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The iPhone wasn’t actually the first smartphone, but it’s probably the first one you remember.
Apple revolutionised the mobile phone in 2007, ditching the physical keyboard for a revolutionary touchscreen device. It’s easy to forget that the App Store (and so third-party apps) didn’t actually arrive until a year later.
Fast forward almost two decades and there are so many different smartphones to choose from. Most of these are Android handsets, with Apple sticking to just four or five new releases each year.
However, as this chart proves, the company is clearly prioritising quality over quantity. Each of the four iPhone 16 models are worth buying for the right kind of person, yet there are six older handsets that we still recommend in 2024 – especially if you can find a good discount.
Apple’s excellent software support means you can usually continue to safely use an iPhone for six or more years following its release. All of the phones in this round-up are compatible with iOS 18, the latest version.
However, which is the right iPhone for you? In this article, we’ll run through all the models worth buying, linking out to full reviews of each.
Why you should trust us: iPhone reviews and buying advice have been a staple of Tech Advisor’s coverage since the original was released in 2007.
We’ve guided you through 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G models, plus advancements such as Face ID, the Dynamic Island and, most recently, Camera Control.
We’ve seen Apple dramatically improve the quality of its display, take performance to the next level with its powerful chipset and steadily improve battery life. There have also been staggering advancements in camera technology, to the extent that an iPhone can easily function as most people’s main camera.
We’ve held your hand through a fascinating journey of mobile hardware, and today – some 17 years later – it’s the software smarts and new Apple Intelligence capabilities that have us gripped. We perform in-depth, real-world testing on every iPhone that Apple releases, adopting it as our primary phone for the most authentic experience possible and making sure we are in a position to give you the best possible phone buying advice.
Best iPhone 2024
1. iPhone 16 Plus – Best overall
Pros
- Large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display
- A18 chipset delivers superb performance
- Excellent battery life
- Useful Camera Control button
Cons
- No 120Hz refresh rate
- Incomplete AI features at launch
- Starts at only 128GB storage
- No telephoto zoom lens
Price When Reviewed:
$899
The iPhone 16 Plus is an excellent device for users who want a big-screen iPhone experience without the higher cost of the Pro models. From the A18 chipset to the new Camera Control and improved battery life, this phone hits the mark for performance, photography, and daily use.
While it misses out on some of the Pro-exclusive features like the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and a telephoto lens, the iPhone 16 Plus offers plenty to be excited about. Also, the full potential of Apple’s AI features is not yet available, and with many features not launching until later in the year, some users may want to wait.
Overall, the iPhone 16 Plus offers superb value for money. It offers an almost identical experience to the iPhone 16 Pro Max for most, while still delivering the larger screen and 16 hours of battery life. In all honesty, for most, this might be a better buy.
Read our full
Apple iPhone 16 Plus review
2. iPhone 16 Pro Max – Best big-screen experience
Pros
- Stunning 6.9-inch display with ultra-thin bezels
- Premium design and build
- Powerful A18 Pro chipset
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Incomplete AI features at launch
- Only 8GB of RAM at launch
- Expensive
Price When Reviewed:
$1,199
The iPhone 16 Pro Max builds on what Apple does best – elegant design, powerful performance, and excellent cameras.
The introduction of Apple Intelligence and the Camera Control button makes this phone especially appealing to photographers and those interested in AI-enhanced functionality. The 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen is the best Apple has ever produced, while the A18 Pro chip ensures that the phone is future-proof for years to come.
However, the full potential of Apple’s AI features is not yet available, and with many features not launching until later in the year, some users may want to wait.
Ultimately, if you need an iPhone that pushes the boundaries of photography and performance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is an excellent choice. But it’s also a very expensive one.
Read our full
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max review
3. iPhone 16 Pro – Best compact iPhone
Pros
- Superb battery life
- Large, impressive display
- Solid design and build
Cons
- Too expensive for what it is
- 60Hz display
- No ability to take RAW photos
Price When Reviewed:
$999
If you prefer smaller phones but still want the best iPhone experience, yes. Aside from slightly worse battery life, the 16 Pro is just a more compact version of the 16 Pro Max at a more affordable price.
It means you get almost everything that makes that phone so great. Sublime A18 Pro performance, a gorgeous 120Hz display and a slick premium design. Battery life is still very solid, too.
The 16 Pro also has some of the best cameras in the business, including the 5x telephoto that was previously exclusive to the Pro Max. Even if you don’t use the Camera Control button, it excels for both photos and videos.
However, it’s important to be aware that Apple Intelligence isn’t yet available at the time of writing. Without AI, especially in 2024, the iPhone 16 Pro software experience is much the same as any other phone running iOS 18.
The other frustration is charging speeds, though these are slow regardless of the iPhone you choose, and MagSafe is a convenient wireless option.
Ultimately, if you want the best iPhone experience in a more compact package, the 16 Pro is the phone for you.
Read our full
Apple iPhone 16 Pro review
4. iPhone 16 – A more affordable option
Pros
- Attractive design
- Powerful performance
- Compact and colourful display
- Solid camera performance
Cons
- No Apple Intelligence at launch
- Camera Control placement
- Some software bugs
- 60Hz refresh rate
Price When Reviewed:
$799
The iPhone 16 is a solid all-rounder, but it only really appeals to people who want one of the latest compact iPhones but can’t afford the 16 Pro.
At the time of writing, it’s not worth upgrading to get any of the new features such as the Action Button and Camera Control, while Apple Intelligence is only starting to be rolled out.
That’s not to say there isn’t plenty to like here, though. The iPhone 16 delivers excellent performance and very good cameras for the price, all wrapped up in a sleek, premium design.
And even without a higher refresh rate, the 60Hz display is still very good.
Overall, it’s a solid phone, but the weakest of the iPhone 16 range.
Read our full
Apple iPhone 16 review
5. Apple iPhone 15 Pro – Still a great choice
Pros
- Superb cameras
- Top-tier A17 Pro performance
- Excellent, bright display
- USB-C port
Cons
- Slow charging
- No 5x optical zoom from Pro Max
Price When Reviewed:
Was $999 (Discontinued)
The iPhone 15 Pro was the highlight of Apple’s 2023 phones, and it remains a great option – especially if you can find a big discount.
Not only is the screen a crystal-clear OLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, it gets incredibly bright. You’ll be able to see the display on even the brightest of days.
The 12Mp 5x periscope lens being exclusive to the Pro Max is a shame, but the 3x one on the iPhone 15 Pro is still very good. It’s joined by a 48Mp main, 12Mp ultrawide and 12Mp 2x telephoto, all of which take excellent photos.
Apple’s A17 Pro chipset takes already-great performance to the next level, while the titanium build and action button are nice touches.
Then there’s the much more versatile USB-C port, with Apple finally shifting away from Lightning. Battery life is fine and charging is slow, but this is still a superb phone, and will be for many years to come.
Pros
- Lightweight titanium build
- Superb performance
- Great cameras, including 5x telephoto
- Action Button and USB-C
Cons
- Average battery life
- Big and bulky
- Very expensive
Price When Reviewed:
Was $1,199 (Discontinued)
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great phone, but its predecessor is still worth considering. Aside from a smaller screen, older chipset and inferior ultrawide camera, the 15 Pro Max doesn’t miss out on much.
That includes Apple Intelligence, with all of the AI features compatible with the 15 Pro Max.
Performance from the A17 Pro chip is superb, while the Action Button and shift to USB-C are both welcome changes. You miss out on the Camera Control button, but that won’t be a big loss for many people.
With a stunning screen, excellent cameras and a premium titanium build, the iPhone 16 Pro Max stands the test of time. If you can put up with only average battery life and don’t mind a bulky device, this could be the iPhone for you.
Read our full
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max review
7. Apple iPhone 15 – Still worth considering
Pros
- Very good performance
- Dynamic Island
- USB-C port
- Good value for money
Cons
- Display only 60Hz
- Cameras could be better
- Slow charging
Price When Reviewed:
From $699 (Was $799)
The regular iPhone 15 was a solid option at launch, and the prospect of big discounts now make it worth considering.
While the specs aren’t quite top-tier, Apple’s A16 Bionic chip from 2022 still delivers great performance, and it’s nice to see the useful Dynamic Island come to non-Pro models.
The 6.1-inch display below it is impressive, though you’ll still have to make do without a high refresh rate. You can still get some great shots with the 48Mp main, 12Mp ultrawide and 12Mp selfie cameras, but there’s no telephoto of any description here.
Ultimately, you’re getting an iPhone 15 Pro design in a much more affordable. Despite some compromises, it’s still a great phone.
8. Apple iPhone 15 Plus – Great battery life
Pros
- Stellar battery life
- Smooth performance
- Crisp, bright display
- High-quality, water resistance build
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Starts at 128GB storage
- 60Hz refresh rate
- No reverse wireless charging
Price When Reviewed:
$799 (was $899)
With the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple is offering an impressive big-screen iPhone experience without the hefty price tag of the newer models.
As expected, there are a few compromises compared to the iPhone Pro and Pro Max. You’ll have to make do with the A16 Bionic chip that debuted in 2022, though performance is still excellent. While the display is still very decent, the refresh rate tops out at 60Hz, so you don’t get the silky-smooth scrolling and extra responsiveness of 120Hz.
There’s also no telephoto lens whatsoever, meaning zoom shots suffer. But photos from the main, ultrawide and selfie cameras are all very impressive. The latter is housed within Apple’s Dynamic Island, which arrives on the non-Pro phones for the first time, and USB-C also makes its debut.
And battery life is the best you’ll find on an iPhone. It can last even the most intensive days with ease, and with lighter usage can last two or even three days on a single charge.
If that’s a top priority for you, or you simply want a big iPhone without the bells and whistles of the newer phones, the 15 Plus is a great choice.
Read our full
Apple iPhone 15 Plus review
9. iPhone 13 mini – Best small iPhone
Pros
- Perfect small-screen experience
- No compromise on performance
- Great cameras
Cons
- 60Hz display
- Small battery gains
- Slower MagSafe charging
Price When Reviewed:
Was $599
If even the 6.1in display of the regular and Pro iPhones are too big for your liking, the iPhone 13 mini is the device for you.
It offers the same experience as the standard iPhone 13, complete with an A15 Bionic chip, Apple’s Super Retina XDR display (albeit at a smaller 5.4in) and excellent main and ultrawide lenses, sporting sensor-shift OIS like the more premium models, but in a much smaller form factor.
The iPhone 13 mini is the perfect iPhone to use one-handed, but the smaller display also means it’s not the best for watching YouTube videos and movies on Netflix.
The small dimensions also mean that battery life isn’t the greatest, while charging via MagSafe is limited to just 12W.
But with Apple having discontinued the mini, it’ll remain the small iPhone to beat for a while.
Read our full
Apple iPhone 13 mini review
10. iPhone SE (2022) – Most affordable iPhone
Pros
- A15 Bionic chipset
- 5G connectivity
- Affordable price
Cons
- Dated design
- Small 720p LCD display
- Single rear camera
Price When Reviewed:
$429 (64GB) | $479 (128GB) | $579 (256GB)
Apple’s iPhone SE range is devoted to function over form, prioritising raw performance over design or aesthetics, and that’s just as true with the latest variant – but possibly to its detriment.
Sporting the same A15 Bionic chipset and 5G connectivity as the iPhone 13 series, the iPhone SE outperforms every Android competitor in its price range and 5G connectivity is a welcome addition, but that performance comes at a cost.
The dated design of the iPhone SE feels older than ever, and the 720p LCD display seems not only small but increasingly unable to render apps and webpages designed for bigger mobile displays.
There’s also the single 12Mp snapper on the rear. It’ll take decent photos in good and even marginally low light, but it lacks advanced shooting modes like Night Mode and Cinematic Video mode despite featuring a chipset more than capable of doing so.
The iPhone SE is really only for those who must have an iPhone, but can’t afford other models or don’t want to goodbye to Touch ID. For practically everyone else, there’s a better iPhone available.
Read our full
Apple iPhone SE (2022) review