Apple’s iPhones are arguably the best phones available — with responsive performance, regular updates for years, compelling hardware designs, outstanding camera technology, and an ecosystem that appeals to the masses.
We have seen improvements in battery life, advanced multi-camera functionality, and continued improvements to Apple’s iOS. The high-end iPhones are pricey, but Apple’s processor architecture has also proven to be the best in the smartphone world. Apple doesn’t yet offer folding phones or vary too much in design from year to year, but the iPhone is a reliable phone to help you get work done.
Best iPhone available
Processor: Apple A15 | Display Size: 6.7 inches | Storage Options: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear Cameras: Three 12MP (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Silver, Graphite, Gold, Sierra Blue | Size: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.65mm | Weight: 240g | Starting Price: $1,099
Apple’s biggest and most feature-rich iPhone is a mouthful, the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Apple listened to customers and while the phone looks just about the same as last year’s 12 Pro Max it is a tad thicker with a larger capacity battery and longer battery life.
The display now supports a refresh rate up to 120 Hz while optical zoom on the telephoto camera is improved to 6x. Macro photography and cinematic video modes are new features in the camera system that are sure to please photographers and videographers alike.
Apple continues to actively improve iOS 15 while also offering 1TB of internal storage so you can capture content to your heart’s delight.
Pros:
- Lovely display
- Flawless performance
- Long battery life
- Superb cameras
Cons:
- Expensive
- Big and heavy
Best iPhone for smaller pockets
Processor: Apple A15 | Display Size: 6.1 inches | Storage Options: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear Cameras: Three 12MP (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Silver, Graphite, Gold, Sierra Blue | Size: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm | Weight: 204g | Starting Price: $999
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro is smaller than the iPhone 13 Pro Max, but still has the triple rear camera array and all of the same features as the 13 Pro Max. Unlike the iPhone 12 Pro models from last year, there are no differences in the cameras in 2021. Thus, it is truly a display size and battery capacity difference when you look at both phones so if you like a smaller phone then you don’t have to give up any feature or function and this is a great move by Apple.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro offers a smaller 6.1-inch display; compared to 6.7 inches seen on the 13 Pro Max, this model is more pocketable and manageable for most people. Along with the smaller display is a smaller battery so it won’t last quite as long as the largest iPhone.
Compared to the iPhone 12 Pro we see a slight change from Pacific Blue to Sierra Blue color options. The phone is also 0.25 mm thicker to accommodate a slightly larger battery with a 15-gram weight increase over the iPhone 12 Pro.
Pros:
- Smaller form factor
- Flawless performance
- Better battery life than iPhone 12 Pro
- Superb cameras
Cons:
- Limited color options
Best iPhone for most people
Processor: Apple A15 | Display Size: 6.1 inches | Storage Options: 128GB/256GB/512GB | Rear Cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Starlight, Midnight, PRODUCT (Red), Pink, Blue | Size: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm | Weight: 174g | Starting Price: $799
The Apple iPhone 13 is an interesting device since it has the exact same 6.1-inch display seen on the iPhone 13 Pro so size and battery capacity are not differentiators here. There is one less rear camera on the iPhone 13 and there is no support for the LiDAR scanner. If the telephoto capability is not important to you then you can save some money with the iPhone 13 and it does support 2x optical with the existing cameras.
It’s great to finally see Apple start with a 128GB base model rather than charging people for a reasonable level of internal storage when there is such a focus on the camera capability. The phone also supports Apple’s new Cinematic mode for video recording.
The iPhone 13 is 0.25mm thicker and 10 grams heavier than the iPhone 12, but users are sure to appreciate the improved battery life that comes with a bit more depth.
Pros:
- Gorgeous flat OLED display
- Loud stereo speakers
- Excellent cameras
Cons:
- No high refresh rate display
Best new small iPhone
Processor: Apple A15 | Display Size: 5.4 inches | Storage Options: 128GB/256GB/512GB | Rear Cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Starlight, Midnight, PRODUCT (Red), Pink, Blue | Size: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65mm | Weight: 141g | Starting Price: $699
It wasn’t clear last year how popular the smallest new iPhone was with buyers, but we see Apple once again launch its fourth model in 2021. This small iPhone option offers the same features as the iPhone 13, with a smaller display and smaller battery capacity.
The same Apple processor powers the device with a dual rear camera system that is the same as the iPhone 13. Face ID, 5G, wireless charging, and all the rest from the iPhone 13 are present on the smaller iPhone 12 mini. While we see the removal of the ridiculous 64GB storage option, this also comes with an option for even more storage of 512GB at an additional cost of $300.
The Apple iPhone SE is still available with a 4.7-inch display and low Apple price of $399, but the iPhone 13 mini offers a $100 savings over the larger iPhone 13. It’s far too small for my aging eyes, but people who want a very pocketable phone love the iPhone 13 mini.
Pros:
- Small phone
- Flawless performance
- Excellent cameras
Cons:
- No high refresh rate on the display
Best last generation iPhone for most people
Processor: Apple A14 | Display Size: 6.1 inches | Storage Options: 64GB/128GB/256GB | Rear Cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Black, White, PRODUCT (Red), Green, Blue | Size: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm | Weight: 164g | Starting Price: $699
The Apple iPhone 12 is an interesting device since it has the exact same 6.1-inch display seen on the iPhone 12 Pro so size and battery capacity are not differentiators here. There is one less rear camera on the iPhone 12 and there is no support for the LiDAR scanner. If the telephoto capability is not important to you then you can save some money with the iPhone 12.
I bought one in Blue (see my full review) before I decided to go all-in and upgrade to the large iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 is likely to be the most popular for the masses who may not need the higher-end cameras found in the Pro models.
The iPhone 12 also starts at a measly 64GB of storage so you have to pay a bit extra to pick up the 128GB or 256GB models. Thankfully, it is only $50 for the 128GB option that I highly recommend for people who use their phone as their camera.
Pros:
- Gorgeous flat OLED display
- Loud stereo speakers
- Excellent cameras
Cons:
- Volume buttons tough to feel
- Starts with 64GB internal storage
Best last generation small iPhone
Processor: Apple A14 | Display Size: 5.4 inches | Storage Options: 64GB/128GB/256GB | Rear Cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Black, White, PRODUCT (Red), Green, Blue | Size: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm | Weight: 135g | Starting Price: $599
In a rather unique move from Apple, we also saw a fourth iPhone 12 model announced with the 5.4-inch display on an iPhone 12 mini. This small iPhone option also has an OLED display so there are no differences there, other than size.
The same Apple processor powers the device with a dual rear camera system that is the same as the iPhone 12. Face ID, 5G, wireless charging, and all the rest from the iPhone 12 are present on the smaller iPhone 12 mini.
The Apple iPhone SE is still available with a 4.7-inch display and low Apple price of $399, but the iPhone 12 mini offers a $100 savings over the larger iPhone 12. It’s far too small for my aging eyes, but people who want a very pocketable phone love the iPhone 12 mini.
Pros:
- Small phone
- Flawless performance
- Excellent cameras
Cons:
- Average battery life
- Starts with 64GB internal storage
Processor: Apple A13 | Display Size: 6.1 inches | Storage Options: 64GB/128GB/256GB | Rear Cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front Camera: 12MP f/2.2 | Colors: Black, White, PRODUCT (Red), Purple, Yello, Green | Size: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm | Weight: 194g | Starting Price: $499
While this list starts with the most powerful, and expensive, phones available, ZDNet’s Jason Cipriani was right in stating that the Apple iPhone 11 is probably the best older generation iPhone for most people. We typically see Apple keep prices the same, or increase them, each year, but with the iPhone 11, we actually saw a price drop of $50 at launch and a further drop since the iPhone 13 release.
Unlike the terrible decision to launch the iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max with 64GB and then charge a massive premium to upgrade to the next level of 256GB, Apple lets iPhone 11 buyers go from 64GB to 128GB for just $50. Thus, the iPhone 11 with 128GB is an excellent and recommended option for most people.
The iPhone 11 has a size between the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max with long battery life, capable processor, several color options, and rear dual camera setup. The iPhone 11 has an ultra-wide angle and standard rear cameras but doesn’t have the 2x telephoto zoom lens found on the other new iPhone 11 models.
Pros:
- Perfect size
- Flawless performance
- Solid cameras
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Starts with 64GB internal storage
Processor: Apple A13 | Display Size: 4.7 inches | Storage Options: 64GB/128GB/256GB | Rear Cameras: One 12MP | Front Camera: 7MP f/2.2 | Colors: Black, White, PRODUCT (Red) | Size: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm | Weight: 148g | Starting Price: $399
Apple isn’t known for making affordable phones, but the new Apple iPhone SE (2020) — see our full review — is a perfect option for those who want an iPhone experience without paying high prices. As a person who primarily uses Android phones, it is also a great option as a second phone for those times you want to use iOS.
The iPhone SE is smaller than nearly all other modern phones and looks like an iPhone 8 on the outside. However, it is the inside that matters here with the Apple Bionic A13 processor, high IP67 dust/water resistant rating, and a very capable 12-megapixel camera. You won’t find a budget Android phone with all of these features at this price and it’s wonderful to see Apple offering up such a solid affordable option at this time.
This is a great option for a first iPhone and one for those who just don’t want to give up on a Touch ID button.
Pros:
- Small size
- Affordable price
- Flawless performance
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor
Cons:
- Starts with 64GB internal storage
Is the iPhone 13 Pro worth the extra $200 over the iPhone 13?
This is one of the most common questions new iPhone 13 series buyers have since both phones are the same size, have the same processor, have the same display, and other specs that match each other. The available colors are different and the iPhone 13 Pro has one additional camera, a 6x optical telephoto camera. While there is 2x optical zoom on the iPhone 13, the 13 Pro also supports LiDAR technology.
The iPhone 13 Pro also has a 120Hz high refresh rate display, but Apple’s display responsiveness has always been great and I’m not sure you will notice much difference. High refresh rate displays are clearly easy to spot on Android phones, but Apple already set the bar for display performance.
For most people, the iPhone 13 is the better purchase. However, if you want the best cameras in an iPhone at this 6.1-inch size then the 13 Pro is for you. You also now have the option, albeit for more money, of buying the iPhone 13 Pro with 1TB of internal storage.
Which iPhone models support 5G?
All four iPhone 13 and available iPhone 12 models support 5G wireless technology. 5G continues to roll out across the US, and while it is debatable if there are benefits to the speeds of the network, in my experiences, the broad coverage of low-band 5G has solved my connectivity issues in spotty coverage areas with past iPhone models.
Even more importantly, the 5G iPhone models have Qualcomm chipsets inside that are proving to provide better RF reception than we saw in past iPhones that had Intel chipsets. The presence of a Qualcomm chipset has made it possible for me to use an iPhone 12 Pro Max as my daily driver since I purchased it.
Which iPhone models support wireless charging?
All of the iPhone models in this list support Qi wireless charging technology. Wireless charging is becoming an expected feature for modern smartphones. MagSafe is only supported by the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 models.
MagSafe provides a secure magnetic connection system so that you can connect to wireless chargers with perfect positioning and alignment. MagSafe can also be used with other accessories, such as wallets and kickstands.
How did we choose these iPhone models?
The process to make our selections includes testing the phones for weeks, reading reviews from other websites and publications, researching reviewer guides and manufacturer websites, talking with colleagues and other users who have hands-on experience with the phones, and then selecting the best from all of the available choices.
For this iPhone list, we also only included iPhone models that are available directly from the Apple Store where you will get official support and can purchase Apple Care Plus. There may be other models of iPhones still available from third-party vendors or wireless carriers.
Which iPhone model is right for you?
It used to be fairly easy to choose an iPhone model as you typically selected either the “big” iPhone or the “small” one. With four models available in the iPhone 13 series alone, you have to dig a bit deeper to choose which is best for you. This is especially true of the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro that are nearly the same hardware so check out our question above for more on this decision.
Size is generally the first factor to consider, followed by price. Price limits will also drive the amount of internal storage you select for your iPhone.
One fantastic aspect of the Apple iPhone line is that iPhone models receive software support for years, so it’s OK to buy an older model and trust it will work well for you for years.
| Model | Base Price | Base Storage | Display | Processor | Cameras |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | $1,099 | 128GB | 6.7 inches | A15 | 3 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | $999 | 128GB | 6.1 inches | A15 | 3 |
| iPhone 13 | $799 | 128GB | 6.1 inches | A15 | 2 |
| iPhone 13 mini | $699 | 128GB | 5.4 inches | A15 | 2 |
| iPhone 12 | $699 | 64GB | 6.1 inches | A14 | 2 |
| iPhone 12 mini | $599 | 64GB | 5.4 inches | A14 | 2 |
| iPhone 11 | $499 | 64GB | 6.1 inches | A13 | 2 |
| iPhone SE (2020) | $399 | 64GB | 4.7 inches | A13 | 1 |