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To make new iPhone photos smaller, choose High Efficiency (HEIF) and, on supported models, select 12 MP instead of 24 MP. To free space on the phone without removing full-resolution originals, turn on iCloud Photos and Optimize Storage. These options solve different problems: capture settings affect new files, while Optimize Storage reduces local use but leaves the full library in iCloud.
Choose the right fix for the space you need
- Smaller files for photos you take next: Use High Efficiency and a lower Photo Mode resolution if your iPhone offers that control.
- More free space on the iPhone while keeping the library: Enable iCloud Photos and Optimize Storage. Originals stay in iCloud; this does not reduce the full library’s iCloud storage use.
- Less storage for the collection itself: Transfer items you do not need in the library, review Apple’s storage recommendations, merge duplicates, or delete items with care.
Apple’s storage guidance and device controls can vary with iOS version and iPhone model. Use the options your device actually shows.
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How to make new iPhone photos smaller
Use High Efficiency when your apps and devices support it
On supported iPhones, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select High Efficiency. Apple says HEIF and HEVC offer better compression than JPEG and H.264, using less storage while preserving the same visual quality. If you need broad compatibility with older devices or operating systems, choose Most Compatible instead; new photos are saved as JPEG. Apple explains HEIF and HEVC compatibility and sharing behavior.
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#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Choose 12 MP rather than 24 MP when available
On iPhone models that show Photo Mode resolution, open Settings > Camera > Formats > Photo Mode and choose 12 MP for smaller captures or 24 MP for more image detail. Lower resolution generally means a smaller file and less detail, which can matter if you crop or enlarge a photo later. Menu choices depend on the model and iOS version. See Apple’s guide to advanced iPhone camera settings.
Use 48 MP and ProRAW selectively
On supported models, enable Resolution Control or ProRAW & Resolution Control under Settings > Camera > Formats to access 48 MP capture. It can preserve more detail for cropping, but high-resolution and RAW files use more space. Apple estimates an approximately 25 MB file for a 12 MP ProRAW photo and approximately 75 MB for a 48 MP ProRAW photo; it also says ProRAW files are 10 to 12 times larger than HEIF or JPEG. These are Apple’s approximate figures, not guaranteed sizes for every photo. Apple’s ProRAW guide says 48 MP ProRAW is limited to the main camera at 1x; Ultra Wide, Telephoto, Night mode, flash, and macro photos can be saved only at 12 MP.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
For everyday photos, leave RAW off unless you want the extra editing latitude and can accommodate the larger files. HEIF at a resolution that suits your use is a more storage-conscious choice.
Free iPhone space without shrinking the iCloud library
Turn on iCloud Photos and Optimize Storage
- Open Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos.
- Turn on Sync this iPhone or iCloud Photos, depending on the label shown.
- Select Optimize iPhone Storage or the equivalent storage-optimization option shown on your iOS version.
With Optimize Storage, full-resolution originals remain in iCloud while space-saving versions are kept on the iPhone as needed. You can download originals over Wi-Fi or cellular when you need them. This frees device storage, not iCloud storage: the complete library still takes space in iCloud. A new iCloud account includes 5 GB under Apple’s storage guidance; check Apple’s current capacity and plan information because it can change. See Apple’s iCloud Photos setup guide.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
iCloud Photos is a synced library, not a separate archive: deleting a photo on one device removes it from other devices using that library. Apple says deleted items can be recovered from Recently Deleted for 30 days. Also keep a separate backup if you need one; Apple says iCloud Photos uploads are not duplicated in iCloud Backup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Reduce the size of the collection itself
To review what is using capacity, check Settings > General > iPhone Storage and your iCloud storage usage. Apple’s storage guidance also recommends reviewing device suggestions, merging duplicate photos, transferring photos and videos you do not want in iCloud to a computer, and deleting unwanted items. Apple’s photo and video storage guide describes these options.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
- Optimize Storage: Reduces local device use while keeping full-resolution originals in iCloud.
- Transfer: Lets you keep copies outside the iCloud library; confirm the transfer completed and the files open before removing originals.
- Merge duplicates: Helps remove redundant library items while retaining a single copy.
- Delete: Removes items from the synced library and its devices; check Recently Deleted if you remove something by mistake.
If you transfer originals to a computer or external storage, verify that the destination supports your file formats and that you can access the copies before deleting anything. A transfer is a storage-management choice, not photo compression.
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Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Which option fits your priorities?
| Option | Storage effect | Detail or editing | Compatibility and original location |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Efficiency (HEIF) | Uses less storage than JPEG at the same visual quality, according to Apple. | Does not by itself lower the selected resolution. | Some older devices and software may not support it; Most Compatible saves new captures as JPEG. |
| 12 MP instead of 24 MP | Lower resolution generally reduces file demands. | Less detail than 24 MP, especially relevant for cropping or enlargement. | Available only on models that expose Photo Mode resolution controls. |
| 48 MP or ProRAW | Can use substantially more storage; Apple’s approximate ProRAW estimates are 25 MB at 12 MP and 75 MB at 48 MP. | More detail at 48 MP; ProRAW retains more information for editing. | Requires supported models and controls; ProRAW files are much larger than HEIF or JPEG. |
| Optimize iPhone Storage | Frees local iPhone capacity as needed; does not reduce the full library’s iCloud use. | Full-resolution originals remain available in iCloud. | Requires iCloud Photos and network access to retrieve originals; space-saving versions may be on the phone. |
| Transfer or delete items | Can reduce the collection held in iCloud if items are moved out or removed. | Transferred originals can be retained elsewhere; deletion removes the synced item. | Deleting in iCloud Photos syncs across devices using the library. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
