Three months since the release of the Apple iPhone 6, and by now there are enough used iPhone 6’s on the market in order to have an affect on the prices of all previous generations. In this post we will explore the specifications and prices of the iPhone 4S right the way up to the iPhone 6 to see which one is most worthy of your hard-earned cash.
All prices and details mentioned in this article were collected throughout December 2014 and may have changed slightly upon reading this post. As always, if you are in need of some up to date information feel free to tweet us your questions!
Head-to-head comparison
iPhone 4S | iPhone 5 | iPhone 5C | iPhone 5S | iPhone 6 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Released | Oct 2011 | Sep 2012 | Sep 2013 | Sep 2014 | |
Display Size | 3.5inches | 4inches | 4.7inches | ||
Display Resolution | 640 x 960 (331ppi) |
640 x 1136 (326ppi) |
750 x 1334 (326ppi) |
||
OS | iOS 8.1.2 | ||||
Chipset | Apple A5 | Apple A6 | Apple A7 | Apple A8 | |
CPU | Dual-core 1GHz | Dual-core 1.3GHz | Dual-core 1.3GHz | Dual-core 1.4GHz | |
GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR triple-core | PowerVR quad-core | PowerVR quad-core | |
Memory | 8/16/32/64GB 521MB RAM |
16/32/64GB 1GB DDR2 RAM |
8/16/32GB 1GB DDR2 RAM |
16/32/64 1GB DDR3 RAM |
16/64/128GB 1GB DDR3 RAM |
Primary Camera | 8MP 1/3.2″ sensor |
8MP 1/3.2″ sensor |
8MP 1/3″ sensor |
8MP 1/3″ sensor |
|
Secondary Camera | VGA | 1.2MP | 1.2MP | 1.2MP | |
3.5mm Jack | Yes | ||||
WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | ||
Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP | ||||
GPS | Yes | ||||
NFC | No | Yes | |||
Radio Tuner | No | ||||
USB | v2.0 | ||||
Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass | Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass, Barometer | |||
Internet | HTML5 | ||||
Battery | 1432mAh | 1440mAh | 1510mAh | 1560mAh | 1810mAh |
Hopefully the table highlights that there has been a general improvement in iPhones since the iPhone 4S (which is compatible with the latest iOS 8.1.2 update). However, there has been very little improvement in terms of everyday features between the iPhone 5 and 5S. Below, we’ll take price in to consideration and see which one of the above devices is most worth buying, selling or keeping.
Overview
If we are to follow Apple’s usual procedure with dropping update supports, the iPhone 4S is next in line to be cut off. It’s likely that this device will not get Apple’s next major update (iOS 9), and reports have shown that it struggles with the current iOS 8 operating system.
If you’re not looking for a bigger screen and mange to keep your 4S on iOS 7 you’ll bag yourself a very good phone for it’s price on the used market. The only thing that might make you feel left out is the VGA, front-facing camera which is miles behind the iPhone 5 and co.
Price
At the time of writing, the iPhone 4S is available for between £90-£120 used and in good condition with a box and all accessories. Given that the iPhone 4, which is very slow and out-dated, sells for around the same price it’s a pretty good deal.
Look out for
A lot of the earlier iPhone 4S’s had WiFi issues. Be sure to check that the WiFi on any iPhone 4S you purchase still works and connects to the network. They still cost around £20 to network-unlock so take that into consideration if purchasing one that has not been unlocked.
Finally, it comes without saying, the first iPhone 4S’s were shipped four and a half years ago. Though Apple’s build quality is usually impressive, most high-end smartphones fail to last much longer than this.
Overview
Probably the best all-round deal you can pick up in the first half of 2015. Good specs, runs iOS 8 well, likely to get two years of Apple updates and available at a very good budget.
Price
The iPhone 5 16GB will set you back around £170 on eBay for one in fairly good condition. If you shop around a little more, people will be letting them go for as low as £120 boxed. If you find one for £140, consider it a very good deal.
Look out for
The very early models had antenna issues, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Apple dropped update supports as early as next year. The iPhone 5 was discontinued in September 2013 and replaced with the iPhone 5C. The table above shows the iPhone 5 is identical to the 5C, just cheaper (and better looking!).
Some models of the iPhone 5 are also eligible for a free replacement by Apple due to faulty power buttons. If you manage to get hold of one, it may be well worth your time taking it to your closest Apple store and having it replaced with a refurbished unit!
Overview
Most definitely the worst deal you can pick up. Identical to the cheaper iPhone 5, uglier and a lot more expensive. Prices for these start at £200 and there’s enough demand to keep these selling at £250 right now. Personally, we’d stay away unless you desperately want a bright coloured iOS device.
Price
The 5C is currently fetching par £250 on eBay though you may be able to steal one for the £200 mark. We’d recommend you save some money and pick up a cheaper iPhone 5 instead, unless you’re lucky enough to find a 5C still under Apple warranty.
Look out for
High prices! Apple devices depreciate very slowly and the 5C is still less than 18 months old! Oh, and did we mention it’s identical to the iPhone 5!
Overview
Apparently a TouchID that got hacked within two weeks was enough to make the iPhone 5S break selling records for the fifth consecutive year. Really, we don’t see the hype. Specs-wise it’s the usual slight improvement over the iPhone 5 with a new CPU and more volatile RAM but you’ll probably feel you paid too much for a device that doesn’t have iPhone 6 features.
The camera quality remains as it was since the iPhone 5.
Price
A good iPhone 5S will set you back a minimum of £250, though you’re more likely to pay around £310 for a device that isn’t too much better than the 5 nor anyway near as prestige as a 6. If you have one, sell it while it’s hot and pick up a 6 for around £150 on top.
Look out for
Nothing really. A very good launch for Apple with no major issues reported. A good, quick, solid and snappy device though it isn’t really that much better than the 5 (depending on how you expect to use it) but costs a whole lot more!
Overview
Ah, the best iPhone Apple have made. Until five minutes later when they announced the 6 Plus. The 6 Plus is far too big which is why we didn’t include it in this list. Currently, the flagship Apple phone is the one to have, even four months after release tariff-locked devices will cost you the best part of £40 a month with budget allowances.
Price
A used iPhone 6 will cost you around the £450 mark. Since it’s still new, we’d recommend putting in the extra money and getting one brand new, direct from Apple with the full year’s warranty to avoid any issues.
Look out for
Bendgate. Don’t put it in your back pocket for fear of bending.
When purchasing used smartphones it will be your responsibility to ensure it is not stolen. Check the IMEI number of the device through your network carrier to ensure it has not been barred. You can do this by going to Settings > General > About > IMEI.
You should also check the features and condition of the device before handing over any money. Make sure you keep your witts about you when purchasing from individuals and online since there a plenty of scams around.
And on a final note, iCloud locked devices are useless and cannot be unlocked. Hey, I forgot my iCloud password but otherwise the phone works fine is usually code for THIS PHONE IS STOLEN. No matter how cheap, or how good the deal is, walk away from any iCloud-locked devices. These may ask for the iCloud/Apple upon unlocking the device or may show a Connect to iTunes screen.
Good luck with your hunt for your shiny, new(ish) Apple iPhone. If you need any additional support, opinions or have any feedback for this article be sure to tweet us using the links below.