The best iPhone to buy in 2025 depends on your budget and preferences:
- For most people, the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus is recommended. The iPhone 16 offers powerful performance, excellent cameras, a customizable Action button, and good battery life starting at $799. The 16 Plus has the same features with a bigger screen and longer battery life.
- If you want the top-tier features and best cameras, the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max are the best choices. These have larger screens, the newest A18 Pro chip, advanced camera systems, and the longest battery life (especially the Pro Max). Prices start around $999 to $1,199.
- For budget-conscious buyers, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) offers good performance with a smaller size and Touch ID for about half the price of the iPhone 16, but with a shorter battery life.
- The emerging iPhone 17 series adds options like the iPhone 17 Air for a lightweight model and the Pro/Pro Max for the best cameras and performance. The regular iPhone 17 is considered great value with upgrades like 120 Hz displays and increased base storage.
If wanting the newest model and top features, the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max are recommended. For affordability with strong features, the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus remain excellent choices. If budget is very limited, the iPhone SE 3rd gen is a solid option.
Which one to buy depends on preferences for:
- Screen size
- Camera quality
- Performance needs
- Battery life
- Budget
Let me know if a specific use case or budget range should narrow the recommendation further.