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It's strange to think Apple started with a single iPhone model back in 2007 when the company has eight to pick from in 2024. For some, having so many iPhones available complicates choosing the best iPhone. On the other hand, it also means you can find the one that's right for you.
Whether your decision-making is based on performance, features, display size, or price, our buying guide can help you home-in on the best iPhone. Collectively, our tech reviewers have tested and reviewed iPhones since the first device, so our picks can assure you. Many of our tech reviewers also use iPhones daily as personal devices, and we can confidently comment on their long-term use and identify shortcomings.
Ahead of the potential imminent release of new models, and after extensive usage and testing, we determined that the iPhone 15 is the best iPhone currently available for most people. It has the fewest compromises for the best value. For those on a budget, we recommend the iPhone 13 for its overall similarities to the iPhone 15 for a lower price.
Our top picks for the best iPhone
Best overall: iPhone 15 - See at Best Buy
Best budget: iPhone 13 - See at Best Buy
Best premium: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max - See at Best Buy
Best battery life: iPhone 15 Plus - See at Best Buy
Best small size: iPhone SE (2022) - See at Best Buy
Best overall
The iPhone 15 offers the best balance of performance, features, user experience, and price in Apple's current lineup. While it isn't the most advanced iPhone, its pro-like attributes will more than satisfy most people.
- Dynamic Island
- USB-C for common charging standard
- 48MP main camera
- iPhone upgraders may need to invest in new USB-C accessories, like a charger
- USB-C data transfer is limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No always-on display
The iPhone 15 is the best option for most people among the current models. It's a big update over the iPhone 14 in features and performance, and it uses the A16 Bionic chipset and Dynamic Island feature introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro.
Performance has increased, which couldn't be said for the iPhone 14 since that model repurposed the same A15 Bionic chipset used in the iPhone 13. In our benchmark tests, the iPhone 15 showed a notable uptick from its predecessor, while the iPhone 14 and 13 yielded similar results. In day-to-day use, you won't notice a huge performance difference right now, but that gap will widen as apps and iOS updates become more advanced over the years. With that said, the A16 is technically an older processor.
Battery life is roughly on par with the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 15 Pro. Your mileage will vary depending on your usage, but you will likely need to charge the iPhone 15 each night. Only the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max lasted longer due to their larger batteries.
One criticism of the iPhone 14 is that because it wasn't a big leap over the iPhone 13, both phones felt similar. While the iPhone 15 retains the same design, the user experience is now akin to the newer Pro models, thanks to the inclusion of Dynamic Island. Located at the top, where the front camera and Face ID sensor are, Dynamic Island is a novel way to interact with notifications, alerts, and app shortcuts. It's a clever way to display information without covering the entire screen.
Since Apple is moving away from the Lightning connector, the iPhone 15 uses USB-C for charging and data transfer; there's also MagSafe and wireless charging. The move standardizes the cables you'd need for electronics, but Lightning-based iPhone owners would need to buy new cables, chargers, and adapters.
However, unlike the USB-C ports in the iPhone 15 Pro models that support faster USB 3 transfer speeds, the iPhone 15's connector only handles USB 2, comparable to Lightning. Technologically, in this implementation, the iPhone 15's move to USB-C offers no advantage over Lightning. And unless you already own USB-C accessories, it will be more of an inconvenience for those who have been living in a Lightning-only world.
The iPhone 15's main camera also gets upgraded from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro. Optical zoom reaches farther, at 2x. Users can save photos in 24-megapixel high resolution, which allows for greater quality, particularly in low light. In Portrait mode, you have greater control over subject focus and depth of field, and Apple claims the detailing and coloring are stronger. The iPhone 15 even captures depth information in standard mode, so you can enable Portrait features afterward, like blurring.
In our opinion, the iPhone camera system has been stellar for several generations, and most users will find it difficult to see the differences when viewing on a small screen. Still, you're getting the second-best iPhone camera system (after the iPhone 15 Pro) available, which will more than satisfy most casual photographers and videographers for some time.
One new feature that didn't get trickled down from the Pro series is the always-on display. However, the screen's resolution and maximum peak brightness did get a boost.
The iPhone 15 marks Apple's most transformative change to its standard model since the iPhone 12. While it isn't revolutionary — we don't think iPhone 14 users need to trade in unless they want a slightly faster processor, Dynamic Island, USB-C, and enhanced camera — there are enough new things to make it a worthwhile upgrade, even as the prospective iPhone 16 series is projected for release soon.
Read our full iPhone 15 review, and see our guide to the best iPhone 15 cases to protect the phone.
Best budget
The iPhone 13 may have been released in 2021, but it’s still a worthy model for its $599 price if you’re looking for a less expensive alternative to the latest iPhone 15, which starts at $799.
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Modern design with Face ID
- Solid battery life and longevity
- Lacks iPhone 14's emergency safety features
The iPhone 13 stretches the definition of a "budget" option with its $599 starting price, especially when the iPhone SE (2022) is less expensive at $429. However, the iPhone 13 comes more highly recommended over the iPhone SE because the former offers a better value and experience in the long run.
The iPhone 13 could also be considered a cheaper version of the latest model, the iPhone 15, while the iPhone SE is the last of a dying breed of older iPhones and targets a niche preference for small phones.
In many ways, the iPhone 13 is similar to the iPhone 15. It has a 6.1-inch OLED display and many of Apple's modern features that aren't available on the iPhone SE, like Face ID, MagSafe wireless charging, mmWave 5G support (the super-fast 5G network), an ultrawide camera, Night Mode for low-light photography, and a better selfie camera.
While its cameras are not as upgraded as those on the iPhone 15, the iPhone 13 still takes beautiful photos that are hard to complain about.
The iPhone 13's performance isn't far behind the iPhone 15's, seeing as the former runs on Apple's A15 processor and the latter runs on the A16 processor. The iPhone 13 should still have plenty of life ahead of it despite being a couple of years older than the iPhone 15.
The iPhone SE (2022) also runs on the same A15 processor. Despite its low price, we hesitate to recommend the iPhone SE due to its small screen, antiquated design, short battery life, and lack of modern Apple features. The SE has limited appeal (our pick for the best small iPhone), but you should consider your needs besides price.
The iPhone 14 is a very good phone on its own, but the value isn't there for its $699 starting price. It runs on the same processor as the iPhone 13 and essentially offers an identical experience overall. The only reason you'd buy the iPhone 14 over the iPhone 13 is for Apple's Crash Detection and satellite-based Emergency SOS safety features.
However, based on Apple's product refresh cycle, the iPhone 14 will supersede the iPhone 13 as the budget option this fall, so you could hold off until around September to snag the more recent model at a lower price.
Best premium
Living up to their name, the iPhone 15 Pro models have Apple's latest high-end smartphone tech, including a fast processor and features not found on other models, like an advanced camera system, Action Button, and USB-C high-speed data transfer.
- USB-C allows for fast data speeds
- Advanced photo and video shooting
- Max model has 5x telephoto lens
- Titanium makes body tough yet light
- Action button for quick access to favorite functions
- Fast USB-C cable needed for certain use cases
- Action Button is limited to a few basic functions
- Larger photo and video files could eat up storage quickly
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the only current options in the Pro series, so for advanced users, the decision boils down to size preference and camera features (more on that later). Both share the same high-end components, so everyday performance is mostly on par with the exception of battery life. The Pro Max can accommodate a larger battery, which results in an almost 10% advantage over the standard Pro model.
The phones carry over features introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro, like Dynamic Island, always-on display, Crash Detection, and satellite-based Emergency SOS. But the iPhone 15 Pro has several new features that may make iPhone 14 Pro users — particularly those with demanding workflows, like videographers — ponder upgrading.
The iPhone 15 Pro launches the new A17 Pro chipset with a six-core GPU that delivers better graphics performance over the Bionic's four- and five-core GPUs, according to Apple. This enhancement means games, animations, and other effects should look even smoother. Most users will have difficulty noticing the difference — benchmark tests reveal a slight improvement over the A16 Bionic's numbers — but we're likely to see it down the road when more apps take advantage of the chipset.
Like the regular iPhone 15, Apple standardized the connector from Lightning to USB-C. What's unique to the Pro models is that the USB-C port supports faster data transfers (USB 3). For advanced users, this is a game changer: it allows for faster file transfers between the iPhone 15 Pro and a Mac or hard drive, as well as connecting to peripherals like 4K displays.
Unfortunately, Apple doesn't include a cable that supports fast transfers or a charger — just a basic USB-C variant for charging — so upgraders may need to add one. Existing iPhone Pro users will likely already have USB-C accessories they can repurpose, particularly those who own newer iPads, Macs, and PCs.
Another new feature is the Action Button above the volume buttons on the phone's left side. It's used for switching between ring and silent modes, but it can be customized to quickly access commonly used functions like the flashlight, camera, shortcuts, and more. It's handy, but our gripe is that it can only be used for one function at a time, and you'd need to dive into the settings menu to remap the button.
Apple upgraded the iPhone 15 Pro's body material from stainless steel to titanium. When bonded with aluminum using a novel manufacturing process, Apple says the titanium frame is super-strong and allows for thinner borders and contoured edges. It also gives it a unique metallic finish. While looks are subjective, the iPhone 15 Pro is beautiful, but we aren't sold that it looks any more attractive than the iPhone 14 Pro, as both use a matte glass back.
The titanium body is also lighter than stainless steel. The iPhone 15 Pro is 0.67 ounces lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro, and Apple says it's more comfortable to hold. For us, it was difficult to spot the contrasts.
The camera system, perhaps the phone's most sophisticated feature, got upgraded. The main camera is still 48 megapixels, but there's now a 24-megapixel mode that creates high-resolution photos with improved lighting and details. Like the iPhone 15, the Pro lineup gets improved Portrait mode, but there's a third, telephoto lens that's not available in the standard model. On the iPhone 15 Pro Max, that telephoto lens now has a longer 5x zoom versus 3x in the iPhone 15 Pro. There are lots of features designed for advanced photographers and videographers, but they could be overkill for the casual user.
Both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max come in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, but the iPhone 15 Pro also has a 128GB entry-level model for those who want a sub-$1K Pro model.
The iPhone 15 Pro is not only the fastest iPhone you can buy right now, but it's loaded with features that appeal to advanced users or those who simply want the best and newest. The iPhone 15 Pro models are also the only current iPhones that will support Apple Intelligence, Apple's impending slate of AI features. That said, the iPhone Pro line is not for every user. Most people will find the Pro an overkill and be satisfied with the standard iPhone 15 models, not to mention the cost savings.
Read our full iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max review, and see our guide to the best iPhone 15 Pro cases or best iPhone 15 Pro Max cases to protect either phone.
Best battery life
The iPhone 15 Plus one-ups its smaller sibling with a larger screen and battery. For those who need a phone that can stay on for over a day without recharging, the iPhone 15 Plus is the best you can get.
- Large 6.7-inch display
- Longest battery life of any iPhone
- Same features as standard iPhone 15, including Dynamic Island, USB-C, and 48MP camera
- No ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, despite bigger screen
- Larger size may be off-putting for some
- USB-C doesn’t charge any faster than Lightning
The iPhone 15 Plus is identical to the iPhone 15 (our overall recommendation) in terms of performance and features. The two big exceptions are the size (6.7-inch display) and larger battery, which Apple claims is enough for 26 hours of video playback versus 20 hours in the smaller iPhone 15.
If you want longer battery life, don't mind (or prefer) a bigger screen, and need to stay on budget (Apple's other 6.7-inch option is the pricier iPhone 15 Pro Max), the iPhone 15 Plus is a winner.
Our tests of the iPhone 15 Plus yielded approximately 73% battery life remaining after we played a 4K YouTube video for two hours, streamed music to a Bluetooth speaker for an hour, and ran several benchmark tests that taxed the chipset's processors. That's 7% more than the iPhone 15 across the same testing. Your mileage will vary, but in terms of real-world performance, you could get more than a day's worth of use before recharging.
While the large screen is great for viewing, the device's overall size may not be for everyone.
Read our full iPhone 15 Plus review, and see our guide to the best iPhone 15 Plus cases to protect the phone.
Best small size
Apple's smallest model, the third-generation iPhone SE, runs on the same A15 Bionic processor as the iPhone 13 series, and it's the cheapest current phone you can buy for access to Apple's ecosystem of software and devices.
- Small 4.7-inch display
- Excellent performance for its price
- An iPhone for close to $400
- Solid camera quality
- Outdated design
- No Face ID
- No MagSafe support
- Unimpressive battery life
- Single camera lens
Now that Apple has gotten rid of its Mini series of iPhones, your best (and only) bet for a small iPhone in Apple's current lineup is the third-generation iPhone SE, released in 2022.
With its 4.7-inch display, the iPhone SE is the smallest iPhone you can buy. While it lacks the modern features of other iPhones, it appeals to buyers who want a smaller device and older but familiar tech, like Touch ID. Just be aware that the phone has an outdated user experience.
Powering the iPhone SE is Apple's A15 Bionic processor — the same one that's used in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 — which is still powerful and fast enough to run any app or game in the App Store. It also supports some of the most popular features on the iPhone, like iMessage and FaceTime, and is compatible with Apple's ecosystem of devices, like the Apple Watch and AirPods.
Our main gripes with the iPhone SE are its short battery life compared to larger iPhones and that it's a little spartan in terms of features and design. It has a single camera lens, no MagSafe technology (although it supports wireless charging), and a dated design with huge borders below and above the display to accommodate the front camera, earpiece speaker, and home button for Touch ID. And the entry model only offers 64GB of storage, which goes fast if you shoot many photos and videos.
If you want a more substantial and up-to-date iPhone experience with two cameras and modern features like Face ID and MagSafe, check with your carrier to see if the iPhone 13 Mini is still available, or buy one refurbished through Apple.
Avoid these iPhones
We don't recommend buying the iPhone 11 or any older model. You might find them refurbished for less than the iPhone 13, but you won't be getting your money's worth, whatever the price, as they won't last very long in terms of performance or iOS updates for new features and security patches.
If you're looking to spend under the iPhone 13's $599 starting price for a modern-looking iPhone, a refurbished iPhone 12 for around $300 or less can still be worthwhile, but expect a shorter lifespan in iOS upgrades and support from Apple.
Which is the best iPhone?
The best iPhone for most people is the iPhone 15. Starting at $799, it offers most of Apple's latest smartphone technologies at an unrivaled value. Those who crave longer battery life or a larger screen (or both) should look at the iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 Pro models are the very best iPhones you can buy, but their premium features and build quality cost significantly more.
Specs | ||||||
Starting price | $799 | $599 | $999 | $1,199 | $899 | $429 |
Processor | A16 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A17 Pro | A17 Pro | A16 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
Release date | September 2023 | September 2021 | September 2023 | September 2023 | September 2023 | March 2022 |
Screen size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches | 4.7 inches |
Rear cameras | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP 2x zoom (main camera crop) | 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP 2x zoom (main camera crop), 12MP 3x zoom | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP 2x zoom (main camera crop), 12MP 5x zoom | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP 2x zoom (main camera crop) | 12MP main |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
How we test iPhones
To test iPhones, we use them as if they were our main daily drivers for at least a week, if not longer. That way, we can get an overall sense of their performance, camera quality, battery life, and new features and compare them to our experience with other models within the same generation and previous iPhone generations.
We expect the latest iPhones to run quickly, smoothly, and flawlessly. To test performance, we run popular and widely used apps and look for any sign of stuttering or slower-than-expected loading times. We also run the Geekbench 6 benchmark to give us an idea of performance improvements over the previous generation.
To test camera quality, we take photos of the same scenes and subjects with each lens and compare them to the same images taken with different phones. For greater consistency, we've started taking photos of our typical scenes at the same time and place with all the latest, generationally current phones available in the US.
We also take several, often hundreds, personal photos with iPhones, like those of friends and family, which we aren't comfortable posting in our review for the sake of privacy. However, these photos weigh heavily in our assessments, as they reveal positives and negatives that testing scenes don't, like the ability to capture a clear image of moving subjects and the everyday experience of using the cameras.
For battery life, we put each iPhone through a stress test that simulates a blend of typical casual and intensive daily usage that includes two hours of video streaming at a set brightness, one hour of music streaming while connected to Bluetooth speakers, five runs of the Geekbench 6 CPU benchmark test, and two runs of the 3D Mark Wild Life Stress Test. We then note the remaining battery percentage.
FAQs
Which iPhone has the best camera?
Currently, the best iPhone camera systems are those in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, followed by the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
In addition to the latest camera hardware and software technologies, the Pro models use three lenses: main, ultrawide, and telephoto. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus make do with main and ultrawide lenses, but the main lens doubles for telephoto. While the Pro models have advanced features for shooting photos and videos, the standard iPhone 15 camera system can capture great image quality that should satisfy most users, especially for social media.
Even older iPhone models like the iPhone 13 have great cameras. The "worst" camera may be the iPhone SE, which has a single-lens system, but even that model captures great-looking photos under good lighting conditions.
When is the best time to buy a new iPhone?
There is no objective "best time" to buy an iPhone. However, it can be argued that it's better to buy a new iPhone sooner rather than later after a new iPhone launch, which typically happens in September.
If September is nearing when you're considering a new iPhone, as it is for the prospective iPhone 16 series, you may be better off waiting until September to see what the new models have in store. Also, older iPhone models that Apple keeps selling after a new release tend to get an additional $100 price cut.
If you need a new iPhone because your current one is broken or not working, the best time to buy a new iPhone is now.
Where is the best place to buy an iPhone?
Carriers tend to have the highest trade-in values for your old phone. We've seen trade-in deals where you can get the latest iPhone model for free by trading in an older iPhone. We've also seen carriers trade significantly older iPhones for the same value as a year-old iPhone around when a new iPhone is released.
Do iPhones need cases?
We generally recommend that iPhone owners use cases. A naked iPhone undoubtedly looks and feels the best, but one drop from a decent height onto a hard floor can crack the phone's back or front glass.
Some people accept the risk, and some buy AppleCare Plus for this very reason, which offers unlimited repairs for accidental damage with a $29 fee per incident for back or front glass damage on top of the cost of AppleCare Plus.
However, a case is the best and most cost-effective way to ensure your iPhone's hardware stays in working order. If you're leaning toward our top pick, the iPhone 15, see our guide to the best iPhone 15 cases to protect the phone and extend its longevity.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.