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Best iPhone in 2025: Which iPhone Should You Buy?

The age-old debate of which iPhone to buy is as old as time, or at least as old as the early 2010s. For most, the solution is straightforward: Get the most expensive Apple phone you can manage. Additionally, if you’re content with your present phone, don’t get a new one. But if you’re positive it’s time to upgrade and you need assistance, reach out to us. We’ve outlined the current iPhone lineup and selected our favorite selections below.

Let’s be clear before we get started: There isn’t a “bad” iPhone. All models offer the same essential features, such as seamless compatibility with other Apple products, high-quality hardware, extended software support, and features like FaceTime, Apple Pay, iMessage, and so on. Apple has finally switched from Lightning to the more widely used USB-C charging connection with the most recent iPhone 15 series. However, at this time, certain models are more affordable than others.

Best iPhone in 2025

APPLE IPHONE 15

Display
6.1 inches, 1179 x 2556 pixels
Ram
6GB RAM
Internal Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery
3349 mAh,, non-removable
Charger
15W wired
Camera
Main Camera 48 MP + 12 MP, Selfe Camera 12 MP
Operating System
iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 17.4
Chipset/CPU/GPU
Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
Hexa-core (2×3.46 GHz Everest + 4×2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

For users of previous iPhone models, the iPhone 15 represents a considerable advance thanks to features like Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for easier charging, and an improved camera with a sharper zoom and greater quality. Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone 15 feels like a more advanced model than the iPhone 14 Pro, which is somewhat of a regression.

The 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus are the two sizes of the iPhone 15. They are powered by the same A16 Bionic chip as the iPhone 14 Pro, which should provide noticeable performance improvements for owners of older iPhone models. In addition, these phones are equipped with Apple’s second-generation ultra wideband processor, which opens up a new feature that helps locate friends and family members in a crowd.

If you can still locate it at a lower price from third-party dealers, the iPhone 14 Pro from last year would be a better option because it features a dedicated telephoto lens. However, the iPhone 15 is the most interesting update Apple has released for the regular iPhone in a long time.

Pros

  • USB-C port for convenient charging
  • Colorful matte design
  • Improved camera that can automatically take people and pet portraits
  • Dynamic Island brings better multitasking

Cons

  • No always-on display
  • Find My Friends feature only works with other iPhone 15 models
  • Discounted iPhone 14 Pro may be a better value
  • Galaxy S24 offers a longer optical zoom

APPLE IPHONE 15 PRO

Display
6.1 inches,2556 x 1179 pixels
Ram
8GB RAM
Internal Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Battery
Li-Ion 3274 mAh, non-removable
Charger
15W wireless, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wired
Camera
Main Camera 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto w/ 3x optical zoom, Selfe Camera 12MP
Operating System
iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 17.4
Chipset/CPU/GPU
Apple A17 Pro (3 nm)
Hexa-core (2×3.78 GHz + 4×2.11 GHz)
Apple GPU (6-core graphics)

Right now, we’d advise most folks to get the iPhone 15 Pro. Although a smartphone’s $999 beginning price may seem high, it’s an investment that will pay off over time. We believe that the benefits of the iPhone 15 Pro over the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are significant enough to justify the additional $200 if you’re wondering “which iPhone is most likely to keep you happy for the next three to five years.”

To start with, the rough titanium frame of the iPhone 15 Pro seems more premium than the aluminum one found on the standard iPhone 15. Although it weighs 6.60 ounces more than the typical 15, it is still quite light overall, and its slightly curved edges make it comfortable to carry. It is more future-proof and operates on the speedier A17 Pro chip, which won’t affect daily tasks. As it is, only the Pro series supports some graphically demanding titles, such as Resident Evil Village and Death Stranding. The previous mute switch has been replaced with a new Action button that can be programmed to swiftly carry out actions like activating the camera or turning on the flashlight. Additionally, the Pro versions allow greater data transfer speeds (with the appropriate cable), even though all iPhone 15 models include USB-C charging ports.

The 6.1-inch OLED screens on the iPhone 15 Pro and regular 15 are just as brilliant and sharp. However, the screen on the Pro features an adjustable refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz. This can significantly improve the fluidity of online page navigation, gaming, and streaming video. Though not every content can be played at 120 Hz, once you experience the effect, it’s difficult to resist. Additionally, the always-on display allows you to quickly check notifications without having to touch the device.

The camera system is the other significant change. Three cameras are present on the back of the iPhone 15 Pro: a 48-megapixel primary camera, as well as 12MP telephoto and ultra-wide sensors. The most significant one is the last one since the standard iPhone 15 is completely devoid of a telephoto lens. The primary camera on the Pro is also equipped with a bigger sensor, performs slightly better in dimly lit areas, and allows portrait mode at night. In addition, you have enthusiast features like ProRAW shooting and a macro option for close-ups. Even if you don’t understand any of this jargon, the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus still have excellent point-and-shoot cameras. However, the 15 Pro is superior—especially if you use a little more deliberateness when taking pictures.

Pros

  • Powerful performance
  • USB-C port
  • Excellent 120Hz display
  • Customizable Action button

Cons

  • Costs $200 more than iPhone 15
  • Less battery life than iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Shorter optical zoom than iPhone 15 Pro Max

APPLE IPHONE 15 PRO MAX

Display
6.7-inch OLED, 2796 x 1290 pixels
Ram
8GB RAM
Internal Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Battery
Li-Ion 4441 mAh, non-removable
Charger
15W wireless
Camera
Main Camera 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto, Selfe Camera 12MP
Operating System
iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 17.4
Chipset/CPU/GPU
Apple A17 Pro (3 nm)
Hexa-core (2×3.78 GHz + 4×2.11 GHz)
Apple GPU (6-core graphics)

Are you looking for something bigger than the iPhone 15 Pro? Are you willing to give up portability in exchange for extended battery life? Can you afford to pay a minimum of $1,199 for a smartphone? If the response to any of those questions is “yes,” forego the 15 Pro and opt for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

With a more roomy 6.7-inch display and a battery that lasts closer to two days on a single charge than the smaller Pro, which is more likely to tap out after one day, it offers all the same advantages as our top selection. Its initial storage capacity of 256GB is more than twice that of the smaller Pro, partially offsetting the higher price. A 5x optical zoom-enhanced telephoto camera is also included. There is a 3x optical reach on the smaller Pro. Despite being a bit of a tank, the phone is less cumbersome than earlier Pro Max models thanks to its lighter titanium frame and softer corners.

In the end, we think that most consumers would rather have the standard 6.1-inch Pro’s more portable and hand-friendly form, even if it meant losing a few hours of battery life. However, the 15 Pro Max is the most powerful iPhone available.

Pros

  • Lighter and more comfortable to hold
  • A17 Pro for console video games
  • 5x optical zoom adds versatility
  • Able to change the focus in Portrait photos

Cons

  • Action button can only trigger one action
  • Baseline 15 Pro Max is $100 more
  • The only color option is blue

APPLE IPHONE 15 PLUS

Display
6.7-inch 60Hz (2796 x 1290) Super Retina XDR OLED
Ram
6GB
Internal Storage
128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Battery
4,383mAh, non-removable
Charger
20W wired, 15W wireless (MagSafe), 7.5W wireless (Qi)
Camera
Main Camera 48MP, Selfe Camera 12MP
Operating System
iOS 17 (at launch)
Chipset/CPU/GPU
Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
Hexa-core (2×3.46 GHz Everest + 4×2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

The iPhone 15 Plus is the better option if you want a large screen without spending a lot of money on the Pro Max. With a bigger chassis and a 6.7-inch screen, it offers all the same features as the iPhone 15, including USB-C charging, Dynamic Island, and a 48-megapixel camera. Apple claims that the iPhone 15 Plus should have a longer battery life than the iPhone 15.

Best iPhone in 2025

Although Apple continues to sell the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus, the advantages of the iPhone 15 Plus make the $100 price difference worthwhile. For those switching from earlier phones in particular, the iPhone 15 Plus’s newer chip, combined with the aforementioned improvements, will make it seem like a worthwhile upgrade.

Pros

  • USB-C port is convenient
  • Colorful matte design
  • Improved camera automatically takes portraits of people and pets
  • Dynamic Island brings better multitasking

Cons

  • No always-on display
  • Find My Friends feature only works with other iPhone 15 models
  • Discounted iPhone 14 Pro may be a better value

APPLE IPHONE 13

Display
6.1 inches, Super Retina XDR OLED, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 1170 x 2532 pixels
Ram
4GB RAM
Internal Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery
Li-Ion 3240 mAh, non-removable (12.41 Wh)
Charger
Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised)
Camera
Main Camera 12 MP + 12 MP, Selfe Camera 12 MP
Operating System
iOS 15, upgradable to iOS 17.4
Chipset/CPU/GPU
Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
Hexa-core (2×3.23 GHz Avalanche + 4×1.82 GHz Blizzard)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)

These days, it’s difficult to suggest an iPhone with a Lightning port, and purchasing an older model will result in fewer years of software support. However, we are aware that no iPhone 15 model is inexpensive. Consider the entry-level iPhone 13, which Apple is still selling for $599 if you want to save some money. Apart from not having USB-C, it’s a good deal for those looking for an iPhone that isn’t too costly but still feels and looks contemporary.

We understand that a $599 phone would not be considered “budget-friendly” by some, but Apple’s current lineup doesn’t provide a less expensive option save for the $429 iPhone SE. Additionally, the $170 more gets you some major advancements over the SE. The most noticeable changes include an edge-to-edge display, Face ID, and a much less antiquated appearance with flat sides. The gadget is only 0.33 inches taller and slightly thicker overall, despite the 6.1-inch OLED panel being significantly larger than the SE’s 4.7-inch LCD screen. That display is superior in every manner; it is also more resilient, vibrant, sharper, and brighter. Unlike the SE, the iPhone 13 comes with twice as much storage at 128GB and supports MagSafe. The 13 boasts a better dual-camera system with a specialized ultra-wide lens than the SE’s single-camera arrangement. There’s a better selfie camera with 4K video support around the front. There is also a longer battery life.

Even with the iPhone 15, if you can upgrade, you ought to: It features a USB-C port, a brighter display, a better primary camera, and extended support for iOS updates. However, the iPhone 13’s general features aren’t all that different, making it a good option for teens or anyone with a lower price.

Pros

  • Camera performance is still perfectly solid for most
  • Ditto for processor, display and battery life
  • Modern design

Cons

  • Lightning port
  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • No telephoto lens

APPLE IPHONE SE

Display
4.7 inches, Retina IPS LCD, 625 nits (typ)
Ram
4GB RAM,
Internal Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Battery
Li-Ion 2018 mAh, non-removable (6.96 Wh)
Charger
20W wired, 50% in 30 min (advertised)
Camera
Main Camera 12 MP, Selfe Camera 7 MP
Operating System
iOS 15.4, upgradable to iOS 17.4
Chipset/CPU/GPU
Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
Hexa-core (2×3.22 GHz Avalanche + 4×1.82 GHz Blizzard)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)

You might assume that the iPhone SE (2022)’s $429 pricing is its only draw. And that is undoubtedly a significant factor. However, the iPhone 13 Mini is still a good choice for people who like smaller phones now that Apple has discontinued selling it. The iPhone SE is the only iPhone on our list that still features Touch ID because its exterior is identical to that of the iPhone 8. The SE’s internal hardware is identical to that of the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 14, and 14 Plus, thanks to the A15 CPU, which infuses Apple’s computational photography magic into the 2017 camera hardware.

Best iPhone in 2025

With the capacity to run the most recent version of iOS and apps, the SE embodies the traditional iPhone design. The SE’s rear was changed to the same glass as the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini in 2022, which was one of the more understated improvements. It’s also the most reasonably priced option for accessing all Apple services, including iCloud, FaceTime, and iMessage.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Home button FTW
  • Good battery life so far
  • Camera takes good photos and videos

Cons

  • Lacks night mode for photos
  • Screen could be brighter
  • Selfie camera not on par with rear camera
  • 20-watt USB-C charger not included

Mehedi Hasan
Mehedi Hasanhttps://techscyguy.com/
Hi, I’m Mehedi Hasan Moon, the creator and author behind TechScyGuy. Born on September 10, 2005, in Bangladesh, I’ve always had a deep passion for technology and innovation. From an early age, I was captivated by the world of gadgets, especially mobile devices, and how they shape our daily lives. I started TechScyGuy to share my knowledge and provide honest, unbiased reviews on the latest mobile devices. With a goal to help tech enthusiasts and everyday users make informed decisions, I dive into the features, performance, and real-world use of gadgets, offering insights that make tech choices easier. When I’m not testing the latest smartphones or exploring new tech trends, I enjoy staying up-to-date with the latest in mobile technology and engaging with a community of fellow tech lovers. Thank you for visiting TechScyGuy! I hope you find the reviews and information helpful.
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