Should you’ve been eyeing an Apple iPhone in your subsequent massive improve, how do you resolve which one is greatest for you? With so many configurations and fashions accessible at present, together with the brand new iPhone 17 sequence, the journey of selecting the best mannequin has by no means been longer.
The iPhone 17 series formally launched, and iOS 26 is deploying to generations of iPhones. Notably, the newest software program model will doubtless not be appropriate with some older iPhones together with the iPhone XR and XS. I might advise in opposition to shopping for these two fashions, even when they are often had for much less cash. As a substitute, I might contemplate your greatest choices under.
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What’s the greatest iPhone proper now?
ZDNET’s cellular consultants carefully test each iPhone mannequin at launch. We put them by means of their paces to give you the most effective shopping for recommendation and key options to look out for. Our decide for the most effective iPhone general is the iPhone 17 Pro Max, due to its vivid and anti-reflective show, improved digicam instruments, and higher warmth administration. Do you have to want a smaller, extra inexpensive possibility, contemplate the iPhone 17.
Should you’re feeling adventurous, Apple’s thinnest and lightest new iPhone, the iPhone Air It has been constructed with extremely portability in thoughts, but it surely lacks devoted telephoto and ultrawide lenses. As well as, the battery life is below-average.
Additionally: The best phones: Expert tested
The perfect iPhones of 2025
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The iPhone 17 Professional Max is the most effective iPhone general on account of its extremely succesful specs and supersized attributes. It is the iPhone mannequin that units a brand new customary for Apple yearly and continues to be a worthy competitor to Samsung’s S Extremely sequence and Google’s Pixel Professional XL.
Why we prefer it: Apart from being the biggest iPhone Apple presently gives, with a 6.9-inch AMOLED show, the iPhone 17 Professional Max additionally has the best-rated battery life with 39 hours of video playback. From our checks, we discovered the telephone lasted for much longer than the usual 17 Professional and final yr’s 16 Professional Max.
The iPhone 17 Professional Max seems and feels pretty just like its predecessor, but it surely’s now made with aluminum as an alternative of titanium. This materials selection retains the telephone cooler and extra sturdy. It additionally permits Apple to introduce a extra thrilling lineup of colours together with the polarizing Cosmic Orange.
Essentially the most notable {hardware} change with the newest iPhone is the vapor cooling chamber. This works in tandem with the up to date A19 Professional chip to optimize and preserve efficiency hundreds. We discovered the function perfect for photographers and videographers who typically expertise recording points as a result of iPhone overheating.
Overview: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
Who it is for: The iPhone 17 Professional Max is a flagship telephone that instructions a flagship worth. It is perfect for customers who’re keen to pay for the most effective iPhone accessible, whether or not that is straight by means of retailers or by means of provider offers. You should purchase the Professional Max model if you’d like the bigger display, enduring battery life, and triple-camera setup.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Should you’re buying on a funds and do not thoughts a smaller display, contemplate the $1,099 iPhone 17 Professional. It is $100 cheaper and with a 6.3-inch show. Should you can stay with out the devoted telephoto lens, you possibly can even go together with the $799 iPhone 17. It includes a ProMotion show and the identical 40W wired charging price.
iPhone 17 Professional Max specs: Processor: Apple A19 Professional Bionic | Show dimension: 6.9 inches with 120 Hz refresh price | Storage choices: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | Rear cameras: 48 MP large, 48 MP ultra-wide, and 48 MP 4× telephoto | Entrance digicam: 18 MP | Colours: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, Silver | Weight: 233 g | Beginning worth: $1,199
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The iPhone 17 seems, feels, and performs like a premium telephone ought to. It additionally begins at $300 lower than the iPhone 17 Professional sequence, placing it in nearer attain for many shoppers
Why we prefer it:Â The iPhone 17 brings a number of premium options from the Professional fashions together with the 120Hz Professional Movement show, 40W wired charging, and assist for Apple Intelligence, making it really feel nearer to a Professional than ever earlier than.Â
From our hands-on testing with the mannequin, its slimmer, lighter design with curved edges gives a noticeably extra snug grip than older iPhones, with out sacrificing sturdiness or fashion. Add in stable battery life, the dependable A19 chip, and a enjoyable colour lineup, and you have got a well-rounded gadget that delivers wonderful worth.
The iPhone 17 has a brand new 18MP Middle Stage entrance digicam that may adaptively broaden its framing to suit extra folks into photographs. Having a sq. sensor additionally permits customers to seize panorama selfies with no need to rotate the telephone.
Overview: iPhone 17
Who it is for: The iPhone 17 is a good selection for anybody who desires a contemporary iPhone with high-end options however does not want the total Professional expertise, or price ticket. Should you care about one-handed usability, dependable efficiency, and extra base storage like 256GB as an alternative of 128GB, the iPhone 17 hits the candy spot.
Who ought to look elsewhere:Â Should you’re an influence consumer who wants options like a telephoto lens, a vapor chamber cooling system, or extra superior digicam instruments, you must spring for the iPhone 17 Professional sequence. There is not a Plus model this time round, so you will need to accept the iPhone 17’s 6.3-inch type issue.
Funds-conscious buyers may additionally want to stay with the iPhone 16e or previous-gen fashions that also supply robust efficiency at a cheaper price.
iPhone 17 specs: Processor:Â Apple A19Â |Â Show dimension:Â 6.3 inches with 120Hz refresh price |Â Storage choices:Â 256GB, 512GB |Â Rear cameras:Â 48MP large, 12MP ultra-wide |Â Entrance digicam:Â 18MP |Â Colours:Â Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, Black |Â Weight:Â 177g |Â Beginning worth:Â $799Â
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Going off of retail worth alone, the newest iPhone 16e is the most affordable iPhone in the marketplace proper now. The $599 beginning worth comes with its caveats, after all, however there are nonetheless a number of iPhone advantages which will curiosity funds buyers.
Why we prefer it: From our checks, the iPhone 16e excels in methods which are important to most customers, from the 6.1-inch OLED show that is each snug to carry and simple to view content material, to the distinctive battery life due to the effectivity of the A18 processor, to the only 48MP Fusion digicam that is able to capturing vivid and detailed imagery.
Certain, you will need to settle with some trade-offs, such because the notched show and lack of MagSafe connectors. Nonetheless, the general expertise of the iPhone 16e, which runs on iOS 26Â with most Apple Intelligence options, makes it a dependable handset for tons of lower than the flagship iPhones.
Overview: Apple iPhone 16e
Who it is for: The iPhone 16e is right for buyers who need the quintessential iPhone expertise — FaceTiming in first rate digicam high quality, iMessage texting with the newest chat options, firing up a number of apps in sequence, and so on. — however do not need to spend a grand on a telephone. As ZDNET’s Sabrina Ortiz stated after switching over from an iPhone 16 Professional, “I’m equally impressed as I’m stunned.”
Who ought to look elsewhere: The absence of MagSafe was considered one of our most important critiques when testing the iPhone 16e, so when you’re already accustomed to the favored accent mechanic, you will need to contemplate options that assist the function, just like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15. The premium iPhone fashions additionally supply extra versatile digicam capabilities, together with devoted telephoto and/or ultrawide lenses.
iPhone SE specs: CPU: Apple A18 | Show: 6.1 inches with 60Hz refresh price | Inside storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP large | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Colours: Black, White | Weight: 167g | Beginning worth: $599
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The iPhone Air is arguably Apple’s most revolutionary telephone in years, and it is hopefully the start of a brand new period of ultra-thin handsets.
Why we prefer it:Â The iPhone Air is remarkably skinny and light-weight, with a thickness of simply 5.6mm and a weight of solely 165 grams. For reference, the iPhone 17 Professional weighs 206 grams. Such dimensions make the iPhone Air a burdenless and cozy telephone to handle.
The gadget’s extremely portability will impress anybody who picks one up, however for me, seeing the fluid Liquid Glass animations stream throughout the 6.5-inch OLED display was when actuality actually set in. That is what iOS 26 was meant for.
Whereas the iPhone Air lacks the vapor chamber cooling system of the Professional fashions, it does have the identical A19 Professional chipset for enhanced efficiency and effectivity. I’ve examined the handset for greater than every week now, and it has confirmed dependable at loading lengthy pages of textual content and movies, in addition to with modifying content material.
Overview:Â Apple iPhone Air
Who it is for: I have been asking retailer associates and colleagues this precise query. The consensus is that the iPhone Air is for customers who desire a refreshing iPhone design that does not promote wrist pressure with extended utilization. The iPhone Air does not essentially exchange the iPhone Mini of earlier years, but it surely opens up the potential of extra big-screen iPhones that do not really feel like bricks.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The iPhone Air’s greatest drawbacks are its battery life and lack of supplementary digicam sensors. If you need a tool that can final all day and allow you to seize all kinds of photographs, I might suggest the Professional and even base-model iPhones this yr. Skinny telephone lovers may contemplate the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which lasts longer in our testing and has a equally light-weight design.
iPhone Air specs: Processor: Apple A19 Professional | Show dimension: 6.5 inches with 120Hz refresh price | Storage choices: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 48MP large | Entrance digicam: 18MP | Colours: Gentle Gold, House Black, Sky Blue, Cloud White | Weight: 165g | Beginning Value: $999
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Whereas Apple continues to section its iPhone line with “Professional” and now Air fashions, the common providing, such because the now two-year-old iPhone 16, continues to be a viable possibility for shoppers.
Why we prefer it:Â The iPhone 16 hits a candy spot in Apple’s lineup, providing lots of the options beforehand reserved for Professional fashions — just like the Dynamic Island, Digicam Management, and a glossy, contoured design — at a extra accessible worth. It is powered by the A18 chip, making it quick and succesful for on a regular basis use, from gaming to multitasking.Â
Each the usual and Plus fashions are additionally receptive to Apple’s iOS 26 update, so that you acquire entry to the Liquid Glass redesign, enhanced CarPlay expertise, and extra. Mix that with one of many brighter Tremendous Retina XDR shows we have measured and an improved 48MP most important digicam, and also you get a telephone that seems like a critical improve with out the Professional price ticket.
Overview:Â Apple iPhone 16
Who it is for:Â That is the iPhone for individuals who need trendy options, robust efficiency, and nice cameras with out splurging on a Professional mannequin. It is perfect for on a regular basis customers who care about images, video, and general velocity however do not essentially want a ProMotion show or a telephoto lens.Â
Beginning at $699 or much less when you store round, it is a sensible purchase for most individuals who desire a current-generation iPhone that is constructed to final.
Who ought to look elsewhere:Â Energy customers who need the very best digicam setup, a 120Hz show, or superior modifying instruments should still want the iPhone 16 Professional or iPhone 17 Professional. If funds is your greatest concern, the iPhone 15 or 16e could be a greater match,particularly when you do not thoughts sacrificing some trendy design touches.
iPhone 16 specs: Processor: Apple A18 | Show dimension: 6.1 inches with 60Hz refresh price | Storage choices: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP large and 12MP ultrawide | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Colours: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black | Weight: 170g | Beginning worth: $699Â
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After weighing out the specs and reviewer-tested experiences, the most effective iPhone is presently the iPhone 17 Professional Max. It is received a fantastic AMOLED show and a strong and future-proofed chipset, in addition to a dependable digicam system that covers all of the bases and angles.Â
Naturally, the 17 Professional Max can be Apple’s costliest mannequin, so if pricing is a priority, contemplate cheaper choices just like the iPhone 16e and older fashions.
iPhone fashions in contrast | Base Value | Base Storage | Show | Processor | Cameras (rear) |
iPhone 17 Professional Max | $1,199 | 256GB | 6.9 inches | A19 Professional | Three |
iPhone 17 | $799 | 256GB | 6.3 inches | A19 | Two |
iPhone 16 | $699 | 128GB | 6.1 inches | A18 | Two |
iPhone Air | $999 | 256GB | 6.5 inches | A19 Professional | One |
iPhone 16e | $599 | 128GB | 6.1 inches | A18 | One |
The reply is dependent upon your wants and preferences. For instance, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is ZDNET’s present decide for best phone of 2025, it will not be the most suitable choice for you when you typically depend on companies like iMessage and FaceTime, that are unique to Apple’s working methods.
Beforehand, the hole between iPhones and Android telephones was a lot bigger on account of Apple choosing a Lightning port as an alternative of USB-C, however with the iPhone 15 fashions switching to the extra common port for charging and knowledge switch, it is develop into much less intimidating to change from Android to iPhone, and vice versa.
It was once pretty straightforward to decide on an iPhone mannequin as you sometimes opted for both the “massive” iPhone or the “small” one. With 4 fashions accessible within the iPhone 16 sequence alone, you now need to dig a bit deeper to decide on which is greatest for you. That is very true of the iPhone 16 and 16 Professional, which function practically the identical {hardware}, so take a look at our query above for extra on this resolution.
Dimension is mostly the primary issue to contemplate, adopted by worth. Value limits can even drive the quantity of inside storage you choose in your iPhone.
One implausible side of the iPhone is that each one fashions obtain software program assist for years and years, so it is completely viable to purchase an older mannequin and belief that it’s going to work nicely for you for fairly a while.
Select this iPhone… | If you need… |
Apple iPhone 17 Professional Max | The highest-of-the-line iPhone expertise. Purchase the Professional Max if you’d like the biggest iPhone accessible with none of the compromises discovered on different fashions. This variant, together with the Professional, additionally includes a new vapor chamber cooling system. |
Apple iPhone 17 | A dependable iPhone that now consists of a number of Professional options. For many customers, the usual iPhone 17 needs to be greater than sufficient. |
Apple iPhone 16e | The iPhone 16e is the most affordable mannequin that Apple formally sells. You will need to settle with a smaller, MagSafe-less design, however the efficiency makes up for it. |
Apple iPhone Air | An ultraportable iPhone that does not compromise on show dimension and high quality. You will simply need to settle with a smaller battery and fewer cameras. |
Apple iPhone 16 | An older iPhone that may deal with modern-day duties. The iPhone 16 remains to be a stable smartphone if you’d like the Apple expertise for much less, and it helps USB-C. |
We selected these smartphones by testing them for weeks and months, evaluating them based mostly on real-world purposes like telephone calls, messaging, net looking, and taking method too many footage and movies.
ZDNET’s cellular consultants additionally liaise with business colleagues and analysts who’ve hands-on expertise with the handsets, sifting by means of the iPhone pile for the most effective of the most effective. Here is the breakdown of what elements we search for.
- Show: Presumably essentially the most missed function on a smartphone, the show is what you stare at, scroll at, and work together with day in and time out. Subsequently, when selecting the most effective iPhones — regardless of the funds — ZDNET places an emphasis on gadgets with above-average panels. Ideally, an excellent show covers a large colour gamut, is sturdy, and has a excessive refresh price for the smoothest visuals.
- Efficiency: One among iPhones’ greatest strengths is their in-house silicon, specifically the A-series of Apple chipsets. Due to this mingling of proprietary {hardware} and software program, we have discovered the newest iPhones very able to working the day by day and weekly onslaught of apps and companies.
- Digicam high quality: From group selfies to slow-motion movies, the most effective iPhones function digicam methods which are dependable and versatile to seize any shot you need. Naturally, an ample quantity of storage dimension can be thought-about in the course of the choice course of.
- Battery life: For a way reliant we have develop into on smartphones, the highest picks on this record should not solely in a position to final you from morning to nighttime but additionally assist quick charging when it is time to high up.
- Value: What you will not discover on this record is a tool that is not well worth the cash or is overcharging you for the hardware-software bundle you are getting.
ZDNET’s evaluation crew spends upwards of a yr testing the ins and outs of each main iPhone launch, evaluating the day-to-day efficiency, digicam high quality, battery life and endurance, and extra. Here is a breakdown of each issue we contemplate earlier than we make suggestions:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a telephone seems and feels performs a giant function in lots of customers’ shopping for journeys, so we contemplate these features closely when testing.
- Efficiency: A number of elements have an effect on a telephone’s efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Subsequently, we sometimes start our evaluations with a totally charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as steady of a cellular connection as potential.
- Digicam high quality: ZDNET checks telephone cameras by capturing tons of of pictures and movies of varied topics and in numerous lighting situations. We additionally examine the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging: It is also vital for us to judge how lengthy telephones final below gentle, reasonable, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it (wired, wi-fi, or each).
- Particular options: These options distinguish examined gadgets from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully deliver added worth to customers, not the alternative.
- Pricing and availability: Past funds issues, we additionally notice if a telephone is offered within the US or solely internationally.
For a extra in depth breakdown, take a look at our complete phone testing methodology page.
Newest information on iPhone Â
Apple simply launched the iOS 26 to the general public, which means basic shoppers can now obtain the newest software program model on their iPhones and different Apple gadgets. The brand new iOS introduces key modifications to how apps and interfaces are visualized, as a result of new Liquid Glass design language, in addition to usability enhancements throughout widespread companies like Messages, Cellphone, CarPlay, and Photographs.Â
In fact, you will want to make use of a compatible iPhone model to replace to the newest software program; something from the iPhone 11 and onward ought to qualify.
Additionally:Â Apple iPhone 17 event recap: iPhone Air preorders, Apple Watch 11, AirPods Pro 3, more
The iPhone 17 sequence launched on September 9 in 4 completely different fashions: iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max. The most important new options embody a redesigned digicam module on the Professional fashions, a 120Hz ProMotion show on the common iPhone 17 mannequin, and an ultra-thin design within the iPhone Air.
Apple additionally introduced new Apple Watches and AirPods alongside the iPhones.
There are a number of methods you possibly can preserve your iPhone clear and pristine.
- A method is by equipping a protecting case and/or display protector. The best iPhone cases supply dependable drop and scratch safety, will not bulk up the telephone, and should function some additional utility like a kickstand or MagSafe ring. As for display protectors, tempered glass choices are your greatest guess to maintain the show beneath freed from scratches and cracks. They’re comparatively inexpensive, too, typically coming in multipacks for lower than $10.
- Battery administration is one other key side of iPhone upkeep. To maintain your gadget working for so long as potential, contemplate charging it between 20% to 80% battery. Overcharging the gadget would in any other case put on down the battery and scale back the well being worth (present in Settings). When your iPhone battery well being is low (something lower than 75% sometimes is), it might be useful to get it changed at an Apple retailer or by an Apple-authorized technician.
- As disturbing as it could be to clear up area to obtain that software program replace, you completely ought to. Apart from fixing any bugs in your iPhone, software program updates additionally deliver with them safety patches to scale back the possibilities of your telephone getting hacked.
iPhone FAQs
The newest model of iPhone software program is iOS 26, and it will likely be supported by the newest fashions, together with the iPhone 17 sequence, iPhone 16 sequence, iPhone 15 sequence, and iPhone 14 sequence. Apple has confirmed that the now seven-year-old iPhone XS and XR fashions won’t be eligible for the replace, as the corporate sometimes cuts off assist after that point span.
The latest iPhone is the iPhone 17 sequence, which incorporates the bottom mannequin, Professional, and Professional Max. There’s additionally an iPhone Air mannequin that was launched in tandem with the 17 sequence, that includes a skinny and light-weight design and a single digicam.
You should purchase the iPhone 17 if…
- You need the most effective digicam system on an iPhone
- You need the improved warmth administration system for higher efficiency and battery
- You are involved in an ultra-slim iPhone that is lighter than regular handsets
You should purchase the iPhone 16 if…
- There’s an ideal deal on the older handset at your provider or native retailer
Between the 2 newest generations of iPhones, listed here are the important thing causes to purchase one over the opposite:
You should purchase the iPhone 16 if…
- You need an iPhone that can final you for greater than a day; the iPhone 16 Professional Max is nice for this
- You need entry to the newest Apple Intelligence (AI) options and haven’t got a 15 Professional mannequin
You should purchase the iPhone 15 if…
- You’ll find an excellent deal on a used, second-hand mannequin
One of many greatest upgrades when Apple launched the iPhone 15 sequence was the USB-C port, a sooner, extra highly effective, and extra common charging customary than the Lightning port on earlier fashions. There’s actually no argument for the Lightning port except you continue to personal legacy Apple equipment, just like the AirPods, and would a lot reasonably follow the one charging customary.Â
Additionally:Â Best USB-C chargers and accessories: Expert tested
In any other case, even when you personal an iPad or MacBook, or nearly some other non-Apple gadget, USB-C is extra extensively used and really the one-size-fits-all possibility for charging and transferring knowledge.
Apple’s present and upcoming AI options, branded as “Apple Intelligence,” can be found on iPhones with a minimum of an A17 Professional processor. Which means the iPhone 17, 16, and 15 Professional sequence will assist the AI instruments.
It wasn’t till 2021 that Apple started promoting each its non-Professional and Professional iPhones with a base storage of 128GB. The one exception right here is the iPhone SE mannequin. Whereas not as flashy of an improve as bigger digicam sensors and 120Hz shows, this double-up of storage meant that buyers had more room than ever to retailer apps, pictures, movies, and extra.
Maurice Klaehne, senior market analysis analyst at Counterpoint Analysis, means that greater storage choices are typically higher as they are going to assist with the longevity of the gadget, and his agency has typically seen an uptick in postpaid clients choosing greater storage sizes after they can afford them. “At the moment, the 256GB possibility is adequate for most individuals,” Klaehne provides.
Buying and selling in an previous iPhone is without doubt one of the best and most secure methods to exchange an in any other case undesirable gadget with a brand new, extra succesful one. Most retailers, together with Apple, settle for trade-ins of older iPhone fashions, with retailer credit score starting from as little as $50 to $800. All of it is dependent upon which era your iPhone is, the situation, and whether or not it is operable.
Whereas an iPhone case shouldn’t be a necessity, however having one on vastly reduces the possibilities of put on and tear. For instance, the best cases are military-grade licensed, which means they’re going to preserve your iPhone shielded from waist-high drops. Not solely do instances scale back the possibilities of your telephone getting cracked or scratched, however the plastic/rubberized materials typically offers extra grip than when you maintain your iPhone bare.
On the time of writing, the iPhone 17 is the most effective telephone for a guardian. It does not have all of the bells and whistles of its Professional siblings, however the iPhone 17 mannequin can have all of the important options in 2025, from eSIM assist to a dependable battery and charging expertise to a show massive sufficient for any type of content material consumption.
From our testing, the cameras on the iPhone 17 are dependable sufficient for clear video calls, the occasional out of doors picture, and capturing photos of youngsters and pets.
Embedded Subscriber Identification Module, or eSIM briefly, is the digital model of the traditional SIM card. Which means your eSIM carries your telephone quantity, cellular knowledge plan, and phone provider information, identical to a daily SIM card. The most important distinction between eSIM and SIM is that the previous doesn’t must be bodily put in onto your telephone. Because of this the iPhone 14, 15, 16, and 17 traces not have a devoted slot for it. As a substitute, you will need to switch the data wirelessly by way of Apple’s file switch service, or with the assistance of your native provider representatives.
Additionally: eSIM vs. SIM: What’s the difference?
There may be one downside that ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner sees with Apple forcing eSIM adoption on U.S. shoppers. “There are a selection of excellent the reason why some folks will nonetheless want or want a telephone with a bodily SIM card. The highest motive is privateness. That is very true for some journalists and populations susceptible to persecution world wide. Eradicating the bodily SIM card possibility reduces privateness for hundreds of thousands of individuals, particularly a few of the most weak,” stated Hiner.
Notice that when you purchase an iPhone 14, 15, 16, or 17 anyplace outdoors of the U.S., the gadget will include a daily SIM card slot.
All fashions inside the iPhone 17, 16, 15, 14, and 13 line, in addition to choose iPhone 12 fashions, assist 5G wireless technology. Even the brand new iPhone 16e helps Sub-6, low-band 5G networks.
The fifth-generation cellular community continues to roll out throughout the U.S., and whereas it’s debatable if there are advantages to the speeds of the community, in my expertise, the broad protection of low-band 5G has solved my connectivity points in spotty protection areas with previous iPhone fashions.
Much more importantly, the 5G iPhone fashions have Qualcomm chipsets inside which are proving to supply higher RF reception than we noticed in previous iPhones that had Intel chipsets.
All the iPhone fashions on this record assist Qi wi-fi charging know-how, which is turning into an anticipated function for contemporary smartphones from all producers.
In the meantime, Apple’s proprietary MagSafe know-how is just supported by the iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone 12 fashions. Notably, the newest iPhone 16e doesn’t assist MagSafe.
Additionally: Best MagSafe accessories for your iPhone
MagSafe offers a safe magnetic connection system in an effort to connect with wi-fi chargers with good positioning and alignment. MagSafe may also be used with different equipment, akin to wallets and kickstands.
Whereas the additional safety when your iPhone is docked to a wi-fi charger could be a good bonus, it isn’t very important and doubtless should not be a serious determiner in your selection. Apple’s first-party wallets and battery packs that use MagSafe have additionally obtained considerably blended critiques, making them a tough promote for all besides essentially the most die-hard Apple lovers.
Whereas this quantity varies vastly relying on the way you deal with a smartphone — maybe you are a development employee whose telephone shall be put by means of the harshest climates or you may have children who could drop the telephone ever so typically — the iPhone will sometimes run effectively for 3 to 4 years.
Then, you will doubtless expertise extra frequent app crashes, lag, storage issues, and extra. These are widespread points that any piece of know-how will inhibit, not simply the iPhone, after years of fixed utilization.
If you would like to extend that point, I might suggest visiting your native Apple retailer to have the telephone’s battery changed each three to 4 years and likewise contemplate backing up information to an external hard drive for safekeeping. As a final resort, a factory reset, adopted by knowledge restoration, ought to give your telephone a brand-new really feel.
Newest updates
- In our September replace, we changed the iPhone 16 sequence with the iPhone 17 lineup for our greatest picks together with the addition of the iPhone 17 Professional Max for greatest iPhone general and the iPhone Air for greatest ultraportable iPhone. The FAQs have been adjusted accordingly.
- In our July replace, we added data concerning the general public beta launch of iOS 26 and up to date information reviews surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 sequence. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has additionally been added as a substitute decide.
- In our June replace, we up to date the software program recommendation sections to incorporate iOS 26, which is being launched to pick iPhone fashions.
- In our newest April replace, we examined the iPhone 16e and added it as our advice for greatest low-cost iPhone, changing the iPhone SE (2022).
- In our January replace, we added the newest data on the iPhone 16 lineup and Apple Intelligence based mostly on 4 months of in depth testing.
Different telephone fashions we examined
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For an older iPhone with 90% of the 17 Professional Max’s options, contemplate the 16 Professional Max from 2024. You possibly can nonetheless snag one at most retailers – and for lower than the most recent mannequin.
By choosing the iPhone 16 Professional Max as an alternative of the 17 sequence, you may have extra to realize than to lose. For instance, the gadget has a similar-sized OLED show that will get lots shiny when outside. There’s additionally a triple digicam system that, from our long-term testing, competes nicely with the 17 Professional Max.Â
Maybe most significantly, the iPhone 16 Professional sequence, whether or not you go for the Max variant or not, helps the newest iOS 26 replace and Apple Intelligence options.
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Should you’re budget-shopping, the Google Pixel 9a is inside the $500 worth vary and among the best midrange telephones in the marketplace. Having examined it and the iPhone 16e, I might even go so far as to say that it is the better-value handset. I like to recommend it with confidence to each iOS and Android customers.
Overview: Google Pixel 9a
What makes the Pixel 9a stand out? It is pretty snug to make use of with a 6.1-inch display. As well as, the 5,100mAh battery dimension is definitely the biggest of any Google Pixel mannequin, and the software program expertise is among the many smoothest and most user-friendly within the Android area.
The gadget will not really feel like 1,000,000 {dollars}, however its well-roundedness makes it such an ideal purchase, particularly in at present’s financial panorama.
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It has been lengthy rumored that Apple will launch a foldable iPhone, and the newest reviews level to an end-of-2026 launch date. If you cannot wait to expertise a contemporary handset that flips and folds, contemplate the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. It is such a sophisticated foldable telephone that you just may even contemplate sticking with Samsung and Android in the long run.
Overview:Â Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
At $1,099, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 options an expansive 4.1-inch exterior show that is nice for one-handed looking and app utilization. It has a 6.9-inch inside show when unfolded. Notably, each screens refresh at 120Hz, so that they really feel as easy to work together with as they’re to take a look at.
The massive improve with this yr’s foldable mannequin is its thinner but extra sturdy type issue, making the Galaxy Z Flip 7 extra moveable than ever. You actually have to carry it to know its magnificence, so I extremely suggest visiting your native provider or retailer when you’re even barely .
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For extra on getting essentially the most out of your iPhone, take a look at how to clear your iPhone cache, how to download the iOS 26 public beta, and how to block cookie pop-ups online.
