The iPhone is the most popular Apple product to date, offering users around the world an intuitive operating system in a high-end chassis. Though, with the Cupertino firm putting out new iPhone models every single year, finding the right pick may be challenging. After all, each of these variants caters to a certain category of people, and what works for others may not apply to you.

We at XDA have tested every iPhone, so here's our trusty guide to hopefully help you make a more informed decision. If you're looking for other options, we have recommendations on the best Android phones and a combined recommendation list for the best phones.

Our favorite iPhones

An iPhone 15 Pro Max in Natural Titanium colorway
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best overall iPhone

The largest, highest-end model

The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces an all-new, customizable Action button, a titanium chassis with round edges, and a USB Type-C port. It exclusively offers up to 5x optical zoom, too, so it's slightly better than the regular iPhone 15 Pro model.

Pros
  • 5x optical zoom
  • Action button
  • USB-C port
Cons
  • No physical SIM card slot
  • Large rear camera bump
  • Too big

Remember when the iPhone 12 Pro was missing some features available on the 12 Pro Max? Apple has now started distinguishing between its Pro iPhones yet again. The 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max isn't just a larger iPhone 15 Pro — it actually packs some exclusive perks. This means that if you want the absolute best that Apple has to offer, you have to get the gigantic phone.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max runs on the A17 Pro SoC and has a new tetraprism lens with support for up to 5x optical zoom, in addition to the wide and ultra-wide ones. The camera shoots 24MP photos and produces excellent dynamic range day or night. That's not to mention its support for LOG and spatial video. And like the smaller Pro, it also takes amazing selfies with the TrueDepth camera.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has all the new features you'll see on the smaller Pro model, including the Action button, which users can map based on their preferences, and the USB-C port that replaces Lightning. Really the only things that separate the Pro Max from the Pro come down to dimensions, weight, battery size, and the tetraprism camera. That's not to mention that the base iPhone 15 Pro Max packs 256GB of SSD, while the smaller Pro model goes for 128GB. Otherwise, they both have titanium builds with round edges and offer four color options.

iPhone 15 Pro
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Runner-up

A smaller variant of 2023's flagship

The iPhone 15 Pro delivers upgraded performance with the Apple A17 Pro chip, plus a new camera system with enhanced stabilization and other improvements. It's also one of the first iPhones with a USB-C port.

Pros
  • More manageable size
  • Round edges
  • USB-C port
Cons
  • No physical SIM card slot
  • Large rear camera bump
  • No 5x optical zoom

If you prefer smaller devices, then the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro is another solid for those seeking Apple's highest-end phones. The smaller Pro model costs $200 less and offers the same set of main features provided by the Pro Max variant. By opting for the iPhone 15 Pro, you're missing out on the tetraprism lens that unlocks 5x optical zoom. Instead, you're limited to a maximum of 3x. Otherwise, it also supports LOG, spatial video, Cinematic mode, Action mode, and the other camera features included on the larger model.

The iPhone 15 Pro features a design that is similar to that of the Pro Max. It has a titanium frame and a glass back, in addition to the all-new Action button and USB Type-C port. So if you don't care about the slightly longer battery life, larger display, and the tetraprism lens, the iPhone 15 Pro is the best Apple smartphone you can get.

iPhone 15 in Pink
iPhone 15
Best iPhone for most users

Now featuring the Dynamic Island and USB-C

This next-gen smartphone from Apple runs on the powerful A16 Bionic chip. With 5G readiness, a sleek aluminum frame, improved cameras, and IP68 resistance, the iPhone 15 promises to be a game-changer in the world of smartphones.

Pros
  • Vibrant colors
  • Dynamic Island
  • USB-C port
Cons
  • No physical SIM card slot
  • 60Hz display
  • No Action button

The iPhone 15 finally retires the notch in favor of the Dynamic Island that was first introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro. If you don't care about the latest and great from Apple, then the iPhone 15 is an excellent phone that will cater to most users. When compared to the 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 offers an aluminum design with a glass build and sticks to the classic mute switch. Nonetheless, it retires the Lightning port in favor of USB-C and offers more vibrant finishes that customers can pick from.

Apart from that, the iPhone 15 misses out on the Pro camera system and sticks to a dual one with a 48MP main sensor. Despite that, you get to utilize some of Apple's latest technology in this department, including Action mode, Cinematic mode, Portrait mode, and more. And while many users can't tell the difference, it's worth noting that the iPhone 15 doesn't adopt the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, so you're limited to 60Hz and its slower animations.

An Apple iPhone 15 Plus on black showing the front and back of the smartphone.
iPhone 15 Plus
Best iPhone for media consumption

A plus-sized iPhone 15

The iPhone 15 Plus is a great base model smartphone from Apple. It features a bright 6.7-inch display up to 2000 nits and a 48 MP main camera.

Pros
  • Vibrant colors
  • Dynamic Island
  • USB-C port
Cons
  • No physical SIM card slot
  • 60Hz display
  • No Action button

The 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus runs on Apple's 2022 A16 Bionic SoC. It offers a new 48MP main camera with support for all photography and videography modes available on the 6.1-inch iPhone 15. So old favorites like Cinematic mode, which is like portrait mode for video, are also supported, in addition to the Action mode that helps with video stabilization. Then there's the TrueDepth camera, which can really get an idea of your face and apply realistic portrait lighting and convincing digital bokeh.

Another benefit of getting the largest iPhone is you get the most screen. The 6.7-inch display here is stunning to look at, with superb viewing angles and maximum brightness. Pair that with awesome stereo speakers, and this is a phone you can binge Netflix on without issues. Some of us here at XDA, unfortunately, also find this model a bit hard to use with one hand. But if you have large hands or don't mind using both hands on occasion, the iPhone 15 Plus is the biggest and the best option around for those who don't want a Pro model.

iPhone 13
Apple iPhone 13
Best affordable iPhone

Decent and budget-friendly

The iPhone 13 is a decent equivalent to the regular iPhone 14. It packs the same processor, has the same design, runs the same operating system, and costs less.

Pros
  • Physical SIM card slot
  • Budget-friendly
  • Vibrant colors
Cons
  • Released in 2021
  • One size option
  • Lightning port

If you don't want to overspend on an iPhone, yet despise the iPhone SE 3 and how ancient it looks, then the iPhone 13 is the one to go for. It isn't necessarily the most powerful or newest phone that money can buy, but rather the best option for an average consumer on a budget, after taking into account features and price. While the iPhone 14 is a similar alternative, it really doesn't bring many useful upgrades over the iPhone 13, particularly since they run on the same chip. You might as well save some money and get almost every essential feature with the iPhone 13.

The phone is still officially on sale at the Apple Store, can be bought now at retailers such as Best Buy or Amazon, and is usually about $100 cheaper than the iPhone 14. The iPhone 13's Apple A15 Bionic is still extremely powerful today — arguably as powerful as recent chips in some Android phones — and the 12MP main and ultrawide cameras remain very capable. With the help of Apple's computational photography, the iPhone 13 cameras excel in day and night and can shoot some of the best videos on smartphones. You also get the impressive Cinematic Mode that creates a semi-convincing artificial bokeh in video. You'll miss out on a couple of iPhone 14 series features like crash detection, but the iPhone 13 holds up in the areas that matter most.

New Project-12
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Best small iPhone

Mighty internals, overused exterior

The iPhone SE (2022) is the absolute smallest and cheapest iPhone right now that you can buy brand new.

Pros
  • Smallest iPhone available
  • 5G support
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Physical Home button
  • Ancient chassis
  • Outdated camera

If you want the absolute smallest and cheapest iPhone possible (that's not used or several years old), the iPhone SE 3 (2022) is the only option beyond 6.1-inch devices. It may lack the flashier all-screen design of the other iPhones listed here, but it comes in a petite size and still has the iconic circular Home button for those who still prefer the tactile feeling of pressing a button.

With this model, you're getting the Apple A15 Bionic, 5G support, IP67 water and dust resistance (rare for a sub-$500 phone), and a decent single camera with OIS. As usual, video recording is a strong point. And this is one of the cheapest iPhones that you can officially buy right now that will receive the longest software support.

The 4.7-inch, 750 x 1334 screen isn't going to compete with other iPhones on this list, but it's still a good LCD panel for its price, with Apple's fine-tuning producing excellent colors and acceptable maximum brightness. You also get stereo speakers. The battery life is on the less generous side, so look out for newer options if you want something that lasts confidently through the day. With this phone, it's best to have humble expectations. However, it may be many customer's go-to option, as Apple no longer sells Mini iPhone variants.

Our favorite iPhones: The bottom line

Even though we here at XDA have a soft spot for Android and all the customization the platform brings, we can concede that when it comes to providing software updates in a timely and long-term manner, Apple does a much better job with the iPhone. While we're partial to the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, any of the devices on this list will serve you well. Though, if you're looking for the best value you'll get for your money, then the iPhone 15 is certainly the right pick here. If you're looking for the largest model packing the latest technology and don't want to spend a fortune, then the iPhone 15 Plus is the one to go for.

An iPhone 15 Pro Max in Natural Titanium colorway
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best overall iPhone

The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces an all-new, customizable Action button, a titanium chassis with round edges, and a USB Type-C port. It exclusively offers up to 5x optical zoom, too, so it's slightly better than the regular iPhone 15 Pro model.