Top iPhones of 2025: Which to Buy?

Choosing the right iPhone can feel overwhelming with the multitude of options available. In 2024, Apple introduced the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, followed by the more recent iPhone 16e, expanding the lineup and making the decision even more complex. Whether you're aiming for the latest technology or searching for a budget-friendly option, it's essential to weigh your choices carefully.

### Apple iPhone 16 Pro

2See it at Best BuySee it at Apple### Apple iPhone 16

2See it at Best BuySee it at Apple### Apple iPhone 16e

0See it at Apple### OnePlus 13

0See it at Best BuySee it at OnePlus

Regardless of your iPhone choice, all models support iOS 18, which Apple unveiled at WWDC 2024. This update brings a wealth of AI enhancements and a revamped Photos app for better organization. However, to fully utilize Apple Intelligence, you'll need an iPhone 15 or later.

For those looking to enhance their iPhone experience, consider exploring our guide to the best iPhone accessories, including essential screen protectors. We've also had the opportunity to review the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, which offer impressive performance, making them a worthy addition to your setup.

Contributions by Georgie Peru and Rudie Obias

1. iPhone 16 Pro

Best Overall iPhone

### Apple iPhone 16 Pro

2The iPhone 16 Pro strikes the perfect balance between size and power, offering a compact yet capable device. Its design is elegant, and the camera system is robust, making it a standout choice.
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Product Specifications
Screen: 6.3-inch OLED, 1206x2622, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: A18 Pro
Camera: 48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel Selfie
Battery: 3,582mAh
Weight: 199g (0.44lb)

PROS
- Powerful performance
- Elegant design
- Robust camera system

CONS
- Camera settings could benefit from further refinement

The iPhone 16 Pro effectively bridges the gap between the standard iPhone 16 and the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max. Its compact size is ideal for one-handed use, yet it retains all the features and camera sensors found in the Pro Max. If you prefer a larger screen, consider upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro Max for a similar experience.

The iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with the latest A18 Pro chip, which delivers exceptional performance for both daily tasks and gaming. This chip achieved the highest single-core score on Geekbench 6 that I've seen in any smartphone or laptop. The accompanying GPU ensures smooth gameplay at maximum settings.

Apple's build quality is luxurious, though the color options are somewhat subdued. The screen offers high brightness and contrast, enhanced by a fluid 120Hz refresh rate. While the Ceramic Shield glass is touted for its durability, it can still scratch easily, so additional protection is advisable.

The camera system on the iPhone 16 Pro is impressive, particularly in low-light conditions. The ultra-wide camera, while useful, can struggle with softness and noise due to focusing issues, which can be mitigated with manual focus. The 5x telephoto lens is excellent for portraits and distant subjects. The new Camera Control feature provides a shutter-like experience, though it may need further refinement in future updates.

iPhone 16 – Photos

7 Images2. iPhone 16

Best Mid-Range iPhone

### Apple iPhone 16

2The iPhone 16 offers excellent performance at a more affordable price point, making it a great mid-range option.
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Product Specifications
Screen: 6.3-inch OLED, 1206x2622, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: A18
Camera: 48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel Selfie
Battery: 3,582mAh
Weight: 199g (0.44lb)

PROS
- Excellent performance
- Fun color options

CONS
- Ultra-wide and selfie cameras can be soft

The iPhone 16 is a standout mid-range option, thanks to its inclusion of the powerful A18 chip. This chip, slightly behind the A18 Pro, still outperforms many Android devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets. The iPhone 16 handles daily tasks and demanding games like Wuthering Waves with ease, remaining comfortable to hold even during extended play.

This model offers vibrant color options, alongside classic black and white designs. The Ceramic Shield protection is included, but additional protection is recommended. The smaller size makes it more pocket-friendly and easier to handle than the larger Pro Max models.

While it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate of the Pro models, the iPhone 16's OLED display is sharp and vibrant. The speakers are robust, enhancing the experience of watching shows and movies. The main camera performs well, capturing vivid colors and handling low-light situations admirably. However, the ultra-wide and selfie cameras can be soft, possibly due to focusing issues that may be addressed in future updates.

3. iPhone 16e

Best Budget iPhone

### Apple iPhone 16e

0The iPhone 16e offers a budget-friendly entry point into the iPhone ecosystem, though with some compromises.
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Product Specifications
Screen: 6.1-inch OLED, 1170x2532, 60Hz refresh rate
Processor: A18
Camera: 48-Megapixel Wide, 12-Megapixel Selfie
Battery: 4,005mAh
Weight: 167g (0.39lb)

PROS
- Fast chip
- Lower price than main iPhone lineup

CONS
- Lacks several common iPhone features

The iPhone 16e, priced at $599, is Apple's most affordable new iPhone. It features the A18 chip, providing solid performance and access to Apple Intelligence features. The design has been updated to a modern look with a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, an aluminum frame, and Ceramic Shield glass. The base storage is a generous 128GB.

However, the iPhone 16e omits several features standard in other iPhones, such as MagSafe, wireless charging, mmWave 5G, UWB support, and a second rear camera. These omissions limit its functionality and camera capabilities, which are important considerations.

If the iPhone 16e's missing features are deal-breakers, consider exploring refurbished options. For instance, Amazon offers refurbished iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 units in excellent condition for under $500, which might be a better value.

4. OnePlus 13

Best iPhone Alternative

### OnePlus 13

0The OnePlus 13 offers a compelling alternative to the iPhone, with excellent performance, design, and camera capabilities at a competitive price.
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Product Specifications
Screen: 6.82-inch OLED, 1440x3168, 510ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 50-Megapixel Telephoto, 32-Megapixel Selfie
Battery: 6,000mAh
Weight: 210g (0.46lb)

PROS
- Great value
- Fast performance

CONS
- Software support slightly shorter than rivals

The OnePlus 13 is an excellent alternative to the iPhone, offering similar high-end features at a lower price. Priced at $899, it rivals the iPhone 16 Pro Max in terms of display, camera, and processing power. The triple-camera setup, including a 50MP telephoto lens, delivers stunning photos and videos.

The OnePlus 13's display is comparable to the iPhone's, with a 6.82-inch OLED panel, a high resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Its performance, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, nearly matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max in single-core and multi-core benchmarks, excelling in graphics tests and gaming. The 6,000mAh battery supports all-day use, with fast 80W wired and 50W wireless charging options.

The design of the OnePlus 13 is elegant, available in multiple stylish colorways, and includes an alert slider reminiscent of older iPhones. It offers superior water resistance with IP68 and IP69 ratings, making it a robust choice for those not committed to iOS.

Upcoming iPhones

In 2024, Apple introduced the iPhone 16 series, bringing significant improvements and performance enhancements. They also adjusted pricing on earlier models to make them more accessible. The introduction of the iPhone 16e aims to fill the gap left by the discontinued iPhone SE. Rumors and leaks about the iPhone 17 lineup, including an iPhone Air, are already circulating.

What to Look for in an Apple iPhone

Apple iPhones are renowned for their consistent user experience, a key reason for their global popularity. However, the differences between models can make choosing the right one challenging. Here are key factors to consider when buying an iPhone in 2025.

Phone Size

The size of your iPhone can significantly impact usability. For one-handed use, smaller models like the iPhone 16 or iPhone 14 are ideal. If you prefer a larger screen, the iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone 16 Pro Max are better suited.

Storage Capacity

Consider your storage needs. If you plan to store many high-resolution photos or use numerous apps, the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 1TB of storage is the best choice. Other models start at 128GB, suitable for more casual users.

Price

Apple's iPhone range spans from the budget-friendly iPhone 16e at $599 to the premium iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) at $1,599. Regardless of price, all models run the same iOS, ensuring long-term software support and updates.

Ultimately, the best iPhone for you depends on your usage. The iPhone 16 Pro is a well-rounded choice, offering a fast processor, excellent camera system, appealing design, and various storage options at a competitive price.

Best iPhone FAQ

What are the best iPhone alternatives?

While iPhones lead the smartphone market, several Android phones offer comparable features. The OnePlus 13 and Google Pixel 9 Pro are top contenders in the Android space. Other brands like Asus and RedMagic also provide competitive options that match many of the features iPhone users appreciate.