Best iPhone to buy 2024: all available Apple options ranked

Discover the best iPhone for both your needs and your budget in our iPhone guide

Best iPhone 2024: Jump Menu

iPhone 15

(Image credit: Apple)

00. The list in brief ↴
01.
Best premium & camera: iPhone 15 Pro Max
02. Best for most people: iPhone 14 Plus
03. Best budget: iPhone SE (2022)
04. Best premium: iPhone 14 Pro Max
05. Best smaller premium: iPhone 14 Pro
06. Best smallest option: iPhone 13 Mini
07. Best entry-level: iPhone 14
08. Best cost-effective option: iPhone 13
09. Best older-gen bargain: iPhone 12
10
. How we test the best iPhones

If you're looking for the best iPhone in 2024 and want no other brand in your pocket (no best Android phones to be seen here!) then you've come to the right place – as this is where all up-to-date iPhone models are compared, tested and ranked.

In this guide, we're focusing on the best iPhones currently sold by Apple. You can still pick up older models of course – such as the iPhone 13 Pro – on the second-hand and refurb markets (which is ideal for those on a budget or headed back to school), so that's something else to bear in mind.

Remember, however, that T3 has a number of phone guides, so if you don't need an iPhone specifically then you could be better served elsewhere. For example, in our best compact phones feature we list devices that are ideal for people will small hands, while in our best gaming phones, best Samsung phones, and best cheap phones we cover many other angles to consider.

Mike Lowe portrait
Mike Lowe

A major part of my job at T3 is testing the best phones, including Apple's long-established iPhone line. From the top-end flagships to the older-generation models, there's an option for everyone – and I've been following the iPhone line-up since day one, so know the range inside out, including the best bargains. 

T3's Top 3 iPhones

The best iPhones we recommend in 2024

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best premium and camera

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

(Image credit: Future)

1. iPhone 15 Pro Max

The ultimate iPhone and camera

Specifications

Weight: 221g
Dimensions: 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3mm
Screen size: 6.7 inches
Resolution: 1290 x 2796 pixels (460 ppi)
CPU: Apple A17 Pro
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery: 4441mAh
Rear camera: 48MP + 12MP wide + 12MP 5x zoom
Front camera: 12MP

Reasons to buy

+
Zoom camera is best of best
+
Titanium finish is lush
+
USB-C charging

Reasons to avoid

-
Most expensive option
-
Software costs battery
-
Is the Action button needed?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the 2023 flagship and, as said in T3's review, it earns its stripes by pushing the boundaries of what is possible from a smartphone. Thanks to a new titanium enclosure, it's lighter and stronger than ever, it boasts an even greater camera array with a zoom like no other iPhone, and it brings in USB-C charging to the series for the first time. If you want the very best then this is the phone to buy, but it is expensive. 

The earlier iPhone 14 Pro Max is still a great option if you're seeking a marginally more affordable buy, but you'll forego the titanium finish and the cameras aren't quite as advanced. Oh, and there's no Action button either, which is Apple's new feature for 2023's top-tier handsets. 

Best for most people

iPhone 14 PlusT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Future)
The best iPhone for most people

Specifications

Weight: 203g
Dimensions: 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8mm
Screen size: 6.7-inches
Resolution: 1284 x 2778 pixels
CPU: Apple A15 Bionic
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery: 4323mAh
Rear camera: 12MP main + 12MP ultrawide
Front camera: 12MP

Reasons to buy

+
Great big screen
+
Easy-to-use and capable cameras system
+
Last-gen power but it's still highly capable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not everyone wants a 6.7-inch screen
-
No always-on display
-
Still has a notch 

The 'Plus' model was new in 2022, ousting the standard iPhone 14 from a higher-ranking spot in our list because we prefer the Plus's bigger screen. At 6.7-inches this is better for most people – and the bigger size means better battery longevity too. We're yet to test the iPhone 15 Plus, which updates the series with a faster processor and Dynamic Island in the display. 

Sure, not everyone will want a bigger iPhone, but there are other options out there: you can go cheap with the iPhone SE, or small yet premium with the iPhone 13 Mini (that model's done and dusted now, so won't appear in the more recent range). So there are still options. 

That said, in the current market, we find the Plus to be a really great balance. If you don't want the additional zoom camera, as you might never use them much, then the Plus saves you the cash compared to the higher-end iPhone 14 Pro Max. And that, for many, will make it an ideally positioned and more financially suitable option. 

Best budget

iPhone SE 2022

(Image credit: Future)
The best budget iPhone

Specifications

Weight: 144 g
Dimensions: 138.4 mm x 67.3 mm x 7.3 mm
Screen size: 4.7 inches
Resolution: 750 x 1334 pixels (326 ppi)
CPU: Apple A15 Bionic
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB
Battery: TBC
Rear camera: 12 MP wide
Front camera: 7 MP

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable price point
+
Very compact form factor

Reasons to avoid

-
Basic camera

As part of its March 2022 event, Apple announced a brand new iPhone SE – the third generation of the affordable handset. It's the cheapest iPhone in the Apple range, even though its starting price is a little bit higher than its predecessor. There was no replacement in 2023 and the price has only gotten better!

This model looks pretty much identical to the old one, and Touch ID is still used instead of Face ID. There are improvements over the previous iPhone SE though: better battery life, a faster processor, and the addition of 5G. Those features might make the upgrade worth it for you.

The iPhone SE 3 is likely to appeal most to people looking to buy a new iPhone on a smaller budget, while getting hold of all that latest apps and iOS software goodies. With a 4.7-inch screen, it's also going to be a tempting proposition for those who want a smaller iPhone, and who don't want to pay for the iPhone 13 Mini. 

Best premium

iPhone 14 Pro Max

(Image credit: Future)
The ultimate iPhone (from 2022)

Specifications

Weight: 240g
Dimensions: 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85mm
Screen size: 6.7 inches
Resolution: 1290 x 2796 pixels (460 ppi)
CPU: Apple A16 Bionic
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery: 4323 mAh
Rear camera: 48MP main + 12MP 2x & 3x + 12MP ultrawide
Front camera: 12MP

Reasons to buy

+
48MP camera is great
+
Dynamic Island rather than notch

Reasons to avoid

-
Always-on display costs battery
-
Still no USB-C or fast charging

As we said in our review: "The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the ultimate iPhone and boasts three killer features: the new 48MP camera is truly impressive, the always-on display is really useful and the Dynamic Island is not only a feat of hardware and software collaboration but actually adds to the user experience.

These features can cost the battery life a bit, however, which is why we think the Pro Max, with its 6.7-inch screen is the option to pick over the 6.1-inch Pro model. Being a 2022 model the price is also better than the top dog iPhone 15 Pro Max, although that newer model brings a super titanium finish and more advanced cameras. 

Best smaller premium

iPhone 14 Pro

(Image credit: Apple)

5. iPhone 14 Pro

Top features in a not-so-big package

Specifications

Weight: 172g
Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.5 x 7.85mm
Screen size: 6.1 inches
Resolution: 1179 x 2556 pixels
CPU: Apple A16 Bionic
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery: 3279 mAh
Rear camera: 48MP main + 12MP 2x /3x tele + 12MP ultrawide
Front camera: 12MP

Reasons to buy

+
48MP camera is the best yet
+
Dynamic Island rather than notch
+
New always-on display

Reasons to avoid

-
New features cost battery life
-
And less battery life than the Pro Max
-
No USB-C or fast charging

The iPhone 14 Pro sits below the Pro Max, as it's a bit smaller, at 6.1-inches, instead of the maximum-in-the-range 6.7-inches. That means the Pro is almost identical in stature to the standard iPhone 14 – but with less advanced cameras than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

We're yet to review the Pro handset here at T3, but will be getting to grips with its iPhone 15 Pro replacement, and anticipate it will be the best option for many buyers who don't want a 6.7-inch device. That said, as per the Pro Max, the new addition of an always-on display is likely to cost the battery life a little, so you may want to go with the larger Max handset for better longevity overall. 

Best smallest option

iPhone 13 mini best iPhones

(Image credit: Apple)

6. iPhone 13 mini

The best iPhone for smaller pockets and bags

Specifications

Weight: 141g
Dimensions: 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7mm
Screen size: 5.4 inches
Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels (476 ppi)
CPU: Apple A15 Bionic
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Battery: 2438 mAh
Rear camera: 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
Front camera: 12 MP wide

Reasons to buy

+
Can fit just about anywhere

Reasons to avoid

-
Might even too small

If you want a small-ish iPhone but don't want to skimp on the specs (i.e. not buy the SE), here's your answer. The iPhone 13 Mini has a screen size of just 5.4 inches, making the handset as a whole very compact. It's also the last in a generation, as there was no iPhone 14 Mini to replace it!

In terms of the rear camera, what you get on the Mini is the same as what you get on the iPhone 13: a dual-lens affair that lacks the LiDAR, the optical zoom and the Apple ProRAW support of the Pro models. Still, if you can live without those features then you can save yourself some money, because this is the cheapest of the iPhone 13 variants.

Best entry-level

iPhone 14 review

(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
The best iPhone if you don't want a 6.7-inch screen

Specifications

Weight: 172g
Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm
Screen size: 6.1 inches
Resolution: 1170 x 2532 pixels
CPU: Apple A15 Bionic
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery: 3279 mAh
Rear camera: 12MP main + 12MP wide
Front camera: 12MP

Reasons to buy

+
Reliable and familiar design

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a major upgrade over iPhone 13

The 'entry-level' iPhone is, well, anything but entry as there's plenty of power here! Sure, it's familiar to any iPhone users as generation-to-generation it's not especially different. But that means it's small and reliable, thanks to its 6.1-inch screen and stellar battery life. The newer iPhone 15 adds Dynamic Island to the screen and USB-C charging, so may be your preferred choice.

As said in our review: "Upgrades over the iPhone 14's predecessor – while certainly welcome – aren't major. That said, with shiny new iOS 16 software, a reliable and familiar build, and pretty much everything in its right place, this smaller-screen iPhone is still a mighty attractive prospect".

Best cost-effective option

Apple iPhone 13

(Image credit: Future)
The standard iPhone 13 model

Specifications

Weight: 174g
Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7mm
Screen size: 6.1 inches
Resolution: 1170 x 2532 pixels (460 ppi)
CPU: Apple A15 Bionic
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Battery: 3240 mAh
Rear camera: 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
Front camera: 12 MP wide

Reasons to buy

+
The latest in Apple components
+
Competitive price point

Now the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series are here, we think that the standard iPhone 13 is competitively priced by comparison - and there's not a huge amount of difference between this older handset and the newer-generation model.

Sure, you miss out on some of the advanced camera tricks of the Pro models, such as Dynamic Island, but there's a lot here to like, including that bright and sharp 6.1 inch display. We like the range of colours too, with five of them to choose from.

Best older-gen bargain

iPhone 12 best iPhone 2022

(Image credit: Apple)
The best older-gen iPhone

Specifications

Weight: 164g
Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm
Screen size: 6.1 inches
Resolution: 1170 x 2532 pixels (460 ppi)
CPU: Apple A14 Bionic
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB
Battery: 2815 mAh
Rear camera: 12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
Front camera: 12 MP wide

Reasons to buy

+
Still decent value

Reasons to avoid

-
Dates back to 2020

The standard iPhone 12 is very similar in a lot of ways to the 13, 14 and 15 series, except older and cheaper. You can run the latest iOS software on it, so other than older internals you're not missing out on a huge range of newer features really.

Considering that you still get plenty of screen space from that 6.1-inch panel and super-fast internals for your money, we think the standard iPhone 12 makes a very decent case for being the best-value Apple handset - if you can find one to buy anyway!

How we test

There's a lot to consider when reviewing one of today's best phones, which includes iPhones! Much of it is comparing models in the range, judging these for suitability for different users, and comparing old models new as value propositions.

We judge iPhones from a build quality and fit and finish point of view, of course, given the different materials used. Then we judge hardware and what difference that makes in day-to-day use. 

We assess specific feature highlights per handset, plus the camera system's offering. We always use iPhones as if they're our own handsets, to gain a good judgement of these systems, battery life and software.  

Only then do we award a score to a phone, with 5 stars being the highest rank any product can get. And a lot of iPhones hit this lofty height given just how renowned and capable they are!

Mike Lowe
Tech Editor

Mike is the Tech Editor and AV Editor at T3.com. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 and, as a phones expert, has seen hundreds of handsets over the years – swathes of Android devices, a smattering of iPhones, and a batch of Windows Phone products (remember those?). But that's not all, as a tech aficionado his beat for T3 also covers tablets, laptops, gaming, home cinema, TVs, speakers and more – there's barely a stone unturned that he's not had a hand on. Previously the Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for a 10 years, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more. In addition to his tech knowledge, Mike is also a flights and travel expert, having travelled the globe extensively. You'll likely find him setting up a new mobile phone, critiquing the next MacBook, all while planning his next getaway... or cycling somewhere.