Best iPhone in 2024: Which Apple Phone Should You Buy?
Whether you're looking to buy an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro or snag last year's iPhone 15 at a discount, we tested every iPhone Apple sells and assembled this list to help you find the best iPhone for your needs.
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What to consider
iOS or Android?
Size
Cameras
Software support
Our Picks
What to consider
iOS or Android?
Size
Cameras
Software support
The iPhone 16 series brings new processors, upgraded cameras, bigger batteries, larger screens on Pro models and a phone built for Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 16 feels like it finally caught up a bit to its Pro model siblings with a new A18 chip, upgraded ultrawide camera and the same Camera Control button. It also has an Action button that can be used to silence the phone, turn the flashlight on and off, open the camera or run a shortcut like placing a coffee order at Dunkin'.
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max get larger screens (6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively) and a new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, and both models now have the same 5x telephoto camera. If you're upgrading from an iPhone that's several years old, any of the new models will feel like a leap forward. But Apple still sells older models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 at a lower price than when they first launched. There's also the smaller, "classic" style iPhone SE (2022) which is not only the most affordable iPhone, but the last one Apple sells with a home button.
All these different options can make it a challenge to know which iPhone is the best one for you. CNET editors tested and reviewed all of the iPhone models Apple currently sells to help you make your decision.
What's the best iPhone right now?
The best iPhone for most people is the $799 iPhone 16. It comes in two sizes: a 6.1-inch regular iPhone 16 model or a larger 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus model that starts at $899. The phones have a new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera that performs better in low light and can now take macro photos, meaning you'll be able to focus close to take amazing food snaps.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have several Apple Intelligence tools for writing, removing distractions from photos and doing summaries of messages and webpages. The phones also have an Action button that can be programed for different functions like turning on the flashlight, recording a voice memo, changing the focus mode and more. There's also a new Camera Control button that not only lets you take photos and quickly change things like zoom, Portrait mode aperture and Photographic Styles, but can also trigger a new feature called Visual Intelligence, which will add context to whatever the camera is pointed at, a bit like Google Lens. Visual Intelligence isn't on the iPhone 16 at this time and will come via a software update in December. We think the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are ideal for most people looking for a great phone that will last for years.
Best iPhones of 2024
With its handy new photography features, convenient Action button and elegant build, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are top-notch choices for Apple fans in search of a new phone. Parts of the iPhone 16’s key feature, Apple Intelligence, are now out, and the fact that these phones will support it means they’ll likely feel future-proofed for years to come. For those who don’t need the Pro’s extra photography prowess and battery life, the iPhone 16 won’t disappoint. Aside from screen size (6.1 inches on the regular, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery size and price, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are identical in every way.
The iPhone 16 isn’t perfect -- it’s missing an always-on display, and it feels like it’s been ages since Apple improved its wired charging speeds. But it checks all the important boxes and then some.
Best premium iPhone
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have everything we've come to expect in a year-over-year upgrade. The 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max have a slew of upgrades including good battery life, larger displays, outstanding photo and video chops, high-resolution slo-mo, a new Camera Control button, iOS 18 goodies and a handful of Apple Intelligence tools. The negatives are as thin as the borders around the new screens: You only get 128GB of storage for $1,000; there are only drab color options, and a the new camera button is easy to tap accidentally.
This year the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the exact same cameras -- unlike the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, which had different telephoto options. Screen size, battery life and price should be the deciding factors when you're choosing between the two. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are excellent phones worthy of a spot in your pocket -- if you can afford them.
Best iPhone value
iPhone 14
At $599, the iPhone 14 is a great buy and solid upgrade, especially if you're using an 11 or older. There are two models the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus that normally starts at $699. Both phones are identical and really the deciding factor comes down to screen and battery size as well as price. The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus have a long battery life, fast performance, great durability and wonderful cameras as well as safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite.
Both phones came out in September 2022 originally but are still solid options today. In terms of drawbacks, neither phone has a high refresh rate screen, and always-on display or the newer Action button found on the 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series. But at hundreds of dollars less, we think that the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus have the best value to the dollar that Apple currently sells.
Best iPhone under $700
iPhone 15
With the launch of the iPhone 16, the regular iPhone 15 is being sold at a discount -- $100 off. That means that the iPhone 15 now starts at $699. And you might be able to find steeper discounts throughout the coming weeks and months. With the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for more convenient charging and a high resolution camera and a sharper digital zoom, the iPhone 15 is a significant upgrade for those with older iPhones.
The iPhone 15 is available in two size options: the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. They run on the same chip as iPhone 14 Pro, the A16 Bionic, which should bring notable performance upgrades to those with an iPhone that's several years old. These phones also have Apple's second-generation ultra wideband chip, enabling a new feature that makes it easier to find friends or family members in a crowd.
Best iPhone discounted if you can find it
iPhone 13
Apple discontinued the iPhone 13 but if you can find it on sale or clearance, it is still a good phone. The iPhone 13 came out in September 2021 and its best feature is a larger battery that, in our tests, lasted 4.5 hours more on a single charge than the iPhone 12, and nearly 3 hours longer than the new iPhone 14. The 13 also has Cinematic mode, which is basically a video version of Portrait mode, supports iOS 18. The iPhone 13 earned a 2021 CNET Editors' Choice Award. Just remember the iPhone 13 lacks satellite connectivity for contacting emergency services without a cell service and car crash detection, both of which are available on the iPhone 14, 15 and 16series. Such features may be important to consider if you're purchasing a phone for your child. Read our Apple iPhone 13 review.
Best small iPhone
iPhone SE
You might think the only appeal of the $429 iPhone SE (2022) is its price. And admittedly that's a big factor. But now that iPhone has stopped selling the iPhone 13 Mini, it's also a solid option for those who prefer smaller phones. On the outside, the iPhone SE has the same body as the iPhone 8, which makes it the only iPhone on this list that still has Touch ID. On the inside, the SE has the same A15 processor as the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 14 and 14 Plus which takes the 2017 camera hardware and gives it an injection of Apple's computational photography magic.
The SE represents the classic iPhone design but with the added ability to run the latest version of iOS and apps. One of the quieter updates in 2022 was that the SE's back was upgraded to the back glass used on the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini. It's also your most affordable way into all of Apple services like FaceTime, iMessage and iCloud. Read our Apple iPhone SE (2022) review.
Other iPhones we tested
While Apple doesn't sell the iPhone 15 Pro, you can still find it at carriers and third-party retailers. The 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch adaptive-refresh rate screen that adjusts between 1-120Hz depending on what's on the screen. It has excellent cameras, a fast processor, an always-on display, supports iOS 18 and safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite. Driving all these upgrades is Apple's A17 Pro chip which in use feels peppy.
The iPhone 15 Pro is still an excellent phone in 2024. Check out our iPhone 15 Pro review.
How we test iPhone models
We test every iPhone in real-world scenarios focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new iOS updates or to compare against new phones from competitors like Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
Photography
Photography is a major focus for the iPhone, so we take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. We try out any new camera modes, such as 4K 120fps slow-mo video that debuted with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.
Battery life
Battery testing is conducted in a variety of ways. We assess how long the iPhone lasts during a typical day of use, and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We also conduct a video playback test, which isn't always included in the initial review and added later in an update.
Performance measuring
We use benchmarking apps to measure the performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Of particular note are how graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Or do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.
We perform processor-heavy tasks like editing photos and videos, exporting videos and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of the iPhone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from older models. Some of these tests are added later in updates after the initial review is published.
Read more: How CNET Tests Phones
Factors to consider when buying a new iPhone
Hold the iPhone first: You may love or hate the way it looks and feels in person.
Don't discount the last year's model: Apple has a history of keeping recent iPhone models from previous years around at a lower price. You can get a great phone that does almost everything that a new iPhone 16 can do for a fraction of the price. The iPhone 15 packs a great camera and a big battery, but comes at a more reasonable price.
Buy an iPhone case and screen protector: You'll protect your iPhone from costly damage, and will increase the phone's resale or trade-in value for when you're ready to move on.
Know what you care about most: Is it screen size? Camera quality? Battery life? Phones like the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, for example, pack incredible cameras that almost rival the quality you'd get from a DSLR. If you're a photographer, then spending money here is a good idea.
Seek out holiday discounts: Look for deep discounts and promo deals around major holidays, especially Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday. And find out what your grace period is in case you need a quick return or exchange.
Key terms
eSIM
An eSIM takes all of the important information about your phone account -- including its number, wireless carrier and subscription -- and stores it in software instead of on a physical SIM card.
With the iPhone 14, 15 and 16 series Apple removed the physical SIM card tray and embraced embedded SIM cards in the US. This means you can't just pluck your SIM card out of your current phone and put it into a new one. But this shouldn't affect your experience since all the major US carriers and a number of smaller operators work with eSIM.
Apple has long supported eSIM, dating back to 2018's iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. When setting up a new iPhone 14, 15 or 16, tthe device will guide you through transferring your current provider over to the new phone. A list of supported wireless networks can be found on Apple's website.
iOS 18
Apple's iOS 18 is the latest iPhone software version. It's on the iPhone 16 by default and is also available as an update for the iPhone XR and later. iOS 18 includes new features such as being able to move apps anywhere on your home screen, change an app icon's color and a size, add buttons to Control Center, use emoji and live photo stickers as Tapbacks in Messages, support for RCS in messages and eventually Apple Intelligence on some models.