The year 2025 brings with it an impressive range of available iPhones, each boasting groundbreaking features and exceptional performance. With the ever-evolving lineup of Apple smartphones, it can be overwhelming to determine which iPhone is the perfect fit for your needs. Fear not, as our definitive guide is here to help you navigate the best iPhones of 2025, offering a thorough analysis of top models, feature highlights, and expert advice to help you make the right choice. Let's dive into the world of Apple and explore the outstanding iPhones of 2025 together.
Best Overall: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple’s entire iPhone 16 series has set a new standard for innovation, style and creativity. The top-of-the-line iPhone 16 Pro Max, however, is the powerhouse that truly makes the most of the new Apple Intelligence (AI) tech that everybody’s talking about. The Pro Max comes out of the box with AI ready to go, not to mention the processor, battery power, and massive screen needed to make it all come alive. This new tech simplifies not just your phone, but really your entire world. Before we get into the weeds, here’s a quick look at some new advances to expect courtesy of AI.
- Siri evolves. Siri now offers a more engaging and natural interaction experience. For instance, if you hesitate while speaking or make a few mistakes, Siri will still understand you. Need help with something on your iPhone? Just ask. For example, “how can I write an email now and schedule it to go out later?” Siri can guide you through the process with clear, step-by-step instructions.
- New Camera Control is oh, so cool. This innovative new “button” on iPhone 16 Pro Max is a streamlined interface, allowing you to effortlessly capture stunning photos and videos with a simple swipe. It also gives you immediate access to information across apps. For instance, if you see a new coffee shop while out strolling, just press and hold Camera Control to get details like operating hours, menus, and photos. Spot a new car you love? A long press gives you instant information about the make, model, price, and more. Spot a flyer for an upcoming event? Add all the info (time, date, subject) to your calendar in a simple tap.
- On-board tools elevate your writing game. Imagine quickly jotting down some jumbled notes while on the move, but need to pull them together for a professional email. AI can efficiently summarize your notes and rewrite them in various styles until you find the perfect tone. This and other writing aids are integrated throughout your apps, from emails to messages and beyond.
- Communication is simplified. AI now helps you swiftly review your emails and texts, generating summaries with key details and highlighting important messages. A standout feature that everyone is excited about is Genmoji, which lets you describe an emotion, image and more, and watch it instantly come to life in the form of a customized emoji.
- Cherished memories are front and center. Gone are the days of endlessly scrolling through photos. Simply describe the image you're looking for, such as "Fido chasing birds in the park," and it will appear. Need to find a specific moment in a video? A brief description can take you directly there.
Key Features
- 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Titanium design with textured matte-glass back
- A18 Pro chip
- Apple Intelligence
- Action Button
- Pro camera system
- 48MP Fusion, 48MP Ultra Wide Telephoto
- Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
- Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control
- 48MP Macro Photography
- Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps
- Latest-generation Photographic Styles
- 4,676 mAh battery
- Color options: Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium
What we like most
While all iPhone 16 series devices are specifically designed to maximize AI, the Pro Max has a few standout specs we especially love, including the biggest screen of any 16-series phone and a top-of-the-line A18 Pro processor to seamlessly power the new AI advances. You’ll also love the amazing 48MP fusion camera, professional audio layering, flawless and intuitive photography, plus cinematic video capabilities. It’s perfect for serious photographers, musicians, influencers, and movie/video makers who want it all—and don’t mind paying a little extra for it.
Other considerations
With all those top features, it’s no wonder this flagship device comes at a premium. But if you want most of the same stuff, including baked-in AI capabilities and the pro-level camera and chip, but can live with a smaller screen, less battery power, and less standard capacity, you may want to opt for the next phone on the list.
Best Entertainment Value: iPhone 16 Pro
While the screen isn’t as large and it’s lacking a few other features that come on the Pro Max, it’s still packed with all those top AI capabilities and almost as many perks at a smaller price, making it a great choice for those looking to maximize their entertainment value.
Key Features
- 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Titanium design with textured matte-glass back
- A18 Pro chip
- Apple Intelligence
- Action Button
- Pro camera system
- 48MP Fusion, 48MP Ultra Wide Telephoto
- Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
- Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control
- 48MP Macro Photography
- Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps
- Latest-generation Photographic Styles
- 3,577 mAh battery
- Color options: Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium
What we like most
You still get that amazingly powerful A18 Pro processor to power all-things AI, plus a pro-style 48MP fusion camera, flawless audio, intuitive photography, and cinematic video capabilities—but in a smaller, more budget-friendly package, perfect for photographers, musicians, gamers, influencers, and movie/video makers on a budget.
Other considerations
While it costs less than the Pro Max, the smaller screen (6.3- vs. 6.9-inches), less battery power (27- vs. 33-hours of video playback), and less standard capacity (128GB vs 256GB) may be a deal breaker for those who don’t mind paying a little more to get the best of the best.
Best Compact: iPhone 15
Apple’s iPhone 15 is packed with innovation and groundbreaking features that redefine smartphone excellence, but with a manageable 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, stunning design, a great camera, USB-C charging and more.
Key Features
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
- High-resolution camera
- 48MP Main camera
- 2X optical zoom option
- Versatile Ultra Wide camera
- Dynamic Island for a notch-free display
- Aluminum and colored-infused glass design
- 3,349mAh battery
- USB-C charging
- Color options: Pink, Blue, Black, Yellow, Green
What we like most
iPhone 15 boasts a relatively compact feel for those who don’t love the supersized phones on the market, plus a stylish design. You’ll love Dynamic Island (which made its way onto the new iPhone 16 series, as well) and a super-bright display that you can easily see outdoors. It has a formidable, high-resolution 48MP main camera, optional 2X optical zoom, advanced features for improved focus and depth control, plus Cinematic Mode for professional-looking videos you can fine-tune, adding a cinematic flair to your video creations.
Other considerations
If you’re looking for a small-ish, late-model iPhone, this device delivers, along with a host of impressive features for a great price now that the newer models are out. However, it won’t have those much-ballyhooed AI features everyone’s talking about, nor will it have the latest high-powered chip or battery on board.
Best big-screen value: iPhone 15 Plus
If you’re looking for impressive screen size, enhanced camera capabilities, and overall multimedia performance, the 15 Plus is a top choice at a really great price. While you won’t be getting the much-ballyhooed Apple Intelligence features like those on the newer iPhones, this device still has an amazing 48MP main camera, advanced audio/video capabilities, Dynamic Island, a powerful battery with 26 hours of video playback, and a giant 6.7-inch screen.
Key Features
- 6.7" Super Retina XDR display
- Aluminum design with color-infused glass back
- A16 Bionic chip
- Pro camera system
- 48MP Main
- Telephoto with 5x Optical Zoom
- Ultra Wide
- 12MP Selfie
- 4,407 mAh battery with MagSafe, Qi2, and Qi wireless charging
- Supports USB 2
- Color options: Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black
What we like most
iPhone 15 Plus is an incredible value for anyone who wants a big-screen experience without breaking the bank. The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, perfect for streaming, gaming, or staying productive. The camera system, with its impressive 48MP main lens and versatile telephoto capabilities, allows for stunning photos and videos in nearly any situation. Plus, the A16 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance whether you're multitasking or enjoying the latest apps. With excellent battery life and fast wireless charging options, the iPhone 15 Plus is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to step up to a larger iPhone at a more affordable price.
Other considerations
While this phone offers a lot of features, it does miss out on some of the more advanced technologies found in newer models, like Apple Intelligence and the Action button. It also lacks the some of the pro-style camera features, like the Camera Control button, Macro Photography, Spatial photos and videos, as well as the latest 5G modem advancements. Additionally, while it has MagSafe support, it's not as future-proof as some of the higher-end models. Still, for the price, it offers a lot of value, as well as a huge screen.
Best Budget: iPhone 16e
Created to replace the previous SE series device, there are plenty of reasons to love this iPhone, especially if you like the idea of having a 16-series phone, but don’t need all the latest cameras upgrades. If that’s you, iPhone 16e is an incredible bargain. It has the same 6.1-inch display as iPhone 16, as well as the same A18 chip, and similar design. It also is built with Apple Intelligence features, including the Action button, and has a more efficient setup, making the battery last even longer than the pricier iPhone 16. Where it differs is in the camera setup. It doesn’t have the Camera Control slider, which means slower access to photo and video tools. While it does have a 2-in-1 48MP Fusion camera with 2x optical zoom, it’s missing the true 48MP Fusion/12MP Ultra-Wide dual-camera setup that iPhone 16 offers with 5x optical zoom. It’s also missing a few advanced features, like Macro photography, Spatial photos and videos, and the latest-generation Photographic Styles. But it has almost everything else—for about 200-dollars less.
Key Features
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
- Aluminum and glass design
- Apple Intelligence
- Action button
- Two-in-one camera system
- 48MP Fusion
- Integrated 2X Optical Zoom lens
- A18 chip
- USB-C charging
- Color options: Black or White
What we like most
Impressive, stylish, and comparatively affordable, iPhone 16e is more than just a starter smartphone—boasting all the latest tech, minus a few camera features for those who don’t need all the pro-style extras. Since it’s the first and only phone to have Apple C1 on board (Apple’s first in-house 5G modem), it delivers superior battery life over the pricier iPhone 16.
Other considerations
While the design is similar to iPhone 16-series phones, it has only two color options (black and white) and it lacks the Dynamic Island element, as well as the Camera Control slider, which translates to slower access to your favorite phone and camera features. Also, it has a pared-down 2-in-1 48MP Fusion camera with fewer pro-style features. Also, if you’re a fan of MagSafe, it’s not compatible with MagSafe cases, wallets, or wireless chargers.
Apple iPhones continue to shine as some of the best devices out there. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or high-end powerhouses with all the bells and whistles, this can help you narrow down your options and find the perfect iPhone for you. No matter which one you choose, you know you’re getting cutting-edge technology and outstanding performance.
Still undecided? You might also be interested in:
- Compare iPhone 16 vs. 16 Plus vs. 16 Pro vs. 16 Pro Max
- Compare iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 Series
- What’s the Trade-In Value of Your iPhone?
- Our Best Deals on iPhone
*Please note that product availability may vary, and some items mentioned may no longer be in stock or available at the time of reading. Browse all of our latest phones, devices and accessories here.
Sources:
https://www.apple.com/iphone-16e
https://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/?modelList=iphone-16e,iphone-16,iphone-16-plus
https://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/?modelList=iphone-15-plus,iphone-16,iphone-16e