Whether you're shopping for the holidays, spending your bonus money, or like us, wondering how you can maximise your tax reliefs before filing your taxes in 2024, here's an iPhone shopping guide that will help you make the right choice.
We've reviewed both the iPhone 15 Plus and Pro Max, as well as written about the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, and 14 Pro so you can read those pages for a deeper look into the phones.
The iPhone we recommend to everyone: iPhone 15 Plus (RM4,899)
You might be surprised to hear that we'd recommend anything other than the top-tiered iPhone, but honestly, what people want is a good battery, a large screen, and a decent performer that will last them for at least 3 years. You get all of that in the iPhone 15 Plus.
It inherits all of the best features from the iPhone 14 Pro: the A16 Bionic chip, Dynamic Island, and 48MP camera—and it has a better battery with USB-C to boot! The upgrades are significant this year and we feel the iPhone 15 Plus provides the best all-around value this year.
The iPhone for Video Enthusiasts: iPhone 15 Pro Max (RM6,499)
The reason why we're saying video enthusiats is two fold: the Pro Max shoots in LOG for maximum range of editing and the bigger battery life is necessary when shooting those big files.
While the headlining feature may be the new 5x zoom lens—and we actually use it a lot—the value proposition for the lens alone is not much. The iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out as an object with true differentiated utility this year and video creators can truly say they have an almost "pro" level device in their pockets at all times.
Apple also touts the device as a "pro gaming" device with AAA game promises made, but we're cautiously optimistic about that.
The iPhone to get you into the Apple ecosystem: iPhone 13 (RM3,299)
Two years after its release, the iPhone 13 is still available for purchase and with its A15 Bionic chip that it shares with the iPhone 14, the 13 is still a good contender in the smartphone space. The iPhone 13 also has a bright pink model that we can see with the iPhone 15s this year, but it's slightly brighter in tone compared to the latest models.
As the iPhone 15s have colour infused back-glass, the colours are not as saturated as the previous models. We recommend the iPhone 13 to get into the Apple ecosystem also because compared to the cheapest iPhone, the 3rd gen SE, the iPhone 13 remains current in terms of its size, design, and screen real estate. We also think if you're coming into the Apple system for the first time, the price won't come as such a shock to you.
Should you buy the discontinued Pro model phones?
So this is a question that gets asked all the time and we'll take a stab at answering it. If you're thinking about the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max models, we'd say only go for it if the price for either model comes in below RM4,899, which is the cost of the base 15 Plus.
Since the 15 inherits many of the 14 Pro's headlining features, the only benefits you'll get if you're choosing the older Pro models are premium build quality (which you won't appreciate because it will be encased for the rest of its natural life), 120Hz screen, Always-On display, and higher res video features (at which point, we'd suggest you go for the newest Pro Max).
For most consumers, the benefits of the older Pro models do not outweigh the features of the current 15 models. Unless you want to get the Pro model purely to flex the three camera rings, then we can't argue with that, flex away.
Special recommendation: Apple TV 4K (RM699)
You know the famous Gabe Newell quote on piracy? "The easiest way to stop piracy is not by putting anti-piracy technology to work. It's by giving those people a service that's better than what they're receiving from the pirates."
We didn't believe in this quote until we got a hold of the Apple TV 4K. Pirating TV content was way more convenient than purchasing back in the day, but with the Apple TV, getting a hold of what we want to watch is easier than ever.
The box hosts all the major streaming apps and if a movie or series isn't available on your streamer, renting a movie is only RM15. For the cost of one movie ticket, you get high quality streams on a competent media box that just works.
Pair two AirPods with it and enjoy Spatial Audio movies at home at 4K definition with just a few clicks.
Finally some honorary mentions: the iPhone SE 3rd gen can be recommended to just about anyone who wants just the most basic iPhone. Its got touch ID and the A15 chip, which isn't too old; the iPhone 13 Mini (if you can find one) still remains the best one-handed device Apple made and purists still swear by it; and the iPhone 15 Pro is viable for people who want a little bit of power, prestige, and still want to use a phone comfortably single-handed.