Find out which iPhone is worth your money
The
best iPhone tends to just be the newest one, but that system for selection gets
a little tricky when Apple releases three models at the same time, as it did
last year with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR.
best iPhone tends to just be the newest one, but that system for selection gets
a little tricky when Apple releases three models at the same time, as it did
last year with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR.
While these new iPhones
are undeniably great options for those with the money, we’ve still set out to
rank all of the best iPhones for you. This can help you see how the three
newest iPhones compare to one another, and to see where previous models of the
iPhone stand among the rest.
are undeniably great options for those with the money, we’ve still set out to
rank all of the best iPhones for you. This can help you see how the three
newest iPhones compare to one another, and to see where previous models of the
iPhone stand among the rest.
We’ll
list all the key specs and features you need to see to get a sense of what each
iPhone is offering. This way, if you’re not looking to spend maximum cash on
the latest and greatest features, you can find a more reasonable pick in an
older iPhone, like 2017’s iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, or
one of the budget-minded options, like the iPhone XR.
list all the key specs and features you need to see to get a sense of what each
iPhone is offering. This way, if you’re not looking to spend maximum cash on
the latest and greatest features, you can find a more reasonable pick in an
older iPhone, like 2017’s iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, or
one of the budget-minded options, like the iPhone XR.
Good
news, the top 10 iPhones we recommend run iOS 12 (and, soon, iOS 13), Apple’s latest big operating system update for
its devices. It’s therefore a bit different from our prestigious best phones list and
the best Android phones list.
Apple’s prices vary wildly, but you’ll probably have to treat them as more of
an investment than lower-cost Android phones.
news, the top 10 iPhones we recommend run iOS 12 (and, soon, iOS 13), Apple’s latest big operating system update for
its devices. It’s therefore a bit different from our prestigious best phones list and
the best Android phones list.
Apple’s prices vary wildly, but you’ll probably have to treat them as more of
an investment than lower-cost Android phones.
Our top iPhone list
highlights the different specs, screen sizes, and price points. Each of these
handsets has something to offer for every kind of Apple fan – so we’ve boiled
down the choices for you in a simple-to-read format.
highlights the different specs, screen sizes, and price points. Each of these
handsets has something to offer for every kind of Apple fan – so we’ve boiled
down the choices for you in a simple-to-read format.
Best iPhone:
which one should you buy today
1.
iPhone XS Max
The iPhone XS Max is the best iPhone you can buy
Weight: 208g | Dimensions: 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7mm
| OS: iOS 12
| Screen size: 6.5-inch
| Resolution: 1242 x 2688
| CPU: A12 Bionic
| RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64/256/512GB | Battery: 3,179mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
| OS: iOS 12
| Screen size: 6.5-inch
| Resolution: 1242 x 2688
| CPU: A12 Bionic
| RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64/256/512GB | Battery: 3,179mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
The iPhone XS Max is the
best iPhone you can buy right now. It’s Apple’s biggest and best iPhone – if
your hands and wallets are large enough. It has an expansive 6.5-inch OLED
screen with HDR10 support to make colors pop. It’s the perfect phone if you
want a giant screen.
best iPhone you can buy right now. It’s Apple’s biggest and best iPhone – if
your hands and wallets are large enough. It has an expansive 6.5-inch OLED
screen with HDR10 support to make colors pop. It’s the perfect phone if you
want a giant screen.
Behind that huge screen
is an improved dual-lens 12MP camera. Apple outfitted it with Smart HDR and
increased the sensor size to capture larger pixels. Don’t let that static 12MP
number fool you. The iPhone XS Max (like the XS) has new depth-sensing
capabilities for adjustable bokeh (background blur) during and after a shot.
is an improved dual-lens 12MP camera. Apple outfitted it with Smart HDR and
increased the sensor size to capture larger pixels. Don’t let that static 12MP
number fool you. The iPhone XS Max (like the XS) has new depth-sensing
capabilities for adjustable bokeh (background blur) during and after a shot.
The
TrueDepth camera returns with faster Face ID recognition, and your 7MP selfies
get better depth control and Smart HDR, too. And, of course, Animojireturns with
the iOS 12 benefit of having Memoji now.
TrueDepth camera returns with faster Face ID recognition, and your 7MP selfies
get better depth control and Smart HDR, too. And, of course, Animojireturns with
the iOS 12 benefit of having Memoji now.
The iPhone XS Max ismore expensive than the iPhone X and iPhone XS that replaces the X, of course.But if you’re paying for it over the course of two years in a contract (or
through the Apple Upgrade Program), it’s not that much more month-to-month.
through the Apple Upgrade Program), it’s not that much more month-to-month.
2.
iPhone XS
The best iPhone for those looking for something more
compact
compact
Weight: 174g | Dimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm
| OS: iOS 12
| Screen size: 5.8-inch
| Resolution: 1125 x 2436
| CPU: A12 Bionic
| RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64/256/512GB | Battery: 2,659mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
| OS: iOS 12
| Screen size: 5.8-inch
| Resolution: 1125 x 2436
| CPU: A12 Bionic
| RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64/256/512GB | Battery: 2,659mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
Believe it or not, the
iPhone XS is Apple’s best ‘small’ phone. It has a 5.8-inch screen, so it’s more
one-hand-friendly than the Max, but still a sizable upgrade for some
people.
iPhone XS is Apple’s best ‘small’ phone. It has a 5.8-inch screen, so it’s more
one-hand-friendly than the Max, but still a sizable upgrade for some
people.
It’s an upgrade over
last year’s iPhone X, our previous best iPhone recommendation, though you’ll
have to look more closely for the changes – the design isn’t different at all.
It has a Smart HDR-capable 12MP camera, enhanced TrueDepth front-facing camera,
and a fast A12 Bionic chipset, exactly like the larger iPhone XS Max.
last year’s iPhone X, our previous best iPhone recommendation, though you’ll
have to look more closely for the changes – the design isn’t different at all.
It has a Smart HDR-capable 12MP camera, enhanced TrueDepth front-facing camera,
and a fast A12 Bionic chipset, exactly like the larger iPhone XS Max.
In fact, this all-screenphone is pretty much the iPhone XS Max in last year’s smaller form factor. It
does have a smaller battery than the Max and obviously a smaller screen, but
you will still capture the same great photos and videos on this device and play
the same games. There’s no different there.
does have a smaller battery than the Max and obviously a smaller screen, but
you will still capture the same great photos and videos on this device and play
the same games. There’s no different there.
3.
iPhone XR
The best iPhone for those looking for great battery life
Weight: 194g | Dimensions: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm
| OS: iOS 12
| Screen size: 6.1-inch
| Resolution: 1792 x 828
| CPU: A12 Bionic
| RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64/128256GB | Battery: 2,942mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
| OS: iOS 12
| Screen size: 6.1-inch
| Resolution: 1792 x 828
| CPU: A12 Bionic
| RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64/128256GB | Battery: 2,942mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
The iPhone XR is a great upgrade for the
average consumer who doesn’t want to pay for the most expensive iPhone money (a
lot of money) can buy. This is Apple’s ‘cheap’ iPhone, at least when it comes
to recently launched handsets. It’s also the best iPhone of the new trio for
battery life.
average consumer who doesn’t want to pay for the most expensive iPhone money (a
lot of money) can buy. This is Apple’s ‘cheap’ iPhone, at least when it comes
to recently launched handsets. It’s also the best iPhone of the new trio for
battery life.
It stands out with a variety of iPhone XR
colors: Blue, White, Black, Yellow, Coral, Red. This contrasts heavily with the
rather muted colors of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Yet it shares the same
internal specs: Apple’s fast A12 Bionic chipset and a 12MP dual-lens camera
with a single lens on back.
colors: Blue, White, Black, Yellow, Coral, Red. This contrasts heavily with the
rather muted colors of the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Yet it shares the same
internal specs: Apple’s fast A12 Bionic chipset and a 12MP dual-lens camera
with a single lens on back.
You don’t get the
dual-lens camera like you do on a higher-tier iPhone, so you miss out on
telephoto shots. But Smart HDR is the real perk to taking great photos, and
that’s here.
dual-lens camera like you do on a higher-tier iPhone, so you miss out on
telephoto shots. But Smart HDR is the real perk to taking great photos, and
that’s here.
It’s cheaper, it’s morecolorful and it has a big 6.1-inch screen. That’s enough for most people,
especially those who aren’t insistent on an impressive OLED screen.
especially those who aren’t insistent on an impressive OLED screen.
4.
iPhone X
The iPhone that changed the range
Weight: 174g | Dimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 5.8-inch
| Resolution: 1125 x 2436
| CPU: A11 Bionic
| RAM: 3GB | Storage: 64/256GB | Battery: 2,716mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 5.8-inch
| Resolution: 1125 x 2436
| CPU: A11 Bionic
| RAM: 3GB | Storage: 64/256GB | Battery: 2,716mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
The
iPhone X is as impressive as it is expensive, but if you really want the best
iPhone today and don’t want to wait for the iPhone XI, this is the one to get today. Millions of
Apple fans already have since it launched almost seven months ago. It’s the
future of Apple’s smartphone.
iPhone X is as impressive as it is expensive, but if you really want the best
iPhone today and don’t want to wait for the iPhone XI, this is the one to get today. Millions of
Apple fans already have since it launched almost seven months ago. It’s the
future of Apple’s smartphone.
It
has a large all-screen display, except for a notch cutout at the top that
houses a new TrueDepth Camera. This takes selfies to another level and can also
map your face to an iPhone X-exclusive Animoji. If you
don’t know what that is by now you probably won’t care.
has a large all-screen display, except for a notch cutout at the top that
houses a new TrueDepth Camera. This takes selfies to another level and can also
map your face to an iPhone X-exclusive Animoji. If you
don’t know what that is by now you probably won’t care.
The iPhone X is Apple’s
10th anniversary smartphone and has just about everything iPhone users have
been asking for, from a more forward-leaning design to faster specs and new
features. You’ll just have to get used to Face ID instead of reaching for that
non-existent fingerprint sensor.
10th anniversary smartphone and has just about everything iPhone users have
been asking for, from a more forward-leaning design to faster specs and new
features. You’ll just have to get used to Face ID instead of reaching for that
non-existent fingerprint sensor.
5.
iPhone 8 Plus
A more affordable, big screen iPhone
Weight: 202g | Dimensions: 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5mm
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 5.5-inch
| Resolution: 1080 x 1920
| CPU: A11 Bionic
| RAM: 3GB | Storage: 64/256GB | Battery: 2,691mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 5.5-inch
| Resolution: 1080 x 1920
| CPU: A11 Bionic
| RAM: 3GB | Storage: 64/256GB | Battery: 2,691mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
The iPhone 8 Plus is the
best iPhone if you’re not willing to take the plunge into Apple’s proposed
smartphone future and need that Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It remains popular
due to its screen size, cheaper price and physical home button.
best iPhone if you’re not willing to take the plunge into Apple’s proposed
smartphone future and need that Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It remains popular
due to its screen size, cheaper price and physical home button.
It does have several key
features you’ll like, however. It’s among the first iPhones to have both
wireless charging and fast charging, and the camera has improved. Its dual-lens
camera doesn’t have OIS in the telephoto lens (a feature saved for the X), but
it’s still a great way to snap a photo at long distances.
features you’ll like, however. It’s among the first iPhones to have both
wireless charging and fast charging, and the camera has improved. Its dual-lens
camera doesn’t have OIS in the telephoto lens (a feature saved for the X), but
it’s still a great way to snap a photo at long distances.
It won’t turn nearly as
many heads with its bezel-heavy design, but the iPhone 8 Plus is the iPhone
built for big hands and slightly smaller wallets than the new iPhone X.
many heads with its bezel-heavy design, but the iPhone 8 Plus is the iPhone
built for big hands and slightly smaller wallets than the new iPhone X.
6.
iPhone 8
The newest 4.7-inch iPhone is a phone lots of people still
want
want
Weight: 148g | Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 4.7-inch
| Resolution: 750 x 1334
| CPU: A11 Bionic
| RAM: 2GB | Storage: 64/256GB | Battery: 1,821mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 7MP
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 4.7-inch
| Resolution: 750 x 1334
| CPU: A11 Bionic
| RAM: 2GB | Storage: 64/256GB | Battery: 1,821mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 7MP
This is actually the
best-selling iPhone from Apple, and for several good reasons. First, we get it,
you refuse to budge from the 4.7-inch iPhone screen size and, frankly, we don’t
blame you. Every time we go back to this iPhone with ‘normal’ dimensions, we
feel like we just went on a smartphone vacation. Second, its price is way more
reasonable for a lot a folks than the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus.
best-selling iPhone from Apple, and for several good reasons. First, we get it,
you refuse to budge from the 4.7-inch iPhone screen size and, frankly, we don’t
blame you. Every time we go back to this iPhone with ‘normal’ dimensions, we
feel like we just went on a smartphone vacation. Second, its price is way more
reasonable for a lot a folks than the iPhone X and iPhone 8 Plus.
Just because the size is
the same as iPhones of old, doesn’t mean the technology behind it is, though.
The iPhone 8 features the same A11 Bionic chipset as the iPhone 8 Plus and the
iPhone X, and it too debuted wireless charging and fast charging on an Apple
smartphone.
the same as iPhones of old, doesn’t mean the technology behind it is, though.
The iPhone 8 features the same A11 Bionic chipset as the iPhone 8 Plus and the
iPhone X, and it too debuted wireless charging and fast charging on an Apple
smartphone.
The camera is still
fantastic, even if it doesn’t have the dual-lens capabilities that are
exclusive to the X and Plus, and you’ll dig iOS 11 at this size more so than
the even smaller iPhone SE.
7.
iPhone 7 Plus
2016’s best iPhone, for a lower price
Weight: 188g | Dimensions: 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3mm
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 5.5-inch
| Resolution: 1080 x 1920
| CPU: A10 Fusion
| RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32/128/256GB | Battery: 2,900mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 5.5-inch
| Resolution: 1080 x 1920
| CPU: A10 Fusion
| RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32/128/256GB | Battery: 2,900mAh | Rear camera: 12MP+12MP | Front camera: 7MP
Back in 2016 the iPhone
7 Plus was the best phone Apple had ever made, and it remains a winner for its
longevity and price. It’s larger than the iPhone X though despite its smaller
display, so if you’re after a smaller phone with a bigger screen, this won’t be
the best choice for you with its 5.5-inch 1080p display.
7 Plus was the best phone Apple had ever made, and it remains a winner for its
longevity and price. It’s larger than the iPhone X though despite its smaller
display, so if you’re after a smaller phone with a bigger screen, this won’t be
the best choice for you with its 5.5-inch 1080p display.
The big upgrades over
older iPhones are the waterproof design and a new dual-lens camera that allows
you to snap with two 12MP lenses at the same time. It allows for better optical
zoom as well as a bokeh mode to blur the background of your photos and put the
main focus on the foreground.
older iPhones are the waterproof design and a new dual-lens camera that allows
you to snap with two 12MP lenses at the same time. It allows for better optical
zoom as well as a bokeh mode to blur the background of your photos and put the
main focus on the foreground.
Battery
life on the iPhone 7 Plus is much improved upon the iPhone 6S Plus, and
while it’s still a costly option it’s much cheaper than it was at launch,
making it one of the best iPhone choices for people looking for a deal.
8.
iPhone SE
Compact, relatively affordable and still quite powerful
Weight: 113g | Dimensions: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm| OS: iOS 11| Screen size: 4.0-inch| Resolution: 1136 x 640| CPU: Apple A9| RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16/64GB | Battery: 1,624mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 1.2MP
Despite the iPhone SE’s
small size and relatively modest price tag, it’s still an upper mid-range
phone. It has the same boxy yet premium design as the metal-clad iPhone 5S and
the same powerful Apple A9 chipset and rear camera as the iPhone 6S.
small size and relatively modest price tag, it’s still an upper mid-range
phone. It has the same boxy yet premium design as the metal-clad iPhone 5S and
the same powerful Apple A9 chipset and rear camera as the iPhone 6S.
It lacks the 3D Touch
features and higher-resolution front-facing camera of the iPhone 6S and beyond.
The screen is also less impressive all round, thanks in large part to a lower
contrast ratio. But it compares well to many mid-range handsets.
features and higher-resolution front-facing camera of the iPhone 6S and beyond.
The screen is also less impressive all round, thanks in large part to a lower
contrast ratio. But it compares well to many mid-range handsets.
It’s also the most
powerful 4-inch iPhone you can get, so for fans of compact form factors this is
an obvious choice. But the best bit is its price, as it’s one of the cheapest
iPhones you’ll find on the market and it’s something of a bargain by Apple
standards.
powerful 4-inch iPhone you can get, so for fans of compact form factors this is
an obvious choice. But the best bit is its price, as it’s one of the cheapest
iPhones you’ll find on the market and it’s something of a bargain by Apple
standards.
9.
iPhone 7
The first water-resistant iPhone
Weight: 138g | Dimensions: 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1mm
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 4.7-inch
| Resolution: 750 x 1334
| CPU: Apple A10
Fusion | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 32/128/256GB | Battery: 1,960mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 7MP
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 4.7-inch
| Resolution: 750 x 1334
| CPU: Apple A10
Fusion | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 32/128/256GB | Battery: 1,960mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 7MP
Don’t fancy the large
iPhone 7 Plus above? Why not opt for the iPhone 7, which is a smaller and
cheaper alternative.
iPhone 7 Plus above? Why not opt for the iPhone 7, which is a smaller and
cheaper alternative.
This was one of the
first iPhones to lack a headphone jack, but it does come with a water-resistant
design that means your phone is likely to survive the odd dip in the sink
rather than just being frazzled right away.
first iPhones to lack a headphone jack, but it does come with a water-resistant
design that means your phone is likely to survive the odd dip in the sink
rather than just being frazzled right away.
There’s no dual-lens
camera on the iPhone 7, but you can still take some absolutely incredible
photography with the 12MP sensor.
camera on the iPhone 7, but you can still take some absolutely incredible
photography with the 12MP sensor.
If you own an iPhone 6
or iPhone 6S, you may not see much difference with the this phone but the newer
processor and camera tech may be enough to entice you to buy it if you can’t
stomach the high price of the iPhone 8.
or iPhone 6S, you may not see much difference with the this phone but the newer
processor and camera tech may be enough to entice you to buy it if you can’t
stomach the high price of the iPhone 8.
10.
iPhone 6S
The best iPhone from 2015
Weight: 143g | Dimensions: 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1mm
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 4.7-inch
| Resolution: 1334 x 750
| CPU: Apple A9
| RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16/64/128GB | Battery: 1,715mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
| OS: iOS 11
| Screen size: 4.7-inch
| Resolution: 1334 x 750
| CPU: Apple A9
| RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16/64/128GB | Battery: 1,715mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
The iPhone 6S, as you probably know, is Apple’s
flagship from 2015. The Apple A9 chipset and a chunky 2GB of RAM, up from 1GB
on the previous model, make it far superior in raw power to 2014’s model and
still reasonably speedy by today’s standards, and it’s got some other tricks
too.
flagship from 2015. The Apple A9 chipset and a chunky 2GB of RAM, up from 1GB
on the previous model, make it far superior in raw power to 2014’s model and
still reasonably speedy by today’s standards, and it’s got some other tricks
too.
It has a 12MP rear camera and a
tried-and-tested 8MP front-facing camera, which at the time was the best selfie
shooter Apple had on a phone.
tried-and-tested 8MP front-facing camera, which at the time was the best selfie
shooter Apple had on a phone.
It does sport largely
the same design and screen as the iPhone 6 though and the latter in particular
is starting to feel a bit dated in the face of super sharp QHD screens from
rivals – and from the newer iPhone X.
the same design and screen as the iPhone 6 though and the latter in particular
is starting to feel a bit dated in the face of super sharp QHD screens from
rivals – and from the newer iPhone X.
This was the first
iPhone to sport 3D Touch though, which makes the screen pressure-sensitive and
offers new tricks for enhanced emailing and shortcuts around the home screen.
iPhone to sport 3D Touch though, which makes the screen pressure-sensitive and
offers new tricks for enhanced emailing and shortcuts around the home screen.
