Buying guide for best iPhones
The thrill of upgrading to a new iPhone can easily be overshadowed by the dizzying array of models to choose from. With a range of unique screens, processors, battery life options and storage sizes, choosing the right one can feel daunting. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you figure it out.
The era of one new iPhone launch per year is long gone. In case you don't follow the tech news cycle, Apple typically launches four iPhones with each generation, offering a Pro line for power users made with premium features and materials alongside standard models at lower price points. Some years, they even sprinkle in a pocket-sized iPhone "mini" option.
Our team of Apple aficionados and Android fans at BestReviews has dissected countless iPhones over the last decade, including the latest pair from the 15 lineup. This expertise led us to crown the 15 Pro as the top dog, while the 15 steals the show as the best bang for your buck.
Expert TIp
Apple iPhones don’t always include headphones, or a headphone jack, for that matter. If you plan on using your iPhone with headphones, you’ll need to get a set of Bluetooth headphones or true wireless earbuds.
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Our top picks
Best iPhone overall
Product Specifications: Display Size and Type: 6.1” all-screen always-on OLED | Processor: A17 Pro (64-bit, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU) | Storage Options: 128, 256 and 512GB or 1TB | Camera Resolution: 48 megapixels (24 mm with 3x optical zoom) | Battery Life: 23 hours (rated)
The iPhone 15 Pro is the top iPhone of its class with a titanium build, always-on screen, improved camera array and powerful latest-generation processor. It also has a new USB-C port that lets it transfer data at up to 3.0 gigabytes per second or connect directly to DisplayPort monitors.
The iPhone 15 Pro’s titanium frame improves strength while reducing weight compared to the stainless steel of previous generations. Its rear camera system features a 48-megapixel main sensor and 12-megapixel telephoto lens folded into a prism-like system of mirrors to fit a 3x optical zoom into its compact form factor. Its ultra-high-res always-on OLED screen offers adaptive refresh rates up to 120 Hz for liquid-smooth graphics and attains up to 1,000 nits of brightness in everyday use and up to 2,000 nits in bright sunlight — so the screen is easy to read outdoors on the sunniest of days.
The 15 Pro’s new and highly practical Action Button can easily be customized to open the camera, flashlight and voice recorder immediately or to run your favorite Shortcut, while the 15 Pro’s A17 Pro processor boasts 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU for fast performance even with demanding games or video editing. All of this is packed into a simple, refined form factor that’s easier than ever to hold and comes in four elegant metallic shades.
Best iPhone for the money
Product Specifications: Display Size and Type: 6.1” all-screen OLED | Processor: A16 Bionic (64-bit 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) | Storage Options: 128, 256 and 512GB | Camera Resolution: 48 megapixels (26 mm with 2x zoom) | Battery Life: 30 hours (tested)
Although not the lowest-priced iPhone, the non-Pro iPhone 15 is probably the best value among iPhones right now, and it’s the iPhone most likely to fit the needs of the majoriy. We tested the iPhone 15 and found that while it doesn’t have the Pro label, it brings Pro features at a much more comfortable price point.
The most obvious feature that came from the Pro models is the Dynamic Island, which disguises the iPhone’s front camera and sensors. We found it a lot more useful and appealing than expected, showing notifications, playback controls, real-time notifications, phone calls and more, and we love that it’s now available without having to buy a Pro model. Other Pro-like features include satellite assistance and a frosted glass back that resists fingerprints and adds grip.
While the iPhone 15 doesn’t have a telephoto lens, it does have a 2x optical zoom that leverages its 48-megapixel rear camera to create a natural-looking 12-megapixel shot. Its normal wide-angle shots impressed us with natural color, fine detail and automated depth-of-field effects. A universal USB-C charging and data port, brighter screen, slim but comfortable design and 30-hour battery life round our list of the things we love about the iPhone 15.
Best iPhone for content creators
Product Specifications: Display Size and Type: 6.7” all-screen always-on OLED | Processor: A17 Pro (64-bit 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU) | Storage Options: 256 and 512GB or 1TB | Camera Resolution: 48 megapixels (24 mm with 5x optical zoom) | Battery Life: 30 hours (tested)
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is not just the iPhone 15 Pro with a bigger 6.7-inch screen. With the iPhone family’s best camera specs yet, massive storage choices and a long-lasting battery, it’s a photo and video powerhouse that still fits in your pocket.
In our tests, we found the iPhone 15 Pro Max lightweight and comfortable to hold despite its size, thanks to its titanium frame and slightly smoothed edges. It boasts Apple’s most advanced camera system to date, including a 5x optical zoom telephoto lens that we found outstanding for videography. Battery life was also impressive, lasting around 30 hours during our testing. Its always-on, super-high-res screen provides plenty of real estate for shooting, viewing and editing photos and video.
Like its smaller sibling, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s USB-C connector supports USB 3.0 data speeds up to 3Gbps for fast data transfer of big media files, and it offers DisplayPort to plug directly into any compatible monitor or screen. USB-C also allows the 15 Pro Max to connect to external storage directly and use the same charging cables as your iPad, MacBook, Android device or non-Apple laptop.
Best large iPhone for the money
Product Specifications: Display Size and Type: 6.7” all-screen OLED | Processor: A16 Bionic (64-bit 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) | Storage Options: 128, 256 and 512GB | Camera Resolution: 48 megapixels (26 mm with 2x zoom) | Battery Life: 26 hours (rated)
If you crave a larger screen but don’t need Pro-level features like telephoto lenses or gigabit-speed USB-C, you might want to consider the iPhone 15 Plus. It takes the value-packed features of the iPhone 15 and adds a 6.7-inch screen, and it does so for a lower price than the iPhone 15 Pro.
Like the iPhone 15, the 15 Plus boasts a textured glass back that’s grippier than smooth glass with slightly smoothed edges for an easier hold. Its form factor allows it to pack a larger battery for at least 26 hours of video playback. Despite its size, at 7.8 millimeters thick, the 15 Plus is thinner than many other rival smartphones, so it still feels slim in hand.
It has a USB-C port with USB 2 speeds for more convenient charging, accessory connections and file transfer, and it includes the Dynamic Island that makes the front camera into a practical and, in our opinion, appealing part of the phone’s interface. Like the iPhone 15, the 15 Plus supports spatial audio playback and HDR visuals which, combined with its larger display and solid speakers, make it a great portable platform for enjoying movies and video.
Product Specifications: Display Size and Type: 4.7-inch LCD | Processor: A15 (64-bit 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) | Storage Options: 64, 128 and 256GB | Camera Resolution: 12 megapixels | Battery Life: 15 hours (rated)
The iPhone SE family is Apple’s lower-cost line, combining classic designs with up-to-date necessities in a sub-$500 package. The current iPhone SE is the third-generation model, based on the iPhone 8’s curvy-edged body with a capable A15 processor and 5G support.
The iPhone SE is the last iPhone model still available that offers a physical SIM slot, at least in North America. If using a physical SIM is an important consideration, the SE might be your best option. It also supports up to two eSIMs or one physical SIM and one eSIM, if you need dual lines for work or travel. The SE uses Apple’s older, proprietary Lightning connector, so it can use the huge ecosystem of Lightning-based accessories that still exists.
Despite looking like an older model, the iPhone SE can connect to today’s fast 5G networks and supports today’s fast charging protocols as well. The iPhone SE is the last model to offer a Home Button and Touch ID, which some people prefer over swipe-up gestures and Face ID. At 5.45 inches by 2.65 inches and 7.3 millimeters thick, it’s the smallest, thinnest and lightest iPhone model still available.
Best iPhone with a Lightning connector
Product Specifications: Display Size and Type: 6.1” all-screen OLED | Processor: A15 Bionic (64-bit 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) | Storage Options: 128, 256, and 512GB | Camera Resolution:12 megapixels | Battery Life: 20 hours (rated)
With the introduction of the iPhone 15 family, Apple discontinued its previous Pro models, integrating many of their features into the non-pro iPhone 15 model. However, Apple still sells the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, which remain solid smartphones and the best iPhones currently available that still have the Lightning port.
The main differences between the iPhone 14 and the newer non-Pro iPhone 15 are the lack of the Dynamic Island and USB-C. In the iPhone 14, you still have a notch in the display that disguises the phone’s front camera and sensors. Like the iPhone SE, the iPhone 14 uses the Lightning port, which was the basic port for iPhones for more than a decade.
If you have a lot of older iPhone accessories, chances are they use a Lightning connector, so this is the best iPhone still available that uses Lightning. The iPhone 14 has a 12-megapixel rear camera and a front-facing camera that supports portrait mode and high-res video. Expect around a day’s worth of charge from the iPhone 14.
Expert TIp
Apple’s iOS includes “Control Center,” a menu you can access by dragging down from the upper right corner of the screen. From the Control Center, you can do everything from quickly adjusting the volume to adjusting your screen brightness. You can even customize what functionality appears in your Control Center.
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Model comparison and features
Cameras
One of the best ways to differentiate between iPhones is by looking at their cameras. Pro models have the best camera systems with three rear lenses for wide, ultrawide and telephoto shots. Non-Pro models have only two rear lenses, wide and ultrawide, although the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have a 2x zoom that’s practically as good as the telephoto zoom of older iPhones. All the iPhone 15 models have a 48-megapixel sensor, but they default to 24-megapixel shots. The iPhone 14 has a 12-megapixel sensor. The iPhone SE has only one rear wide camera.
The front or selfie camera of the iPhone 15 family supports portrait mode, night mode and 4K video, as does the front camera of the iPhone 14. The front camera on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max also supports 4K ProRes cinematic video, while the front camera on the iPhone SE lacks 4K video or night mode.
Screen
Except for the iPhone SE, all iPhone models use 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch OLED screens, providing true blacks, infinite contrast and fast response times. All feature ultra-high Retina resolutions that make individual pixels almost undetectable by the naked eye. Pro models feature adaptive refresh rates from 60 to 120 Hz, which Apple calls ProMotion, giving them a faster, smoother performance when an app requires it. Non-Pro models stick to a 60-Hz refresh rate. The iPhone SE has a simpler 4.7-inch Retina LCD screen.
Since the iPhone 12, iPhone displays have been made of a ceramic-laced glass called Ceramic Shield, which is resistant to breakage and scratches, though some owners still invest in a screen protector.
Storage
Most iPhones offer 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, with the 15 Pro and Pro Max going up to 1TB. Unlike Android phones, iPhone storage can’t be expanded, so get as much storage as you think you need. iOS itself takes up about 12GB, and apps can range from below 1GB to over 6GB for some games. One hour of 4K video shot on an iPhone takes up about 24GB alone, while downloaded video can be anywhere from 1GB to 4GB per hour.
If you plan to take a lot of photos and videos on your iPhone, get as much internal storage as you can.
5G and connectivity
All iPhones still available from Apple support 5G wireless for high-speed data connections. Except for the iPhone SE, they all support the ultra-fast mmWave 5G protocol as well, when available. All iPhones support Wi-Fi 6, with the iPhone 15 Pro models supporting Wi-Fi 6e. All models support at least Bluetooth 5.0, with the iPhone 15 family and iPhone 14 supporting Bluetooth 5.3 for fast, stable, data-rich connections to accessories like wireless earbuds and headphones. All iPhones support NFC for contactless payment such as Apple Pay and transit cards.
eSIM
All iPhones sold in North America except the iPhone SE exclusively use eSIMs. This allows you to easily add and switch carriers and phone numbers without needing to install a physical SIM card. All models allow you to have two active SIMS at a time plus up to eight stored eSIMs in the iPhone 15 family. The iPhone SE can use a nano-SIM card as well as eSIM.
Outside of North America, local laws may require cellphones to have a physical SIM slot. iPhones sold in these regions still support nano-SIM cards as well as eSIM support.
Battery life
iPhones use non-removable, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for power. Most iPhone models promise at least 20 hours of battery life. In our own tests, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max lasted 30 hours each with moderate usage, including some gaming and video recording.
All iPhones currently available support fast-charging to 50% in 30 minutes with an adapter of at least 20 watts. Since the iPhone 12, however, no iPhones have been shipped with power adapters.
USB-C and Lightning
With the iPhone 15, Apple replaced its proprietary Lightning connector with USB-C, the widely used industry standard. Having USB-C ports allows iPhone 15 models to use the same cords as many other current computers and devices, reducing cord clutter and charger confusion. USB-C also allows iPhone 15 models to connect directly to accessories like flash drives, hard drives, display adapters and more.
The USB-C port in iPhone 15 Pro models is capable of USB 3 speeds of 3Gbps, but the ports in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are restricted to USB 2 speeds of 480Mbps. The older Lightning port is still used by the iPhone 14, 13 and iPhone SE lines.
Color
iPhones have been available in at least two colors — black/dark gray or white — since the iPhone 3. Starting with the iPhone 7, Apple added a PRODUCT(RED) option in support of efforts against AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Since the iPhone XR, Apple has added other colors to the mix, changing them more or less every model year. Pro models usually feature more muted colors, while non-Pro models get brighter or lighter colors. Keep in mind that an iPhone’s color will be hidden if you use a non-transparent case.
Price
The iPhone SE is the lowest-priced iPhone currently sold by Apple at $429. The iPhone 13, still available, is the next most expensive, starting at $599.
The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus cost $699 for the base iPhone 14 model and $799 for the iPhone 14 Plus. That’s the same price as the iPhone 15 with Dynamic Island, 2x zoom and USB-C connector. The bigger iPhone 15 Plus starts at $899.
The flagship iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999 for 128GB storage. The iPhone 15 Pro Max stars at $1,099 for the base 128GB model and goes up to $1,599 for the 1TB model.
iPhone accessories
Cases
Apple loves to advertise its iPhones being used without cases, and you can catch caseless iPhones in everyday use on Apple TV+ shows like “Ted Lasso.” However, a case is highly recommended if not required.
Aside from protecting your investment from damage, a case adds grip and comfort. Apple’s own cases may be made of silicone or fabric, but they cost more than similar third-party cases. You can find protective iPhone cases for as low as $15 online, but be wary of anything cheaper.
Audio
You may remember when iPhones came with white Apple earbuds. That ended after Apple removed the 3.5 mm headphone jack, but a pair of earbuds or headphones can still be considered essential iPhone accessories.
iPhones support Bluetooth 5.0 or above to connect to wireless audio devices such as Apple’s own AirPods, wireless noise-canceling headphones or Bluetooth speakers. You can also plug wired headphones or earbuds into iPhones using a 3.5 mm-to-USB-C or 3.5 mm-to-Lightning adapter.
Apple makes EarPods earbuds that plug directly into USB-C or Lightning ports, and several high-end headphones, like Apple’s AirPods Max, can play audio via a USB-C cable.
Screen protectors
Scratches on the display glass have been the bane of smartphone users since forever, and many people choose to add screen protectors to their phones to prevent scratches or breakage on the display. Aside from damage prevention, some screen protectors also offer added privacy by reducing the viewable angle of the iPhone screen.
Chargers and cables
Apple stopped including power adapters with iPhones to cut down on plastic and e-waste, reasoning that most consumers own at least one compatible charger. Still, not all chargers and adapters are created equal. Low-cost USB chargers sold in convenience stores or supermarkets may not offer the kind of safety and performance as chargers from Apple and other respected accessory makers.
Investing in a good charger or power adapter keeps your iPhone safe from short circuits. Getting a charger or adapter with at least 20 watts of power also allows you to use iPhones’ fast-charging capability.
With the iPhone 15 family, Apple shifted almost its entire product line to USB-C, allowing iPhone 15 models to connect to and use the same USB-C cables as other devices. Like adapters, investing in good-quality cables from known brands helps ensure good data transfer and lower damage risks.
Expert TIp
If you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you can use your iPhone to enjoy music in Lossless Sound. Update your music quality settings in the Settings app and enjoy music as it was meant to be heard!
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Tips
- Clean your iPhone carefully. Use only a soft, lint-free cloth, like microfiber, to wipe your iPhone. A little water is the safest solvent to use, but diluted rubbing alcohol is also effective. Clorox disinfecting wipes are considered safe by Apple for use on your iPhone. Never use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to clean your iPhone.
- iPhones are water-resistant but not waterproof. Most iPhones offer IP68 water resistance, surviving 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, but don’t push it. Don’t deliberately immerse your iPhone in water, and don’t expose it to pressurized water like showers. Dry it thoroughly, including speakers and ports, if it does get wet.
- Lock your iPhone. Always use a passcode and either FaceID or TouchID to secure your iPhone. iPhones can store some of the most sensitive information about ourselves, so make sure thieves can’t easily access your data. A six-digit passcode is safer than a four-digit code.
How we analyzed
For this buying guide, we analyzed all iPhone models currently available from Apple at the time of writing, taking into account our experience with iPhone models from previous years. We consulted other professional reviews and buying guides and looked at user and buyer reviews for each of our model picks. We specifically tested two models, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 15, in our testing lab, noting display quality, camera quality, processor and gaming performance, build quality and design, software and battery life. We also reached out to our tech expert, Jamie Vasquez, for his insights and advice.
FAQ
Q. What is the first thing I should do after buying an iPhone?
A. After turning it on and activating it with your carrier, consider creating an Apple ID. An Apple ID and iCloud account allow you to use all the features of your iPhone the way they were intended. You could use an iPhone without an Apple ID, but you’d find many of its included apps and features somewhat limited.
Q. Do iPhones support wireless charging?
A. All iPhones since the iPhone 8 support wireless charging. You can use any wireless charger that supports the Qi standard to charge a compatible iPhone. You can also use Apple’s own wireless charging protocol, MagSafe, to charge iPhones at twice the speed of a basic Qi charger.
Q. Will Face ID still unlock my iPhone when I’m wearing glasses?
A. Yes, FaceID will unlock your iPhone if you’re wearing glasses, even if you weren’t wearing them when taking your original FaceID scan. To make sure, you can add another FaceID scan with your glasses, or any other accessory, by using “Set Up an Alternate Appearance” in Settings > Face ID & Passcode. You can also set the iPhone to recognize your face when you’re wearing a filter mask.
Q. How do I activate Do Not Disturb on my iPhone when I’m driving?
A. You can turn on Do Not Disturb on the iPhone automatically using Apple’s Driving Focus mode in iOS 15 and later. Go to the Settings app and choose the Focus screen. Select “Driving,” and make sure the “Turn on Automatically” option is toggled on. You can also use your voice to tell Siri, “Siri, turn on Driving Focus.”
Our expertise
A writer for BestReviews for almost three years, Jmar Gambol has updated or helped update BestReviews’ iPhone buying guides and shopper articles since his arrival. He has used iPhones since 2008 but never liked upgrading every year, preferring to wait until the features and price were ideal. This means he’s examined each new iPhone generation thoroughly to figure out if they’re worth his time and money. His latest upgrade was moving from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 15, which is currently his favorite iPhone ever, although he sometimes feels nostalgic for the headphone jack.
