Hi-Tech Mail.Ru editors reviewed a slate of iPhone models and identified seven that stand out as less successful chapters in Apple’s history. The analysis focuses on what the devices offered at launch and how they aged relative to their peers within the same generation or to upcoming flagships.
The top spot goes to the iPhone 8. The piece notes that while the device was solid in its own right, it occurred at a moment that made it seem like it arrived too early. The iPhone X was just around the corner, and with Apple choosing to showcase a bezel-free design and new face-tracking features, the 8 looked somewhat conventional in comparison. In practical terms, reviewers said it struggled to keep pace with the evolving expectations of consumers and did not impress against the then-new flagship in several key areas, including appearance, OLED display quality, battery life, and camera capabilities.
In second place is the iPhone 14, which is critiqued for lacking the Dynamic Island feature that had become a talking point on newer models. The device ships with a 60 Hz display, a familiar baseline that did not deliver a perceptible upgrade over the prior generation in performance or design—sparking discussions about the value proposition for buyers eyeing the latest tech from Apple.
The list also includes the original iPhone SE introduced in 2016. It brought the hardware of the iPhone 6s into a compact body—the same chassis that existed in the iPhone 5s era—while the market was already moving toward more powerful and modern designs. This juxtaposition highlighted a mismatch between compact form and contemporary performance, and reviewers noted that the 4-inch screen and modest battery life made it seem outdated soon after launch, even as it offered reasonable efficiency and a lower price point.
Also featured is the iPhone SE (2022), which did not exceed expectations in the face of strong competition. Its price was perceived as high for the feature set it offered, especially when measured against more advanced or similarly priced alternatives. On the aesthetics front, the device did not introduce notable breakthroughs and blended into a crowded field of capable smartphones that year.
The assessment also covers the plastic iPhone 5c, which was seen as a stylistic departure from Apple’s familiar premium build. The plastic construction drew mixed reactions and did not help the model stand out in a market that increasingly valued premium materials and durability. Critics also reflected on the iPhone 6 Plus, whose bending issue cast a shadow over what was otherwise a popular larger-format option, complicating the narrative of resilience for the generation.
Rounding out the selection is a retrospective look at how the iPhone 4 performed under the weight of various design flaws and connectivity limitations, which influenced consumer perception and contributed to the sense that some devices in the early smartphone era did not age as gracefully as others. The compilation serves as a reminder that Apple’s product ladder contains both celebrated milestones and decisions that did not resonate with every buyer.
As the lineup evolves, these reflections underscore the impact of timing, features, and hardware choices on a device’s long-term reputation. Observers emphasize that what counts most is how a model holds up when juxtaposed with newer generations and how it satisfies users across different priorities, from camera quality to battery endurance to overall perceived value. The debate remains ongoing among enthusiasts and critics who weigh the balance between innovation and practicality in Apple’s broader ecosystem. [Sources credited in coverage: Apple press releases and product archives]