This article explains how to decide which iPhone is best for you among the iPhone models Apple is currently selling: iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e.

We’ll also look at older iPhone models, from the iPhone 15 to iPhone 8 series, that are currently available only as refurbished devices through Apple or via third-party sellers.

iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro

Who will want it: People who like to have the latest and greatest in their devices.

Notable specs: The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro sit at the top of the iPhone mountain, boasting an A18 Pro processor that makes them up to 20 percent faster than iPhone 15 Pro models, a dedicated Camera Control Button, slightly bigger displays, and longer-lasting batteries than the 15 Pro series. The same impressive camera setup appears, delivering Ultrawide and Telephoto lenses, Macro and Spatial photography, and a slight upgrade with up to 5x optical zoom.

Bottom line: The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pro deliver the best displays, cameras, and performance you can get in an iPhone.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus

Who will want it: If you have an older iPhone, like the iPhone 12, one of these models could be worth the upgrade.

Notable specs: The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus sit at the bottom of the model lineup, but sport some impressive new additions. Both phones receive the most powerful A18 chipset with built-in Apple Intelligence. You’ll also see the addition of a dedicated Camera Control button and the return of a customizable Action Button. While the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus lack the advanced camera features of 16 Pro models, both capture Macro shots and Spatial photos and videos.

Bottom line: The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models aren’t drastically different from their predecessors, but if you want a big boost in hardware, the A18 chip far surpasses the A16 in the iPhone 15 base models.

iPhone 16e

Who will want it: Users who want the core magic of iPhone at a more affordable price point.

Notable specs: The iPhone 16e is Apple’s answer to budget-conscious smartphone shoppers. It offers some of the best and most recent features you’ll find in other iPhone 16 models: an A18 chip with support for Apple Intelligence, an Action Button, and a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. Another unique distinction is the battery life, rated for up to 26 hours—the longest in an iPhone this size.

Bottom line: The iPhone 16e lacks a few of the extras in the 16 series lineup, but has the essentials: a large, clear display, an impressive camera, Apple Intelligence, and a customizable Action Button.

iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro

Who will want it: If you want more of the coolest, latest tech in your smartphone, the iPhone 15 Pro series is worth considering.

Notable specs: The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro share most of the same features. This lineup gets Dynamic Island, Always-On technology, a programmable Action Button, and a powerful new A17 chip to keep operation fast and efficient. Both models also have a hardy Titanium build with the slimmest borders of any iPhone and a pro-grade ProMotion camera system with up to 3x optical zoom.

Bottom line: For users who demand a lot from their iPhones, the iPhone 15 Pro series delivers with speedy performance, a highly durable design, and excellent camera technology upgrades.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

Who will want it: If you don’t need some of the advanced features of the iPhone 15 Pro series, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus pack much of the same punch for less.

Notable specs: Like all of the iPhone 15 Pro models, the base 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus are equipped with USB-C ports for charging and data transfer, Dynamic Island technology for live notifications, and improved SOS support and satellite roadside assistance. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus also get a revamped 48MP camera with up to 2x optical zoom.

Bottom line: The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus lack ProMotion and Always-On technology, but they boast camera and design upgrades that mirror or nearly mirror the Pro models.

iPhone 14 Pro Max and Pro

Who will want it: Older-generation iPhone users looking for a boost from the camera and overall performance will find a lot to like in the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro.

Notable specs: The iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro offer a few significant changes over the iPhone 13 Pros: Both introduce an A16 chip, Always-On display, Dynamic Island for interactive alerts, and a 48MP camera system—a huge bump from the 12MP iPhone 13 Pro systems. The iPhone 14 Pro series also gets an extra hour of video playback over the iPhone 13 Pros and new emergency features like crash detection and emergency SOS via satellite.

Bottom line: While the iPhone 14 Pro series doesn’t depart too wildly from the iPhone 13 Pro series, it does offer a noteworthy camera and chip upgrade.

iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14

Who will want it: Older iPhone users looking for more of the latest features at a lower price point might find a happy medium with the iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus.

Notable specs: Both the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus and 6.1-inch iPhone 14 come with the A15 Bionic chip and several emergency tool enhancements such as crash detection, emergency SOS, and satellite roadside assistance. These models also have Action Mode for more stable video shooting, up to 4K quality in cinematic mode, and support 26 hours (iPhone 14 Plus) and 20 hours (iPhone 14) of video playback.

Bottom line: The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 don’t offer a lot over the iPhone 13, but an improved camera could tip the scales for vintage iPhone users seeking an upgrade.

iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro

Who will want it: Both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max offer Apple’s TrueTone color management system, making it an excellent choice for artists, content creators, and heavy users.

Notable specs: The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max feature extraordinary cameras, long battery life, and A15 Bionic chips. The 13 Pro’s screen is 6.1 inches, while the Pro Max boasts a 6.7-inch display with 2,778 x 1,284-pixel resolution. Both models’ screens are noticeably brighter than previous models and feature a ProMotion display, which means a higher refresh rate.

Bottom line: An iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max will let you enjoy a gorgeous screen experience where animations and graphics—and even everyday images—are smooth and crisp.

iPhone 13

Who will want it: The iPhone 13’s improvements over previous models in storage, performance, battery life, and camera make it an excellent device and a wise choice for those seeking an impressive, high-end smartphone at a reasonable price point.

Notable specs: The iPhone 13 includes the same A15 Bionic chip as the 13 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 13 also features a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with 2532 x 1170-pixel resolution, 5G connectivity, and dual cameras boasting 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide lenses.

Bottom line: The iPhone 13 is a gorgeous device with many of the benefits of its enhanced Pro and Pro Max siblings, but with a lower price tag and size that will appeal to the masses.

iPhone 13 Mini

Who will want it: With its compact, lightweight, and durable design, the iPhone 13 Mini is an excellent choice for those who want to reap the benefits of a flagship phone in a compact form factor.

Notable specs: The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini share many key features, including the same A15 Bionic chip. The 13 and Mini also share an OLED Super Retina XDR display, 5G connectivity, and dual cameras boasting 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide lenses. While the iPhone Mini’s battery life features 17 hours of video playback, this is less than the iPhone 13’s 19 hours.

Obviously, the Mini is smaller, with a 5.4-inch display and 2340 x 1080-pixel resolution. It’s thin and lightweight, which many consumers prefer over bulkier phones.

Bottom line: Users who don’t mind less battery life and prioritize pocketability and affordability will love the iPhone 13 Mini.

iPhone SE (Third Generation)

Who will want it: Apple’s third-generation iPhone SE is an excellent choice for those who want the panache of an iPhone at an affordable price, starting at $429.

Notable specs: The iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch display and includes the Home button, like its previous incarnations, while improving battery life and supporting 5G connectivity. The iPhone SE features the same A15 Bionic chip as the flagship iPhone 13 line, which powers the diminutive device without slowing down tasks like multitasking, editing images, and opening apps.

Bottom line: For a 5G iPhone on a budget, the iPhone Mini is unbeatable, with the power and features of an expensive phone in a compact size.

iPhone 12 and 12 Mini

Who will want it: When they were unveiled in 2020, the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini were Apple’s flagship devices, bringing an overhauled design to the iPhone lineup. Today, they’re still excellent choices for those who want middle-of-the-road iPhones at an affordable price.

Notable specs: The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch screen and a 2532 x 1170 resolution, while the 12 Mini has a 5.4-inch screen and a resolution of 2430 x 1080. The iPhone 12 succeeded 2019’s iPhone 11, while the 12 Mini marked the smallest iPhone to date. Both devices boast an A14 chip, HDR support, vivid colors, haptic touch, and True Tone to adjust the display’s color to ambient light.

Bottom line: The iPhone 12 has many of the newer iPhone 13 series plusses at a more affordable price.

iPhone 11

Who will want it: If you don’t mind your iPhone looking and acting a bit dated, don’t need 5G connectivity, and aren’t too worried about durability, the iPhone 11 may be a good, affordable choice.

Notable specs: The iPhone 11 debuted an edge-to-edge OLED HDR screen (5.8 inches), a three-camera system, and enhanced IP68 waterproofing. In addition, it debuted the next-generation Face ID recognition system for unlocking the iPhone and confirming Apple Pay transactions. It also features the A13 Bionic chip and support for NFC (Near-Field Communication).

Bottom line: Look a the iPhone 12 and 13 series’ features and decide what you can live without. If the 11 suits your needs and budget, it’s worthwhile.

iPhone XR

The iPhone XR is not currently available from Apple. However, you may be able to find it refurbished or through third-party resellers.

The iPhone XR featured:

• Screen: A 6.1-inch, edge-to-edge LCD.
• Battery life: Its battery life outperformed its predecessor, the XS, by a few hours.
• Cameras. Cameras improved on previous incarnations.
• Most key iPhone 11 features: The iPhone XR offered Face ID, wireless charging options, and other iPhone 11 features.

iPhone 8 Plus

The iPhone 8 Plus is not currently available from Apple. You may be able to find it refurbished or through third-party resellers.

The iPhone 8 Plus featured:

• Many iPhone XR features: The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XR had many of the same features.
• Touch ID: Apple’s 2nd generation fingerprint scanning technology was built into the 8 series. It didn’t have Face ID.

iPhone 8

The iPhone 8 is not currently available from Apple. You may be able to find it refurbished or through third-party resellers.

The iPhone 8 featured:

• Nearly identical features to the 8 Plus: The two phones were identical in storage options, processors, wireless charging, 3D Touch, Touch ID, NFC and Apple Pay support, and Apple Watch compatibility. 
• Good screen: The iPhone 8 had a 4.7-inch screen. While that’s not as huge as the 8 Plus’s and much smaller than the XR or 11 Pro, it’s a good size for many users.

Deciding on Your Best iPhone

The general rule when making a technology purchase is to buy the best device that you can afford. That’s true when it comes to deciding which iPhone to buy.

If you can afford the iPhone 16 series, these devices offer the best performance and features and will hold their value longer than older devices.

If you’re more price-conscious, more recent older iPhone models offer excellent features at a lower price.

Current iPhone Models Compared

For a quick comparison of how all current models stack up in terms of features and price, check out this chart.

Scroll right at the bottom of the table as needed to see more phones.