Apple’s iPhone models range in price from $429 to $1,599. Here are the finest iPhone models to suit your requirements and budget.
Apple sells eight iPhone models, all of which were introduced between 2020 and 2023. While there is no such thing as the “best” iPhone, certain models will be better for you than others based on your needs, price, and tastes. With the discontinuation of the iPhone 14 series, as well as the iPhone 11, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max, choosing the correct Apple phone might be difficult.
Prices range from $429 for the 2022 iPhone SE to $1,599 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max with 1TB of storage. If you’re looking for the best iPhone bargains, we’ve got you covered.
Navigating Apple’s iPhone spectrum may be difficult, whether you’re looking at colors (the iPhone 13 comes in six) or features like the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island, which animates system warnings and background activities such as music playback.
Then there’s the matter of the cameras. The iPhone offers some of the greatest cameras available on any phone. On the rear of the iPhone SE, there is only one. Dual rear cameras are available on the 12, 13, 13 Mini, 14, and 14 Plus. Then there are the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, which not only have three cameras but also have capabilities like the ability to capture ProRaw images and record ProRes movies.
To make matters even more complicated, carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, as well as third-party retailers including as Best Buy and Amazon, continue to offer discontinued versions such as the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. Then there are the costs. The starting price for each model set by Apple is not always what you’ll spend. Almost all of the phones on this list may be purchased for substantially less through a combination of trade-ins and/or service agreements with the majority of US wireless carriers.
It’s a lot, I know. But I’ve tried all eight iPhone models and can guide you through the confusion.
What is the best iPhone right now?
The $999 iPhone 14 Pro is the very greatest iPhone. It has all of Apple’s most recent features, such as an A16 Bionic chip, an updated primary camera, the Dynamic Island, and utilities such as Car Crash Detection and SOS via Satellite. Not everyone shopping for an Apple phone need the 14 Pro, but if you want the best, grab the iPhone 14 Pro. Do you want anything bigger? Get the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which is a larger version of the original 14 Pro.
Best iPhones of 2023
iPhone 14
Best iPhone for most people
iPhone 14: The Best iPhone for the Most People
When I evaluated the iPhone 14, I stated that it was effectively the CPU and primary camera of the iPhone 13 Pro housed inside the chassis of an iPhone 13. Some may be disappointed that the iPhone 14 isn’t significantly different from prior versions. But that’s part of the appeal. One of the secrets to Apple’s success with the iPhone has been familiarity. And, as they say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The coolest features of the iPhone 14 are ones you may never see or use – which isn’t necessarily a negative thing. This features Crash Detection, which can alert emergency personnel if you are involved in an automotive accident.
The iPhone 14 features a virtually identical flat-sided design as the iPhone 12 and 13, featuring a ceramic shield coating and a water-resistant shell, but the inside has been substantially changed. Because the back-glass of the 14 is no longer linked to internals, it is easier and less expensive to repair.
All iPhone 14 series phones in the United States exclusively utilize eSIMs and include a new selfie camera with autofocus for the first time. Add in a new video stabilization feature dubbed Action mode, an updated Cinematic mode that can take 4K video at 24fps, and iOS 16, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic phone. If you put it on a carrier,
iPhone 14 Pro
Best premium iPhone
The $999 is seen from the back. The iPhone 14 Pro resembles the 13 Pro from last year. But don’t be fooled by the similarity. It’s the 14 Pro’s screen that has something unique and great going on. The earlier Face ID iPhone models’ display notch has evolved into a pill-shaped screen cutout that may show system notifications and background activities such as when you get a call or listen music. Apple refers to this feature as the Dynamic Island. I know it’s not the most creative name, but it’s one of the finest features.
The 6.1-inch adaptive-refresh-rate screen on the iPhone 14 Pro varies between 1 and 120Hz based on what’s on the screen. It also receives improved cameras, a speedier CPU, an always-on display, iOS 16, and additional safety features like as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite. All of these improvements are powered by Apple’s new A16 Bionic processor, which feels responsive in usage.
The primary camera now has a 48-megapixel sensor. While greater megapixels do not always imply better images, Apple separates pixels into groups of four and combines them into a single bigger pixel. As a result, the 12-megapixel photo is brighter, with less image noise and more information.
The iPhone 14 Pro is one of the greatest phones introduced this year by Apple or any other phone manufacturer. Read our review of the Apple iPhone 14 Pro.
iPhone 13
Best iPhone value
The $729 iPhone 13 is still a fantastic phone. In fact, if you’re tempted by the iPhone 14 but want to save money, get a 13 instead. They essentially share the same body, screen, and A15 Bionic CPU. Although the iPhone 14’s CPU does include one additional GPU core.
The iPhone 13, like the previous models, is distinguished by its square-sided shape. It supports 5G, MagSafe charging, and boasts cameras comparable to the top-of-the-line iPhone 12 Pro Max from 2020.
The iPhone 13’s finest feature, though, is its bigger battery, which lasts 4.5 hours longer on a single charge than the iPhone 12, and nearly 3 hours longer than the forthcoming iPhone 14.
The 13 also includes Cinematic mode, which is essentially a video version of Portrait mode, as well as iOS 16. CNET Editors’ Choice Award for 2021 went to the iPhone 13. In addition, if you activate it on a certain carrier at the time of purchase, Apple reduces the price to $699. Check out our Apple iPhone 13 review.
iPhone 14 Plus
Most affordable big iPhone
Depending on your point of view, the $929 iPhone 14 Plus is either a large iPhone 14 or a scaled-down iPhone 14 Pro Max. Since the release of the iPhone XS Max in 2018, there has only been one alternative for individuals who enjoy large screens: Pay top price for a Max model with features you might not need (such as a zoom camera or a high refresh rate display). Many CNET readers, friends, and coworkers have paid $1,100 or more for an iPhone 12 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max because it was the only option to acquire the phone they desired. But that is no longer the case.
The 14 Plus includes all of the capabilities of the iPhone 14 and, like the 14 Pro Max, has a 6.7-inch display for viewing films, playing games, and taking photographs. The 14 Plus may either fit more onto the screen or just display what the iPhone 14 does but in a larger size. A enlarged vision appears to be such a little function, but as my eyes age, I absolutely appreciate it.
If you can’t decide between the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone 14 Pro Max because you don’t need a telephoto camera, a high-refresh-rate screen, or extra weight, I’d recommend going with the 14 Plus and saving $200. Apple reduces the price to $899 if you activate it through a carrier. Read our review of the Apple iPhone 14 Plus.
iPhone 13 Mini
Best small iPhone
Who says little phones won’t be around in 2022? The $629 iPhone 13 Mini is fantastic because it features everything the iPhone 13 does, only in a smaller package. It features the same square-edged design, 5G support, and cameras. The 13 Mini’s distinctive feature is its 5.4-inch OLED screen with Dolby HDR compatibility. If it seems modest, keep in mind that Plus versions, including as the iPhone 8 Plus, featured a 5.5-inch screen inside a considerably bigger chassis. The 13 Mini’s secret is that it does not have the massive forehead and chin bezels that marked the iPhone for the first decade.
The screen is protected by Apple’s ceramic barrier, and the body, like virtually other phones on this list, is dust and water resistant (IP68). The 13 Mini includes an A15 Bionic CPU, which puts it on par with the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus in terms of performance.
The iPhone 13 Mini costs the same as the iPhone 12, but it lasts longer on a single charge than the larger iPhone 12. I only suggest the 13 Mini because of its size. You may feel dissatisfied or annoyed if you are not used to using a little phone. If you activate it through a carrier, Apple reduces the price to $599.
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Best battery life
The screen is protected by Apple’s ceramic barrier, and the body, like virtually other phones on this list, is dust and water resistant (IP68). The 13 Mini includes an A15 Bionic CPU, which puts it on par with the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus in terms of performance.
The iPhone 13 Mini costs the same as the iPhone 12, but it lasts longer on a single charge than the larger iPhone 12. I only suggest the 13 Mini because of its size. You may feel dissatisfied or annoyed if you are not used to using a little phone. If you activate it through a carrier, Apple reduces the price to $599.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is exceptional in every aspect. However, because it is heavy, I only recommend it if you desire a larger Pro model iPhone. It weighs 34 g more than the iPhone 14 Pro and 37 g more than the iPhone 14 Plus. The stainless steel body of the 14 Pro Max accounts for the majority of that weight. Read our review of the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max.
iPhone 12
Best iPhone around $600
The $629 iPhone 12 with its flat-sided design heralded the start of Apple’s current phone generation. It’s the oldest on this list, but it’s also one of the cheapest, especially if you want an iPhone with a modern design and Face ID.
The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch ceramic-shielded display, a still-very-fast A14 Bionic CPU, 5G capability, and MagSafe charging.
The iPhone 12 received a CNET Editors’ Choice Award in 2020. If you decide to acquire an iPhone 12 and have the extra $50, I highly recommend going from 64GB to 128GB of storage. The iPhone 12 starts at $629, but with a carrier activation, Apple reduces the price to $599. Check out our Apple iPhone 12 review. Check out our Apple iPhone 12 review.
iPhone SE
Best cheap iPhone
At $429, you would believe the iPhone SE (2022)’s main selling point is its pricing. And, to be sure, that is a significant factor. The iPhone SE has the same body as the iPhone 8, and it is the only iPhone on our list that still features Touch ID. The SE is powered by the same A15 processor seen in the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 14, and 14 Plus, which takes the 2017 camera technology and injects it with Apple’s computational photography magic.
The SE is a traditional iPhone design with the ability to run the most recent version of iOS and applications. One of the more understated changes in 2022 was the SE’s rear glass being improved to that of the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini. The iPhone SE is simply the most cost-effective method to access all of Apple’s services, including FaceTime, iMessage, and iCloud. Read our review of the Apple iPhone SE (2022).
The different versions are listed here, along with their release date, number of rear cameras, CPU, and current retail price, which for certain phones includes a $30 activation charge that is waived if you activate your iPhone on a carrier at the time of purchase.
Current iPhones, compared
| Model | US starting price | Screen size | No. of rear cameras | CPU | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE | $429 | 4.7 inches | 1 | A15 Bionic | March 2022 |
| iPhone 12 | $599 | 6.1 inches | 2 | A14 Bionic | October 2020 |
| iPhone 13 Mini | $599 | 5.4 inches | 2 | A15 Bionic | September 2021 |
| iPhone 13 | $699 | 6.1 inches | 2 | A15 Bionic | September 2021 |
| iPhone 14 | $799 | 6.1 inches | 2 | A15 Bionic | September 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | $899 | 6.7 inches | 2 | A15 Bionic | October 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | $999 | 6.1 inches | 3 | A16 Bionic | September 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | $1,099 | 6.7 inches | 3 | A16 Bionic | September 2022 |
How we test iPhone models
I put each iPhone through rigorous testing in real-world circumstances, concentrating on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life, and overall value. I detail our results in an initial evaluation that is routinely updated as new iOS upgrades are released or to compare to new phones from competitors such as Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.
Photography
Because photography is a significant emphasis for the iPhone, we shoot photos and movies of a wide range of subjects in a variety of locations and lighting conditions. We test out any new camera modes, including as the iPhone 14 line’s Action mode.
Battery life
There are several methods for evaluating batteries. We examine how long the iPhone lasts throughout a regular day of use, as well as how it performs during more intensive periods of video chats, media streaming, and gaming. I also do a video playback test, which isn’t always included in the original evaluation and is sometimes added later in an update.
Performance measuring
We utilize benchmarking programs to evaluate performance, as well as our own anecdotal experiences with the phone. The appearance of visuals and animations is very noteworthy. Are they slick? Or do they stutter or lag? We also examine how rapidly the phone shifts between horizontal and vertical positions, as well as how soon the camera app opens and is ready to shoot a picture.
We do processor-intensive things like edit images and movies, export videos, and play games. We assess whether a newer version of the iPhone has enough features to justify upgrading from prior devices.
Key terms
eSIM
An eSIM maintains all of the critical information about your phone account, such as its number, wireless provider, and subscription, in software rather than on a physical SIM card.
Apple ditched the conventional SIM card tray in favor of internal SIM cards with the iPhone 14. This means you can’t just remove your SIM card from your existing phone and insert it into a new one. However, this should not impede your experience because eSIM is supported by all major US carriers as well as a handful of smaller operators.
Apple has long supported eSIM, beginning with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR in 2018. When you set up a new iPhone 14, the device will walk you through the process of transferring your current provider to the new phone. Apple’s website contains a list of wireless networks that are supported.
iOS 16
iOS 16 is the most recent version of Apple’s iPhone software. It comes included with the iPhone 14 and is also available as an upgrade for the iPhone 8 and later. New features in iOS 16 include configurable lock screens, an update to the Messages app that allows you to unsend and modify iMessage communications, and new picture editing capabilities.
iPhone FAQs
How reliable is an iPhone?
Apple has been producing iPhones for the past 16 years. The current range was announced in September 2022 and all have an IP68 dust and water resistant classification, which implies they can withstand being immersed in 6 meters (approximately 20 feet) of water for 30 minutes. The displays are protected by Apple’s Ceramic Shield, a glass-ceramic technology developed in conjunction with Apple that is made up of nano ceramic crystals placed in a glass matrix. It’s incredibly transparent, and Corning claims that the crystals’ strong structure makes it less prone to break.
How long does an iPhone last?
One indicator of how long an iPhone will endure is the software and security support provided by Apple for previous generations. iOS 16 is compatible with Apple devices as old as the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus from 2017. That amounts to over six years of software support. In comparison, Samsung provides 5 years of Android software support for updates. However, software is just part of the issue. The hardware and durability are the other components. Fortunately, every iPhone sold by Apple is IP-rated for dust and water protection. Ceramic Shield, a glass/ceramic hybrid that protects the display and is exceptionally durable, is also seen on newer models such as the iPhone 12, 13, and 14 series.
