When choosing the best iPhone for you, consider your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest, the iPhone 16 series (launching in September 2024) and the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max are top choices. For a more affordable option, consider the iPhone 14 series or even the iPhone 13. Carefully weigh the features and prices to find the perfect fit. Choosing a new iPhone can be overwhelming due to the many models and features available.
In this 2024 edition guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the latest iPhones to help you make an informed decision that aligns with both your needs and your budget. Picking a new iPhone can be tricky with the various features and prices. The best iPhone for you depends on what you need and your budget. Apple offers iPhones for different types of users. The newest models have the latest technology but come with a higher cost. Older models are more budget-friendly but may lack some new features.
Some iPhones are compact and portable, while others have large screens that are great for watching videos. Consider your primary use for the phone. Do you take lots of photos, play games, or mainly make calls and send texts? Your answer will help guide you to the right iPhone. Additionally, think about your budget, as iPhones range from under $500 to over $1000.
Choosing Your Ideal iPhone in 2024
The big question now for anybody in the market to buy an iPhone is if you can wait around for the iPhone 16 and if it’s within your price-range. The iPhone 16 is launching in late September, 2024 so if that works for you, that will be the new top of the line series. If you can’t wait around for the 16 series (or if that doesn’t fit your needs anyway) we recommend any iPhone from the 13 series or newer. We’re no longer recommending the iPhone 12 series or older due to aging hardware and future phase-outs. Let’s break down the top contenders for 2024 and their strengths.
The Future: iPhone 16 Series
Apple’s upcoming flagship models are expected to bring further advancements in technology and performance. While official details are still under wraps, rumors suggest exciting upgrades.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Expected Pros: Enhanced A18 chip for even faster performance, improved camera capabilities, larger display with higher resolution, even longer battery life.
- Expected Cons: Likely the most expensive iPhone ever, larger size may not suit everyone.
- Best for: Those seeking the absolute latest technology and top-tier performance, willing to pay a premium price.
iPhone 16 Pro
- Expected Pros: Shares many features with the Pro Max but in a more compact size, powerful A18 chip, upgraded camera system.
- Expected Cons: Still a high-priced option, may lack certain features exclusive to the Pro Max.
- Best for: Users wanting a balance of power, features, and portability.
iPhone 16 & 16 Plus
- Expected Pros: More budget-friendly options, likely to adopt some features from the iPhone 15 Pro models, potential camera improvements.
- Expected Cons: Won’t have all the bells and whistles of the Pro models.
- Best for: Value-conscious buyers seeking a modern iPhone with essential features.
The Latest and Greatest: iPhone 15 Series
Apple’s latest flagship models offer cutting-edge technology and premium features. However, they come with a hefty price tag.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Pros: Top-of-the-line performance, stunning display, advanced camera system, Dynamic Island, longest battery life.
- Cons: Most expensive option, larger size might not be for everyone.
- Best for: Those who want the absolute best iPhone experience and don’t mind paying a premium.
iPhone 15 Pro
- Pros: Similar features to the Pro Max but in a more compact size, powerful A17 Pro chip, excellent cameras.
- Cons: Still expensive, lacks some features of the Pro Max (like the larger battery).
- Best for: Users who want a powerful and feature-rich iPhone in a smaller form factor.
iPhone 15
- Pros: More affordable than the Pro models, USB-C connectivity, Dynamic Island, improved camera system.
- Cons: Not as powerful as the Pro models, lacks some premium features.
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who still want a modern iPhone with essential features.
Still a Solid Choice: iPhone 14 Series
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the iPhone 14 series still offers great features and performance.
iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Pros: Excellent camera system, powerful A16 Bionic chip, Dynamic Island, long battery life.
- Cons: Not as powerful or feature-rich as the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- Best for: Those who want a premium iPhone experience at a slightly lower price.
iPhone 14 Pro
- Pros: Compact size, powerful performance, great camera system, Dynamic Island.
- Cons: Lacks some of the latest features found in the iPhone 15 Pro.
- Best for: Users who prioritize a smaller phone with flagship-level performance.
iPhone 14 & 14 Plus
- Pros: More affordable options, good performance, decent cameras, long battery life (14 Plus).
- Cons: Lack Dynamic Island and some other advanced features.
- Best for: Budget-minded users who want a reliable iPhone with solid performance.
The Budget-Friendly Option: iPhone 13
If you’re on a tight budget, the iPhone 13 is still a capable phone with good performance and features.
iPhone 13
- Pros: Affordable, good performance, decent camera, still receives software updates.
- Cons: Lacks some of the newer features found in the iPhone 14 and 15 series.
- Best for: Users on a budget who prioritize value and essential features.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16/16 Plus | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 | iPhone 14 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro | iPhone 14/14 Plus | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Starting) | Expected: $1299+ | Expected: $1099+ | Expected: $899+/$999+ | $1199 | $999 | $799 | $1099 | $999 | $799/$899 | $599 |
| Processor | Expected: A18 | Expected: A18 | Expected: A17 | A17 Pro | A17 Pro | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Display Size | Expected: 6.9-inch | Expected: 6.3-inch | Expected: 6.1-inch/6.7-inch | 6.7-inch | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch | 6.7-inch | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch/6.7-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Main Camera | Expected: Improved | Expected: Improved | Expected: Improved | 48MP | 48MP | 48MP | 48MP | 48MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Dynamic Island | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Key Takeaways
- Your needs and budget help decide which iPhone is best for you
- Newer iPhones have more features but cost more
- Consider what you use your phone for when choosing an iPhone
Determining Your Needs and Budget
Picking the right iPhone depends on your needs and how much you want to spend. There are many models with different features and prices.
Understanding iPhone Models and Features
The iPhone lineup includes several models. The iPhone SE is the cheapest option. It has a small screen and one camera but still performs well. The iPhone 13 offers better cameras and a bigger display. For the newest tech, look at the iPhone 15 series. These phones have the best cameras and fastest chips.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are top-of-the-line. They have the best cameras zoom and extra features. But they cost the most too. Think about what matters most to you. If you take lots of photos, a newer model might be worth it. If you just need basic phone features, an older or cheaper model could work fine.
Price Considerations and Budgeting for Your iPhone
iPhones range from about $400 to over $1000. The iPhone SE is cheapest at around $400. Mid-range models like the iPhone 13 cost about $600. The newest iPhone 15 starts at $800. Pro models can go up to $1200 or more.
Set a budget before you shop. Remember to factor in extras like cases and screen protectors. You can save money by:
- Buying an older model
- Looking for deals or sales
- Trading in your old phone
- Choosing a phone with less storage
Some stores offer payment plans to spread out the cost. Refurbished iPhones are another way to save. They’re used phones that have been fixed up to work like new.
Innovations and Industry Comparison
Apple keeps pushing the limits with new iPhone features. These changes set iPhones apart from other phones and make them better for users.
Advanced Features and Apple Innovations
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has some cool new stuff. It has a USB-C port instead of Lightning. This makes it easier to charge and connect to other devices. The A17 Pro chip is super fast and helps with gaming and other tasks. The Action Button lets users do quick actions without going into apps.
The camera on new iPhones takes great photos. It has a telephoto lens for zoom shots. The Dynamic Island shows alerts and live info at the top of the screen. Apple also adds safety features like Emergency SOS and Crash Detection to help in emergencies.
Comparing iPhones with Competing Smartphones
iPhones stand out from other phones in a few ways. They get software updates for many years. This keeps them working well for longer. The A-series chips are often faster than chips in other phones. iPhones also work smoothly with other Apple products like AirPods and Macs.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 is a top rival to the iPhone. It has a great screen and camera too. But iPhones tend to keep their value better over time. They also have strong privacy features that many users like. 5G is now on all new iPhones, so they work with fast cell networks from Verizon and others.
FAQs
Is the iPhone 15 worth it in 2024?
Yes, the iPhone 15 remains a compelling choice in 2024, particularly if you desire a modern iPhone experience without splurging on the latest flagship. It boasts a powerful A16 Bionic chip, an improved camera system, a vibrant display with Dynamic Island, and the convenience of USB-C connectivity. While it lacks some cutting-edge features found in the iPhone 15 Pro models, the iPhone 15 delivers a solid balance of performance and value.
Is the iPhone 14 worth it in 2024?
Absolutely, the iPhone 14 is still worth considering in 2024, especially if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option compared to the iPhone 15 series. It shares many similarities with the iPhone 15, including the A15 Bionic chip, a decent camera system, and a long-lasting battery. While it misses out on features like Dynamic Island and USB-C, it offers a reliable and capable iPhone experience at a lower price point.
Is the iPhone 13 worth it in 2024?
Yes, the iPhone 13 remains a worthwhile option in 2024, particularly for budget-conscious buyers. It delivers good performance with the A15 Bionic chip, a capable camera system, and a vibrant display. While it lacks some of the newer features like Dynamic Island and a faster processor, it still offers a smooth user experience and receives software updates, making it a solid choice for those seeking value.
Is the iPhone 12 worth it in 2024?
No, the iPhone 12 is generally not recommended in 2024. While it might still function adequately, its aging A14 Bionic chip and lack of newer features like MagSafe and a high refresh rate display make it less appealing compared to more recent models. Additionally, its battery life might be starting to degrade, affecting overall usability.
Is the iPhone 11 worth it in 2024?
No, the iPhone 11 is not a recommended purchase in 2024. It’s several generations old, running on the A13 Bionic chip, and lacks many modern features found in newer iPhones. Its performance might feel sluggish compared to newer models, and its battery life is likely to be significantly diminished.
What is the oldest iPhone still worth buying?
The iPhone 13 series represents the oldest iPhone generation still worth considering in 2024. It offers a good balance of performance, features, and value, and will continue to receive software updates for several years.
Is the iPhone SE 3 worth it in 2024?
The iPhone SE 3 might be a viable option in 2024 only if you specifically prefer a smaller phone with a physical Home button. It boasts the powerful A15 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth performance, and supports 5G connectivity. However, its dated design, single rear camera, and smaller LCD display might feel limiting compared to other models. If those factors aren’t a concern and you prioritize affordability and a compact form factor, the iPhone SE 3 could still be a decent choice.
