The Best iPhone: We’ve Tried and Tested All the Apple Smartphones
Choosing an iPhone used to be relatively simple. You picked the newest model, decided whether you wanted the standard or Pro version, and that was about it. Today, Apple’s lineup is much more diverse, with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e and older models still available through different retailers.
So, which iPhone is actually worth your money?
After looking at the current lineup, comparing performance, cameras, battery life, displays, design and overall value, the iPhone 17 Pro Max stands out as the best iPhone you can buy right now. However, that does not automatically make it the right choice for everyone.
Here is our breakdown of the best iPhones for different types of users.
1. iPhone 17 Pro Max – The Best iPhone Overall
If money is not your biggest concern and you simply want the most capable iPhone, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the one to get.
Apple has equipped its latest Pro models with the A19 Pro chip, a 48MP Pro Fusion camera system and a significantly upgraded telephoto camera. The Pro Max also offers Apple’s largest iPhone display and some of the longest battery life available in the lineup.
For photographers and content creators, the camera system is one of its biggest attractions. The three-camera setup gives you considerably more flexibility than the standard iPhone 17, particularly when shooting distant subjects or recording professional-looking video.
The phone is also built for demanding users. Gaming, video editing, multitasking and other intensive workloads are handled with ease.
The downside is obvious: it is expensive and large. Its size can make one-handed use uncomfortable, while its price puts it beyond the budget of many buyers.
Best for: Professionals, content creators, photographers, gamers and people who simply want the most powerful iPhone.
2. iPhone 17 – The Best iPhone for Most People
For the majority of buyers, the standard iPhone 17 makes more sense.
It delivers many of the features people actually want without carrying the price and extra weight of Apple’s top-end Pro Max model. The phone comes with a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, the A19 chip and a dual 48MP Fusion camera system.
That combination makes it a very strong all-round smartphone.
The display is particularly important because ProMotion brings smoother scrolling and animations to the standard model. Apple has also improved durability and camera capabilities compared with previous generations.
Unless you are buying an iPhone specifically for advanced photography, professional video work or maximum battery life, there is a good argument for choosing the regular iPhone 17 instead of spending more on the Pro Max.
Best for: Everyday users, students, professionals and anyone looking for the best balance of features and price.
3. iPhone Air – The Best iPhone for Design
The iPhone Air takes a completely different approach.
Rather than competing purely on cameras or maximum battery capacity, Apple has focused heavily on making the phone remarkably thin and light. Apple describes it as the thinnest iPhone ever, while still giving it a large 6.5-inch display and the A19 Pro chip.
It also features a 48MP Fusion Main camera, ProMotion and Apple’s latest software and intelligence features.
The result is an iPhone that feels noticeably different in the hand. If you dislike bulky smartphones but still want a premium experience, the Air is an attractive option.
There is, however, a compromise. Its emphasis on thinness means buyers should carefully consider whether its camera and battery capabilities match their priorities compared with the Pro Max.
Best for: People who value thinness, portability, design and a large display.
4. iPhone 17e – The Best Affordable New iPhone
Not everyone needs a flagship.
The iPhone 17e is Apple’s more affordable entry into the current generation. It brings many of the benefits of the iPhone 17 family while keeping the price lower.
It has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, the A19 chip and storage options starting at 256GB. Apple introduced the model in 2026 as a more affordable member of the iPhone 17 family.
The biggest attraction here is value. You still get a modern iPhone experience without paying flagship Pro prices.
However, the camera system is less versatile than the multi-camera setups found on Apple’s more expensive models.
Best for: Buyers who want a modern iPhone without spending flagship money.
5. iPhone 16 – Still Worth Considering
The arrival of newer iPhones does not suddenly make the iPhone 16 a bad phone.
In fact, this is where buyers who are looking for a deal should pay attention. Older iPhone generations often become much more attractive once newer models arrive because retailers may reduce their prices.
The iPhone 16 still offers strong performance, a capable camera system, USB-C connectivity and access to Apple’s modern software ecosystem.
If you find it significantly cheaper than the iPhone 17, it could represent better value than simply buying the newest model.
The key is the price difference. If the gap is small, the newer iPhone 17 makes more sense. If the iPhone 16 is heavily discounted, it becomes much more interesting.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want a premium iPhone experience.
So, Which iPhone Should You Buy?
There isn’t one perfect iPhone for everybody.
Our recommendations are:
|
Category |
Our Pick |
|
Best iPhone overall |
iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|
Best for most people |
iPhone 17 |
|
Best for cameras and video |
iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|
Best for design and thinness |
iPhone Air |
|
Best affordable new model |
iPhone 17e |
|
Best value if discounted |
iPhone 16 |
Apple’s current lineup gives buyers considerably more choice than it did a few years ago. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the technological showcase, but spending more does not necessarily mean getting a better experience for your particular needs.
For most people, the iPhone 17 is arguably the smarter purchase. It has the performance, display, cameras and features needed for everyday use without the size and price of the Pro Max.
But if you’re a serious photographer, filmmaker, gamer or heavy smartphone user, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the model that pushes the iPhone experience furthest.
And for buyers who care more about design than having every possible camera feature, the iPhone Air is arguably the most interesting addition to Apple’s lineup.
Final Verdict
Apple’s latest iPhone family proves that the “best” smartphone is not necessarily the most expensive one.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max earns the title of best overall iPhone because it combines top-level performance, excellent cameras, a large display and outstanding battery life. But the iPhone 17 is the model we would recommend to most buyers because it strikes a better balance between performance, features and cost.
If your budget is tighter, the iPhone 17e deserves serious consideration. And if you can find a good deal on the previous-generation iPhone 16, it could be one of the smartest ways to get into Apple’s ecosystem without paying for the newest flagship.
Ultimately, the best iPhone is the one that matches how you actually use your phone—not simply the one with the highest price tag.
