Which iPhone Should You Buy?

Consider budget, storage, and features to find the best iPhone for you

By
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
  • Ithaca College
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
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Updated on May 7, 2024
Reviewed by
Christine Baker
Reviewed by Christine Baker
Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Determine your budget, storage capacity needs, hardware preferences, and which features you want.
  • The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the top-of-the-line model with the largest screen, best camera, and most impressive features.
  • Previous iPhone generations are only slight downgrades from their predecessors.

This article explains how to decide which iPhone is best for you among the iPhone models Apple is currently selling: iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone SE (3rd generation).

We'll also look at older iPhone models currently available only as refurbished devices through Apple or via third-party sellers: iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 11 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone 11, iPhone XR, and iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.

iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Courtesy of Apple
What We Like

  • New, powerful A17 chip.

  • Durable Titanium design.

  • Slimmest borders of any iPhone.

  • Pro camera system.

  • Handy action button.

What We Don't Like

  • A bit heavy.

  • Charging can be slow.

  • Limited color options.

Who will want it: If having the coolest, most cutting-edge technology matters to you, the iPhone 15 Pro series is your only choice.

Notable specs: The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro share most of the same features. This lineup gets Dynamic Island, Always-On technology, a programmable Action Button, and a powerful new A17 chip to keep operation fast and efficient. Both models also have a hardy Titanium build with the slimmest borders of any iPhone and a pro-grade ProMotion camera system with the longest optical zoom of any iPhone.

Bottom line: For users who want the latest and greatest from their iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro series delivers with speedy performance, a highly durable design, and excellent camera technology upgrades.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

Apple iPhone 15 Plus.

AT&T
What We Like

  • Transition to USB-C.

  • Dynamic Island technology.

  • Thinner build.

  • Upgraded camera system.

  • Improved location finding.

What We Don't Like

  • No ProMotion.

  • Limited colors.

  • Lacks always-on display.

Who will want it: If you don't need some of the advanced features of the iPhone 15 Pro series, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus pack much of the same punch for less.

Notable specs: Like all of the iPhone 15 Pro models, the base 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus are equipped with USB-C ports for charging and data transfer, Dynamic Island technology for live notifications, and improved SOS support and satellite roadside assistance. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus also get a revamped 48MP camera and 12MP telephoto lens with continuous zoom.

Bottom line: The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus lack ProMotion and Always-On technology, but they boast camera and design upgrades that mirror or nearly mirror the Pro models.

iPhone 14 Pro Max and Pro

Closeup on the iPhone 14 Pro camera array on the back of the phone.

Apple
What We Like

  • Always-On display.

  • Dynamic Island

  • Extra battery life.

  • Improved pro-grade camera system.

What We Don't Like

  • Slightly heavier than iPhone 13 Pros.

  • Not a huge leap from iPhone 13.

  • Uses a Lightning connector.

Who will want it: Older-generation iPhone users looking for a boost from the camera and overall performance will find a lot to like in the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro.

Notable specs: The iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro offer a few significant changes over the iPhone 13 Pros: Both introduce an A16 chip, Always-On display, Dynamic Island for interactive alerts, and a 48MP camera system—a huge bump from the 12MP iPhone 13 Pro systems. The iPhone 14 Pro series also gets an extra hour of video playback over the iPhone 13 Pros and new emergency features like crash detection and emergency SOS via satellite.

Bottom line: While the iPhone 14 Pro series doesn't depart too wildly from the iPhone 13 Pro series, it does offer a noteworthy camera and chip upgrade.

Apple discontinued the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro upon the release of the iPhone 15 series.

iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14

Buy iPhone 14

Apple
What We Like

  • New emergency features.

  • Action Mode.

  • Up to 26 hours of video playback.

  • 4K video in Cinematic mode.

What We Don't Like

  • Few significant upgrades from iPhone 13.

  • Some won't like the lack of physical SIM support.

Who will want it: Older iPhone users looking for more of the latest features at a lower price point might find a happy medium with the iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus.

Notable specs: Both the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus and 6.1-inch iPhone 14 come with the A15 Bionic chip and several emergency tool enhancements such as crash detection, emergency SOS, and satellite roadside assistance. These models also have Action Mode for more stable video shooting, up to 4K quality in cinematic mode, and support 26 hours (iPhone 14 Plus) and 20 hours (iPhone 14) of video playback.

Bottom line: The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 don't offer a lot over the iPhone 13, but an improved camera could tip the scales for vintage iPhone users seeking an upgrade.

iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro

Apple iPhone Pro AND PRO Max
What We Like

  • Up to 30 hours of battery life.

  • Amazing camera technology.

  • High refresh rate.

  • Crisp, bright screen.

What We Don't Like

  • Lacks expandable storage.

  • Volume quality lacks at higher volumes.

  • Big and heavy.

Who will want it: Both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max offer Apple's TrueTone color management system, making it an excellent choice for artists, content creators, and heavy users.

Notable specs: The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max feature extraordinary cameras, long battery life, and A15 Bionic chips. The 13 Pro's screen is 6.1 inches, while the Pro Max boasts a 6.7-inch display with 2,778 x 1,284-pixel resolution. Both models' screens are noticeably brighter than previous models and feature a ProMotion display, which means a higher refresh rate.

Bottom line: An iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max will let you enjoy a gorgeous screen experience where animations and graphics—and even everyday images—are smooth and crisp.

Apple removed the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro from its store when the iPhone 14 series debuted.

iPhone 13

Apple iPhone 13
What We Like

  • Improved performance and battery life.

  • Excellent camera.

  • Most bang for your buck.

  • 5G connectivity.

What We Don't Like

  • Smaller notch isn't very useful.

  • Charging time slower than some competitors.

  • Not a major update over the iPhone 12.

Who will want it: The iPhone 13's improvements over previous models in storage, performance, battery life, and camera make it an excellent device and a wise choice for those seeking an impressive, high-end smartphone at a reasonable price point.

Notable specs: The iPhone 13 includes the same A15 Bionic chip as the 13 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 13 also features a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with 2532 x 1170-pixel resolution, 5G connectivity, and dual cameras boasting 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide lenses.

Bottom line: The iPhone 13 is a gorgeous device with many of the benefits of its enhanced Pro and Pro Max siblings, but with a lower price tag and size that will appeal to the masses.

iPhone 13 Mini

iPhone 13 mini
What We Like

  • Compact and lightweight.

  • Durable with scratch-resistant screen and dust and water resistance.

  • Trio of cameras with excellent photo and video quality.

What We Don't Like

  • Doesn't have a 120Hz refresh rate.

  • Ships without a charger.

  • Battery life is lower than the iPhone 13.

Who will want it: With its compact, lightweight, and durable design, the iPhone 13 Mini is an excellent choice for those who want to reap the benefits of a flagship phone in a compact form factor.

Notable specs: The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini share many key features, including the same A15 Bionic chip. The 13 and Mini also share an OLED Super Retina XDR display, 5G connectivity, and dual cameras boasting 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide lenses. While the iPhone Mini's battery life features 17 hours of video playback, this is less than the iPhone 13's 19 hours.

Obviously, the Mini is smaller, with a 5.4-inch display and 2340 x 1080-pixel resolution. It's thin and lightweight, which many consumers prefer over bulkier phones.

Bottom line: Users who don't mind less battery life and prioritize pocketability and affordability will love the iPhone 13 Mini.

Apple discontinued the iPhone 13 Mini in September 2023 when the iPhone 15 launched.

iPhone SE (Third Generation)

iPhone SE third generation
What We Like

  • Supports 5G connectivity.

  • Use a physical SIM card or an eSIM.

  • Battery life improved from the previous incarnations.

  • Affordable price with powerful features.

What We Don't Like

  • Small screen.

  • Not a fast refresh rate.

  • Images are dark in low light.

Who will want it: Apple's third-generation iPhone SE is an excellent choice for those who want the panache of an iPhone at an affordable price, starting at $429.

Notable specs: The iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch display and includes the Home button, like its previous incarnations, while improving battery life and supporting 5G connectivity. The iPhone SE features the same A15 Bionic chip as the flagship iPhone 13 line, which powers the diminutive device without slowing down tasks like multitasking, editing images, and opening apps.

Bottom line: For a 5G iPhone on a budget, the iPhone Mini is unbeatable, with the power and features of an expensive phone in a compact size.

iPhone 12 and 12 Mini

Apple iPhone 12 mini
What We Like

  • Updated design compared to older models.

  • Benefits of newer iPhones at a more affordable price point.

  • Significant camera improvements over the iPhone 11.

What We Don't Like

  • Battery life isn't great.

  • Screen is only 60Hz.

  • Doesn't come with a charger.

Who will want it: When they were unveiled in 2020, the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini were Apple's flagship devices, bringing an overhauled design to the iPhone lineup. Today, they're still excellent choices for those who want middle-of-the-road iPhones at an affordable price.

Notable specs: The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch screen and a 2532 x 1170 resolution, while the 12 Mini has a 5.4-inch screen and a resolution of 2430 x 1080. The iPhone 12 succeeded 2019's iPhone 11, while the 12 Mini marked the smallest iPhone to date. Both devices boast an A14 chip, HDR support, vivid colors, haptic touch, and True Tone to adjust the display's color to ambient light.

Bottom line: The iPhone 12 has many of the newer iPhone 13 series plusses at a more affordable price.

Apple discontinued the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max shortly after debuting the iPhone 13 series.

iPhone 11

The six colors of the iPhone 11
What We Like

  • Supports Face ID and NFC.

  • Affordably priced while still feature-full and powerful.

  • Battery life on par with the iPhone 12.

What We Don't

  • Looks dated.

  • Doesn't have 5G connectivity.

Who will want it: If you don't mind your iPhone looking and acting a bit dated, don't need 5G connectivity, and aren't too worried about durability, the iPhone 11 may be a good, affordable choice.

Notable specs: The iPhone 11 debuted an edge-to-edge OLED HDR screen (5.8 inches), a three-camera system, and enhanced IP68 waterproofing. In addition, it debuted the next-generation Face ID recognition system for unlocking the iPhone and confirming Apple Pay transactions. It also features the A13 Bionic chip and support for NFC (Near-Field Communication).

Bottom line: Look a the iPhone 12 and 13 series' features and decide what you can live without. If the 11 suits your needs and budget, it's worthwhile.

Apple discontinued the iPhone 11 upon the release of the iPhone 14 series.

iPhone XR

The iPhone XR
What We Like

  • Boasted many of the iPhone 11's features.

  • Cameras improved on earlier incarnations.

  • Better battery life than its predecessors.

What We Don't Like

  • Storage maxed out at 256 GB.

  • Less effective waterproof features.

The iPhone XR is not currently available from Apple. However, you may be able to find it refurbished or through third-party resellers.

The iPhone XR featured:

  • Screen: A 6.1-inch, edge-to-edge LCD.
  • Battery life: Its battery life outperformed its predecessor, the XS, by a few hours.
  • Cameras. Cameras improved on previous incarnations.
  • Most key iPhone 11 features: The iPhone XR offered Face ID, wireless charging options, and other iPhone 11 features.

The iPhone XR exited the official iPhone lineup in 2021 upon the arrival of the iPhone 13 series.

iPhone 8 Plus

iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
What We Like

  • Retina Display looked great.

  • Many of the same features as the XR.

What We Don't Like

  • No Face ID.

  • Screen wasn't OLED or edge-to-edge, and didn't support HDR.

The iPhone 8 Plus is not currently available from Apple. You may be able to find it refurbished or through third-party resellers.

The iPhone 8 Plus featured:

  • Many iPhone XR features: The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XR had many of the same features.
  • Touch ID: Apple's 2nd generation fingerprint scanning technology was built into the 8 series. It didn't have Face ID.

iPhone 8

iPhone 8 and wireless charging
What We Like

  • Had many of the 8 Plus's features.

  • Good screen size.

What We Don't Like

  • Didn't bring any cutting-edge features.

  • Screen three-quarters of an inch smaller than the 8 Plus.

The iPhone 8 is not currently available from Apple. You may be able to find it refurbished or through third-party resellers.

The iPhone 8 featured:

  • Nearly identical features to the 8 Plus: The two phones were identical in storage options, processors, wireless charging, 3D Touch, Touch ID, NFC and Apple Pay support, and Apple Watch compatibility. 
  • Good screen: The iPhone 8 had a 4.7-inch screen. While that's not as huge as the 8 Plus's and much smaller than the XR or 11 Pro, it's a good size for many users.

Apple discontinued the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 8 in April 2020.

Deciding on Your Best iPhone

The general rule when making a technology purchase is to buy the best device that you can afford. That's true when it comes to deciding which iPhone to buy.

If you can afford the iPhone 13 series, these devices offer the best performance and features and will hold their value longer than older devices. If you're more price-conscious, more recent older iPhone models offer excellent features at a lower price.

Current iPhone Models Compared

For a quick comparison of how all current models stack up in terms of features and price, check out this chart.

Scroll right at the bottom of the table as needed to see more phones.

  iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB/ 512GB/1TB iPhone 15 Pro 128GB/ 256GB/ 512GB/1TB iPhone 15 Plus 128GB/ 256GB/ 512GB iPhone 15 128GB/ 256GB/ 512GB iPhone 14 Plus 128GB/ 256GB/ 512GB iPhone 14 128GB/ 256GB/ 512GB iPhone 13 128GB/256GB/ 512GB iPhone SE 3rd Gen 64MB/ 128MB/256MB
Screen Size (inches) 6.7 inches 6.1 inches 6.7 inches 6.1 inches 6.7 inches 6.1 inches 6.1 inches 4.7 inches
Resolution 2796x1290 pixels 2556x1179 pixels 2796x1290 pixels 2556x1179 pixels 2778x1284 pixels 2532x1170 pixels 2532 x 1170 pixels 1,334 x 750 pixels
Edge-to-Edge Screen Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
OLED Screen Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HDR Screen Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Haptic Touch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Processor A17 Pro chip A17 Pro chip A16 Bionic chip A16 Bionic chip A15 Bionic chip A15 Bionic chip A15 Bionic chip A15 Bionic chip
5G support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Carrier AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
Dual SIM Support eSIM only eSIM only eSIM only eSIM only eSIM only eSIM only Yes Yes
A-GPS Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Max. OS iOS 17 OS 17 OS 17 iOS 17 iOS 17 iOS 17 iOS 17 iOS 17
Camera (megapixels) 48MP main, 12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP 2x Telephoto, 12MP 5x Telephoto 48MP main, 12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP 2x Telephoto, 12MP 3x Telephoto 12MP main, 12 MP Ultra Wide, 12MP 2x Telephoto, 12MP TrueDepth 12MP main, 12 MP Ultra Wide, 12MP 2x Telephoto, 12MP TrueDepth 12MP main, 12 MP Ultra Wide, 12MP TrueDepth 12MP main, 12 MP Ultra Wide, 12MP TrueDepth 2 cameras with 12-megapixel wide and ultrawide lenses 1 12-megapixel camera
Wide-angle & Telephoto Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ultra-wide angle Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Records Video Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, 4K recording up to 4K at 60 fps Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, 4K recording up to 4K at 60 fps Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, 4K recording up to 4K at 60 fps Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, 4K recording up to 4K at 60 fps Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, 4K recording up to 4K at 60 fps Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, 4K recording up to 4K at 60 fps Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps, Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps 4K video recording up to 60 fps
Live Photo Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Portrait Mode Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
FaceTime Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Touch ID Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Face ID Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
NFC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Siri Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Water & Dust Resistant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Weight 7.81 ounces 6.6 ounces 7.09 ounces 6.02 ounces 7.16 ounces 6.07 ounces 6.14 ounces 5.09 ounces
Size 6.29x3.02 inches 5.77x2.78 inches 6.33 x 3.06 inches 5.81 x 2.82 inches 6.33 x 3.07 inches 5.78 x 2.82 inches 5.78 x 2.82 inches 5.45 x 2.65 inches
Wireless Charging Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Battery Life (in hours) Up to 29 hours video playback Up to 23 hours video playback Up to 26 hours video playback Up to 20 hours video playback Up to 26 hours video playback Up to 20 hours video playback Up to 19 hours video playback Up to 15 hours video playback
Colors Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Red Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Red Green, Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, Red Midnight, Starlight, Red
Starting Price $1199 $999 $899 $799 $899 $799 $829 $479
FAQ
  • What is the best music download app for iPhone?

    There are several excellent free music apps for iPhone. Some of the best include Spotify, Pandora, and iHeartRadio.

  • Which iPhone color is the best?

    The best color is a matter of opinion. However, Pacific Blue seems to be the most popular iPhone. Silver and Graphite are also favorites of iPhone users.

  • What is the best GPS app for iPhone?

    With several great GPS apps for iPhone available, the best one for you depends on what features you need. For instance, Google Maps is highly accurate and easy to use. Apple Maps is part of the iOS operating system and instantly available to iPhone users.

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