How to Compare iPhone Models Before You Upgrade

- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Tested on
- iOS 18.4 - iPhone 15 Pro
- You will need
- Internet connection, web browser, Apple ID for account-specific trade-in values
Step by step
Access the official Apple comparison tool
Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official Apple iPhone comparison page. Avoid third-party aggregators to ensure the technical specifications and feature availability are accurate for your specific region.
Note: Ensure your browser is set to desktop view if accessing from a mobile device for a better side-by-side table layout.Choose your current and target models
Select your current iPhone model from the first dropdown menu to establish a baseline. Use the second dropdown menu to select the specific model you intend to purchase, such as the Pro or Pro Max variants.
Note: Selecting the 'Pro' series alongside the base model will immediately highlight disparities in camera sensors and display technology.Evaluate core technical specifications
Review the comparison table generated by the tool, focusing specifically on the Chip, Camera System, and Battery Life rows. These metrics provide the clearest indication of performance gains and efficiency improvements over your current device.
Note: Pay close attention to the 'Connector' row to determine if your current Lightning accessories will require a USB-C adapter.Check for exclusive feature availability
Scroll to the bottom of the comparison chart to verify exclusive features like ProMotion displays, LiDAR scanners, or specific Photonic Engine capabilities. Note which of these features are actually integrated into your daily workflow to justify the price difference.
Calculate your trade-in impact
Visit the Apple Trade-In portal to enter your current device's serial number or model details. This provides an estimated credit value, which should be subtracted from the full retail price of the new model to determine your net upgrade cost.
Note: Trade-in values fluctuate based on physical condition and storage capacity.