Latest Apple iPhone Price Online in Singapore July, 2024

Every year, many Singaporeans flock to the floating Apple store at Marina Bay Sands to catch a glimpse of the latest iPhone. Even though Apple was not the first brand to create a smartphone (that title belongs to IBM in 1992), they were close to perfecting it in 2007 with their first-generation iPhone. At the time when chunky Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were a huge trend, Apple subverted expectations by opting for a slimmer phone. This meant getting rid of clunky buttons and the stylus (which made the PDA iconic), encouraging natural touch-based use. The original iPhone completely revolutionized the smartphone industry and continues to do so 15 years later.

From its high-performance chips to outstanding cameras, user-friendly interface, and advanced security features: an iPhone is a premium smartphone inside and out. Many Singaporeans are asking the question: ‘Is an iPhone worth the investment?’ Whether you’re switching from Android or want to upgrade to the latest iPhone, here are some topics that can help you:

Apple always brings something new to the table with every new iPhone release. Whether an upgrade to the design or an important security update, here’s why you should consider upgrading or switching.

The chipset or SoC (System on a Chip) acts as a ‘motherboard’ for mobile devices. It is the central hardware that connects all internal parts of the phone together. It contains the CPU, RAM, camera systems, and all the hardware into a singular unit. Apple uses a Bionic Chip sourced from ARM – a British semiconductor company and a market leader in mobile chipsets. Apple has an architectural license with ARM, giving them full freedom to design their own chips. This allows Apple to gain complete control of all the components in the SoC so they can really optimize their hardware and software.

Android’s Qualcomm chip is also from ARM, but their partnership is limited. Because Qualcomm supplies SoCs to various other brands, they need to create a one-size-fits-all hardware. This can result in optimization problems with other hardware attached to the chip and various Android skins.

A major reason why many people switch to iPhones is Apple’s user-friendly iOS. It was first developed in 2007 with the release of the original iPhone. This was way back when mobile devices and PDAs were on by Windows, Palm OS, or Nokia’s Symbian. Not only did Apple revolutionize how a smartphone should look like, but they also changed the way people interact with them using iOS.

Apple’s mobile operating system is intuitive and streamlined. It is so easy to use that even hardcore Android users would get used to the interface in about a week despite years of muscle memory. Because all iPhones use the same iOS version, you don’t need to adapt to a new interface when upgrading or downgrading.

Android, on the other hand, can be a bit complicated. Because the operating system is open-sourced, different Android brands have their own custom ‘skin’ to work with their own smartphone models. Developers need to program their apps to fit all these skins and sometimes, it’s not properly optimized.

Another reason why people love iPhones is the considerable lack of bloatware-- the unwanted software that’s pre-installed on your smartphone. These apps are annoying because they take up space on your hard drive and consume battery. Excessive amounts of bloatware can also slow your system down.

iPhone users also enjoy free iOS updates frequently regardless of how old your unit is. For example, you can update your old Apple iPhone 8 to the latest iOS 16 – that's a 7-year-old model!

Aside from its intuitive user interface and frequent updates, iOS also has better security protocols. This is due to the OS being a closed system which means no one can modify or access the code apart from Apple. This makes it difficult for hackers to gain access to the system’s vulnerabilities.

Apple has always prioritized the privacy of their users. Instead of uploading your data to a cloud and creating a ‘profile’ based on your cache and search cookies, all this information is locally found on your device. This limits third-party apps from obtaining personal information and using it for ads or other malicious activities. The only way this data can be accessed is if someone hacks the phone itself rather than a huge database online.

Safari (Apple’s web browser) also has an intelligent anti-tracking feature that uses machine learning to block cross-site tracking. This minimizes the amount of personal data and cookies passed to third-party websites. The latest iOS updates also allow you to customize these settings for safer web browsing. So, no more suspicious and annoying ads following you around after visiting a website or doing a quick search.

‘Hide My Email’ is another interesting security feature from the iOS. It protects your personal email address by creating a randomly-generated ‘fake’ one when you sign up on website for the first time. It can be used when signing up for an app, a newsletter, or even sending an email to someone you don’t know.

Apple didn’t just change the way smartphones work – they changed the way smartphones work with other technologies. They were the first brand to introduce an ‘ecosystem’ as far back as 1979 with their Apple II computers. Though it was more of a hardware-to-software thing, they further refined the concept with each generation of devices.

In an Apple ecosystem, you can connect all your devices seamlessly. You can transfer or 'AirDrop’ files between your iPhone to your iPad or MacBook. You can unlock your devices using your Apple Watch or use your iPhone to control your Keynote presentations on your MacBook. Your iPad can also become a secondary screen with Apple’s Sidecar feature.

Your iPhone can also be used to control any smart home devices using the Apple Home app. You can control your lights, security, thermostats, and your Apple TV with a single tap on your smartphone!

Another benefit to Apple’s closed system is they can regulate all the apps on the iOS store. Before any program is published, it needs to go through several checks for basic reliability testing and analysis. This process ensures that all developers follow Apple’s SDK (Software Developer Kit) agreements. The result is a curated list of high-quality apps that are optimized for the current iOS version.

The closed system also benefits developers since it’s easier to create an app for a single iOS version compared to Android as explained earlier. This is much less of a headache than creating Android apps, where you must make one app fit multiple types of skins across different handsets.

Thanks to their top-notch quality, iPhones have a higher resale value than Android devices. There is a huge market for second-hand iPhones in Singapore. Older generations can still fetch a hefty sum, especially when kept in mint condition. In case you want to upgrade from your old iPhone, you can always sell your current unit and use it to fund your next one.

At this point, you may think that the iPhone is the best smartphone in the world. However, there are some caveats brought by its closed system on both hardware and software. To give you the full lowdown, here are reasons why you should just stick to Android:

Although the recent updates brought some form of customization such as app widgets to iOS, it is still limited when compared to the vast potential of Android’s open-sourced system. With an Android, developers can access the system’s source code in a process called ‘rooting’. This allows you to edit source files, remove unwanted bloatware / programs, and bulky software skins. You can also receive updates faster or even force-root a specific Android version.

This sounds like a lot of tech magic, but you don’t even need to know how to code to customize an Android phone. There are tons of third-party apps that allow you to customize keyboards, themes, widgets, and app icons – a feature that Android users have enjoyed since Android 1.5 Cupcake.

There are considerably more Android phones than iPhones. There are specific Android models designed with big batteries or extra gaming controls, phone photography, and more. This gives consumers a wide variety of options compared to the three or four iPhone models every year.

Upon release, all iPhones are considered ‘flagship’ -- the cream of the crop models with high-end specs. Unlike Android, there are no budget models. Even the iPhone SE (2022), is still more expensive than a Xiaomi Mi or even a Samsung A series.

In comparison to Android, not only will you have a lot of options, but you can also have ‘compromises’ for the sake of price. For example, if you want a gaming phone but don’t have the budget for a high-end flagship, you can always settle for a model with all the high-end performance specs but not have a good camera. That way, you get the most value out of what you paid for instead of having a flagship when you only need certain specs.

From its intuitive user interface to its superior build quality, there are a lot of reasons why iPhones are popular in Singapore. Thinking of switching or upgrading? Here’s what Apple has in store for you:

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is Apple's latest flagship smartphone, and it's packed with impressive features and cutting-edge technology. With its upgraded camera system, powerful processor, and sleek design, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a true powerhouse in the smartphone market.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a stunning 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, providing smooth and vibrant visuals. The bezels are thinner, offering an immersive viewing experience. Apple has also introduced a new titanium alloy frame, making the device lighter and more durable. The matte, brush texture adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.

One of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is its camera system. With an upgraded 5x zoom telephoto lens and a 48-megapixel main camera, users can capture stunning photos with incredible detail and clarity. The improved low-light performance and automatic portrait mode make it easier than ever to take professional-quality photos. Additionally, the device supports 3D spatial video recording, which can be viewed on the Apple Vision Pro.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers exceptional performance and speed. The 3-nanometer chip offers a 10% increase in CPU performance and a 20% boost in GPU performance compared to its predecessor. This allows for console-grade gaming and enhanced augmented reality experiences. The addition of hardware-accelerated ray tracing further enhances the gaming capabilities of the device.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a USB-C port, offering faster data transfer speeds and the ability to charge other devices directly from the iPhone. It also supports 15W MagSafe charging and Qi2 wireless charging. With Wi-Fi 6E support and the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, users can enjoy faster Wi-Fi speeds and improved connectivity.

iPhone 15 Pro Max Specs Summary

Like its sibling, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Pro rocks a sleek titanium body, ditching last year's stainless steel. But hey, don't forget to treat that painted titanium with some TLC, since it might be more prone to scratches compared to its polished steel counterpart.

Beneath the surface, the iPhone 15 Pro flexes its muscles with a faster processor and improved graphics. If you're a power user or a gaming aficionado, these upgrades might just be what you ned. And let's not forget the switch to USB-C from the Lightning port, offering zippier file transfers. But hey, if you're all about that wireless transfer life, this change might not be a game-changer for you.

Now, we all know Apple has a knack for impressive camera tech. While the camera upgrades on the iPhone 15 Pro may not be as mind-blowing as we hoped, the main 48-megapixel shooter's capability does deliver slightly better photo quality and improved dynamic range. But if you're already satisfied with the camera on your current iPhone, this upgrade might not be a must-have.

All in all, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro is undeniably a fantastic device with some compelling features. If you're a photography enthusiast or a power user, the performance and camera upgrades might just be worth the investment.

iPhone 15 Pro Specs Summary

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is Apple’s Crème de la Crème of mobile devices. At first glance, it looks like the iPhone 13 Pro Max but slightly longer and bulkier. It features the latest Apple A16 Bionic Chipset which is currently the fastest SoC in the world according to benchmarks.

Like with the rest of this year’s iPhone series, it features a “Dynamic Island” in place of a notch. This display feature is an oblong-shaped space filled with black pixels surrounding the front camera and phone speakers. This island acts as a ‘touch bar’ which can show app icons, animations, phone status, face ID unlocks, that you can interact with. It’s an ingenious feature which leaves the rest of us thinking: “how did nobody else do it?”

iPhone 14 Pro Max Specs Summary

Despite the new iPhone 14 release, the iPhone 13 Pro Max remains one of the best smartphones in 2022. It features Apple’s signature frosted glass front and back with a steel frame, and a 6.7” Super Retina XDR screen which is similar to the iPhone 12. Much like previous generations, it has a square design with round corners.

What makes the iPhone 13 Pro Max stand out is its large battery capacity at 4352 mAh. Even at the hands of a heavy smartphone user, this smartphone can still last at least a day and a half. If you do end up running out of juice, you can charge it using the 15W MagSafe charging or 7.5W Qi Wireless charging. If you need a smartphone with a big battery, this is the iPhone for you.

In an era dominated by large-screen smartphones, the iPhone 13 Mini is like a breath of fresh air. It shares the same A15 Bionic Chipset as its larger siblings, but it only has 4GB RAM. Because of its smaller chassis, it also has a smaller battery with a 2438 mAh capacity. Despite these caveats, the iPhone 13 Mini is still preferred by many Singaporeans for its compact and one-handed use.

Following the success of the 1st and 2nd generation iPhone SE, Apple’s 2022 lineup also included its 3rd generation. Like the iPhone 13 Mini, it is a compact smartphone with a 4.7” Retina IPS LCD display which makes for comfortable one-handed use.

The iPhone SE (2022) is marketed as a budget-friendly iPhone featuring last year’s A15 Bionic Chipset. Apple also made compromises on its battery life with a meager 2018 mAh capacity as well as storage capping at 256GB. Regardless, this is a great smartphone if you are on a budget.

Now that the new iPhone is available in Singapore, many are thinking of upgrading their current unit. It makes sense: the iPhone 14 series has the latest Apple Bionic A16 chip, and an intuitive Dynamic Island on the screen. However, if you currently have any model from the iPhone 13 series, you may want to hold back on the FOMO (fear of missing out).

First, the Apple Bionic A16 is not far in performance as last year’s Bionic A15. When benchmarked, the A16 uses the same number of CPU cores (number of microprocessors in the hardware) as the A15 with only a 7% improvement in CPU speed. Though there is improvement, ordinary users like most of us won’t feel the difference. The only real reason why many are switching is because of Dynamic Island – it does look pretty neat.

However, if you have an older model like the iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR, then the iPhone 14 series is worth the upgrade. There is a considerable improvement in camera quality, battery life, and performance. If you are on a tight budget, the iPhone 13 series can also be a good deal because of the price decline.

In a study conducted by iPrice in 2021, the release of new iPhones triggers a price reduction of older models by 7% in the next 6 months. It is a viable option to go for an iPhone 13 instead of a 14 if you do want to upgrade. Looking for iPhone deals in Singapore? Check out our catalogue and compare prices before buying your new iPhone!

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Marjorie Mae Mendoza

iPrice Tech Writer