The Apple iPhone is the most popular smartphone in the U.S., but not all models are created equal. Depending on your needs and budget, you may not have to purchase the newest and most expensive iPhone.
The iPhone 17 Pro is the best iPhone on the market. It offers impressive camera features, a powerful processor, and access to Apple Intelligence.
On the other hand, not everyone needs the pro-level iPhone. The iPhone 16 is best for customers who don't need all the bells and whistles, but still want a reliable phone.
Finally, customers on a budget will find the iPhone 16e is the best option at a lower price point.
Whether you're looking to switch from an Android or upgrade to the newest iPhone on the market, we can help you make the right choice for your next device.
Best Apple iPhones: Quick guide
| iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16e |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Premium experience | Regular users | Budget device |
| Cameras | Triple array | Dual array | Single lens |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starting MSRP | $1,099 | $699 | $599 |
| Learn more | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
What to know before you buy a new iPhone
Buying a new iPhone doesn't have to be hard, but you should consider your needs and budget before making a decision.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Budget: iPhones come in multiple price ranges. Customers needing a cheaper phone should look at budget models like the iPhone SE or iPhone 16e. If you can afford a tricked-out model, consider an iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max.
- Model year: There is nothing wrong with buying last year’s iPhone. The pricing is lower, and it often has many of the same features as the current lineup.
- Camera specs: The camera is often the biggest feature separating iPhone models. If you’re not a major photographer, you can get by with a base-level iPhone. People who need the best hardware for the perfect picture should aim for a Pro or Pro Max model.
- Deal timing: The best deals on iPhones are usually around September, when the newest models come out. You can get upgrade deals on the newest series or discounts on last year’s model.
- Consider refurbished: You may be able to save even more by purchasing a refurbished (renewed) iPhone from a third-party retailer like Amazon. These devices are typically cleaned and tested to ensure they work properly.
Best iPhones
Ultimately, picking the top iPhone is tough since the question is which device is best for your needs and budget. Here are our favorite iPhones for maximum performance, camera quality, size, cost, and everyday use.
Best Apple iPhones: Full specs
| iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16e |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.3” |
6.1” |
6.1” |
| Cameras | 48MP fusion 48MP ultra-wide 48MP telephoto 18MP Center Stage selfie |
48MP wide 12MP ultra-wide 12MP selfie |
48MP fusion 12MP selfie |
| Processor | A19 Pro | A18 | A18 |
| Storage | 256GB 512GB 1TB |
128GB 256GB 512GB |
128GB 256GB 512GB |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5G support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starting MSRP | $1,099 | $699 | $599 |
| Learn more | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Best iPhone overall: iPhone 17 Pro
- Display: 6.3"
- Cameras: Rear-48MP, 48MP, 48MP; Front-18MP
- A19 Pro processor
- Apple Intelligence
For customers who need a premium device, the iPhone 17 Pro is the best overall iPhone currently available. It includes the best features Apple has to offer, from software to hardware. Its triple-camera array includes a 48MP fusion, 48MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto lens system. Plus, the iPhone 17 series includes the new Center Stage selfie camera, an updated 18MP front camera. It offers enhanced features that automatically adjust your camera to keep people centered and in the frame.
As for software, the iPhone 17 Pro includes Apple Intelligence, so you'll have access to features like Genmoji, Visual Intelligence, and Live Translate. The device is powered by the A19 Pro chip, which offers 40% better performance than the processor in the iPhone 16 Pro series. You can also rest easy knowing you'll get at least five years of iOS software updates from Apple.
The iPhone 17 Pro is perfect for snapping photos, using your favorite social media apps, and even running processor-intensive tasks like mobile gaming. The starting MSRP is $1,099, but you may get it free from a carrier deal or cheaper with an Amazon offer.
You may also be wondering why we recommend the iPhone 17 Pro over the 17 Pro Max. Truthfully, these devices are virtually identical. The 17 Pro Max offers a larger screen and battery. Otherwise, the features and hardware are the same. We think most customers are better off sticking with the smaller model unless they need the larger screen of the 17 Pro Max.
View at AT&T View at T-Mobile View at Verizon View at AmazonBest iPhone for average users: iPhone 16
- Display: 6.1"
- Cameras: Rear-48MP, 12MP; Front-12MP
- Camera Control button
- Apple Intelligence
We think the iPhone 16 is the best iPhone for average users because of its excellent features and lower price. Despite being from a previous series, the iPhone 16 still punches above its weight and is comparable to many features on the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 16 includes a 48MP main camera, just like the iPhone 17. You'll also find many of the same photography features, like the Camera Control button, Next-Generation Portraits, and 4K recording. It's also run by the A18 processor, which is an incredibly powerful chip that easily runs Apple Intelligence.
While it is an older series, the iPhone 16 still has several years of support left. Plus, its MSRP is $699, which is $100 cheaper than the starting MSRP of the iPhone 17.
View at AT&T View at T-Mobile View at Verizon View at AmazonBest budget iPhone: iPhone 16e
- Display: 6.1"
- Cameras: Rear-48MP; Front-12MP
- Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 16e is the best budget iPhone currently available. As the newest version of a budget iPhone, the 16e officially replaces the iPhone SE (3rd generation) from 2022 as Apple's cheapest device. If you're looking to get the best of Apple without breaking the bank, this is the phone for you.
The iPhone 16e offers the newest Apple specs at a friendlier price point than the regular iPhone 16. It includes a single 48MP main camera, portrait modes, and 4K recording. The 16e also uses the A18 processor—the same chip powering the iPhone 16—so it can run Apple Intelligence features.
As a budget device, the iPhone 16e has an MSRP of $599. While more expensive than Apple's previous budget phones, it does offer newer hardware and more powerful features.
View at AT&T View at T-Mobile View at Verizon View at AmazonOther iPhone options
While these great iPhones don't technically qualify as the best, they're still excellent devices. If you can find them on sale, it's worth considering them as alternatives to the phones above.
Top runner-up: iPhone 17
- Display: 6.1"
- Cameras: Rear-48MP, 48MP; Front-18MP
- Apple Intelligence
As Apple's newest flagship device, the iPhone 17 is an excellent option for your next device. While it doesn't have all the premium features of the Pro series, the iPhone 17's specs are more than enough to make most customers happy.
The iPhone 17 offers a 48MP main camera and an updated 48MP ultra-wide camera. It also has the new Center Stage 18MP selfie camera, which uses machine learning to help you snap the perfect selfie every time. The iPhone 17 also offers the full suite of Apple Intelligence features, like Genmoji and Live Translate. It's perfect for photography, video chatting, and playing mobile games.
The starting MSRP is $799, but if you're interested in saving a bit of money, you can often find it for free using trade-in deals from the top carriers.
View at AT&T View at T-Mobile View at VerizonBudget runner-up: iPhone SE (2022)
- Display: 4.7"
- Cameras: Rear-12MP; Front-7MP
- Touch ID
If you need an ultra-cheap device, the iPhone SE (2022) is still available from some third-party retailers and carriers. The original MSRP was $429, but you may find it even cheaper with a renewed model.
The iPhone SE is Apple's previous budget device—it's a smaller phone with very few features. It was designed for customers who wanted access to Apple's ecosystem but didn't need a full-fledged iPhone. The iPhone SE includes a single 12MP main camera with 1x zoom. It also relies on Touch ID and your fingerprint for security instead of Face ID.
If you need an iPhone to keep you connected, the iPhone SE is a solid choice. Just know it doesn't offer any feature comforts, and its days of support are likely numbered.
View at AT&T View at T-Mobile View at AmazonBest iPhone deals
The best way to save on a new device is by taking advantage of a carrier deal. We track all the best iPhone deals from major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, so you're sure to find a device and deal to fit your budget.
Keep in mind that carrier deals come in many flavors. One of the most popular types are trade-in deals that let you switch out your old phone for a brand-new iPhone. You may also score a switching deal for joining a carrier and buying a new device. Finally, you may also qualify for a discounted phone by picking a specific plan or switching carriers at the right time. Remember, virtually all carrier deals tie to device installment plans that last from 24–36 months.
You'll also find current iPhone deals attached to the devices below:
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 16 128GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17e 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
iPhone Air 256GB
- 6.5 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
Best iPhones: FAQs
Which iPhones are unsupported?
Apple has dropped support for the iPhone X series and previous devices.
When is the best time to buy an iPhone?
The best time to buy an iPhone is around September each year when the newest series is released. That time typically sees deals on the newest iPhones and discounts on the previous year's models.
Which iPhone has the best camera?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the best camera of any iOS smartphone. It offers a 48MP fusion triple-camera array with up to 5x optical zoom capability, plus a 18MP Center Stage selfie camera.
When does the iPhone 18 come out?
The iPhone 18 series is expected to be released in September of 2026.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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