to music, watch videos and movies.

    Models iPhone3Gs And iPhone4 more powerful, and with their help you can take high-quality photos.

    If you plan to shoot videos from time to time, take iPhone4s , iPhone5c or iPhone5s. Of these three brands, iPhone4s has the smallest amount of memory, only 8 GB. The last two models already have a capacity of 16Gb and higher. The maximum volume for the iPhone5s model is from 16 to 64 Gb.

    Let's now look at the design and functionality of the iPhone. If you have not seen it before, then when choosing the option you need, you will probably be surprised at the small number of buttons. This may seem unusual to you, but those who use iPhone are quite happy and do not feel any discomfort from such minimalism.

    Let's figure out what buttons are on the iPhone and what they do:

    • Button Power— an oblong button at the top end. Allows you to turn on, turn off, block and unlock the gadget. To turn on your iPhone, you need to press and hold the button for 5 seconds. Release the button after the Apple logo appears on the screen.
    • Button Home— a recess on the front panel at the bottom. Allows you to close the active application and return to the desktop.
    • Buttons sound— turn the sound on and off, and adjust the volume.

    Let's now look at how to insert SIM card in iPhone. You can insert the card while the gadget is running, but it’s still better to be on the safe side. and turn it off before inserting the card. To insert a SIM card, you need to use a straightened paperclip, a needle, or an iPad key. You need to insert this tool into the hole on the right side of the iPhone and apply light pressure. The carriage will pop out, you need to pull it out, insert the SIM card into it, and push it back.

    And in the next article I will talk about the selection criteria - iPhone competitors.

    You can get more detailed information in the “All courses” and “Utilities” sections, which can be accessed through the top menu of the site. In these sections, articles are grouped by topic into blocks containing the most detailed (as far as possible) information on various topics.

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