The best iPhones to buy in 2024

The wait is over — type of. Apple’s iPhone 16 collection is out, and its much-hyped Apple Intelligence has arrived courtesy of iOS 18.1. But if you happen to’re anticipating a completely new type of iPhone expertise, nicely, I’ve some unhealthy information for you. The AI features in iOS 18.1, together with the writing instruments and e mail summaries, are pretty standard fare at this point. And though Siri has a brand new coat of paint, it’s principally the identical outdated Siri.

Apple has promised far more, although, and what we’ve been in a position to preview in the iOS 18.2 developer beta seems to be fairly good. But the Apple Intelligence rollout goes to be a sluggish burn that lasts nicely into 2025. Which is all to say that if you happen to don’t have any complaints with how your present cellphone is working, you positively shouldn’t rush out and get a brand new one only for Apple Intelligence.

That’s truly the gist of our cellphone shopping for philosophy: grasp on to the one you’ve acquired. If you’re not the kind of individual to get excited a few new digicam button, up to date photograph processing choices, or incremental efficiency upgrades, then there’s no purpose to run out and buy an iPhone 16.

But if you happen to’re questioning whether or not it’s the yr to change your iPhone 11 or 12 (or possibly a fair older mannequin, in which case, nicely accomplished!), then I believe the reply is a simple sure. There are actual positive aspects this yr, particularly in the essential iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, with out even contemplating AI. And if Apple Intelligence seems to be one thing particular ultimately, nicely, you’ll be prepared for it.

Screen: 6.1-inch, 2556 x 1179 OLED, 60Hz refresh price / Processor: A18 Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.6 essential with sensor-shift IS; 12-megapixel ultrawide; 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not marketed / Charging: 27W wired, 25W wi-fi MagSafe, 15W Qi2, 7.5W Qi / Weather-resistance score: IP68

Apple’s fundamental iPhone loved a major {hardware} enhance this time round, taking part in an overdue sport of catch-up to the Pro collection. The iPhone 16 contains the Action Button from final yr’s Pro fashions — useful if there’s an app in your life you need to entry on the contact of a button — and the brand new Camera Control. So if buttons are something to go by, this cellphone is two higher than final yr’s mannequin.

There’s extra occurring underneath the hood, too. The A18 chipset is in the identical era because the processor on the Pro fashions, which hasn’t been the case for the previous couple of years. That bodes nicely for the 16 collection staying on the identical replace schedule. And there’s further RAM in this yr’s base mannequin, which may solely be an excellent factor.

The iPhone 16 grew to become a way more fascinating digicam this time round, too. The Camera Control gives a fast method to launch the digicam app and alter settings like publicity compensation. But there’s additionally a brand new set of Photographic Style filters this time round, with choices to alter distinction, brightness, and undertones to dial in your most popular rendering of pores and skin tones. You’ll get higher low-light efficiency by stepping up to the 16 Pro fashions, and different cool tips like 4K recording at 120 fps. But even with out all that, it’s essentially the most customizable digicam Apple has provided but.

Outside of digicam efficiency, there are two main drawbacks to choosing the common 16 over a Pro mannequin: no zoom lens, and no ProMovement display screen. Only the Pro has a devoted 5x lens, which is useful for inventive framing. And the usual 60Hz display screen on the iPhone 16 will seemingly solely trouble you if you happen to’re used to a smoother 120Hz show, although it’s annoying on precept that Apple retains this function to its Pro telephones when nearly each different high-end cellphone has one.

Read my full Apple iPhone 16 review.

Screen: 6.3-inch, 2622 x 1206 OLED, 120Hz refresh price / Processor: A18 Pro Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.8 with sensor-shift IS; 12-megapixel 5x telephoto with OIS; 48-megapixel ultrawide; 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not marketed / Charging: 27W wired, 25W MagSafe wi-fi, 15W Qi2, 7.5W Qi / Weather-resistance score: IP68

The iPhone 16 Pro will get a small however significant improve this time round: a bump up to a 5x zoom, which on the 15 collection was reserved for the Pro Max. And whereas the change from a 3x to 5x zoom doesn’t look that spectacular on paper, it goes a great distance to making the smaller 16 Pro really feel like an equal to the 16 Pro Max. For as soon as, you don’t want to get the most important cellphone to get the best cellphone.

The 16 Pro is roughly the identical measurement because the 15 Pro, but it surely has a much bigger display screen: 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches. There’s additionally the brand new Camera Control, an upgraded 48-megapixel ultrawide on board, and naturally, a brand new chipset that — naturally — helps Apple Intelligence.

There’s nothing right here that makes the 16 Pro an absolute must-upgrade. Still, loads of folks will need the most recent machine with all of the bells and whistles, and the 16 Pro represents a chance to get all of these options with out having to buy the most important cellphone.

Read our full Apple iPhone 16 Pro review.

Screen: 6.7-inch Super Retina OLED / Processor: A18 Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.6 essential with sensor-shift IS; 12-megapixel ultrawide; 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not marketed / Charging: 27W wired, 25W wi-fi MagSafe, 15W Qi2, 7.5W Qi / Weather-resistance score: IP68

The factor a few large cellphone is that it has an enormous battery. And whereas that’s straightforward sufficient to perceive, it nonetheless feels shocking how far more efficiency you possibly can eke out of the iPhone 16 Plus’ battery. It’ll stretch nicely right into a second day of use, and even if you happen to’re conditioned to cost your cellphone each night time, you’ll be amazed how a lot you’ve gotten left in the tank on the finish of every day. It’s a strong antidote to battery nervousness.

Naturally, the 16 Plus’ big-ness comes with one other bonus: a much bigger display screen. The advantages are apparent right here, too. But one thing that stands out to me once I use the cellphone is simply how mild it feels for its measurement, particularly if you happen to’re evaluating it to the 16 Pro Max. If you want an enormous show however don’t want the entire weight of the Max — metaphorically and bodily talking — then the Plus is the way in which to go.

Read our full Apple iPhone 16 Plus review.

Screen: 6.1-inch, 2532 x 1170 OLED, 60Hz refresh price / Processor: A15 Bionic Cameras: 12-megapixel f/1.5 essential with sensor-shift IS; 12-megapixel ultrawide; 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not marketed / Charging: Wired, 15W wi-fi MagSafe, 7.5W Qi / Weather-resistance score: IP68

Technically, the iPhone 14 isn’t the most cost effective new iPhone you possibly can buy. That honor goes to 2022’s iPhone SE, which begins at $429. But the SE makes use of an older design that makes it really feel like a special type of iPhone completely. In the meantime, the 2022 iPhone 14 has been marked down twice to $599, making it the best deal you will get on a brand new, trendy iPhone.

The common iPhone 14 didn’t include a number of upgrades; it felt extra like an iPhone 13S. But it was in the primary wave of iPhones to embody Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc, which might be a literal lifesaver. And the 14 acquired some useful digicam enhancements over the 13, together with a bigger essential digicam picture sensor and higher low-light picture processing thanks to some processing pipeline updates.

On the opposite hand, the 14 was the final era of iPhone to come with out the Dynamic Island, which is the pill-shaped notch that homes time-sensitive updates and standing indicators. You’ll nonetheless get that info as notifications, but it surely’s not fairly as useful as having it out there at a look it doesn’t matter what you’re doing in your cellphone.

Another factor to concentrate on: iPhone 14 collection homeowners have complained of premature battery rundown, with total battery well being falling a lot sooner than it ought to. Most of the battery complaints I’ve seen middle on the 14 Pro fashions; nonetheless, it’s one thing to control. All that stated, the 14 ought to obtain software program updates for one more 4 years, and that’s a reasonably good ROI contemplating its new value.

Read my full Apple iPhone 14 review.

Screen: 4.7-inch Retina LCD / Processor: A15 Bionic Cameras: 12-megapixel f/1.8 with OIS, 7-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not marketed / Charging: Wired, 7.5W Qi / Weather-resistance score: IP67

The third-gen iPhone SE, launched in 2022, is the final of its variety. It’s Apple’s least costly iPhone, but it surely’s additionally the final cellphone to use Touch ID with a devoted dwelling button. If you’re not a fan of gesture navigation, you need a cheap iPhone, or possibly — think about! — you simply need a small iPhone, then the SE is your best wager. Well, it’s your solely wager.

This suggestion comes with some large caveats, beginning with that display screen. It’s small — at 4.7 inches, it’s considerably smaller than the iPhone 13 Mini’s show, although the SE is barely taller and wider than the Mini. The display screen feels cramped, and the LCD expertise seems to be dated.

There are a pair different low factors: the digicam system doesn’t have an evening mode, and there’s solely 64GB of storage on the bottom mannequin. All that stated, if you happen to’re accustomed to a much bigger cellphone display screen, the SE’s 4.7-inch LCD is perhaps the factor that’s hardest to dwell with. But if a small display screen doesn’t trouble you and also you simply want that dwelling button, then it’s onerous to argue with the SE’s value.

Read our full Apple iPhone SE (2022) review.

Apple nonetheless sells the iPhone 15 new, slicing the worth down to $699 with the introduction of the 16 collection. If you’re paying to your cellphone out of pocket and need to save a bit of money it’s a strong possibility — simply know that it may possibly’t run Apple Intelligence. The 15 Pro helps Apple’s AI options, however the usual 15 doesn’t.

There’s additionally a compelling argument for getting an iPhone 14 Plus at its twice-discounted price of $699. Its large battery will go all day after which some, although you’ll miss out on the Dynamic Island, Action Button, and Camera Control. If you’re not fussed about getting the most recent options and simply need a large display screen, then it’s a worthy candidate.

Update, November twenty first: Adjusted pricing and availability for a number of fashions.