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🍎 Apple launched five new iPhones this year – there’s something for everyone
💰 Prices start at $599 for the iPhone 16e, but the iPhone 17 Pro is our favorite
🤷 Many of you asked about the best iPhone. Here’s our take.
🫵 Below, we’re breaking down which iPhone is right for you
Over the last few years, the iPhone has evolved from a one-size-fits-all smartphone to one that’s designed for specific tastes, with various models in Apple’s lineup to cater to different users. There are more basic models that ace the fundamentals, ones that focus on form over function, and ones that are geared towards the most power-hungry among us.
With the iPhone 17 series, the conversation is even more complex. It’s Apple’s most diverse lineup of phones yet, which makes deciding on the right one to upgrade to next to impossible without some help.
That’s where we come in. Below, we’re going over Apple’s entire iPhone lineup to help you decide which model is right for you, all in an easy-to-digest format to help reduce your shopping time. Here’s what we recommend.
✅ 6.3-inch ProMotion display
✅ Powerful A19 processor
✅ Center Stage selfie camera
✅ All-day battery life
❌ No telephoto camera
❌ Colors might not be for you
The best iPhone for most people is, by far, the iPhone 17. It’s one of Apple’s most well-rounded smartphones to date, checking virtually every box you could think of, no matter what your preferences are. Need fast performance? There’s the A19 chip. Need all-day battery life? Apple made the battery bigger compared to the iPhone 16. Need better durability? You get Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front. Want awesome cameras? There’s a dual-camera system on the back, plus Apple’s killer 18MP Center Stage selfie camera. The larger 6.3-inch screen also comes with ProMotion, delivering a more responsive 120Hz refresh rate. There’s not much missing here, and for the price, it’s perhaps the best deal in smartphones right now.
Starting price: $799
✅ Powerful camera system
✅ Longest battery life ever in an iPhone
✅ New cooling system helps avoid overheating
✅ Aluminum unibody design
❌ Zoom isn’t as far as other high-end phones
❌ Higher starting price
Apple’s biggest, baddest, and boldest iPhone to date is the iPhone 17 Pro, and it’s perfect for those who demand the most from their smartphones. It’s crafted from an aluminum unibody that’s more durable than the previous generation, and it ships in three bold finishes, including the infamous Cosmic Orange. The triple 48MP camera system on the back is one of the best on any smartphone, and it enables pro-level video features like cinema-grade video quality and ProRes RAW. What’s more, the 17 Pro Max comes with the longest battery life of any iPhone, the vapor chamber cooling system keeps your phone from overheating, the A19 Pro processor delivers the fastest performance in any smartphone, and Ceramic Shield 2 provides 3x better scratch resistance for the display.
Starting prices
iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099
iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199
✅ Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever
✅ Spacious 6.5-inch display
✅ Fast performance
✅ Beautiful color options
❌ One rear camera
❌ Battery life is underwhelming
If you want an iPhone that’s fashion-forward and futuristic, look no further than the iPhone Air. At just 5.6mm, it’s Apple’s thinnest phone to date, and it weighs next to nothing at 165 grams. Inside, Apple was able to cram in the same A19 processor as the iPhone 17 for ultra-fast performance, and it has the same iOS 26 software as the rest of the lineup. You’ll even find the Camera Control button, Action button, and USB-C port right where you’d think. It’s an impressive feat of engineering, to say the least. Plus, it’s available in four beautiful colors: Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, and Space Black.
Starting price: $999
✅ 6.1-inch screen is compact by today’s standards
✅ Fast performance
✅ All-day battery life
✅ Dual rear cameras
❌ 60Hz refresh rate
❌ Price jumps high when upgrading storage
If you’re looking for an iPhone that doesn’t feel like you’re holding a surfboard, your best bet is picking up an iPhone 16. It has a smaller 6.1-inch display that’s smaller than the entire iPhone 17 lineup, making it the easiest to hold in one hand. It also comes with powerful specs that hold up perfectly well a year after its release, including the A18 processor and all-day battery life. You also get dual rear cameras, the Dynamic Island, Camera Control, and Apple Intelligence support.
Starting price: $699
✅ Many carriers offer it for free
✅ Premium design that holds up
✅ Dual rear cameras
✅ All-day battery life
❌ Tends to run warm
❌ Doesn’t work with Apple Intelligence
The iPhone to get if you’re on a budget and want the best value is the iPhone 15. Released in 2023, this phone comes with high-end specs like an A16 processor, a premium design, the Dynamic Island, and Action button, all while being completely free across carrier promotions. Unlocked models are on sale regularly, too, so even though the normal starting price is similar to the iPhone 16, you’re bound to find a great deal on this device.
Starting price: $629 (or free w/ promotions)
✅ Basic design that’s plenty modern
✅ A18 processor for fast performance
✅ All-day battery life
✅ Software updates for years to come
❌ One rear camera
❌ No MagSafe support
Need a new phone for your parents? The iPhone 16e is the one you’re looking for. It’s the most basic iPhone Apple sells, complete with a design that calls back iPhones of the past while remaining modern enough for 2025. It ships with an A18 chip for reliable performance for years to come, all-day battery life, stereo speakers, and iOS 26. It supports Apple Intelligence, too, and will be updated regularly over the coming years. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” iPhone - set it up for your parents, and the only issue they could possibly have is forgetting their Apple Account password (maybe write it down this time, guys).
Starting price: $599
Max Buondonno is an editor at The Shortcut. He’s been reporting on the latest consumer technology since 2015, with his work featured on CNN Underscored, ZDNET, How-To Geek, XDA, TheStreet, and more. Follow him on X @LegendaryScoop and Instagram @LegendaryScoop.
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