Best iPhone in 2025: Which iPhone Should You Buy?

Are you planning to buy a new iPhone but can’t decide which one? With the new series launched every year with epic upgrades, you’re probably overwhelmed with all the options available. From the advanced iPhone 17 Pro Max with dual Fusion camera to the super-thin Air model, Apple has an iPhone for every type of user.

The goal here? To cut through the hype and help you snag the perfect iPhone for your lifestyle. In this article, I’ll break down the best iPhone to buy in 2025 for different needs so you can make an informed decision.

What is the Best iPhone in 2025? 

The best iPhone depends on what you prioritize, whether it’s performance, affordability, camera quality, or ease of use. Based on our rigorous testing, here’s a quick list of top picks for 2025: 

• Best overall: iPhone 17 Pro Max 
• Best for most people: iPhone 17 
• Best budget-friendly: iPhone 16e 
• Best for beginners: iPhone 16 
• Newest Trendsetter: iPhone Air 

Let’s examine each iPhone model’s features so you can match them to your requirements. We will also share our verdict at the end; therefore, keep reading! 

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Best Overall: iPhone 17 Pro Max

Key specs 

• Display: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On display. 
• Processor: A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM. 
• Cameras: Triple 48MP setup (main, ultra-wide, telephoto with 8x optical zoom), plus 18MP Center Stage front cam.  
• Battery: Largest battery in lineup; longest video playback (~39 hours) 
• Storage & Price: Starts at 256GB for $1,199; up to 2TB. 
• Colors: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, Silver 
• Other Goodies: Vapor chamber cooling, USB-C 3.0 speeds, and faster charging. 

If you want everything: top-tier performance, pro-level photography and video, long battery life, and a big immersive display, then the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the full package. The A19 Pro chip, paired with vapor chamber cooling, means no overheating while gaming, video editing, or long camera sessions.

Battery life with faster 25W MagSafe charging is excellent, making it a solid pick for travelers, content creators, or power users. In everyday use, the iPhone 17 Pro Max handles multitasking, gaming, and AI-powered iOS 26 features with ease. I liked its new unibody Aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield glass in both front and back, as it’s better at heat dissipation and 3x scratch-resistance.

The camera system is where it really shines, especially in low-light night scenes, close-up macro shots, 4K Dolby Vision video, or the new Dual Capture. Moreover, with the new 18MP Center Stage front camera, you can click landscape selfies without rotating your phone.

If you are always on the go, the 3000-nit peak brightness outdoors with anti-reflective coating will surely help you. The standout feature is Apple’s new N1 chip and C1X modem, which offers enhanced 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Threads connectivity. Paired with the right accessories, it’s a powerhouse.  

On the flip side, the large size can make it less pocket-friendly, and it’s pricey. So, it’s definitely not ideal if you prefer a compact phone or don’t need all that camera power. But if you want the best iPhone money can buy in 2025, this is it.

Tip: If you want the same performance but in a compact form and at a lower price, go for the iPhone 17 Pro model.   

Best for Most People: iPhone 17

Key specs 

• Display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR with 120Hz ProMotion Always-On display 
• Processor: A19 chip with 8GB RAM. 
• Cameras: 48MP Dual Fusion main + 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide, 18MP Center Stage front cam. 
• Battery: Up to 30 hours of video playback, fast charging with a 40W Dynamic adapter. 
• Storage & Price: 256GB base for $799; 512GB option. 
• Colors: Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, Lavender 
• Other Goodies: Ceramic Shield 2, 3000 nits peak brightness in outdoor, GPU with Neural Accelerators. 

For the 80% of us who want flagship vibes without breaking the bank, the iPhone 17 is the sweet spot. It’s got that just-right size (6.3 inches) for one-handed scrolling, longer battery life, and includes many of the Pro features. When compared to the iPhone 16, you’ll notice smoother scrolling thanks to the ProMotion display with adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. 

Moreover, the 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide lets you take better photos, and the camera system offers the new Dual Capture mode and landscape selfies. The front camera now also supports ultra-stabilized videos. Therefore, unless you’re shooting professional-grade video or want a bigger display, the iPhone 17 gives you nearly all the good bits with fewer compromises.

Also read: 9 Reasons Why Buying the Base iPhone 17 Could Be Totally Worth It

Best Budget-Friendly: iPhone 16e

Key specs 

• Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 
• Processor: A18 chip with 8GB RAM 
• Cameras: Single 48MP Fusion main, 12MP TrueDepth front camera. 
• Battery: Up to 26 hours of video playback. Qi wireless charging (7.5 W), no MagSafe. 
• Colors: White, Black 
• Storage & Price: $599 for 128GB base variant, up to 512GB. 
• Other Goodies: 167g weight, USB-C, Ceramic Shield glass, and Satellite messaging. 

If you’re looking for a value-for-money iPhone that delivers a premium Apple experience on a budget, the iPhone 16e is the perfect choice. It brings A18 chip, Apple Intelligence features, 48MP Fusion camera, decent battery life, Apple’s C1 5G modem, and much more at a more affordable price.   

Let’s know the basic iPhone 16e features! Its 6.1-inch display gives you bright visuals for everyday use. Unlike older budget models, Apple ditched the Home button for an edge-to-edge look. I also love its premium matte-textured finish. While it doesn’t have an ultra-wide lens, the main sensor does a great job in good lighting conditions. 

Compared to the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe support, retaining only standard wireless charging. So, it’s not fast or fancy like the iPhone 17 and lacks Dynamic Island, Camera Control button, ProMotion display, high-speed charging, and several camera features. 

In my view, if you’ve been holding out for an iPhone that’s budget-friendly but still powerful, the iPhone 16e is a no-brainer. It’s a step up from older SE models, with better performance, a good camera, and a sleek design, all without the premium price tag.

Best for Beginners: iPhone 16

Key Specs

• Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
• Processor: A18 chip with 8GB RAM
• Cameras: 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP TrueDepth front
• Battery: Up to 22 hours of video playback
• Colors: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black
• Storage & Price: 128GB base, now around $699 (down from $799). 
• Other goodies: Camera Control and Action button, Advanced Apple Intelligence

New to iPhones or just want something straightforward and future-proof? The iPhone 16 (last year’s standard, now on sale) is your best bet. It offers a balance between high-end features and a reasonable price. The display is 6.1-inch with 2000 nits peak brightness, which can drop to 1 nit. So, you can enjoy your content in any lighting conditions.

Apple has incorporated the A18 Bionic chip made exclusively for Apple Intelligence. In terms of the camera, the 48MP Fusion primary sensor can capture high-quality images, and the 2x optical-quality Telephoto allows for zooming in. Moreover, it’s Apple’s first modern iPhone with vertical alignment to support Spatial photo and video for Vision Pro.

I personally love the iPhone 16 for its standout color options that set it apart from the latest iPhone models. However, next to the latest iPhone 17, its 60Hz display looks outdated. Also, the battery life and charging are mid. Conclusively, if you want a premium experience without splurging, the iPhone 16 is a fantastic choice.

Bonus: Experience the Thinnest Smartphone with iPhone Air

Key Specs 

• Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion display 
• Processor: A19 Pro chip with 8GB RAM 
• Cameras: 48MP fusion main (four-lens equivalent), 18MP Center Stage front camera with Pro features 
• Battery: 3,149mAh, giving up to 27 hours of video playback. 
• Colors: Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, Space Black  
• Storage & Price: $999 for the 256GB variant, up to 1TB. 
• Other Goodies: Only 165g weight, Titanium frame, N1 and C1X chip, eSIM-only. 

Okay, confession: I’m obsessed with slim gadgets, and the iPhone Air is the wafer-thin wonder I’ve been waiting for. At just 5.6mm thick, it packs all premium Apple features, ideal for minimalists who hate bulk. 

The iPhone Air is primarily designed for individuals who value portability and sleekness. It’s super thin, easy to slip into a pocket or small purse, and feels super lightweight in the hand. You still get the latest A19 Pro chip, ProMotion display with anti-reflective coating, and a 48MP high-quality camera, advanced iOS features, all wrapped in a compact form. 

That said, the tradeoffs include a smaller battery (so shorter usage time), and the device is less suited for heavy gaming or prolonged camera/video use. Additionally, the eSIM-only design may complicate matters for individuals in regions that still heavily rely on physical SIM cards. Also, consider using a good case if you are always on the go.

Which iPhone Should You Buy? 

Still torn? Here’s a quick comparison table to match your vibe—prices are starting points, and deals pop up fast. 

Model	Best For	Price Range	Key Features
iPhone 17 Pro Max	Power users	$1,199+	Best camera, A19 Pro chip, Vapor chamber, Aluminum unibody, larger battery
iPhone 17	Most people	$799+	6.3” ProMotion display, Pro features at a reasonable price
iPhone 16e	Budget-friendly	$599+	Solid performance, AI features, strong battery life
iPhone 16	Value for money	$699+	Good camera, MagSafe fast charging, Apple Intelligence

The iPhone 17 will be the best choice for most users, offering top-tier performance at a more reasonable price. If you’re a power user, content creator, or professional, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is unbeatable. Those on a budget will find the iPhone 16e to be an excellent option. 

Which iPhone Is Not Recommended?

As new iPhone models are released every year, older models can quickly become outdated. So, some devices become less advisable for purchase or continued use. In 2025, several iPhone models are not recommended for various reasons, including a lack of software support, performance limitations, and overall value. Here’s the list: 

• iPhone 13 or older 
• iPhone SE (3rd Generation and older) 
• iPhone X and XR 
• iPhone 14 is okay for basics 

If you are drawn to buying an iPhone model due to its price tag, consider the refurbished iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max for access to Apple’s Intelligence features. 

Factors to Consider When Buying an iPhone

When choosing the right iPhone for you, several factors should come into play to ensure you get the device that best fits your needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most important considerations: 

• Price and budget: Set a budget before you start shopping. Consider whether you want to buy outright or through a carrier plan, as this can affect your overall cost. 
• Performance needs: Evaluate what you plan to do with your iPhone. If you’re into gaming, video editing, or multitasking, opt for the latest A-series chips (like the A19 Pro) for optimal performance. For general use, the A17 or A18 chips found in older models can suffice. 
• Camera quality: Consider your photography needs. If you enjoy taking high-quality photos, look for models with advanced camera systems. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, for instance, features a triple 48MP Fusion lens. If casual photography is your goal, the standard iPhone 17 will meet your needs. 
• Display size and quality: iPhones come in various sizes, from the compact iPhone Air to the larger iPhone 17 Pro Max. Think about how you use your phone. Additionally, consider the display technology; models with ProMotion displays offer superior brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. 
• Battery life: Check the estimated battery life for each model. For example, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers up to 39 hours of video playback, while the iPhone Air has a shorter battery life. If you frequently use your phone throughout the day, prioritize models known for their robust battery performance. 
• Storage capacity: Assess your storage needs based on how you use your iPhone. If you take a lot of photos, download apps, or store videos, consider larger storage options (like 2TB). For light users, the base storage options (256GB) may suffice. 
• Future-proofing: If you typically upgrade every year, you might opt for the one-year-old models to save some bucks. If you plan on keeping your phone for several years, then a higher-end model would be worth investing in. 
• Operating system compatibility: Make sure that the specific iPhone model you select can accommodate all current iOS versions over a prolonged period. Apple usually provides software updates for around five to six years with new features and security enhancements. 

How We Evaluate iPhone Models

We carry out rigorous tests in order to offer an accurate and comprehensive guide. It examines numerous areas, such as performance, usability, and other functional attributes. The following gives us more detailed information about the testing process we have adopted: 

• Performance testing: Each iPhone model’s general speed and responsiveness were evaluated using Geekbench or AnTuTu benchmark tools, among others. These tests measure CPU and GPU performance under varying workloads such as gaming, multitasking or launching applications. In addition, several apps were launched simultaneously during the real-life assessments to evaluate the device’s effectiveness in supporting day-to-day activities. 
• Camera quality assessment: Our camera testing involves taking photos and videos in different lighting conditions (low light, daylight, and artificial light) to analyze image quality, color accuracy, and dynamic range. We compare the camera performance across different models, focusing on features like Night mode, Portrait mode, and video stabilization. We also assess the front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. 
• Battery life evaluation: We conduct battery life tests by using the iPhone in various scenarios, such as video playback, web browsing, and gaming. We monitor how long the battery lasts under typical usage conditions and how quickly it charges with the included charger and wireless charging options. Additionally, we evaluate battery health over time to determine how well the device retains its capacity. 
• Display quality analysis: We evaluate the display quality by measuring brightness, color accuracy, and viewing angles. This includes using tools to assess peak brightness levels and color reproduction. We also perform subjective assessments by comparing how the display looks in different lighting conditions and how it performs during media consumption, such as watching videos or playing games. 
• User experience testing: We assess the overall user experience by evaluating the iOS interface, ease of navigation, and accessibility features. This includes testing the responsiveness of touch gestures, the effectiveness of Face ID or Touch ID, and the overall fluidity of the operating system. We also consider the quality of built-in apps and features, such as Siri, Apple Maps, and iMessage. 
• Durability testing: We assess water and dust resistance based on the IP rating of the device. This helps determine how well the iPhone can withstand everyday wear and tear. 
• Audio quality assessment: We test the audio quality of the iPhone’s speakers and microphones by playing music, making calls, and recording audio. We evaluate clarity, volume, and bass response, as well as how well the microphones pick up sound in different environments. 
• Connectivity testing: We evaluate the performance of cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This includes testing call quality, data speeds, and connection stability in various environments. We also assess how well the iPhone connects to other devices, such as AirPods and smart home products. 

In performing these detailed tests for all iPhone models, we believe that we are able to offer an unbiased analysis. Therefore, let’s say you want to purchase an iPhone but don’t know what model suits your taste; this article will help you decide which one would be ideal for you. 

Signing off… 

We hope this guide helps you find the best iPhone to buy for yourself in 2025. Choosing the right iPhone comes down to understanding your needs and budget. With this guide, you’re equipped to make the right decision, whether you need a premium powerhouse or a budget-friendly iPhone.

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