So you want to buy an iPhone. Good decision – Apple’s iPhones are some of the best smartphones around. But there are plenty of different models available, including the recently announced iPhone 16 range.
Wondering which is right for you? Let us talk you through your options…
What is the best iPhone?
iPhones aren’t known for being cheap, but they don’t have to command top dollar – you might be surprised at how affordable some of the older models are. Of course, the newer the model, the higher the price tag, so if you want the best features and specs, it’s going to cost you.
Here we’ll help you decide which iPhone is best for you.
1. iPhone 16
- 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display with 2556 x 1179-pixel resolution
- Apple A18 chipset
- Dynamic Island
- 48MP main camera lens, 12MP Ultrawide lens, 12MP front-facing lens
- 5G
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Li-ion battery
- 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage
The iPhone 16 is right for you if:
- You want to take photos quickly using controls on the handset’s body
- You want the cheapest new iPhone that uses artificial intelligence
Compare the latest iPhone 16 deals.
2. iPhone 16 Plus
- 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm
- 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR Display with 2796 x 1290-pixel resolution
- Apple A18 chipset
- Dynamic Island
- 48MP main camera lens, 12MP Ultrawide lens, 12MP front-facing lens
- 5G
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Li-ion battery
- 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage
The iPhone 16 Plus is right for you if:
- You want the same specs as the iPhone 16 but with a larger screen
- You want a longer battery life than the iPhone 16
Compare the latest iPhone 16 Plus deals.
3. iPhone 16 Pro
- 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm
- 6.3-inch Always On Super Retina XDR Display with 2662 x 1206-pixel resolution
- Apple A18 Pro chipset
- Dynamic Island
- 48MP main camera lens, 48MP Ultrawide lens, 12MP telephoto lens, 12MP front-facing lens
- 5G
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Li-ion battery
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage
The iPhone 16 Pro is right for you if:
- You want a slightly bigger, more powerful phone than the iPhone 16
- You need more storage than the non-Pro iPhone models
Compare the latest iPhone 16 Pro deals.
4. iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 163 x 77.6 x 8.25mm
- 6.9-inch Always On Super Retina XDR Display with 2868 x 1320-pixel resolution
- Apple A18 Pro chipset
- Dynamic Island
- 48MP main camera lens, 48MP Ultrawide lens, 12MP Telephoto lens, 12MP front-facing lens
- 5G
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Li-ion battery
- 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is right for you if:
- You want the biggest and best iPhone
- A good camera is important to you
Compare the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max deals.
Is it worth getting the upgraded iPhone 16 models?
The latest iPhones do have some pretty cool features. You can take photos without having to wake the phone first by using the new Camera Control button on the side. All four iPhone 16 models now have a customisable button which lets you decide its function – previously, this was only on the Pro variants.
There are other upgrades, too. Better cameras, more power, more screen sizes, new colour schemes, and of course artificial intelligence has the potential to change how we use our phones (though the iPhone 16 is just the start of this).
So should you upgrade? If you have a recent iPhone, you’re probably better off waiting another year. The iPhone 16 models look very similar to their predecessors, while the iPhone 17 is rumoured to be more of a redesign. But those with older phones (or a need for the latest and greatest) will undoubtedly find plenty to like.
Compare iPhone deals
Check out all of our latest iPhone deals on offer from range of mobile networks.
Of course, there are plenty of older iPhones available that could fill the gap just as well…
5. iPhone 15
- 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display with 2556 x 1179-pixel resolution
- Apple A16 Bionic chipset
- Dynamic Island
- 48MP main camera lens, 12MP Ultrawide lens, 12MP front-facing lens
- 5G
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Li-ion battery
- 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage
The iPhone 15 is right for you if:
- You need a better camera than the iPhone 14
- The Dynamic Island will make you more productive
6. iPhone 15 Pro
- 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25mm
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display with 2556 x 1179-pixel resolution
- Apple A17 Pro chipset
- Dynamic Island
- 48MP main camera lens, 12MP Ultrawide lens, 12MP Telephoto lens, 12MP front-facing lens
- 5G
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Li-ion battery
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage
The iPhone 15 Pro is right for you if:
- You prize power over size
- You want the features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max with a slightly smaller price tag
7. iPhone 15 Plus
- 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm
- 6.7-inch Super retina XDR Display with 2796 x 1290-pixel resolution
- Apple A16 Bionic chipset
- Dynamic Island
- 48MP main camera lens, 12MP Ultrawide lens, 12MP front-facing lens
- 5G
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Li-ion battery
- 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage
The iPhone 15 Plus is right for you if:
- You use your phone lots for games and movies
- You don’t need the extra power of the iPhone 15 Pro
8. iPhone 15 Pro Max
- 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25mm
- 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR Display with 2796 x 1290-pixel resolution
- Apple A17 Pro chipset
- Dynamic Island
- 48MP main camera lens, 12MP Ultrawide lens, 12MP Telephoto lens, 12MP front-facing lens
- 5G
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Li-ion battery
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is right for you if:
- You want last year’s biggest and best iPhone
- A good camera is important to you
9. iPhone 14 Pro Max
The 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max is the 2022 flagship phone from Apple. It's the biggest handset in the iPhone 14 range with a stunning OLED Super Retina XDR display, complete with 120Hz refresh rate.
Like the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, it's powered by the A16 Bionic chip, and features the Dynamic Island animated notch and 48MP camera. But unlike the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, its display is always on.
Apple no longer sells the 14 Pro or Pro Max, but you can still buy it from networks and other retailers.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is right for you if:
- You want a big iPhone with a lower price than the 15 Pro Max
- You’ll find the always-on display handy
Compare iPhone 14 Pro Max deals
10. iPhone 14 Pro
Apple's 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro takes the power of the 14 Pro Max and puts it in a package the same size as the standard iPhone 14. This 5G handset boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, Dynamic Island, and the powerful A16 Bionic Chip.
The iPhone 14 Pro also features a main camera with a 48MP lens.
The iPhone 14 Pro is right for you if:
- You want power without the price tag
- You don’t need the bigger screen
11. iPhone 14
The 6.1-inch iPhone 14 boasts a Super Retina XDR display that's ideal for streaming, sharing and scrolling, while the A15 Bionic chip gives it enough power for most of us. The battery should last all day, and now that it’s a couple of years old, models in the range have dropped significantly in price.
The iPhone 14 is right for you if:
- You want a well-specced iPhone without paying top dollar
- You don’t need the bigger Plus variant
12. iPhone 14 Plus
The 14 Plus is the same size as the 15 Plus, but has a less powerful camera, no Dynamic Island and none of the newer design flourishes. Like all iPhone 14 handsets, it also uses the older Lightning connector, not the USB-C of the iPhone 15 and 16 families.
The iPhone 14 Plus is right for you if:
- You want a bigger iPhone
- You don’t need the latest features
13. iPhone 13 Pro Max
2021’s flagship iPhone still has a big screen (6.7 inches), but it lacks the always-on feature. It still has the 120Hz refresh rate though, which will help eliminate blur – handy if you play fast-moving games on your phone.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max camera setup includes an ultra wide lens, 3x telephoto zoom and spectacular features such as macro photography and 4K UHD cinematic video recording.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is right for you if:
- You want to go big without breaking the bank
- You play a lot of mobile games
Compare iPhone 13 Pro Max deals
14. iPhone 13 Pro
You know the drill – the 13 Pro is the same size as the iPhone 13, but with more power and a better camera. It has a better screen too, with a 120Hz refresh rate that’s twice that of the iPhone 13.The camera is a joy, too. With features like cinematic video recording and macro snaps, even us amateurs can end up with professional-looking results. And it’s a dream to use.
The iPhone 13 Pro is right for you if:
- You want an incredibly powerful iPhone
- You want to take stunning photos
15. iPhone 13
The standard 6.1-inch iPhone 13 comes with a bright, sharp, Super Retina XDR display that's protected by ultra-tough Ceramic Shield material.It has the A15 Bionic chip and inherits trickle-down tech from the iPhone 12 Pro to deliver premium photos from its dual camera setup.
The iPhone 13 is right for you if:
- You want a great all-rounder that’s very reasonably priced
- The 13 mini is too small, and the 14 Plus is too big
16. iPhone 13 mini
This was the last of the mini iPhones Apple released, and it’s since been discontinued, though you can still find it at other retailers. It offers the same specs as the iPhone 13 (though with a smaller battery) in a package with a smaller 5.4-inch screen.It’s cheaper than the iPhone 13 too, though many found the shorter battery life to be a compromise too far.
The iPhone 13 mini is right for you if:
- You want the best small iPhone around
- You can live with shorter battery life
17. iPhone 12 Pro Max
It might have launched in 2020, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still quite a package. There’s 5G, an edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR display, ultra-tough Ceramic Shield, fast A14 Bionic chip and more.The Pro camera set ups are truly top tier, with an industry-leading dark mode, expansive ultra wide and zooming telephoto. The iPhone 12 Pro Max even includes Apple ProRAW for even more control over your photos. An oldie but a goodie.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is right for you if:
- You want to go big but not spend big
- You’re a keen smartphone photographer
Compare iPhone 12 Pro Max deals
18. iPhone 12 Pro
The iPhone 12 Pro still has the power to impress. Complete with 5G connectivity and an edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR display that's protected by Ceramic Shield, it certainly looks the part.
The camera setup includes Ultra Wide and Telephoto features so you can take exciting, varied photos. The iPhone 12 Pro also has a LiDAR Scanner so you can play around with augmented reality and for wireless charging we see the return of Apple's MagSafe tech.
The iPhone 12 Pro is right for you if:
- You want power without the price
- The Plus and Pro Max models are too big for you
19. iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 range was the first to feature all models with OLED screens. That means stunning colours and great contrast ratios (the difference between light and dark parts of the picture, giving it more depth).
Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the iPhone 12 is fast and smooth. With a dual-camera system setup on the back complete with wide and ultra wide lenses, your photos just got a whole lot better. And it can be found for a very reasonable price indeed.
The iPhone 12 is right for you if:
- You prize great picture quality
- The 12 mini is just too small
20. iPhone 12 mini
This was the first iPhone mini model to launch, with the same 5.4-inch screen as the newer iPhone 13 mini. Though unfortunately it too suffered from shorter battery life.It packs almost identical specs to the standard iPhone 12, with the same processor and same great camera.
The iPhone 12 mini is right for you if:
- You want an iPhone for less
- You want a smaller iPhone that easily fits in your hand
21. iPhone SE
The second-generation iPhone SE launched at a fraction of the price of the then-cutting edge iPhone 11, and now it’s a few years old it can be picked up cheaper still.
It’s not a patch on the newer iPhones, as you would expect. And at 4.7 inches, it’s smaller even than the iPhone mini variants. But it does still have its charms.
The design is reminiscent of the iPhone 8, and it’s powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which is the same as found inside the iPhone 13. So while it might be old, it’s certainly not underpowered.
But that small screen won’t be to everyone’s taste. And because it’s so old, there’s no knowing how long Apple will support it with software updates. So while it could certainly tide you over, don’t expect to use it as your main phone over the long term.
The iPhone SE is right for you if:
- You want an iPhone on the cheap
- You’re happy with a very small screen
22. iPhone 11 Pro
The iPhone 11 Pro is a step up from the standard iPhone 11. The camera is more advanced, with three lenses on the back giving you more opportunities to take some amazing photos, while the OLED screen is brighter and more brilliant than the iPhone 11’s LCD. Despite being more advanced than the iPhone 11, it's a little smaller than it, with a 5.8-inch screen (the iPhone 11's is 6.1 inches).
But because it’s an older phone, the entry-level model only has 64GB of storage – not much, considering how many photos you'll be taking with that awesome camera.
The iPhone 11 Pro is right for you if:
- You don’t need the biggest iPhone
- Smartphone photography is important to you
23. iPhone 11 Pro Max
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the same device as the iPhone 11 Pro, but bigger (6.5 inches to the 11 Pro’s 5.8 inches). That makes it great for watching videos like films and TV shows, as well as playing games. Netflix addict? This phone could be for you.
But its biggest strength is also its biggest weakness – 6.5 inches will be too big for some people. As well as being potentially unwieldy to use, it will take up a lot of room in your bag or maybe even not fit in your pocket. Not ideal.
It has the same three-camera arrangement as the iPhone 11 Pro, giving you fantastic photography options like the ability to zoom in and out of photos you've already taken. Night mode makes your evening shots a whole lot clearer, while the A13 Bionic processor keeps everything moving smoothly.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is right for you if:
- You want a big iPhone on the cheap
- You can live with less power than the newer models
Compare iPhone 11 Pro Max deals
Should I get a refurbished iPhone or a new model?
The iPhone 16 range is tempting, no doubt about it. But if they’re a little beyond your means, there is another option: refurbished phones. These are pre-owned phones that have been returned and restored to perfect working order. In most cases, you wouldn’t know they’ve been refurbished if you hadn’t been told.
Some of them were never even faulty. They may have been returned by customers who changed their mind after buying.
But you can rest assured they’re in full working order, as they have to pass stringent tests before they’re allowed to be sold.
Like all refurbished devices sold by Apple, refurbished iPhones come with a one-year warranty and the Apple Certified Refurbished promise. And they sell for much cheaper than the same product new.
For example, Apple currently sells a refurbished iPhone 13 for £419 – that’s £80 cheaper than the same device new. Or you can pick up a refurbished iPhone 13 mini with 512GB of storage for £639 – a saving of £340 on the RRP.
See more: Should I buy a refurbished iPhone?
Will the older models get cheaper once the iPhone 16 is released?
They already have. Because the iPhone 16 models launched at the same price as those they replace, the iPhone 15 has had a price cut. The base iPhone 15 is now £699 while the iPhone 15 Plus is £799 – that’s a cut of £100 for both models.
However, you won’t find older models of iPhone Pro or Pro Max at Apple. The company has stopped selling them in order to push customers towards the new models.
You can still buy them at other retailers though – the iPhone 15 Pro costs around £899 and the 15 Pro Max £1,099 – both are £100 cheaper than their equivalents in the iPhone 16 range.
iPhone 16 vs 15, is it worth upgrading?
The iPhone 16 is another incremental improvement for the iPhone range. The new features like the Camera Control button and faster processor will undoubtedly be useful, but neither are real game changers. Artificial intelligence has the potential to be, but it’s not available at launch, so there’s really no rush to upgrade.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will also get Apple Intelligence (Apple’s AI features), so owners of those handsets will have even less reason to upgrade.
Having said that, power users looking for the latest features will find a lot to like in the new range. More power, bigger screens that should be easier on the eye in dark environments, and of course better cameras will all go some way to making these phones even more effective tools. Whether it’s worth upgrading really depends on how much you use your phone, and what tasks you use it for.
If you own an older handset and need something more capable, the iPhone 16 range is probably the best you can buy right now, certainly from Apple’s stable. After all, you can’t hold off upgrading forever, and if you need a new phone soon, now is as good a time to buy as any.
Should I wait until Black Friday to buy the latest model?
You can, but don’t have your heart set on a discount. Apple sometimes holds a Black Friday sale, but discounts are minimal. In our opinion, it’s not worth the two months’ use you’ll miss out on a new mobile deal by holding off purchasing until then.
Which iPhone has the best camera?
The iPhone 16 Pro models have the best cameras – in last year’s range, the Pro Max’s camera was slightly better than the Pro’s, but this year’s Pro models have the same cameras.
They include a 48-megapixel main camera, 48-megapixel ultrawide and 12-megapixel telephoto. A 5x optical zoom gets you closer to your subjects, and they have next-gen modes like Night mode portraits for stunning photos of people in low light.
They also have Apple ProRAW, which gives you larger file sizes better suited for editing along with Apple’s image processing for greater creative control. If you’re serious about smartphone photography, it’s what you’ll use.
Compare iPhone deals
Check out all of our latest iPhone deals on offer from range of mobile networks.
