If you’re in the market for a new iPhone this year, this article is for you. Blending expert reviews, user experiences, and technical analysis, we’ve narrowed down the list of possible choices to help you decide what iPhone version is the best for your needs.
The Best iPhone to Buy (Ranked)
# | iPhone Model | Price (USD) | Screen Size (inches) | Processor | Rear Camera | Front Camera | Battery Life (video playback) | Storage Options (GB) | Distinctive Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | iPhone 15 | Starts at $799 | 6.1 | A16 Bionic | Dual 12MP wide & ultrawide | 12MP | Up to 20 hours | 128, 256, 512 | None |
2 | iPhone 15 Plus | Starts at $899 | 6.7 | A16 Bionic | Dual 12MP wide & ultrawide | 12MP | Up to 22 hours | 128, 256, 512 | Large screen, long battery life |
3 | iPhone 15 Pro | Starts at $999 | 6.1 | A17 Pro | Triple 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto | 12MP | Up to 23 hours | 256, 512, 1TB | Higher-end processor, pro camera system |
4 | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Starts at $1199 | 6.7 | A17 Pro | Triple 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto | 12MP | Up to 25 hours | 256, 512, 1TB | Higher-end processor, pro camera system, larger screen |
5 | iPhone 14 | Starts at $749.95 | 6.1 | A15 Bionic | Dual 12MP wide & ultrawide | 12MP | Up to 20 hours | 128, 256, 512 | None |
6 | iPhone 14 Plus | Starts at $775.50 | 6.7 | A15 Bionic | Dual 12MP wide & ultrawide | 12MP | Up to 23 hours | 128, 256, 512 | Large screen, long battery life |
7 | iPhone 13 | Starts at $699 | 6.1 | A15 Bionic | Dual 12MP wide & ultrawide | 12MP | Up to 19 hours | 128, 256, 512 | Still a great value |
8 | iPhone SE (3rd gen) | Starts at $579.00 | 4.7 | A15 Bionic | Single 12MP wide | 7MP | Up to 15 hours | 64, 128, 256 | Affordable, compact, Touch ID |
Key Takeaways
- Best Overall: iPhone 15 Pro Max for its advanced features and camera capabilities.
- Best Value: iPhone 15 for its balance of features and price.
- Best Budget Option: iPhone 13, offering solid performance at a more affordable price.
- Best for Battery Life: iPhone 15 Plus, known for its exceptional battery endurance.
- Best Small iPhone: iPhone SE (2022), compact and powerful.
The Best iPhone for Most People: iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro emerges as a favorite among users and experts alike. Its compact size, coupled with the A17 Pro chipset and exceptional camera quality, makes it a top choice. Users on Reddit, like Succotash_Electrical, emphasize its smooth 120hz screen and significant battery improvement over older models. CNET highlights its Dynamic Island feature and USB-C charging as key upgrades.
Pros:
- Outstanding performance
- Beautiful titanium design
- Advanced camera system
Cons:
- High price point
- Limited improvement in battery longevity
The Best Value iPhone: iPhone 15
For those seeking a balance between cost and features, the iPhone 15 stands out. It offers a robust A16 Bionic chipset, a 48MP main camera, and the innovative Dynamic Island, all at a more accessible price. Reddit user MinimumGoose5081, upgrading from an iPhone 7, found the iPhone 15 to be a worthy consideration within a $900 budget.
Pros:
- Good size and weight
- Solid performance
- USB-C port
Cons:
- No always-on display
- No telephoto camera
The Best iPhone Overall: iPhone 15 Pro Max
For the ultimate iPhone experience, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is unrivaled. Its 5x periscope zoom lens and A17 Pro chipset set it apart. TechRadar praises its redesigned look and top-notch photography capabilities. However, its high price tag might be a deterrent for some.
Pros:
- Superior camera features
- Excellent design and build quality
- Powerful A17 Pro chipset
Cons:
- Expensive
- Charging could be faster
The Best Budget iPhone: iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 remains a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers. It offers a reliable A15 Bionic chipset and a durable design. PCMAG notes its long battery life and fast performance as key selling points.
For those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality, the iPhone SE is also a good choice. This is a great starter phone for parents purchasing something for their children to use.
Pros:
- Strong battery life
- Powerful internals
- Affordable
Cons:
- Outdated design
- No 120Hz screen
The Best iPhone for Battery Life: iPhone 15 Plus
For those prioritizing battery life, the iPhone 15 Plus is the go-to choice. Its large screen and long-lasting battery make it ideal for heavy users. Reddit user BetaAlpha769 suggests considering older models like the iPhone 13 Pro Max for similar battery performance at a lower cost.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery performance
- Large screen
- Solid overall features
Cons:
- Bulky for some users
- Lacks some advanced features of Pro models
iPhone 14: The Value Leader
The iPhone 14 remains a top choice for many. Its A15 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance, making it a practical choice for everyday use. Its price reduction further enhances its appeal.
Pros:
- Price is significantly cheaper than the latest iPhone 15 models
- A15 Bionic chip while not the latest, is still incredibly powerful
- Solid Battery Life offers up to 20 hours of video playback
- Dual 12MP wide and ultrawide camera system
Cons:
- Not the Latest Technology
- No Telephoto Lens
- Smaller Battery than iPhone 15
- Not as Future-Proof
The Best Small iPhone: iPhone SE (2022)
The iPhone SE (2022) is perfect for those who prefer a smaller, more manageable device. It packs a punch with the A15 Bionic chipset and supports 5G connectivity.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Powerful for its size
- Affordable
Cons:
- Outdated design
- Limited storage options
Real-World User Perspectives
Reddit users, such as MinimumGoose5081, bring a human touch to the discussion. Many recommend the iPhone 12 Pro for its camera and longevity, while the iPhone 13 Pro is favored for its 120Hz display and larger battery.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s advanced camera system is ideal for photography enthusiasts. Its 5x optical zoom and 48MP sensor offer unparalleled photo quality.
- Gamers: The A17 Pro chipset in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max provides a smooth gaming experience with console-level performance.
- Everyday Users: For general use, including social media, photography, and productivity, the iPhone 15 offers a balanced mix of features and value.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best value iPhone in 2024 depends on individual needs and budgets. The iPhone 15 series leads in innovation, while models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone SE offer great value. User experiences and expert reviews further guide consumers in making an informed choice.
FAQ Section
Q: Which iPhone model offers the best camera quality? A: The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers the best camera quality with its 5x periscope zoom lens and 48MP main camera.
Q: Is the iPhone 15 worth the upgrade from older models? A: Yes, especially if upgrading from models older than the iPhone 13, as the iPhone 15 offers significant improvements in performance, camera quality, and features like the Dynamic Island.
Q: Can I get a good iPhone experience without spending a lot? A: Absolutely. The iPhone 13 and iPhone SE are great choices.
Q: What is the most cost-effective iPhone model in 2024? A: The iPhone 15 offers a blend of modern features and affordability, making it a top choice for value-conscious consumers.
Q: How does the iPhone 15 Pro Max compare to other models? A: The iPhone 15 Pro Max stands as the pinnacle of iPhone technology, with advanced camera capabilities and a robust build, suitable for those seeking the best of Apple’s offerings.
Q: Is it worth upgrading to the iPhone 15 from older models? A: The iPhone 15’s technological advancements make it a worthwhile upgrade, particularly for users of models older than the iPhone 12.
Q: Which iPhone model offers the best battery life? A: The iPhone 15 Plus is renowned for its exceptional battery life, ideal for heavy users and those who need their phone to last through extended use.
Q: Are older iPhone models still a good buy in 2024? A: Older models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 continue to be excellent choices, offering a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness.