The best iPhones to buy in 2024

New iPhones are right here, however Apple Intelligence is MIA. The much-hyped AI options will begin to ship with iOS 18.1 in October, they usually’ll embody issues like notification summaries and generative AI-powered writing instruments. It’s all fairly commonplace fare at this level, however extra promising options will proceed to roll out properly into 2025 — no less than, that’s what Apple says.

All of it places the iPhone 16 and 16 Professional in an uncommon spot: even as soon as 18.1 drops, Apple Intelligence will nonetheless be a piece in progress. That provides one other dimension to the perennial query: “Is that this the yr to improve?”

Regardless of all of the fuss about AI, our typical recommendation about cellphone shopping for holds true: hold on to the one you bought. When you’re not the kind of individual to get excited a few new digicam button, up to date picture processing choices, or incremental efficiency upgrades, then there’s no purpose to hurry out and purchase an iPhone 16.

However in case you’re questioning whether or not it’s the yr to exchange your iPhone 11 or 12 (or possibly even older, during which case properly executed!), then I feel the reply is a straightforward sure. There are actual good points this yr, particularly within the fundamental iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, with out even contemplating AI. And if Apple Intelligence seems to be one thing particular, properly, you’ll be prepared for it.

Display screen: 6.1-inch, 2556 x 1179 OLED, 60Hz refresh fee / Processor: A18 Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.6 principal with sensor-shift IS; 12-megapixel ultrawide; 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not marketed / Charging: 27W wired, 25W wi-fi MagSafe, 15W Qi2, 7.5W Qi / Climate-resistance score: IP68

Apple’s fundamental iPhone loved a big {hardware} increase this time round, enjoying an overdue sport of catch-up to the Professional sequence. The iPhone 16 contains the Motion Button from final yr’s Professional fashions — useful if there’s an app in your life you wish to entry on the contact of a button — and the brand new Digital camera Management. So if buttons are something to go by, this cellphone is two higher than final yr’s mannequin.

There’s extra happening underneath the hood, too. The A18 chipset is in the identical technology because the processor on the Professional fashions, which hasn’t been the case for the previous couple of years. That bodes properly for the 16 sequence staying on the identical replace schedule. And there’s additional RAM on this yr’s base mannequin, which might solely be factor.

The iPhone 16 grew to become a way more attention-grabbing digicam this time round, too. The Digital camera Management gives a fast approach to launch the digicam app and modify settings like publicity compensation. However there’s additionally a brand new set of Photographic Model filters this time round, with choices to regulate distinction, brightness, and undertones to dial in your most well-liked rendering of pores and skin tones. You’ll get higher low-light efficiency by stepping as much as the 16 Professional fashions, and different cool methods like 4K recording at 120 fps. However even with out all that, it’s probably the most customizable digicam Apple has provided but.

Exterior of digicam efficiency, there are two main drawbacks to selecting the common 16 over a Professional mannequin: no zoom lens, and no ProMotion display screen. Solely the Professional has a devoted 5x lens, which is useful for inventive framing. And the usual 60Hz display screen on the iPhone 16 will seemingly solely hassle you in case you’re used to a smoother 120Hz show, although it’s annoying on precept that Apple retains this characteristic to its Professional telephones when nearly each different high-end cellphone has one.

Learn my full Apple iPhone 16 overview.

Display screen: 6.3-inch, 2622 x 1206 OLED, 120Hz refresh fee / Processor: A18 Professional Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.8 with sensor-shift IS; 12-megapixel 5x telephoto with OIS; 48-megapixel ultrawide; 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not marketed / Charging: 27W wired, 25W MagSafe wi-fi, 15W Qi2, 7.5W Qi / Climate-resistance score: IP68

The iPhone 16 Professional will get a small however significant improve this time round: a bump as much as a 5x zoom, which on the 15 sequence was reserved for the Professional Max. And whereas the change from a 3x to 5x zoom doesn’t look that spectacular on paper, it goes a protracted approach to making the smaller 16 Professional really feel like an equal to the 16 Professional Max. For as soon as, you don’t must get the largest cellphone to get one of the best cellphone.

The 16 Professional is roughly the identical measurement because the 15 Professional, however it has an even bigger display screen: 6.3 inches, up from 6.1 inches. There’s additionally the brand new Digital camera Management, an upgraded 48-megapixel ultrawide on board, and naturally, a brand new chipset that’s prepared and ready for Apple Intelligence.

There’s nothing right here that makes the 16 Professional an absolute must-upgrade. Nonetheless, loads of folks will need the most recent gadget with all of the bells and whistles, and the 16 Professional represents a chance to get all of these options with out having to purchase the largest cellphone.

Learn our full Apple iPhone 16 Professional overview.

Display screen: 6.7-inch Tremendous Retina OLED / Processor: A18 Cameras: 48-megapixel f/1.6 principal with sensor-shift IS; 12-megapixel ultrawide; 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not marketed / Charging: 27W wired, 25W wi-fi MagSafe, 15W Qi2, 7.5W Qi / Climate-resistance score: IP68

The factor a few large cellphone is that it has an enormous battery. And whereas that’s straightforward sufficient to know, it nonetheless feels stunning how way more efficiency you possibly can eke out of the iPhone 16 Plus’ battery. It’ll stretch properly right into a second day of use, and even in case you’re conditioned to cost your cellphone each evening, you’ll be amazed how a lot you have got left within the tank on the finish of every day. It’s a strong antidote to battery nervousness.

Naturally, the 16 Plus’ big-ness comes with one other bonus: an even bigger display screen. The advantages are apparent right here, too. However one thing that stands out to me once I use the cellphone is simply how mild it feels for its measurement, particularly in case you’re evaluating it to the 16 Professional Max. When you like an enormous show however don’t want all the weight of the Max — metaphorically and bodily talking — then the Plus is the best way to go.

Learn our full Apple iPhone 16 Plus overview.

Display screen: 6.1-inch, 2532 x 1170 OLED, 60Hz refresh fee / Processor: A15 Bionic Cameras: 12-megapixel f/1.5 principal with sensor-shift IS; 12-megapixel ultrawide; 12-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not marketed / Charging: Wired, 15W wi-fi MagSafe, 7.5W Qi / Climate-resistance score: IP68

Technically, the iPhone 14 isn’t the most cost effective new iPhone you should buy. That honor goes to 2022’s iPhone SE, which begins at $429. However the SE makes use of an older design that makes it really feel like a distinct type of iPhone fully. Within the meantime, the 2022 iPhone 14 has been marked down twice to $599, making it one of the best deal you may get on a brand new, fashionable iPhone.

The common iPhone 14 didn’t include lots of upgrades; it felt extra like an iPhone 13S. However it was within the first wave of iPhones to incorporate Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc, which could possibly be a literal lifesaver. And the 14 acquired some useful digicam enhancements over the 13, together with a bigger principal digicam picture sensor and higher low-light picture processing because of some processing pipeline updates.

Then again, the 14 was the final technology of iPhone to return with out the Dynamic Island, which is the pill-shaped notch that homes time-sensitive updates and standing indicators. You’ll nonetheless get that info as notifications, however it’s not fairly as useful as having it out there at a look it doesn’t matter what you’re doing in your cellphone.

One other factor to pay attention to: iPhone 14 sequence house owners have complained of untimely battery rundown, with total battery well being falling a lot sooner than it ought to. Many of the battery complaints I’ve seen middle on the 14 Professional fashions; nonetheless, it’s one thing to control. All that mentioned, the 14 ought to obtain software program updates for an additional 4 years, and that’s a reasonably good ROI contemplating its new worth.

Learn my full Apple iPhone 14 overview.

Display screen: 4.7-inch Retina LCD / Processor: A15 Bionic Cameras: 12-megapixel f/1.8 with OIS, 7-megapixel selfie / Battery: Not marketed / Charging: Wired, 7.5W Qi / Climate-resistance score: IP67

The third-gen iPhone SE, launched in 2022, is the final of its variety. It’s Apple’s least costly iPhone, however it’s additionally the final cellphone to make use of Contact ID with a devoted dwelling button. When you’re not a fan of gesture navigation, you need a reasonable iPhone, or possibly — think about! — you simply desire a small iPhone, then the SE is your greatest wager. Properly, it’s your solely wager.

This suggestion comes with some large caveats, beginning with that display screen. It’s small — at 4.7 inches, it’s considerably smaller than the iPhone 13 Mini’s show, despite the fact that the SE is barely taller and wider than the Mini. The display screen feels cramped, and the LCD expertise seems dated.

There are a pair different low factors: the digicam system doesn’t have an evening mode, and there’s solely 64GB of storage on the bottom mannequin. All that mentioned, in case you’re accustomed to an even bigger cellphone display screen, the SE’s 4.7-inch LCD is perhaps the factor that’s hardest to reside with. But when a small display screen doesn’t hassle you and also you simply want that dwelling button, then it’s onerous to argue with the SE’s worth.

Learn our full Apple iPhone SE (2022) overview.

Apple nonetheless sells the iPhone 15 new, slicing the value right down to $699 with the introduction of the 16 sequence. When you’re paying in your cellphone out of pocket and wish to save a bit of money it’s a strong choice — simply know that it gained’t be eligible for Apple Intelligence. The 15 Professional will have the ability to run Apple’s AI options once they arrive, however the usual 15 gained’t.

There’s additionally a compelling argument for purchasing an iPhone 14 Plus at its twice-discounted fee of $699. Its large battery will go all day after which some, although you’ll miss out on the Dynamic Island, Motion Button, and Digital camera Management. When you’re not fussed about getting the most recent options and simply desire a large display screen, then it’s a worthy candidate.