Best iPhones 2023: Which iPhone should I buy?

The launch of the iPhone 15 means tough decisions for phone buyers – do you spend big on the latest model or save a fortune by opting for something older? With four new iPhone 15 models, plus a ton of older, cheaper iPhones available, you’re not short of choice.

What is the best iPhone?

So which iPhone should you choose? Apple has you covered whether you’re a tech newbie or a hardcore enthusiast after the very latest in cutting-edge smartphone technology. Here’s our guide to help you decide which is the best iPhone in 2023.

Ready to start shopping? Take a look at our best iPhone deals.

1. 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

2. 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 Pro Max with a slightly smaller price tag

3. 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 a lot for games and movies

• You don’t need the extra power of the iPhone 15 Pro

4. 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 the biggest and best iPhone

• A good camera is important to you

Is it worth getting the upgraded iPhone 15 models?

Think about how you use your phone. If you take lots of photos (maybe for work), you’ll get a lot of benefits from the camera upgrades. The new design is a bit pointless, as most people put their iPhones in a case to protect them, but the Pro and Pro Max are built of titanium, making them lighter. The Dynamic Island is now available on all iPhone 15 models and does bring some extra functionality, but that won’t be essential for most people.

The iPhone 15 screens are said to be twice as bright as their predecessors’, and all four phones are more powerful than their iPhone 14 equivalents, which will come in handy if you play the latest games.

But if you can do without these bells and whistles, you could opt for an older iPhone and save yourself a small fortune…

5. 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 a 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 (a feature exclusive to the Pro models of iPhone 14 onwards).

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

6. 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

Compare iPhone 14 Pro deals

7. 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 the iPhone 15 range has launched, the 14 and its siblings 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

Compare iPhone 14 deals

8. iPhone 14 Plus 

The 14 Plus is the same size as the 15 Plus, but lacks the newer 48MP camera, Dynamic Island and new design flourishes. Like all iPhone 14 handsets, it also uses the older Lightning connector, not the USB-C of the iPhone 15 family.

The iPhone 14 Plus is right for you if:

• You want a bigger iPhone

• You don’t need the latest features

Compare iPhone 14 Plus deals

9. iPhone 13 Pro Max 

2021’s flagship iPhone still has a big screen (the same 6.7 inches as the more recent Pro Max models), 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

10. 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

Compare iPhone 13 Pro deals

11. 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

Compare iPhone 13 deals

12. 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

Compare iPhone 13 mini deals

13. 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 setups 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

14. 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

Compare iPhone 12 Pro deals

15. 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

Compare iPhone 12 deals

16. 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. Unfortunately, it too suffered from shorter battery life.

It packs almost identical specs to the standard iPhone 12, with the same processor and the 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

Compare iPhone 12 mini deals

17. 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

Compare iPhone SE deals

18. 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

Compare iPhone 11 Pro deals

19. 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 15 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 minds 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 12 mini for £379 – that’s £200 cheaper than the same device new. Or you can pick up a refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max for £759 – a saving of £290 on the RRP.

Will the older models get cheaper once the iPhone 15 is released?

They've already done so and by significant amounts. The iPhone 14, for example, has dropped £150 from £849 to £699. (That’s for the entry-level 128GB model.) The iPhone 14 Plus is also down, selling for £799, down from £949. 

However, the older Pro models are a little more complicated.

Apple has actually stopped selling the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. That’s because it wants to push punters towards the newer, more expensive models. But you can still pick up the older phones at other retailers – remember, Apple isn’t the only game in town. These Pros’ prices have seen less of a dramatic fall than their non-Pro siblings. Still, shop around, and if you’re happy to opt for an older model, there are significant savings to be made.

iPhone 15 vs. 14, is it worth upgrading?

Whether the iPhone 15 range is worth upgrading to really depends on how much you want the new features. If you already have an iPhone 14, we would find it hard to recommend a new model, because while nice to have, none of the new features are true game changers. You won’t even notice most of the design changes, as chances are you’ll put it straight in a case!

But then better cameras, brighter screens and the Dynamic Island could well have a real impact on what you get out of your phone. It depends on how you use it – if you have to take photos with your phone for work, for example, the better camera lenses and new features could add a lot of value. If you just use it for casual social media browsing, less so.

The further back you go, the bigger gains you’ll get from an upgrade. If you’re still using an iPhone 11, for example, an iPhone 15 will feel light years ahead and could be money well spent. The latest models are also said to be the most durable Apple has ever made, so could be an investment that lasts a long time.

Should I wait until Black Friday to buy the latest model?

We wouldn’t. While Black Friday does have some good deals, Apple devices are rarely among them. True, Apple does occasionally get in on the action and have its own sale at the same time, but the savings are minimal. There’s no harm in waiting to see, but if you’re hoping for a huge discount, you’ll be disappointed.

Which iPhone has the best camera?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the most advanced camera of any iPhone. It boasts three lenses – a 48MP main camera, 12MP Ultrawide and 12MP Telephoto with up to 5x optical zoom – and a range of modes for different scenarios like Night Mode. It also has 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.