Imagine having an AI assistant on your phone that can analyze documents, write emails, and even generate creative content. That future is closer than you think with Apple Intelligence, and the newest iPhones are leading the way.
While the latest iPhone 16 models offer cutting-edge technology, older models like the iPhone 15 remain excellent. They provide a similar experience at a lower cost; some even come in unique colors that are no longer available on newer models.
Ready to explore the world of iPhones? We've got you covered. Our top pick for most people is the iPhone 16, but we'll help you find the perfect fit, whether you're looking for the best value, the most advanced features, or even considering switching to Android.
Here’s our list of the best iPhones of 2025.
The best iPhone for most people
iPhone 16
- Fun, refreshing new design
- Stunning colors this year
- Camera Control is so, so good
- The Action button rules
- Excellent camera system
- Reliable battery life
- 60Hz display, no always-on display
- Slow charging speeds
- Apple Intelligence not yet available
| Specification: | |
| Price | Starts at $799 |
| Processor | Apple A18 |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery Life | Around 22 Hours |
| Colors Available | Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black |
Why you should buy this: It's truly the best iPhone for most folks. Plus, it comes in some truly incredible colors.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants a new iPhone, but doesn't necessarily need all the camera tricks the iPhone 16 Pro series offers.
Apple has outdone itself with the iPhone 16. It would be easy to dismiss the base model as the "budget" option overshadowed by its more expensive and feature-rich Pro siblings. However, the iPhone 16 breaks the mold, delivering a delightful and surprisingly complete smartphone experience that punches well above its weight class.
In 2024, the gap between the standard and Pro models felt significantly narrower. The iPhone 16 boasts a refreshed design that's both modern and comfortable to hold. Performance is incredibly smooth thanks to the powerful A18 chip, which easily handles demanding apps and games. While lacking the telephoto lens of the Pro models, the camera system still captures stunning photos and videos thanks to improved lowlight capabilities and impressive image stabilization.
However, what truly sets the iPhone 16 apart are the thoughtful additions that elevate the user experience. The Action button, customizable for various tasks and shortcuts, adds a new layer of convenience and personalization. Camera Control offers quick access to camera settings, making it easier to capture the perfect shot. And with the latest iOS software, the iPhone 16 enjoys a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Of course, every phone is flawed. The iPhone 16 does have a 60Hz display, missing out on the smoother 120Hz ProMotion technology found in the Pro models. It also lacks an always-on display. However, these are minor compromises in the grand scheme of things, especially considering the significant price difference compared to the iPhone 16 Pro models.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 is a testament to Apple's ability to deliver exceptional value without sacrificing the core elements that make iPhones so appealing. It's a phone that excels in everyday use, offering a fantastic blend of design, performance, features, and user experience. For most users, the iPhone 16 is not just a good choice; it's arguably the best iPhone currently available.
The best small flagship iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro
- Camera Control is a lovely addition
- Great display and performance
- 5x telephoto camera on a small iPhone
- The new Photographic Styles
- 4K 120fps video recording
- Disappointing battery life
- Apple Intelligence not yet available
- The regular iPhone 16 is SO good
| Specification: | |
| Price | Starts at $999. |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB |
| Battery Life | Around 22 Hours |
| Colors Available | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium |
Why you should buy this: It has everything you could want in an iPhone, just in a smaller package.
Who it's for: You're the type of person that wants the best phone Apple makes, with all the frills, but with a smaller display than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone Pro has always been an easy sell. For those seeking the best iPhone experience and willing to pay a premium, the Pro models have consistently delivered with their cutting-edge features and top-tier performance. But with the 2024 models, the decision was more nuanced. Apple has raised the bar with the iPhone 16, making it the most compelling non-Pro iPhone in years. This presents a challenge for the iPhone 16 Pro, forcing it to justify its higher price tag against a surprisingly capable sibling.
Don't get us wrong, the iPhone 16 Pro is a fantastic phone. It's beautifully crafted, incredibly powerful, and boasts a camera system that captures stunning photos and videos. But the iPhone 16 has narrowed the gap significantly. Both phones share key features like the Action button, Camera Control, and the latest iOS 18 software. Performance is nearly identical thanks to the A18 Pro chip, and in some cases, the iPhone 16 even surpasses the Pro in battery life. The iPhone 16 also has a lighter and more comfortable design, with a wider array of color options.
So, where does the iPhone 16 Pro truly shine? It comes down to two key areas: the display and the camera. The Pro's 120Hz ProMotion display offers a buttery-smooth experience that's noticeable in everyday use, from scrolling through webpages to playing graphics-intensive games. And for photography enthusiasts, the Pro's telephoto lens and advanced camera features provide greater versatility and creative control.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities and budget. If you value the smoothest display and the most advanced camera system, the iPhone 16 Pro remains a worthy investment. But for most users, the iPhone 16 delivers an exceptional experience at a more affordable price. It's the phone this writer chose for themself, and it's the one we believe will satisfy the needs of most iPhone buyers.
The best big iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Beautiful display
- Powerful performance
- Camera Control is a nice addition
- Great battery life
- Improved ultrawide camera
- Varied ecosystem, reliable software
- Apple Intelligence lacks compelling reason to use
- Dull color options
- Too large for some
| Specification: | |
| Price | Starts at $1,199 |
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB |
| Battery Life | Around 33 hours |
| Colors Available | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium |
Why you should buy this: When money is no object and you want the biggest and most powerful iPhone today, this is the one to purchase.
Who it's for: Apple's latest iPhone Pro Max is the best iPhone ever created, in terms of features and materials. If that's what you want, this is your phone.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a compelling device. If you value a larger screen and prioritize camera quality, the Pro Max delivers with its superior telephoto and upgraded 48MP ultrawide lenses. This is especially true if you're using an older iPhone and are looking for a significant leap in camera technology. However, iPhone 15 Pro Max users may want to hold off, as the iOS updates rolling out Apple Intelligence features are also coming to that phone.
The impressive feature set of the base iPhone 16 models makes the upgrade decision even more complex. Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus boast notable additions like the Action button, Camera Control, an improved ultrawide lens, new Photographic Styles, the powerful A18 chip, extended battery life, and a more diverse color palette. This makes the standard iPhone 16 a compelling option for those seeking a balance of features and affordability.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 Pro Max caters to users with specific needs. Its key advantages lie in the telephoto lens, the always-on display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and advanced photography and videography features. If these are essential to your workflow or lifestyle, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will undoubtedly meet your expectations. However, if your priorities differ, exploring the iPhone 16 or waiting for Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro Max might be equally viable options.
The best big iPhone runner-up
iPhone 16 Plus
- Fantastic hardware and colors
- Big, bright screen
- Fast, reliable, and feature-packed software
- Fun camera and Camera Control
- Long battery life
- Only a 60Hz refresh rate
- No always-on screen
| Specification: | |
| Price | Starts at $899 |
| Processor | Apple A18 |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery Life | Around 27 hours |
| Colors Available | Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black |
Why you should buy this: It has everything the highly rated iPhone 16 has, but with a larger display.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants our favorite iPhone of the year, but wants it with a larger display.
The iPhone 16 Plus presents a curious dilemma. While it is undeniably an excellent phone, its place in the iPhone lineup feels unclear. An iPhone 16 with a larger display needs help distinguishing itself and definitively justifying its higher price tag.
The core issue lies in the compromises it entails. Its size and weight might be cumbersome for some, while the 60Hz display feels outdated in 2025, especially when competitors offer higher refresh rates for smoother visuals. Furthermore, the anticipated battery life gains over the standard iPhone 16 seem negligible. This begs the question: Why not opt for the more affordable iPhone 16, which offers a nearly identical experience in a more manageable form factor?
Conversely, those seeking a premium large-screen experience might find the iPhone 16 Pro Max more compelling. It boasts an even larger display with ProMotion technology and a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as other advantages like a telephoto lens and enhanced camera capabilities.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 Plus occupies a precarious middle ground. It excels in providing a big-screen experience without the "Pro" price, but lacks a standout feature to solidify its appeal. Unless a more prominent display is your priority, the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Max offer more compelling value propositions. The iPhone 16 Plus, while a capable device, risks being overshadowed by its siblings due to its lack of a defining characteristic.
The best budget iPhone
iPhone 16e
- Excellent size for one hand use
- Single camera is surprisingly good
- 2x telephoto is detailed and sharp
- Vivid Super Retina display
- Phenomenal battery life
- Camera lacks details when zooming
- Inconsistency in camera at different focal lengths
- Display is only 60Hz
- Apple Intelligence is not essential
- Lacks MagSafe
| Specification: | |
| Price | Starts at $599 |
| Processor | Apple A18 |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB |
| Battery Life | Around 21.5 hours |
| Colors Available | Black and White |
Why you should buy this: It delivers a core iPhone experience at a lower price while excelling in battery life.
Who it's for: First-time iPhone buyers or anyone who wants a long-lasting, no-frills smartphone that covers all the essentials without the flagship cost.
The iPhone 16e is Apple's new "essentials-only" iPhone designed to attract new users with just the basics done right. It shares the same modern design as other phones in the iPhone 16 line but shares its 6.1‑inch Super Retina OLED display with the iPhone 14. Reusing an older display is just one of the things that allows it to hit a more accessible price tag—about $200 cheaper than the regular model. To lower costs, Apple has trimmed some of the extras. Instead of a dual-camera setup, the 16e features a single 48MP rear camera that performs impressively well up to a 2× digital zoom. However, it doesn't match the versatility of a multi‑lens system.
While the display remains vibrant, it remains limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, and you won't find features like Dynamic Island or MagSafe wireless charging. However, the standout feature is its battery life. Thanks to a larger battery and Apple's first modem, with modest use the 16e can power through a full day—and then some—on a single charge, outperforming even some of the higher‑end models.
The best value iPhone
iPhone 15
- Big camera upgrade
- USB-C
- Matte glass feels incredible
- Dynamic Island
- Curved edges are more comfortable
- Reverse wired charging
- 60Hz refresh rate display
- Most color options are too light
- Can get warm when running intensive apps
- Won't get Apple Intelligence in iOS 18
| Specification: | |
| Price | Starts at $699 |
| Processor | Apple A16 |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB |
| Battery Life | Around 20 hours |
| Colors Available | Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink |
Why you should buy this It gives you the most important iPhone features for the money, including Dynamic Island and a 48MP camera.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants the latest iPhone feel without paying Pro prices, especially upgraders or first-time buyers.
The iPhone 15 is Apple’s best bang-for-your-buck option, with the same sleek look as the Pro models but at a more wallet-friendly price. It comes with a bright 6.1‑inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and brings over Dynamic Island, which means you can manage music, calls, and alerts in real time, something that used to be Pro-only.
It’s powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which keeps everything fast and smooth while helping battery life last all day. You also get a major camera upgrade with a 48MP main sensor that takes crisp photos and adds a handy 2× zoom without needing an extra lens.
While it doesn’t have a high refresh rate or Always-On Display, it does support MagSafe and makes the jump to USB-C. or the price, it’s the most complete iPhone experience you can get.
What to consider when buying an iPhone
Choosing the right iPhone involves balancing your needs with the strengths of each model. Here are some of the key factors to weigh before you buy:
Performance and Longevity
Apple's iPhones are known for their fast performance and long life span. All the models in 2025—from the flagship iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max to the affordable iPhone 16e run iOS smoothly thanks to Apple's powerful chips. Even older models like the iPhone 14 or the SE (2022) still hold up well for everyday tasks. Apple's consistent software updates mean iPhones remain reliable and secure for many years after purchase. However, If you plan to keep your phone for a long time or use demanding apps, prioritize a model with a newer processor for better future-proofing.
Camera Quality
For many buyers, the camera is a top priority. Apple equips its phones with some of the best cameras in the industry, but there are differences across models. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature a triple-lens system that excels in various conditions, from low-light indoor shots to 5× optical zoom for distant subjects. They also support advanced features like Night mode, Portrait Lighting, and high-resolution video recording.
The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus still take excellent photos with their dual cameras, though they lack some of the advanced features of the Pro models. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14, iPhone SE (2022), and iPhone 16e offer capable cameras for casual snapshots. Consider how much photography matters to you. If you're an avid photographer or content creator, a pro model might be worth the extra investment.
Display and Size
Apple offers iPhones in various screen sizes and display technologies. If you prefer a compact phone that's easy to use one-handed, the iPhone SE (2022) with its smaller display might be ideal. The standard models, like the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro (and the new budget model, the iPhone 16e), have a 6.1-inch OLED screen that balances size and comfort. For those who enjoy watching videos or gaming, the larger iPhone 16 Plus and 16 Pro Max offer a larger display and longer battery life. Consider both the physical size and the quality of the display—features like higher resolution, better color accuracy, and smoother scrolling (thanks to higher refresh rates) can enhance your overall experience.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor if you're frequently on the go. In general, larger iPhones have bigger batteries and last longer on a single charge. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and 16 Plus offer extended battery life, easily handling a full day (or more) of use. However, the disparity in batteries between larger and smaller models isn't what it used to be. The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Pro will also comfortably get you through busy days with moderate use.
However, there is one iPhone that breaks the mold when it comes to battery life. Apple's latest budget model, the iPhone 16e, is engineered to deliver exceptional endurance in a smaller package. Consider how often you can recharge your phone and whether you require fast charging or wireless options.
Ecosystem and Software
One big reason to choose an iPhone is the seamless integration within Apple's ecosystem. All current iPhones run the latest version of iOS, which means you'll have access to the same App Store, robust security updates, and features like iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime across your devices. The integration is second to none if you already use other Apple products like a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch. Even if you're not deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem, the ease of use and consistent software experience make any modern iPhone a great choice.
How we tested
To identify the best iPhones of 2025, our reviewers at Digital Trends conducted extensive hands-on testing. We didn't rely solely on specifications or marketing claims—instead, we used each phone as our daily driver for days and even weeks at a time. Our process involved making calls, sending messages, streaming videos, browsing the web, and using various apps to push each device to its limits. We also rigorously tested the cameras in multiple conditions, measured battery performance throughout the day, and evaluated each phone's overall design and user experience. Our selections were based on real-world usage and data, ensuring our recommendations reflect actual performance and value.
Why trust us
Digital Trends has been a leading authority in tech reviews since 2006. Our mobile experts have decades of combined experience evaluating everything from the original iPhone to today's most advanced models. Every recommendation in this article is backed by hands-on testing. We strive to offer unbiased advice—our reviews are independent and focused solely on helping you make an informed decision. You can trust that when we say an iPhone is one of the best of 2025 because it has met rigorous standards in performance, camera quality, battery life, display excellence, and overall usability. We aim to provide easy-to-follow information that helps you choose the perfect iPhone for your needs.
