Best iPhone in 2025 ranked from best to worst | Stuff

Choosing the best iPhone used to be easy; you just had to choose the colour and the storage capacity. It was guaranteed to be among the best smartphones on sale. But now, things are not so simple. From E to Plus to Pro to Pro Max to Air, Apple’s flagship phone ships in more variants than ever before.

And just to muddy the waters further, the mobile maker still sells a few of its former headline handsets from previous generations, as well as the entry-level SE for buyers on a budget.

So there’s an Apple smartphone for everyone. The tricky thing is knowing how to pick it. Not sure where to start? We’ve set out the good, the bad and the things to note about the key iPhone models currently available to buy to help you decide.

Note that we’ve left the iPhone 16 and 14 in this list for now. They’ve gone end-of-life and have been replaced by newer models, but they’re still available from certain vendors at a reduced price.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: What’s the best iPhone?

The best iPhone you can buy today:

1. iPhone 17 Pro Max

If you’re looking for the absolute ‘best’ iPhone, the iPhone 17 Pro is it. It offers blistering performance, a superb triple-lens camera, and a bright, beautifully crafted display that makes everything look effortless (although you’ll pay handsomely for the privilege).

After fully testing the iPhone 17 Pro Max, it’s clear Apple’s latest flagship is every bit the powerhouse it claims to be. Performance is staggering – our Geekbench 6 tests showed single-core scores matching the Mac Studio’s M3 Ultra chip, with the new vapour chamber keeping things cool during gaming and 8x zoom video capture. Battery life impressed too: we got close to two full workdays from its 4823mAh cell, and it hit 50% in just 20 minutes using a 40W charger.

The 6.9in OLED display is stunningly bright – we measured 3000nits outdoors, and even direct sunlight couldn’t dull it. The new “plateau” camera design looks striking, and that upgraded 48MP triple-lens setup truly delivers. Shots at 8x optical zoom are crisp and full of detail, and the 40x digital zoom is cleaner than anything we saw from the iPhone 16 Pro.

We’re less sold on the move from titanium to aluminium – our review unit picked up a small ding after a few days – but the overall build still feels premium. iOS 26’s new Liquid Glass look is divisive, though it shines on this big screen.

If you’re after the ultimate iPhone for performance, this is the best you can buy. But honestly, most people will be better off saving some cash and going for the cheaper iPhone 17, which now shares many of the same strengths.

2. Apple iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 is Apple’s best all-rounder yet — and arguably the iPhone most people should buy in 2025. Despite being the entry-level iPhone, it delivers Pro-level performance without the eye-watering price or bulk. While its design hasn’t changed much, the new Ceramic Shield 2 improves scratch resistance, and the build feels as premium as ever.

The biggest win is the display. Apple’s finally upgraded the standard iPhone to a 120Hz OLED panel, matching the Pros for smoothness and adding a 1Hz always-on mode. During testing, scrolling felt far more fluid than on the iPhone 16, and brightness hit 3000 nits – clearly visible even in direct sunlight. The stereo speakers also pack a surprising punch when watching videos or gaming.

The dual 48MP camera system impresses in most conditions. In testing, macro shots showed noticeably better sharpness, and 1x photos looked rich and detailed. The lack of a telephoto lens remains the biggest gap versus the Pro models, digital zoom quickly loses quality beyond 2x, but 4K/60fps video recording and stabilisation keep it competitive.

Performance is stellar thanks to the A19 chip. Games like Assassin’s Creed ran smoothly (with only minor heating), and music production in Korg Gadget performed better than on an M1 iMac. Battery life easily lasts a day of mixed use. The main gripes? USB 2.0 speeds and iOS 26’s flawed “Liquid Glass” interface.

Despite that, Apple’s ecosystem remains unmatched for creative tools and premium apps. Unless you need a telephoto lens or ultra-thin bragging rights, the iPhone 17 nails the essentials. It’s powerful, practical and, for once, a sensible choice.

3. iPhone 16e

The iPhone 16e might not be Apple’s cheapest phone ever, but it strikes a smart balance between price and performance. At £599/$599, it’s not exactly impulse-buy territory – but it’s £200 less than the standard iPhone 16, and after weeks of testing it in the real world, we think it’s worth your attention.

Design-wise, it finally drags Apple’s entry-level offering into the modern era. Gone are the home button and chunky bezels. We’ve been using it on the go, and the flat edges, light 167g build and compact size made it a joy to handle – even one-handed on a packed train.

The OLED screen is vibrant and sharp, with deep blacks and rich colours. Watching Netflix on the commute looked great, even if the 60Hz refresh rate meant scrolling Twitter felt a bit less fluid than we’re used to on Android rivals. Outdoors in bright sun, it held up fine – not the brightest we’ve tested, but never unreadable.

We took the 16e on a long weekend trip and it easily lasted from breakfast to bedtime with around 40% battery left by the end of the day. That’s with maps, photos, Spotify and plenty of WhatsApp. Charging is slower than Pro models, but we didn’t find it annoying.

The single 48MP camera consistently delivered. Portraits of friends popped, low-light shots of city streets had detail without noise, and zoomed-in photos of our dog at the park looked great. Compared to the Pixel 8a, the iPhone 16e’s images had better colour accuracy and dynamic range.

No MagSafe is a downer – we missed using our car mount and magnetic charger. And yes, a 120Hz screen would’ve been nice. But for most people, the iPhone 16e nails the essentials and feels like a flagship in everyday use.

4. iPhone Air

The iPhone Air is the first new iPhone model in years, so we were very excited to use it as our main phone during the review period. And, while we love its design, we don’t think it’s for everyone…

At just 165g and 5.6mm thick, it’s so light it almost disappears in your pocket, yet still feels reassuringly solid. The 6.5in OLED display is stunningly sharp and hits 3000nits of brightness in our tests – great for use outdoors. Performance is properly flagship too, thanks to the A19 Pro chip, matching the 17 Pro in benchmarks. But the thin design means it runs warm during long gaming sessions, and the 3149mAh battery just about lasts a full day – we hit 20% by the evening more than once.

The single 48MP camera delivers crisp shots in daylight, but we really missed the ultrawide and telephoto options from the 17 series. On a work trip, we had to borrow a Pro model to fit everyone into a group photo, which says it all. Audio also takes a hit – the mono speaker sounds flat next to the stereo setup on pricier models.

If you value portability and design above all else, the iPhone Air is a lovely, pocket-friendly slice of Apple hardware. But if photography, battery life, or versatility matter more, the iPhone 17 remains the smarter buy.

5. iPhone 16

Apple’s iPhone 16 was launched in 2024, so if you’re looking to save a little money and don’t need all of the latest iPhone 17 features, the 16 is a solid option. It still feels like a solid mix of refinement and fresh features.

What catches our eye right away is the new Camera Control. It’s great to see Apple bringing this customisable shutter button to the standard models – not just the Pros. We like that it opens the camera instantly and lets us tweak settings with ease, whether we’re zooming in or adjusting the tone. The 48MP main camera with 2x telephoto is a definite step up, and we’re loving the range it offers for our shots.

Performance-wise, Apple’s A18 chip is blazing fast, with no lag even when we’re multitasking heavily. The slightly larger battery gives us more screen time, enough to comfortably last a day and then some. However, we’re let down by the lack of ProMotion’s smooth 120Hz refresh rate; a display like this really deserves better, especially when Apple’s competitors have been stepping up in that area.

iOS 18 has some standout tweaks, too. With RCS messaging and the reworked Control Center, we’re finding it more customisable than ever. All in all, the iPhone 16 impresses with many Pro-like features, even if Apple Intelligence isn’t here to wow us just yet. For the price, it’s a strong, well-rounded package.

6. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Similar to the iPhone 16 above, this has now been replaced by the 17 Pro, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max still hits familiar marks – powerful, huge display, killer battery – but it’s also clear Apple is playing it safe with last year’s model. Yes, it’s incredibly fast, boasting Apple’s A18 Pro chip, which breezes through high-end games and heavy multitasking. But what sets it apart, truly? Sure, it has a 6.9-inch display with barely-there bezels, and that’s stunning. Yet, it doesn’t exactly make us want to celebrate in the streets.

One thing we’re really enjoying here is the improved camera, especially for close-ups and action shots. The 48MP ultrawide snaps are razor-sharp, and with the new 5x optical zoom, we’re capturing shots that would’ve been a pixelated mess on older models. We’re also having fun with the new slow-motion effects; there’s something quite epic about watching everyday moments in cinematic, Matrix-esque slo-mo. Plus, the four-mic array and audio controls give videos that extra polish.

But all that goodness has a few trade-offs. This thing is bulky – it’s noticeably bigger and heavier than the last Pro Max. If you’re coming from an iPhone 13 Pro Max, you’ll feel it. And while the new titanium frame is supposed to be tougher, that extra durability won’t stop it from shattering if it takes a serious tumble.

As for the much-touted Apple Intelligence feature, it’s almost there. This year’s iOS 18 gives us a glimpse, but full AI functionality is still waiting in the wings. The new Camera Control button is cool, but takes some getting used to. If you’re looking to save a few quid and can live without a couple of these extras, the standard iPhone 16 might actually suit you better.

7. iPhone 14

If you want to get your child their first iPhone but don’t fancy spending big on the latest iPhone 17 – because, let’s be honest, there’s a good chance it’ll get dropped, cracked, or left on a bus – the iPhone 14 is a solid choice. It still looks modern, runs the latest iOS, and offers plenty of power for games, social media, and schoolwork.

Under the hood, it uses the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13, which is still fast enough for pretty much anything a teenager might throw at it. You also get the same trio of storage options and a dual-camera setup on the back. That said, the iPhone 14’s slightly wider aperture and improved image processing mean photos come out brighter and sharper, especially in low light.

Apple also added emergency satellite communication – a feature that lets you contact help when you’re out of mobile range. It’s not something most people will need every day, but it’s reassuring to have if your kid likes hiking, camping, or just tends to wander off with no signal.

How to choose the best iPhone for you

Buying an iPhone might seem simple – you walk into an Apple Store, pick the latest model, and you’re done. But it’s not that straightforward. With several models still on sale, each with different features and prices, it’s worth thinking through what you actually need before you spend three or four figures on something that’ll live in your pocket.

Start with your budget. Apple’s line-up ranges from the relatively affordable iPhone e to the ultra-premium iPhone 17 Pro Max. The good news is that even older models like the iPhone 14 or 15 still perform brilliantly and receive software updates for years. You’re paying for more than just specs – things like screen quality, camera tech, and build materials separate the cheaper models from the pricier ones.

You’ll be using your phone constantly, so it needs to feel right in your hand. The regular iPhones tend to strike the best balance of screen space and comfort, while the Max versions are massive and great for watching films, but tricky to pocket. If you prefer something smaller, the old SE is an option, though it’s showing its age in design.

All iPhones are fast, but the latest chips, like the A19 Pro, are designed for heavier tasks such as gaming, editing video and AI features. If you mainly browse, message, and stream, an older A16 or even A15 chip will serve you fine.

Battery life varies across models: larger iPhones generally last longer, while the compact ones sacrifice stamina for size.

Apple’s camera systems are some of the best, but you don’t need a Pro model to take great photos. The biggest differences are in low-light performance, zoom range, and video features. If you care about photography, look for models with larger sensors and optical zoom lenses. For everyday snaps, the standard dual-camera setup is more than enough.

Finally, Apple no longer offers expandable storage, so pick wisely. 128GB is the practical minimum, especially if you shoot video or download lots of apps. Heavy users or creators should go for 256GB or more, because upgrading later isn’t possible.

Frequently asked questions

iPhone models explained

Apple’s iPhone line-up can be confusing, especially with all the different names. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each one actually means.

The SE is Apple’s budget option. It looks like an older iPhone, complete with a Home button. It’s ideal if you just want an iPhone that runs iOS smoothly without fancy extras. Although it’s now been discontinued.

The SE was replaced by the ‘E’. This is Apple’s new budget-focused member of the family. It’s a more affordable, modern option that sits below the main model in price but keeps many current features (OLED display, recent chip, and decent camera).

Then you have the standard iPhone. It’s usually the best balance of price, power, and features. You get a bright OLED screen, dual cameras, and the latest software, but miss out on the high-end camera tricks and premium build of the Pro.

Apple used to offer a ‘Plus’ version of the regular model, which is bigger. You get a larger display and slightly better battery life, with the same cameras and performance.

Next, you get the Pro models. These are for people who want top-tier performance and camera quality. They use higher-end materials, add features like ProMotion 120Hz displays, and pack triple-lens cameras with telephoto zoom.

Finally, there is the Pro Max, which takes everything from the Pro and makes it bigger (both physically and in price). You get the best cameras, the biggest screen, and the longest battery life of any iPhone. Great if you love watching films or editing photos on the go.

Recent updates

• 30th October 2025: We’ve added the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air. We’ve removed the discontinued models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone SE. We also added a frequently asked questions section.