So you’re shopping for a new smartphone. You want an Apple iPhone. But then comes the big question: which one should you get? To help you decide, here’s your guide to the best iPhones for your particular needs.
What's the best iPhone?
At the time of writing, the best iPhone would unquestionably be one from Apple’s current iPhone 15 line-up. There are four models in this specific range: the standard iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The latter pair of Pro models are arguably the most powerful and high-spec iPhones available right now. Features exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max include Apple’s latest A15 Pro chipset, a new titanium design, and dedicated Action button. The one that’s best for you depends on your size preference – the 15 Pro has a regular 6.1-inch screen, while the 15 Pro Max measures 6.7 inches.
But the regular iPhone 15 is also a strong contender. It has Apple’s snazzy ‘Dynamic Island’ feature, as well as major improvements in camera specs from the iPhone 14. Being the standard model in the iPhone 15 range, it’s also the ‘cheapest’ flagship.
Crucially, all iPhone 15 models are the first iPhones to feature the USB-C port, rather than Apple’s proprietary Lightning port. This sets the iPhone 15 range apart from its predecessors, and makes them the best choice for anyone concerned about cable management.
Of course, the best iPhone for you might not necessarily mean the top-end, most powerful phone: it totally depends on your needs and your budget. To that end, here’s our pick of the best iPhones at different price points:
- Best iPhone: iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Best mid-range iPhone: iPhone 14
- Cheapest iPhone: iPhone SE (2022)
The next best: iPhone 14
Latest iPhone just a touch outside of your budget? The previous year’s handset, the iPhone 14, still holds up. And, as it’s now an ‘old’ model, it comes with a lower price tag.
It packs 5G support, a still excellent A15 chipset, 6.1-inch screen, and a dual lens 12MP camera.
You can also score older iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models at a cut price. These include a triple lens set-up and more powerful chipset. Plus, if you’re set on the ‘Dynamic Island’ function, these are the only two iPhone 14 models that feature this.
All iPhone 14 models support the latest version of iOS, meaning you’ll get the best Apple software going even if you don’t buy the newest iPhone.
Best small size: iPhone 13 Mini
Apple knows that not all people want a massive smartphone. And that’s where the iPhone 13 Mini steps in.
This iPhone has the same internal specs as the iPhone 13, but with a 5.4-inch rather than 6.1-inch display. Inside, you’ll find an A15 bionic processor, dual cameras, wireless charging, 5G and storage options of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
If you want something less capacious but equally as powerful, the iPhone 13 Mini is the way to go. It’s the last ‘Mini’ model that Apple ever released, too, so it’s your only viable option if you’re looking for a pint-sized device.
What is the best value iPhone?
Apple launched an updated iPhone SE in 2022. This model retains the Touch ID button and design of the old school iPhone 8, but includes specs found in its newest devices.
That means that while the screen is just 4.7 inches and Face ID is missing, you still get a cutting edge A15 chipset, 12MP camera, IP67 water and dust resistance rating, and 4K video recording.
You can also score an iPhone SE (2022) with no upfront cost on contracts from a range of networks, as well as pick it up at a much more affordable SIM-free price.
Best specs: iPhone 15 Pro Max
At the time of writing, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has the best specs of any iPhone. It boasts a large 6.7-inch screen, as well as Apple’s latest A17 Pro chipset, a new ‘Action Button’, a fresh titanium build, and a stunning triple lens camera system.
There is, obviously, one big downside. The iPhone 15 Pro Max does not come cheap. In fact, if you buy the top-end 1TB model SIM-free, it can set you back more than a brand-new MacBook Air.
Still, you can spread the cost of a new iPhone 15 Pro Max with a pay-monthly contract – and you’ll have your hands on an all-powerful, future-proofed device that’s the best on the market.
Best specs without the size: iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro has the same screen size as the iPhone 15: 6.1 inches. But under the hood there are largely the same specs as the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
For those who want all the power without having a phone almost the size of an iPad mini, then the iPhone 15 Pro is where it’s at.
Best battery life: iPhone 15 Pro Max
The rule of thumb goes like this: the bigger the phone, the bigger the battery capacity, and therefore the longer the battery life.
As a result, it’s little surprise that the iPhone 15 Pro Max has the longest-lasting battery life of any iPhone. Powered by a 4,441mAh cell, it supports up to 29 hours of video playback, 25 hours of streaming video and up to 95 hours of audio.
Coupled with the more powerful A17 Pro chipset, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s battery runs incredibly efficiently. It’ll easily last through one or two days of intensive usage.
Should I buy an older iPhone?
There is absolutely no issue with buying an older iPhone. In fact, it’s a great choice if you want to try one for the first time, or if the cost of Apple’s latest release is out of your budget.
Apple usually provides around five years of software updates and security patches for its phones, meaning many older generations of iPhone still support the latest version of iOS.
This ensures apps are secure and safe, and you have access to the latest Apple software.
The iPhone 14 packs a superb camera and can handle even the trickiest of apps and games, so you’re not really missing out by opting against an iPhone 15.
Are there any iPhones I should avoid?
Although it’s absolutely fine to buy an iPhone that’s one or two generations old, it’s generally best to avoid any iPhones that are too old to either a) receive the latest iOS updates, or b) keep up with the latest software.
For example, the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are now too old to get the iOS 17 update, meaning they’re not as secure and might become slower or more buggy. Plus, any phone released prior to the iPhone 12 may not have the processing power to support the latest apps and software.
Not to mention, they’ll likely only have one or two years of software support left – which is something to consider if you’re concerned about longevity.
If you want to be able to access the blisteringly fast speeds of 5G, you’ll also need an iPhone that’s 5G-compatible: that’s any phone from the iPhone 12 series onwards.
Got an old iPhone you’d like to trade in for cash? You can easily do so with our mobile phone recycling tool.
How to find the best iPhone for you
Still not sure? Have a think about the following:
- Do you want the latest model? Choosing an older iPhone is a great way to save money – they get cheaper as they get older – but the latest handset is always more future-proof and likely to last longer.
- What’s your budget? A bigger budget will get you newer models with higher specs and/or a larger screen. If you’re looking for a cheap iPhone, on the other hand, try an older model or a smaller-sized phone.
- What size screen do you need? A regular 6.1-inch display, a larger Plus or Pro Max model, or smaller Mini or SE?
- Do you want the greatest and latest camera tech? This can be found in Pro models – and, of course, the latest iPhone always has a better camera than its previous iteration.
Once you’ve picked out the iPhone that suits you, it’s time to compare iPhone deals to find the best deal.
How to get the best deal
To get the best iPhone deal, use your comparison tool to see what’s available from a wide range of networks.
You can tweak our search tool to find older models, ones with more or less storage and deals that spread the cost to keep your monthly bills down.
It’s also a great idea to consider when exactly you want a new iPhone. Apple traditionally releases its latest iPhones in September and October every ear, meaning you can get great deals on older models around this time.
Take a look at the best mobile phone deals from the UK's most respected retailers:
Selling your old phone
Looking to sell your old phone? Compare quotes and pick a recycler to sell your device to for cash.
