Finest iPhone in 2025 ranked from finest to worst
Realizing which the very best iPhone was simple – you simply had to decide on the color and the storage capability. It was assured to be among the many finest smartphones on sale. However now, issues are usually not so easy. From Mini to Plus to Professional to Professional Max, Apple’s flagship telephones ship in additional variants than ever earlier than.
And simply to muddy the waters additional, the cell maker nonetheless sells just a few of its former headline handsets from earlier generations, in addition to the entry-level SE for consumers on a finances.
So there’s an Apple smartphone for everybody. The difficult factor is figuring out how one can decide it. Undecided the place to start out? We’ve set out the great, the dangerous and the issues to notice about the important thing iPhone fashions presently that can be purchased that will help you resolve.
Notice that we’ve left the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max on this record for now. They’ve gone end-of-life and have been changed by the 16 Professional and Professional Max. However they’re nonetheless accessible from sure distributors.
Why you possibly can belief Stuff: Our staff of specialists rigorously check every product and supply sincere, unbiased opinions that will help you make knowledgeable selections. For extra particulars, learn how we check and price merchandise.
The perfect iPhone you should buy at this time:
1. iPhone 16
| Display | 6.1in 2556×1179 Tremendous Retina XDR OLED HDR at 460ppi |
| CPU | Apple A18 |
| Reminiscence | 8GB |
| Cameras | 48MP ƒ/1.6 fundamental, 12MP ƒ/2.2 extremely broad rear; 12MP ƒ/1.9 entrance |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Working system | iOS 18 |
| Battery | 3561mAh |
| Dimensions | 148x72x7.8mm (5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in), 170g (6oz) |
Apple’s iPhone 16 for 2024 looks like a strong mixture of refinement and recent options, however we are able to’t assist however discover the lacking piece: Apple Intelligence, the much-touted AI-powered suite. Whereas we’re wanting to see what this function can actually do, it’s rolling out so slowly that the majority of us will nonetheless be ready for the total expertise months after launch. For now, although, there’s lots else to discover.
What catches our eye straight away is the brand new Digital camera Management. It’s nice to see Apple bringing this customisable shutter button to the usual fashions – not simply the Execs. We like that it opens the digital camera immediately and lets us tweak settings with ease, whether or not we’re zooming in or adjusting the tone. The 48MP fundamental digital camera with 2x telephoto is a particular step up, and we’re loving the vary it gives for our photographs.
Efficiency-wise, Apple’s A18 chip is blazing quick, with no lag even after we’re multitasking closely. The marginally bigger battery provides us extra display time, sufficient to comfortably final a day after which some. Nonetheless, we’re let down by the dearth of ProMotion’s easy 120Hz refresh price; a show like this actually deserves higher, particularly when Apple’s rivals have been stepping up in that space.
iOS 18 has some standout tweaks too. With RCS messaging and the reworked Management Heart, we’re discovering it extra customisable than ever. All in all, the iPhone 16 impresses with many Professional-like options, even when Apple Intelligence isn’t right here to wow us simply but. For the value, it’s a powerful, well-rounded bundle.
2. Apple iPhone 16 Professional Max
| Display | 6.9in 2868×1320 OLED HDR at 460ppi |
| CPU | Apple A18 Professional |
| Reminiscence | 8GB |
| Cameras | 48MP ƒ/1.78 fundamental, 48MP ƒ/2.2 extremely broad, 12MP ƒ/2.8 telephoto (5× optical zoom in) rear; 12MP ƒ/1.9 entrance |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB on-board |
| Working system | iOS 18 |
| Battery | 4685 mAh |
| Dimensions | 163×77.6×8.25mm (6.42×3.06×0.32in), 227g (7.99oz) |
The iPhone 16 Professional Max hits acquainted marks – highly effective, enormous show, killer battery – but it surely’s additionally clear Apple is enjoying it protected with this 12 months’s mannequin. Sure, it’s extremely quick, boasting Apple’s A18 Professional chip, which breezes by high-end video games and heavy multitasking. However what units it aside, really? Certain, it has a 6.9-inch show with barely-there bezels, and that’s gorgeous. But, it doesn’t precisely make us wish to rejoice within the streets.
One factor we’re actually having fun with right here is the improved digital camera, particularly for close-ups and motion photographs. The 48MP ultrawide snaps are razor-sharp, and with the brand new 5x optical zoom, we’re capturing photographs that may’ve been a pixelated mess on older fashions. We’re additionally having enjoyable with the brand new slow-motion results; there’s one thing fairly epic about watching on a regular basis moments in cinematic, Matrix-esque slo-mo. Plus, the four-mic array and audio controls give movies that additional polish.
However all that goodness has just a few trade-offs. This factor is cumbersome – it’s noticeably greater and heavier than the final Professional Max. For those who’re coming from an iPhone 13 Professional Max, you’ll really feel it. And whereas the brand new titanium body is meant to be harder, that additional sturdiness received’t cease it from shattering if it takes a severe tumble.
As for the much-touted Apple Intelligence function, it’s virtually there. This 12 months’s iOS 18 provides us a glimpse, however full AI performance continues to be ready within the wings. The brand new Digital camera Management button is cool however takes some getting used to. For those who’re trying to save just a few quid and may dwell with out a few these extras, the usual iPhone 16 may really go well with you higher.
So, is that this the last word iPhone? Technically, sure. However until you’re after severe digital camera upgrades or are a efficiency junkie, we’d recommend going with the non-Professional model.
3. iPhone 16e
| Display | 6.1in, 2532 x 1170 OLED w/ 60Hz |
| CPU | Apple A18 |
| Reminiscence | 8GB |
| Cameras | 48MP rear / 12MP entrance |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB on-board |
| Working system | iOS 18 |
| Battery | 4005mAh |
| Dimensions | 147x72x7.8mm (5.78×2.82×0.31in), 167g (5.88ounces) |
The iPhone 16e won’t be Apple’s least expensive cellphone ever, but it surely strikes a wise stability between worth and efficiency. At £599/$599, it’s not precisely impulse-buy territory – but it surely’s £200 lower than the usual iPhone 16, and after weeks of testing it in the true world, we expect it’s value your consideration.
Design-wise, it lastly drags Apple’s entry-level providing into the trendy period. Gone are the house button and chunky bezels. We’ve been utilizing it on the go, and the flat edges, mild 167g construct and compact dimension made it a pleasure to deal with – even one-handed on a packed prepare.
The OLED display is vibrant and sharp, with deep blacks and wealthy colors. Watching Netflix on the commute regarded nice, even when the 60Hz refresh price meant scrolling Twitter felt a bit much less fluid than we’re used to on Android rivals. Outside in vivid solar, it held up superb – not the brightest we’ve examined, however by no means unreadable.
We took the 16e on an extended weekend journey and it simply lasted from breakfast to bedtime with round 40% battery left by the top of the day. That’s with maps, photographs, Spotify and loads of WhatsApp. Charging is slower than Professional fashions, however we didn’t discover it annoying.
The one 48MP digital camera constantly delivered. Portraits of buddies popped, low-light photographs of metropolis streets had element with out noise, and zoomed-in photographs of our canine on the park regarded nice. In comparison with the Pixel 8a, the iPhone 16e’s photographs had higher color accuracy and dynamic vary.
No MagSafe is a downer – we missed utilizing our automotive mount and magnetic charger. And sure, a 120Hz display would’ve been good. However for most individuals, the iPhone 16e nails the necessities and looks like a flagship in on a regular basis use.
4. iPhone 15 Professional
| iPhone 15 Professional specs | |
|---|---|
| Show | 6.1in Tremendous Retina XDR OLED, 2556×1179, 120Hz |
| Processor | Apple A17 Professional |
| Reminiscence | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB-1TB |
| Software program | Apple iOS 17 |
| Digital camera | 48MP + 12MP + 12MP (rear) 12MP (entrance) |
| Dimensions | 147x71x8.3mm, 187g |
You’d anticipate so much from the iPhone 15 Professional. You’d need a competitor-crushing show, a strong chip, and a digital camera that might feasibly shoot the subsequent Avatar film. For essentially the most half, the iPhone 15 Professional actually does pack so much into its 6.1in costly Titanium body.
The three rear snappers enhance on the already stellar digital camera providing the iPhone 14 Professional gave us, with genuinely spectacular zoom skills as much as 3x – however you’ll have to step as much as the Professional Max to get a 5x telephoto zoom. That’s not the identical on the 16 Professional although, which additionally has the 5x functionality. The customisable motion button provides a number of latest methods to work together with apps, and swapping Lightning for USB-C ought to simplify your cable assortment. Open up the bonnet and also you’ll discover a host of upgrades, together with an A17 Professional chip which makes the Professional run as easy as silk.
5. iPhone 15 Professional Max
| iPhone 15 Professional Max specs | |
|---|---|
| Show | 6.7in Tremendous Retina XDR OLED, 2796×1290, 120Hz |
| Processor | Apple A17 Professional |
| Reminiscence | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 256GB-1TB |
| Software program | iOS 17 |
| Digital camera | 48MP+12MP+12MP rear, 12MP entrance |
| Dimensions | 160x77x8.3mm, 221g |
On paper, the Apple iPhone 15 Professional Max is the agency’s finest cellphone. It strikes issues on with a titanium physique, customisable motion button, and a powerful digital camera revamp led by a 5x optical zoom telephoto – all of which additional differentiate this most premium of telephones from the usual iPhone. Nevertheless it’s additionally massive, heavy and costly.
Do the brand new options make the iPhone 15 Professional Max well worth the cheddar? In reality, it relies upon. For those who personal an present 14 Professional or Professional Max, then you must in all probability cling on to it. You’ll discover little distinction right here. For those who’re on a 13 Max or earlier, although, then there may be sufficient within the iPhone 15 Professional Max to make it a worthwhile buy.
6. iPhone 15 / 15 Plus
| iPhone 15/ 15 Plus specs | |
|---|---|
| Show | 6.1in/6.7in Tremendous Retina XDR OLED, 2556×1179/2796×1290, 60Hz |
| Processor | Apple A16 Bionic |
| Reminiscence | 6GB RAM |
| Storage | 128-512GB |
| Software program | iOS 17 |
| Digital camera | 48MP+12MP (rear), 12MP (entrance) |
| Dimensions | 148x72x7.8mm, 171g / 161x78x7.8mm, 201g |
Comfortably the candy spot of the 2023 iPhone line-up for most individuals, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus carry the A16 Bionic CPU from final 12 months’s Professional fashions so aren’t quick on energy. Additionally they achieve a Dynamic Island instead of the outdated notch, and make the change from Lightning to USB-C.
The rear cameras have been upgraded with a a lot increased pixel rely on the primary snapper, and the show brightness has been boosted too. Battery life has climbed a bit, however not dramatically. If you need a much bigger show and battery the iPhone 15 Plus seems like good worth in comparison with the smaller iPhone 15 Professional, and everybody else will discover the usual iPhone 15 completely pocketable. It’s a disgrace Apple hasn’t upped the display refresh price from 60Hz, although – you’ll nonetheless have to step as much as a Professional for that.
7. iPhone 14 / 14 Plus
| iPhone 14/ 14 Plus specs | |
|---|---|
| Show | 6.1in Tremendous Retina XDR OLED, 1170 x 2532 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Reminiscence | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Software program | iOS 16 |
| Digital camera | 12MP+12MP (rear) 12MP (entrance) |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, 172 g |
Now the center baby in Apple’s mainstream iPhone line-up, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus have been minor upgrades over the earlier era. Each saved the identical A15 Bionic CPU, each provided the identical three storage tiers, and each had a pair of digital camera lenses on the rear. Wider aperture lenses and improved picture processing means it takes a greater image than the iPhone 13, although.
The largest addition was emergency satellite tv for pc communication, which is extra a pleasant to have should you plan on adventuring into the wilderness than a purpose for many buyers to purchase one. We’d recommend staying away from the common iPhone 14 now should you’re on a finances – the iPhone 13 is the higher purchase – however the iPhone 14 Plus continues to be value contemplating in order for you a much bigger display, because the iPhone 13 Plus has been discontinued.
8. iPhone 13
| iPhone 13 specs | |
|---|---|
| Show | 6.1in Tremendous Retina XDR OLED, 1170 x 2532 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Reminiscence | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Software program | iOS 15 |
| Digital camera | 12MP + 12MP (rear) 12MP (entrance) |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm, 174 g |
Following the iPhone 12 was at all times going to be a troublesome act. The iPhone 13 introduced a number of technical enhancements over its predecessor, however in addition to a barely wider notch, it regarded similar. Now, although, it’s the entry-point for the primary iPhone vary, with Apple having discontinued every little thing older bar the budget-minded iPhone SE (extra on that under).
You get nice efficiency from the A15 Bionic chip, respectable battery life, a brighter display and a minimal of 128GB of storage. A lead digital camera sensor with bigger pixels additionally imply the iPhone 13 takes higher photographs than older-gen iPhone fashions.
For those who’re shopping for your first Apple handset, you’ll discover little or no to be disillusioned about.
9. iPhone SE
| iPhone SE specs | |
|---|---|
| Show | 4.7in Retina IPS LCD, 750 x 1334 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Reminiscence | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Software program | iOS 15.4 |
| Digital camera | 12 MP (rear) 7MP (entrance) |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, 144 g |
A minor improve for Apple’s entry-level choice, the third-gen SE continues to be styled like an iPhone 8 – full with a dated 4.7in LCD show, plus chunky bezels above and under. Safety continues to be dealt with by a Contact ID sensor within the Dwelling button and the shell stays an aluminium and glass affair, though the again panel is harder than earlier than.
Inside is Apple’s A15 Bionic chip – shared with the iPhone 13 – which supplies the up to date SE loads of energy to zip by apps, video games and imaging duties. The digital camera equipment continues to be restricted to a single 12MP sensor on the rear, however that recent silicon interprets into computational enhancements, together with help for Good HDR 4, Stay Textual content content material detection and improved low-light video.
Apple has fortunately addressed one of many greatest drawbacks of the second-gen mannequin: battery life. The most recent SE is nice for as much as 15 hours of video playback. Additionally new is help for 5G, which brings the most cost effective iPhone’s connectivity bang updated.
Offered you don’t thoughts the overfamiliar kind issue and mediocre show, the SE gives plenty of handset for the money – particularly should you’re upgrading from an iPhone 8 or earlier.