In terms of hardware, it's better, as it is every year. Style is subjective. I've never liked iOS personally - I find it really counter intuitive to use.
The reason I'd never buy Apple mobile devices is because of their business practices. They're too ballsy with their "all about taking your money approach". "You need XYZ adaptor to use it, but we don't include it". They've made it near impossible for home repairs on the 12, and you know for a fact it's going to be obselete in two years when they change it all again anyway.
That and all the features are two years behind Android, and IMHO their designs are two years behind Samsung, Huawei the other flagship manufacturers.
I'm a Graphic Designer and use Macs and OSX daily, but I'd never touch an iPhone.