Greatest iPhone in 2026 ranked from greatest to worst
Selecting the perfect iPhone was once straightforward. With the unique, you picked a storage dimension. A yr later, there have been color choices too. (Effectively, black or white.) Then – increase – you owned one of many greatest smartphones on the planet. Now? You’re confronted with an more and more advanced collection of shiny new iPhones and last-generation stragglers.
Our information is right here to chop via the noise. We’ll spell out who every presently transport iPhone is greatest for, dig into the highs and lows, level you in the direction of the perfect older iPhone for youths, and deal with widespread questions that may in any other case derail your improve plans.
Why you may belief Stuff: Our staff of specialists rigorously check every product and supply sincere, unbiased opinions that will help you make knowledgeable choices. For extra particulars, learn how we check and fee merchandise.
Fast listing: What’s the perfect iPhone for you?
The most effective iPhone you should purchase immediately:
1. iPhone 17 Professional Max
Scroll to see extra →
| Specs | Apple iPhone 17 Professional Max |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.9in 2868×1320px 120Hz OLED HDR at 460ppi |
| Processor | Apple A19 Professional |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB on-board |
| Software program | iOS 26 |
| Cameras | 48MP Professional Fusion rear (essential, extremely vast, telephoto; as much as 8x optical zoom) / 18MP Centre Stage entrance |
| Battery | 4823 mAh (nanoSIM), 5088 mAh (eSIM) / MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 25W |
| Dimensions | 163.4×78×8.75mm / 6.43×3.07×0.34in |
| Weight | 231g / 8.15oz |
On the lookout for the perfect iPhone there’s? That’s the iPhone 17 Professional Max. It gives blistering efficiency, an outstanding triple-lens digital camera and a vibrant, fantastically crafted show.
It blazes via something you throw at it, and our exams advised this telephone had single-core scores that greater than match the desktop Mac Studio’s M3 Extremely chip. But the brand new vapour chamber cooling system manages to maintain issues cool. Battery life impresses too: we bought shut to 2 full workdays from the 4823mAh cell, and it hit 50% in simply 20 minutes utilizing a 40W charger.
The 6.9in OLED show is similar 120Hz ProMotion stunner as on final yr’s Professional Max, however with larger 3000 nits peak brightness outdoor. Even direct daylight couldn’t boring it throughout testing. The cameras get larger adjustments. The upgraded 48MP triple-lens setup really delivers. Pictures at 8x optical zoom are crisp and filled with element, and the 40x digital zoom is cleaner than something we noticed from the iPhone 16 Professional.
We’re much less offered on the transfer from titanium to aluminium – our overview unit picked up a small ding after a number of days – however the construct nonetheless feels premium. iOS 26’s new Liquid Glass look is divisive, although it shines on this huge display.
If you happen to’re after the final word iPhone for efficiency, that is the perfect you should purchase. And there’s a smaller Professional if you happen to don’t need a large iPhone. That each one stated, you may be higher off saving some money and going for our subsequent choice, which is now even nearer to the Professional than ever…
2. Apple iPhone 17
Scroll to see extra →
| Specs | Apple iPhone 17 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.3in 2622×1206px 120Hz OLED HDR at 460ppi |
| Processor | Apple A19 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB on-board |
| Software program | iOS 26 |
| Cameras | 48MP Twin Fusion rear (essential, extremely vast; as much as 2x optical zoom), 18MP Centre Stage entrance |
| Battery | 3692mAh / MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 25W |
| Dimensions | 149.6×71.5×7.95mm / 5.89×2.81×0.31in |
| Weight | 177g / 6.24oz |
The iPhone 17 is Apple’s greatest all-rounder but – and arguably the iPhone most individuals should purchase proper now. That is the closest that the usual iPhone has ever been to the Professional, but it nonetheless lacks the eye-watering price ticket of Apple’s flagship – and fairly a little bit of its bulk.
The design is unexciting however sturdy and premium. The brand new Ceramic Defend 2 improves scratch resistance. The larger win, although, is the show, which lastly provides the usual iPhone a 120Hz OLED panel. It’s the identical one which’s within the Professional, which means silky clean scrolling and an always-on 1Hz mode with StandBy assist.
The twin 48MP digital camera system impresses in most circumstances. Macro photographs are sharper than on the iPhone 16, whereas commonplace 1x snaps are wealthy and detailed. The shortage of a telephoto lens stays the most important hole versus the Professional fashions, although. Digital zoom rapidly loses high quality past 2x.
Efficiency can’t fairly match the Professional both, but it surely’s shut. The odd high-end sport will stutter and the telephone can get a bit toasty underneath sustained load. However that is nonetheless a extremely succesful system, from extra informal gaming via to surprisingly high-end inventive duties like music manufacturing. The battery impresses too, usually lasting a full day of combined use.
Until you want a telephoto lens or ultra-thin bragging rights, we’d say the iPhone 17 nails the necessities. It’s highly effective, sensible and a good choice.
3. iPhone 17e
Scroll to see extra →
| Specs | Apple iPhone 17e |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1in 2532×1170px 60Hz OLED HDR at 460ppi |
| Processor | Apple A19 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256/512GB |
| Software program | iOS 26 |
| Cameras | 48MP Fusion rear (as much as 2x optical zoom) / 12MP TrueDepth entrance |
| Battery | 4005mAh / Qi (not MagSafe) wi-fi charging as much as 7.5W |
| Dimensions | 146.7×71.5×7.8mm / 5.78×2.82×0.31in |
| Weight | 167g / 5.88oz |
The iPhone 17e may not be Apple’s least expensive telephone ever, but it surely strikes a wise stability between value and efficiency. At $200/£200 lower than the usual iPhone 17, there are clearly some compromises – which we’ll get to in a bit. However let’s first have a look at the great things.
The design’s not innovative, but it surely’s nonetheless a transparent step on from 2022’s Third-gen iPhone SE, ditching the Residence button and chunky bezels for good. There’s a notch somewhat than Dynamic Island – from the entrance, that is principally nonetheless an iPhone 14. However the flat edges, compact 169g construct and more durable Ceramic Defend 2 coating (Apple reckons it’s 3x extra scratch-resistant than earlier than) make it a pleasure to deal with. There’s a brand new tender pink end too, though black and white stay your solely different decisions.
From a efficiency standpoint, it’s no slouch both, with the brand new A19 chip and C1X modem conserving it firmly in keeping with this yr’s fashions. Storage has been doubled as commonplace, so 256GB is now the entry level. Better of all, the 17e lastly will get MagSafe, full with Qi2 assist and 15W wi-fi charging – double what the 16e managed. The place it nonetheless falls brief is the 60Hz show, which feels more and more stingy as the remainder of Apple’s vary strikes on.
The opposite essential distinction in comparison with the 17 is the digital camera setup. The 17 has a flowery new selfie digital camera and a 48MP ultrawide. The 17e lacks each, leaning on a software program crop of its single 48MP essential sensor for a so-so 2x zoom, and there’s nonetheless no Digicam Management button. That essential snapper isn’t fairly as succesful because the 17’s, but it surely’s nonetheless spectacular, together with in opposition to equally priced Android rivals.
The place the 16e felt like a notable compromise subsequent to the 17, the 17e closes a lot of that hole – MagSafe and the storage bump see to that. The show and single-lens digital camera are actually the clearest giveaways that you simply’re not holding a regular 17. That stated, there’s nonetheless no new iPhone cheaper than this, and if you happen to can’t stretch to the additional $200/£200, the 17e is the best finances advice Apple’s made but.
4. iPhone Air
Scroll to see extra →
| Specs | Apple iPhone Air |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.5in 2736×1260px 120Hz HDR OLED at 460ppi |
| Processor | Apple A19 Professional |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB on-board |
| Software program | iOS 26 |
| Cameras | 48MP Fusion rear (as much as 2x optical zoom) / 18MP Centre Stage entrance |
| Battery | 3149mAh / MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 20W |
| Dimensions | 156.2×74.7×5.64mm / 6.15×2.94×0.22in |
| Weight | 165g / 5.82oz |
The iPhone Air is the primary new iPhone design because the Plus. In reality, it’s arguably essentially the most radical departure within the line because the introduction of the iPhone X. We love its seems – however we don’t suppose this iPhone is for everybody.
Aspect-on, it’s 5.6mm skinny and but the construct feels reassuringly strong. It seems nice. And at simply 165g, it received’t drag down your pockets. Round entrance, you additionally get a 120Hz 6.5in OLED show that’s solely bettered by the display on the Professional Max. Efficiency is correctly flagship too, due to the A19 Professional chip with specs that just about match what’s within the Professionals. Nevertheless, the skinny design means this telephone can run sizzling – and never essentially when it’s being pushed.
There are different downsides too. The battery nearly lasted a full day throughout testing. It’s OK somewhat than nice. The identical may very well be stated for the only 48MP digital camera, which delivers crisp daytime photographs, however lacks the extremely vast from the opposite iPhone 17s and the telephoto from the Professional. Even audio takes successful, with a single-speaker setup that we haven’t seen in an iPhone since 2016’s finances iPhone SE.
If you happen to worth portability and magnificence above all else, the iPhone Air is a visually arresting, pocket-friendly slice of Apple {hardware}. But when pictures, battery life or versatility matter extra, the iPhone 17 stays the smarter purchase.
5. iPhone 14
Scroll to see extra →
| Specs | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1in 1170×2532px 60Hz OLED HDR at 460ppi |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB on-board |
| Software program | iOS 16 |
| Cameras | Twin 12MP rear (essential, extremely vast) / 12MP TrueDepth entrance |
| Battery | 3279 mAh / MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 15W |
| Dimensions | 146.7×71.5×7.8mm / 5.78×2.82×0.31in |
| Weight | 172g / 6.07oz |
You may pause on the considered handing a brand-new iPhone 17 to a baby – and even the cheaper 16e – on condition that there’s likelihood it’ll get dropped, cracked or left on a bus. That leaves you on the lookout for second-hand fare or refurb models. Proper now, we reckon the iPhone 14 is the most suitable choice.
It nonetheless seems fashionable. Round entrance, it’s equivalent to the 16e however is available in a extra attention-grabbing vary of colors. It additionally has different benefits over the newer telephone, reminiscent of an extremely vast digital camera and MagSafe charging. The place it lags is in having an inferior (however nonetheless affordable) 12MP entrance digital camera, the outdated Lightning connector somewhat than USB-C and a slower A15 chip. The final of these issues means no Apple Intelligence (though you may see that as a profit) and two to 3 years much less software program assist. However then if you happen to’re shopping for an inexpensive iPhone for a child, you’re most likely not pondering very long run anyway.
On the Apple Refurb retailer, the 128GB iPhone 14 is available in at $449/£449 – $150/£150 lower than the 16 – however we’ve seen cheaper elsewhere. Additionally, in case your child’s huge into pictures, contemplate an iPhone 14 Professional, with its 48MP entrance digital camera and 12MP 3x telephoto lens. It additionally has a more moderen, sooner chip and Dynamic Island, though it’s nonetheless lumbered with Lightning.
Each 14s, observe, have emergency satellite tv for pc communication, which lets somebody contact assist when out of cell vary. That’s not one thing most individuals will want daily, but it surely’s reassuring to have in case your child likes climbing, tenting or simply tends to get lost with no sign.
How to decide on the perfect iPhone for you
Shopping for an iPhone might sound easy. Stroll into an Apple Retailer. Seize the most recent iPhone. Pay. Depart. (Don’t overlook the penultimate step!) However Apple sells a number of fashions, every with distinctive options, sizes and costs. So you could suppose via what you really need.
Begin together with your finances and work from there. And to additional aid you make an knowledgeable choice, listed below are solutions to some widespread questions individuals ask when selecting an iPhone.
Steadily Requested Questions
iPhone is the usual mannequin. Professional means premium – extra options and a better value. Professional Max is the Professional with a much bigger show. Air is Apple’s new-for-2025 skinnier design. E (or ‘e’ as Apple would have it) is a ‘finances’ iPhone that changed the iPhone SE line.
You’ll use the telephone usually, so it must really feel proper within the hand. If doable, strive all of them in an Apple Retailer and see what works for you. Chances are you’ll discover the Professional Max incredible or unwieldy. Usually, we predict the usual iPhone strikes stability of display area, consolation and pocketability.
On iPhone, a show with a variable refresh fee of 1–120Hz that permits an always-on mode (1Hz) and smoother scrolling (120Hz). Older iPhones had a 60Hz refresh fee (together with the iPhone 16 and 16e which are nonetheless on sale) and no always-on mode.
The Professional chip is extra highly effective, making it extra suited to high-end video games and modifying video. However normally, you received’t discover. An A19 is greater than sufficient for many duties. In reality, even chips in years-old iPhones usually greater than do the job. Simply be aware that Apple Intelligence requires an A17 Professional/A18 (or newer).
Apple cameras are typically nice and also you don’t want an iPhone Professional for high quality snaps. The principle benefit of the Professional is a telephoto lens. ‘Fusion’ lenses with 2x optical zoom are literally cropping the central a part of a higher-resolution picture, leading to much less element than you’d get with a telephoto equal. If you happen to’re extra into excessive close-ups (macros), you’ll want an ultra-wide. The Air and 16e don’t have one.
Sure. Apple provides you 5GB of on-line storage totally free, which is pitiful. iCloud+ has a variety of storage tiers and provides options like Cover My E-mail. But it surely’s most important for backing up your iPhone, making certain you received’t lose valuable information and photographs. Observe that you would be able to share iCloud+ plans with members of the family.
That is dependent upon how you utilize an iPhone. However be aware you can’t increase inner storage later, though you may ‘offload’ apps, information, photographs and movies to iCloud storage. Regardless, select correctly. When upgrading from an current iPhone, verify your present utilization in Settings > Basic > ‘iPhone Storage’.
In all probability. Fashionable iPhones are sturdy however not indestructible. One flawed drop on to a tough floor and your iPhone could require a substitute display that prices half as a lot because the telephone did. However instances add bulk, so fastidiously contemplate which to purchase.
That relies upon. Shopper rights in your area may provide you with safety concerning faults. For unintentional harm, although, AppleCare could be a good choice, and also you’ll know from earlier expertise if you happen to have a tendency to wreck units. There’s additionally a theft and loss tier, however these issues may be coated by your house insurance coverage.
If dealt with with care, years. The battery is the almost definitely factor to fail, and Apple can substitute that for round $100/£100. By way of software program, iOS 26 helps the iPhone 11 – and that was launched in 2019. So six years or so is an effective yardstick.
iPhones transfer quick. In 2024, the iPhone 16 seemed like a discount. A yr later, the iPhone 17 has blazed thus far forward that we are able to’t advocate the 16 anymore. Positive, Apple’s knocked $100/£100 off the value, however any sense of financial savings evaporate when you have a look at what you’re dropping in comparison with the 17: a ProMotion always-on show; Ceramic Defend 2; a sooner chip; huge battery features; nice digital camera upgrades; double the storage.
This yr, Apple received’t even allow you to bump the storage on the earlier yr’s iPhone. Why? As a result of then a 256GB iPhone 16 would price the identical as a 256GB iPhone 17. Yikes.
The one cause to even contemplate a 16 now’s for the Plus model – and even then, provided that you completely should have a much bigger show however received’t pay Air or Professional Max costs. However do ask your self if you happen to’d sooner pay $100/£100 much less than the Plus for an iPhone 17 with all of its superior tech, and simply reside with the smaller display.
iPhone spec comparability desk
Scroll to see extra →
| Specs | Apple iPhone 17 Professional Max | Apple iPhone 17 | Apple iPhone 17e | Apple iPhone Air | iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9in 2868×1320px 120Hz OLED HDR at 460ppi | 6.3in 2622×1206px 120Hz OLED HDR at 460ppi | 6.1in 2532×1170px 60Hz OLED HDR at 460ppi | 6.5in 2736×1260px 120Hz HDR OLED at 460ppi | 6.1in 1170×2532px 60Hz OLED HDR at 460ppi |
| Processor | Apple A19 Professional | Apple A19 | Apple A19 | Apple A19 Professional | Apple A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB on-board | 256GB/512GB on-board | 256/512GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB on-board | 128GB/256GB/512GB on-board |
| Software program | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | iOS 16 |
| Cameras | 48MP Professional Fusion rear (essential, extremely vast, telephoto; as much as 8x optical zoom) / 18MP Centre Stage entrance | 48MP Twin Fusion rear (essential, extremely vast; as much as 2x optical zoom), 18MP Centre Stage entrance | 48MP Fusion rear (as much as 2x optical zoom) / 12MP TrueDepth entrance | 48MP Fusion rear (as much as 2x optical zoom) / 18MP Centre Stage entrance | Twin 12MP rear (essential, extremely vast) / 12MP TrueDepth entrance |
| Battery | 4823 mAh (nanoSIM), 5088 mAh (eSIM) / MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 25W | 3692mAh / MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 25W | 4005mAh / Qi (not MagSafe) wi-fi charging as much as 7.5W | 3149mAh / MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 20W | 3279 mAh / MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 15W |
| Dimensions | 163.4×78×8.75mm / 6.43×3.07×0.34in | 149.6×71.5×7.95mm / 5.89×2.81×0.31in | 146.7×71.5×7.8mm / 5.78×2.82×0.31in | 156.2×74.7×5.64mm / 6.15×2.94×0.22in | 146.7×71.5×7.8mm / 5.78×2.82×0.31in |
| Weight | 231g / 8.15oz | 177g / 6.24oz | 167g / 5.88oz | 165g / 5.82oz | 172g / 6.07oz |
Latest updates
- nineteenth June 2026: Added iPhone 17e and up to date product specs.
- 14th March 2026: Added iPhone 17e information.
- 14th February 2026: Added iPhone 17e rumours
- nineteenth December 2025: Up to date title.
- 19 November 2025: Eliminated the iPhone 16 Professional Max. Lowered iPhone 16 to a small point out. Up to date iPhone 16e and iPhone 14 opinions to raised align with the present iPhone vary. Significantly expanded the FAQ.
- 30 October 2025: Added the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Professional and iPhone Air. Eliminated discontinued fashions, such because the iPhone 15 Professional Max and iPhone SE. Added a FAQ part.
