When you're setting out to buy an iPhone, you'll notice that there's a wide variety of models to choose from. Apple released the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models in 2024, and more recently introduced the iPhone 16e, making the decision even more complex. While opting for the latest and greatest model might be tempting, it's worthwhile to consider all your options carefully.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
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Apple iPhone 16
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Apple iPhone 16e
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OnePlus 13
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Regardless of which iPhone you choose, each supports iOS 18, announced at WWDC 2024, which introduces numerous AI features and an enhanced Photos app. To leverage Apple Intelligence, you'll need an iPhone 15 or newer.
For the perfect accessories to complement your new iPhone, check out our guide to the best iPhone accessories, especially screen protectors. We've also had the opportunity to review the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, which stand up well against the AirPods 2 in several aspects, making them a worthwhile investment.
Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias
iPhone 16 Pro
Best Overall iPhone
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
2A compact size paired with powerful internals, a stunning display, and versatile cameras make this the ideal choice for many users. See it at Best BuySee it at Apple
Product Specifications
- Screen: 6.3-inch OLED, 1206x2622, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: A18 Pro
- Camera: 48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel Selfie
- Battery: 3,582mAh
- Weight: 199g (0.44lb)
PROS
- Powerful performance
- Elegant design
- Robust camera system
CONS
- Camera settings could benefit from some refinement
The iPhone 16 Pro strikes the perfect balance between the base iPhone 16 and the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max. Its compact form factor is ideal for one-handed use, yet it retains all the features and camera sensors of the larger model. If you prefer a bigger screen, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a similar experience with an even larger display.
Powered by the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers exceptional performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The chip achieved the highest single-core Geekbench 6 score I've seen in any phone or laptop, paired with a robust GPU that supports high frame rates at maximum settings in the latest games.
Apple's build quality is top-notch, offering a luxurious feel, though the color options might not be as vibrant as some might prefer. The OLED screen is brilliant, with high brightness, contrast, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Despite Apple's claims about the durability of the Ceramic Shield glass, it can still be prone to scratches, making additional protection advisable.
The camera system on the iPhone 16 Pro excels, particularly in low-light conditions. The ultra-wide camera captures more in the frame, though it may struggle with softness and noise due to focusing issues, which can be mitigated with manual focus. The 5x telephoto lens is perfect for portraits with natural bokeh or zooming in on distant subjects. The new Camera Control feature offers a more intuitive way to adjust settings and shoot, though it could use further refinement in future updates.
iPhone 16 – Photos
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iPhone 16
Best Mid-Range iPhone
Apple iPhone 16
2Affordable yet packed with features, the iPhone 16 delivers excellent performance without many compromises. See it at Best BuySee it at Apple
Product Specifications
- Screen: 6.3-inch OLED, 1206x2622, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: A18
- Camera: 48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel Selfie
- Battery: 3,582mAh
- Weight: 199g (0.44lb)
PROS
- Excellent performance
- Fun colors
CONS
- Ultra-wide and selfie shots can be soft
The iPhone 16 stands out as a brilliant mid-range option. Thanks to the introduction of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 comes equipped with the powerful A18 chip, which performs closely to the A18 Pro in the Pro models. It outperforms many Android devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chips in Geekbench 6 CPU tests, making it ideal for everyday use and demanding games like Wuthering Waves.
This model offers more colorful hardware options, alongside classic black and white designs. It also features Ceramic Shield protection, though additional safeguards are recommended. The iPhone 16's size is perfect for pocket and hand comfort, being more manageable than the wider Pro Max models.
While it doesn't have the 120Hz refresh rate of the Pro models, the iPhone 16's OLED display is sharp and vibrant, complemented by powerful speakers for an immersive viewing experience. The main camera captures vibrant colors and performs well in low light, but the ultra-wide and selfie cameras can be soft, likely due to focusing issues.
iPhone 16e
Best Budget iPhone
Apple iPhone 16e
0The iPhone 16e offers a powerful chip at a lower price, but with some trade-offs. See it at Apple
Product Specifications
- Screen: 6.1-inch OLED, 1170x2532, 60Hz refresh rate
- Processor: A18
- Camera: 48-Megapixel Wide, 12-Megapixel Selfie
- Battery: 4,005mAh
- Weight: 167g (0.39lb)
PROS
- Fast chip
- Lower price than main iPhone lineup
CONS
- Trims a handful of common iPhone features
For budget-conscious buyers, the iPhone 16e is Apple's most affordable new model, starting at $599. It's powered by the A18 chip, similar to the iPhone 16 but with one fewer GPU core, ensuring fast performance and access to Apple Intelligence features. The design has been modernized, featuring a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, an aluminum frame, and Ceramic Shield glass, with a base storage of 128GB.
However, the iPhone 16e lacks several standard features found in other models, such as MagSafe, wireless charging, mmWave 5G, UWB support, and a dual-camera setup. These omissions limit its functionality and camera capabilities, which should be considered before purchasing.
While the iPhone 16e might suffice for those needing a simple, new iPhone, it's worth exploring refurbished or renewed devices for potentially better value. Amazon offers refurbished iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 models in excellent condition for under $500, which might be a better choice than the iPhone 16e.
OnePlus 13
Best iPhone Alternative
OnePlus 13
0A compelling alternative to the iPhone, the OnePlus 13 offers a great design, excellent display, superb performance, and impressive cameras at a competitive price. See it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus
Product Specifications
- Screen: 6.82-inch OLED, 1440x3168, 510ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 50-Megapixel Telephoto, 32-Megapixel Selfie
- Battery: 6,000mAh
- Weight: 210g (0.46lb)
PROS
- Great value
- Fast performance
CONS
- Software support slightly shorter than rivals
The iPhone is renowned for its user-friendly software, solid cameras, and excellent performance. However, if you're open to alternatives and looking to avoid the premium pricing of Apple's top-tier models, the OnePlus 13 is a compelling choice. Priced at $899, it competes with the $1199 iPhone 16 Pro Max, offering a similar feature set.
The OnePlus 13 features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP telephoto, 50MP main, and 50MP ultra-wide sensors, delivering excellent photo and video quality. The front-facing camera is also impressive. The 6.82-inch OLED display boasts a 3168x1440 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals and power-saving capabilities down to 1Hz.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the OnePlus 13 nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core performance, surpasses it in multi-core performance, and excels in graphics tests. It's ideal for gaming and comes with a 6,000mAh battery for all-day use, supported by 80W wired and 50W wireless charging.
The OnePlus 13's design is elegant, available in various stylish colorways, including a unique wood grain pattern on the black model. It also features an alert slider and offers IP68 and IP69 water resistance, making it a robust choice.
If you're not set on an iPhone, the OnePlus 13 is definitely worth considering for its value and performance.
Upcoming iPhones
In 2024, Apple introduced the iPhone 16 series, bringing significant improvements and performance enhancements. They also adjusted the pricing of earlier models to make them more accessible. The new iPhone 16e aims to replace the budget iPhone SE. Leaked information suggests that the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup might include an iPhone Air.
What to Look for in an Apple iPhone
Despite the variety of models, the user experience across Apple iPhones remains consistent, which is a major draw and why they are the most popular smartphones globally. Here's what to consider when choosing an iPhone in 2025:
Phone Size
Size is crucial when selecting an iPhone. For one-handed use, the iPhone 16 or iPhone 14 might be ideal. If you prefer larger screens, the iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone 16 Pro Max are excellent choices.
Storage Capacity
Storage is another key factor. If you plan to store many high-resolution photos, the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 1TB of storage is the best option. Other models start at 128GB, suitable for casual use.
Price
Price ranges from the budget-friendly iPhone 16e at $599 to the high-end iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) at $1,599. Regardless of the model, all iPhones run on iOS, which receives updates for five to six years post-purchase, ensuring a consistent software experience across the lineup.
Ultimately, the best iPhone for you depends on your usage. For most users, the iPhone 16 Pro offers the best balance of performance, camera quality, design, and storage options at a reasonable price.
Best iPhone FAQ
What are the best iPhone alternatives?
While iPhones dominate the smartphone market, several Android phones offer comparable features. Top iPhone alternatives include the OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro, which are leading Android devices. Brands like Asus and RedMagic also provide competitive options with features that iOS users might appreciate.
