Imagine having an AI assistant on your phone that can analyze documents, write emails, and even generate creative content. That future is closer than you think with Apple Intelligence, and the newest iPhones are leading the way.
While the latest iPhone 16 models offer cutting-edge technology, older models like the iPhone 15 remain excellent. They provide a similar experience at a lower cost; some even come in unique colors that are no longer available on newer models.
Ready to explore the world of iPhones? We've got you covered. Our top pick for most people is the iPhone 16, but we'll help you find the perfect fit, whether you're looking for the best value, the most advanced features, or even considering switching to Android.
Here’s our list of the best iPhones of the year.
The best iPhone for most people
iPhone 16
- Fun, refreshing new design
- Stunning colors this year
- Camera Control is so, so good
- The Action button rules
- Excellent camera system
- Reliable battery life
- 60Hz display, no always-on display
- Slow charging speeds
- Apple Intelligence not yet available
Why you should buy this: It's truly the best iPhone for most folks. Plus, it comes in some truly incredible colors.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants a new iPhone, but doesn't necessarily need all the camera tricks the iPhone 16 Pro series offers.
Apple has outdone itself with the iPhone 16. It would be easy to dismiss the base model as the "budget" option overshadowed by its more expensive and feature-rich Pro siblings. However, the iPhone 16 breaks the mold, delivering a delightful and surprisingly complete smartphone experience that punches well above its weight class.
This year, the gap between the standard and Pro models feels significantly narrower. The iPhone 16 boasts a refreshed design that's both modern and comfortable to hold. Performance is incredibly smooth thanks to the powerful A17 Bionic chip, which easily handles demanding apps and games. While lacking the telephoto lens of the Pro models, the camera system still captures stunning photos and videos thanks to improved lowlight capabilities and impressive image stabilization.
However, what truly sets the iPhone 16 apart are the thoughtful additions that elevate the user experience. The Action button, customizable for various tasks and shortcuts, adds a new layer of convenience and personalization. Camera Control offers quick access to camera settings, making it easier to capture the perfect shot. And with the latest iOS software, the iPhone 16 enjoys a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Of course, every phone is flawed. The iPhone 16 does have a 60Hz display, missing out on the smoother 120Hz ProMotion technology found in the Pro models. It also lacks an always-on display. However, these are minor compromises in the grand scheme of things, especially considering the significant price difference compared to the iPhone 16 Pro models.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 is a testament to Apple's ability to deliver exceptional value without sacrificing the core elements that make iPhones so appealing. It's a phone that excels in everyday use, offering a fantastic blend of design, performance, features, and user experience. For most users, the iPhone 16 is not just a good choice; it's arguably the best iPhone this year.
The best small flagship iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro
- Camera Control is a lovely addition
- Great display and performance
- 5x telephoto camera on a small iPhone
- The new Photographic Styles
- 4K 120fps video recording
- Disappointing battery life
- Apple Intelligence not yet available
- The regular iPhone 16 is SO good
Why you should buy this: It has everything you could want in an iPhone, just in a smaller package.
Who it's for: You're the type of person that wants the best phone Apple makes, with all the frills, but with a smaller display than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone Pro has always been an easy sell. For those seeking the best iPhone experience and willing to pay a premium, the Pro models have consistently delivered with their cutting-edge features and top-tier performance. But this year, the decision is more nuanced. Apple has raised the bar with the iPhone 16, making it the most compelling non-Pro iPhone in years. This presents a challenge for the iPhone 16 Pro, forcing it to justify its higher price tag against a surprisingly capable sibling.
Don't get us wrong, the iPhone 16 Pro is a fantastic phone. It's beautifully crafted, incredibly powerful, and boasts a camera system that captures stunning photos and videos. But the iPhone 16 has narrowed the gap significantly. Both phones share key features like the Action button, Camera Control, and the latest iOS 18 software. Performance is nearly identical thanks to the A17 Bionic chip, and in some cases, the iPhone 16 even surpasses the Pro in battery life. The iPhone 16 also has a lighter and more comfortable design, with a wider array of color options.
So, where does the iPhone 16 Pro truly shine? It comes down to two key areas: the display and the camera. The Pro's 120Hz ProMotion display offers a buttery-smooth experience that's noticeable in everyday use, from scrolling through webpages to playing graphics-intensive games. And for photography enthusiasts, the Pro's telephoto lens and advanced camera features provide greater versatility and creative control.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities and budget. If you value the smoothest display and the most advanced camera system, the iPhone 16 Pro remains a worthy investment. But for most users, the iPhone 16 delivers an exceptional experience at a more affordable price. It's the phone this writer chose for themself, and it's the one we believe will satisfy the needs of most iPhone buyers.
The best big iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Beautiful display
- Powerful performance
- Camera Control is a nice addition
- Great battery life
- Improved ultrawide camera
- It's too darn big
- Boring colors
- Apple Intelligence not available yet
Why you should buy this: When money is no object and you want the biggest and most powerful iPhone today, this is the one to purchase.
Who it's for: Apple's latest iPhone Pro Max is the best iPhone ever created, in terms of features and materials. If that's what you want, this is your phone.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a compelling device. If you value a larger screen and prioritize camera quality, the Pro Max delivers with its superior telephoto and upgraded 48MP ultrawide lenses. This is especially true if you're using an older iPhone and are looking for a significant leap in camera technology. However, iPhone 15 Pro Max users may want to hold off, as the iOS 18.1 update with Apple Intelligence is also coming to that phone.
The impressive feature set of the base iPhone 16 models makes the upgrade decision even more complex. Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus boast notable additions like the Action button, Camera Control, an improved ultrawide lens, new Photographic Styles, the powerful A18 chip, extended battery life, and a more diverse color palette. This makes the standard iPhone 16 a compelling option for those seeking a balance of features and affordability.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 Pro Max caters to users with specific needs. Its key advantages lie in the telephoto lens, the always-on display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and advanced photography and videography features. If these are essential to your workflow or lifestyle, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will undoubtedly meet your expectations. However, if your priorities differ, exploring the iPhone 16 or waiting for Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro Max might be equally viable options.
The best big iPhone runner-up
iPhone 16 Plus
- Fantastic hardware and colors
- Big, bright screen
- Fast, reliable, and feature-packed software
- Fun camera and Camera Control
- Long battery life
- Only a 60Hz refresh rate
- No always-on screen
Why you should buy this: It has everything the highly rated iPhone 16 has, but with a larger display.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants our favorite iPhone of the year, but wants it with a larger display.
The iPhone 16 Plus presents a curious dilemma. While it is undeniably an excellent phone, its place in the iPhone lineup feels unclear. An iPhone 16 with a larger display needs help distinguishing itself and definitively justifying its higher price tag.
The core issue lies in the compromises it entails. Its size and weight might be cumbersome for some, while the 60Hz display feels outdated in 2024, especially when competitors offer higher refresh rates for smoother visuals. Furthermore, the anticipated battery life gains over the standard iPhone 16 seem negligible. This begs the question: Why not opt for the more affordable iPhone 16, which offers a nearly identical experience in a more manageable form factor?
Conversely, those seeking a premium large-screen experience might find the iPhone 16 Pro Max more compelling. It boasts an even larger display with ProMotion technology and a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as other advantages like a telephoto lens and enhanced camera capabilities.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 Plus occupies a precarious middle ground. It excels in providing a big-screen experience without the "Pro" price, but lacks a standout feature to solidify its appeal. Unless a more prominent display is your priority, the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Max offer more compelling value propositions. The iPhone 16 Plus, while a capable device, risks being overshadowed by its siblings due to its lack of a defining characteristic.
The best value iPhone
iPhone 14
- Comfortable, high-end build
- OLED screen looks fantastic
- A15 chip performs great
- Good camera upgrades
- Dependable battery life
- Helpful safety features
- 60Hz display
- No telephoto camera
- eSIM might be a pain for some
Why you should buy this: You want a solid iPhone without having to pay too much.
Who it’s for: Those who want to get some good bang for their buck.
The iPhone 14, while not the most groundbreaking device for tech enthusiasts, remains a compelling option for those upgrading from an older iPhone. Despite being two years old, it offers a robust and refined smartphone experience.
One of its key strengths lies in its processor. Though not the latest model, the A15 Bionic chip, inherited from the iPhone 13 Pro, delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks and even demanding applications. Users transitioning from pre-iPhone 13 models will experience a significant boost in speed and responsiveness.
While it lacks the flashy features of its successors, such as the 48MP camera, Dynamic Island, and always-on display, the iPhone 14 still boasts a capable camera system that captures excellent photos and videos. Furthermore, it incorporates crucial safety features like Emergency SOS via satellite and crash detection, providing valuable peace of mind.
Essentially, the iPhone 14 represents a compelling blend of performance, reliability, and affordability. It's an ideal choice for users seeking a significant upgrade without the premium price tag of the latest models. If you prioritize a smooth user experience, a dependable camera, and essential safety features, the iPhone 14 is a worthy contender.
The best small iPhone
iPhone SE (2022)
- Compact and light
- Very powerful
- Touch ID works really well
- Wireless charging
- IP67 water resistance
- Poor battery life
- 60Hz screen
- 64GB won't be enough
Why you should buy this: If you are looking for an iPhone that is smaller than 6.1-inches, then this is the one to get. It also has some pretty decent features.
Who it’s for: You want the most compact iPhone there is.
The iPhone SE (2022) still presents a compelling proposition for budget-conscious consumers seeking a powerful and compact iPhone experience. Starting at $429, it's the most affordable new iPhone available, offering exceptional value for its price.
While its design, inherited from the iPhone 8, might appear dated, it retains a sturdy build with the same durable glass used in the iPhone 13. Its compact size makes it ideal for one-handed use and appeals to those who prefer smaller phones.
Under the hood, the iPhone SE (2022) boasts the impressive A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13 and 14, ensuring smooth performance and efficient multitasking. Coupled with 4GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 64GB to 256GB, it handles everyday tasks with ease. Compared to its predecessor, a larger battery provides ample power to last throughout the day.
The 4.7-inch Liquid Retina display, though small by modern standards, delivers sharp visuals with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. Features like True Tone technology and wide color support enhance the viewing experience. The camera system, featuring a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front camera, captures satisfactory photos in good lighting conditions, though it lacks Night Mode for low-light photography. Touch ID provides reliable security, though Face ID is absent.
With 5G connectivity, the iPhone SE (2022) is a future-proof choice, offering faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. However, it's important to consider its limitations and future. The small screen might not be ideal for media consumption or gaming. Additionally, this model is expected to be replaced by a new one sometime in 2025.
The iPhone SE (2022) is a fantastic option for those prioritizing affordability, performance, and portability. It functions as either an excellent entry point into the Apple ecosystem or a reliable upgrade for users with older iPhones, as long as its compromises are considered.
