A wave of commentary from tech bloggers in Russia suggests avoiding five iPhone models in 2023 due to perceived flaws that could hinder everyday use. The discussions come from the portal Executioner, a platform known for hands-on device assessments.
Among the critiques, the iPhone SE released in 2020 is highlighted as the weakest link. The analysis points to a design that mirrors the iPhone 8, a 4.7 inch IPS display with prominent bezels, a front camera of seven megapixels, and a main camera at 12 megapixels. The overall verdict is that this model feels dated next to newer rivals in the market.
Commentators also question Apple’s second attempt at an affordable smartphone, the iPhone SE (2022). They describe it as lagging behind competitors in style, struggling in low light due to the absence of a night mode, and offering limited battery life, which affects daily practicality for many users.
The iPhone 11, from 2019, is noted for its LCD screen instead of the newer OLED panels seen in later devices. The A13 Bionic processor is acknowledged as capable but sometimes slow when handling more demanding tasks, with performance not keeping pace with the most modern options in the market.
For smaller devices, the iPhone 12 mini is recognized as compact and easy to handle, yet the review emphasizes the limited memory and reduced battery life in the base configuration. The price tag is also cited as a barrier for many potential buyers who seek better value overall.
Two practical drawbacks are singled out for the iPhone 12: the base model offers only 64 GB of storage, and the Russian price for the simplest variant is quoted as notably high. The analysis suggests that buyers might be better off considering the iPhone 13 for improved performance and storage in a similar price range.
Earlier commentary mentions that a limited release of the yellow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in Russia is available only through pre-orders at marketplaces and electronics stores, a point that adds complexity for consumers tracking the latest models.