Main points
- The iPad Air 4 topped the rating with 96.88% approval due to its balance between functionality and price.
- The iPhone 12 mini, with 95.78% support, remains popular due to its compact size and still relevant specifications.

Owners of old Apple devices are more satisfied than buyers of new ones / Collage 24 Channel/Depositphotos
The technology market is accustomed to the annual update of smartphone lines, but the real preferences of users often go against marketing strategies. The latest data shows an interesting trend: modern flagships are giving way to models released several years ago. The secret of success is hidden in the balance between convenience and functionality.
Why does technology from previous generations remain a favorite for millions of users?
An analysis of the February iOS user satisfaction rating indicates that the top positions are confidently held by models that Apple no longer officially sells. Despite the release of new lines, owners of 2020 gadgets demonstrate the highest level of loyalty, which is confirmed by the percentage of positive reviews, writes 24 Kanal .
Who is leading?
The absolute leader of the AnTuTu rating was the iPad Air 4 tablet with an approval rating of 96.88 percent. The popularity of this device is due to its precise placement in the “average needs” category.
Users note the high-quality 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, which provides excellent color reproduction and brightness. The use of the A14 processor allows the device to easily handle photo editing, short video editing, and multitasking without noticeable lag.
An important factor remains the price, which is significantly lower than the Pro line, making the iPad Air 4 an ideal choice for students and office workers.
The best smartphone
Among smartphones, the iPhone 12 mini unexpectedly holds the lead, receiving 95.78 percent of likes. In an era dominated by huge screens, this 5.4-inch device has become a real salvation for fans of compactness. It is convenient to hold with one hand, it easily fits into small bags or pockets.
Technically, the model remains relevant thanks to support for 5G networks, IP68 water protection, and a high-quality OLED screen with a high pixel density of 460 pixels per inch.
Although sales of this series did not meet the company's expectations at the time, users who chose the mini are in no hurry to part with it.
Third place
The second-generation iPhone SE came in third with a rating of 94.89 percent. This model appeals primarily to “pragmatists” who value access to the iOS ecosystem at a reasonable price.
The classic design with a 4.7-inch LCD screen and a physical Home button remains relevant for people who are not used to modern gesture control. The A13 Bionic processor still ensures smooth operation of the system and most applications.
Modernity loses to classics
Interestingly, current models show lower scores. For example, the iPhone 17 Pro Max received 93.78 percent positive reviews. At the same time, the new iPhone Air faces criticism due to its weak battery and high price of $ 999.
Against this backdrop, Apple introduced the iPhone 17e starting at $599, trying to win back the attention of the budget segment. The model received a 48-megapixel camera, a magnetic MagSafe system, and 128 gigabytes of memory in the basic version, but retained the old design with a characteristic notch on the screen.
Changes have also occurred in the tablet segment: the 2024 iPad Pro with an 11-inch screen dropped from third to fifth place, and the iPad Pro 5 generally moved from first to eighth position in a month. Such dynamics indicate that users increasingly value balance and time-tested solutions rather than simply having the latest technical specifications.

Full Apple device rating / AnTuTu image