Best apple phone to buy in 2025

To really pick the best Apple phone in 2025, you should consider what truly matters to you: Are you chasing the absolute latest tech and willing to wait a few weeks for the brand-new iPhone 17 series, or do you need a reliable device right now, perhaps one from the excellent iPhone 16 lineup that hit shelves last year? It’s like deciding between a car that just rolled off the assembly line with all the futuristic bells and whistles, or a tried-and-true model that still performs like a dream and might save you a good chunk of cash. This year, Apple has given us a fantastic spread of options, from the budget-friendly iPhone 16e to the powerhouse iPhone 16 Pro Max, and with the new iPhone 17 series just around the corner, things are getting even more exciting. We’re going to break down every option, so you can walk away knowing exactly which iPhone is your perfect match.

Understanding the Apple iPhone Landscape in 2025

It’s a pretty interesting year for iPhones, wouldn’t you say? We’re currently sitting in a sweet spot where the iPhone 16 lineup is readily available and offers some serious upgrades from previous generations, while the iPhone 17 series is right on the horizon, promising even more innovations. Apple’s “Awe dropping” event, where they’ll unveil the iPhone 17 models, is set for Tuesday, September 9, 2025, with pre-orders kicking off on September 12 and the official release on September 19.

This means you’ve got a couple of paths. If you need a new phone today, the iPhone 16 series is your go-to. If you’re someone who loves being at the absolute cutting edge and can hold out for a few more weeks, then setting your sights on the iPhone 17 models makes a lot of sense. No matter your preference, there’s an Apple iPhone that’s just right for you.

Best iPhone to Buy Right Now If You Can’t Wait for the iPhone 17

For those of us who need an upgrade sooner rather than later, the iPhone 16 series that launched in 2024 is still incredibly strong. These phones offer a fantastic balance of performance, camera quality, and features that will keep you happy for years.

iPhone 16 Pro Max: The Ultimate Powerhouse

If you want the absolute best iPhone you can get your hands on right now, money no object, then the iPhone 16 Pro Max is it. This phone is a beast in every sense of the word. You’re looking at the biggest screen a gorgeous 6.9-inch OLED display, the most powerful A18 Pro chipset, and what many consider the best cameras Apple has ever put in a phone. Galaxy Z Flip6 eSIM

I’m talking about a camera system that includes a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 5x telephoto, giving you incredible versatility for all your photos and videos. It also boasts the longest battery life of any iPhone, easily lasting you through a full day, and for many users, even closer to two days on a single charge. Plus, the premium blasted titanium frame feels incredibly sturdy and looks fantastic. It starts around $1,199. If you’re a content creator, a serious mobile photographer, or just someone who demands the very best, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is an easy recommendation.

iPhone 16 Pro: The Compact Pro Choice

Maybe the Pro Max is just a little too big for your hands, but you still want those premium Pro features. That’s where the iPhone 16 Pro shines. It packs essentially the same incredible camera system and the super-fast A18 Pro chip as its larger sibling, but in a more manageable 6.3-inch OLED display. You still get fantastic battery life—we’re talking over 17 hours in some tests.

It’s a perfect choice if you prioritize top-tier performance and camera capabilities but prefer a device that’s easier to hold and use with one hand. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999. It’s still a significant investment, but for what you get, it’s totally worth it. Check out the iPhone 16 Pro if you’re looking for that balance.

iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus: The Best Value for Most People

For most folks, the standard iPhone 16 or its larger sibling, the iPhone 16 Plus, are the sweet spots. These phones made some serious strides over their predecessors, making them feel much more “Pro-like” than in previous years. They come equipped with the powerful A18 chip, which means snappy performance for everything you throw at it, and they support all the cool new Apple Intelligence features. AQUOS Zero6 eSIM

You’ll get a great 48-megapixel main camera that can even do macro photos and offers a 2x optical zoom equivalent. Plus, Apple shifted to a vertical camera lens layout, which lets you capture spatial videos – a neat feature for the future, especially if you ever consider getting a VR headset. The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch OLED display, while the Plus bumps it up to 6.7 inches, giving you more screen real estate and typically better battery life. The iPhone 16 starts at $799 and the 16 Plus at $899. They’re genuinely fantastic phones that will last you for years, making the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus excellent choices.

iPhone 16e: The “Budget-Friendly” Option

If you’re looking for an Apple experience without breaking the bank, the iPhone 16e is your best bet. It’s Apple’s “cheapest competent iPhone” right now, starting at $599. Don’t let the price fool you. it still comes with a vibrant 6.1-inch OLED display, the efficient A18 chip just with one fewer GPU core than the regular 16, and a capable 48-megapixel main camera.

It’s also fully equipped to handle Apple Intelligence features, which means you’re getting future-proof AI capabilities at a more accessible price point. While it might miss some of the fancier features of its more expensive siblings, the iPhone 16e still delivers a solid iPhone experience and is a great option for anyone upgrading from an older model or looking to join the Apple ecosystem without a huge initial outlay.

The Future is Now: What to Expect from the iPhone 17 Series September 2025

Alright, if you’re the patient type and love having the absolute latest and greatest, then the upcoming iPhone 17 series is what you’re probably waiting for. Apple’s big reveal is just around the corner, scheduled for September 9, 2025, and there’s a lot of buzz about what’s coming.

This year, it looks like Apple is shaking things up a bit with four models: the standard iPhone 17, the all-new iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The “Plus” model is out, and the “Air” is in, which is a pretty exciting change. Motorola Razr 40 Ultra eSIM

iPhone 17 Air: The Ultra-Thin Contender

The iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about phones of the year. The biggest rumor is its unbelievably thin design, possibly as slim as 5.5mm, which would make it Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever. Imagine how sleek that will feel in your hand! It’s expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, a single 48MP rear camera, and an upgraded 24MP selfie camera.

It will also reportedly pack the A19 chip, a 120Hz ProMotion screen finally, on a non-Pro model!, and support for faster 35W charging. The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to replace the iPhone 16 Plus and could be priced between $899 and $999. If you love cutting-edge design and a super-smooth display, the iPhone 17 Air could be your next phone.

iPhone 17: The Refined Standard

The regular iPhone 17 is also getting some nice upgrades. You can expect a slightly larger 6.3-inch display with slimmer bezels, bringing it closer in line with the Pro models. And here’s a big one: rumors suggest it will finally get a 120Hz ProMotion display! That means super-smooth scrolling and a much more fluid experience, a feature previously reserved for the Pro line.

Under the hood, it’ll have the new A19 chip, ensuring top-notch performance and full support for Apple Intelligence. The cameras are also getting a bump, with an upgraded 24MP front-facing camera across the board. Pricing is expected to stay around the $799 mark. If you’ve been wanting Pro features without the Pro price tag, the iPhone 17 might just be the one. Pixel 9 Pro eSIM

iPhone 17 Pro & iPhone 17 Pro Max: Pushing the Boundaries

For those who always want the pinnacle of Apple’s technology, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are where it’s at. These models are expected to feature the even more powerful A19 Pro chip and potentially increased RAM up to 12GB, making them absolute powerhouses for demanding tasks and next-gen AI features.

The camera system is rumored to be truly revolutionary, especially on the Pro Max, which could feature three 48-megapixel cameras Wide, Ultra Wide, and a Tetraprism Telephoto lens and even support 8K video recording for the first time. Imagine the detail you could capture! Both Pro models are also expected to get a significant upgrade to their telephoto lens, possibly offering up to 8x optical zoom.

They’ll maintain their premium titanium frames and boast larger 6.3-inch Pro and 6.9-inch Pro Max ProMotion displays with even slimmer bezels. Base storage is also expected to get a bump to 256GB, which is a welcome change. Expect the iPhone 17 Pro to start around $1,099 to $1,199, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max to be in the $1,199 to $1,299 range. These are truly devices for those who demand the absolute best in mobile technology. You can find the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max once they are released.

Key Features to Consider When Buying Your iPhone

Beyond just the model, a few key features should definitely be on your radar when picking your new iPhone in 2025.

Apple Intelligence: The Future of Your iPhone

This is the big one for 2025. Apple Intelligence is Apple’s new suite of AI-powered features, and it’s going to change how we interact with our phones. We’re talking about smarter Siri, improved photo editing, AI-generated text, and tools to summarize messages and web pages. These features are designed to make your iPhone more intuitive and personalized, anticipating your needs before you even realize them. To get the full experience, you’ll generally need an iPhone with an A18 chip or newer, which means the iPhone 16 lineup and the upcoming iPhone 17 series are fully capable. Pixel 9a eSIM

Camera Capabilities: Capture Every Moment

iPhone cameras continue to be some of the best in the business, and 2025 is no exception. If photography and videography are important to you, pay close attention here.

• iPhone 16 Pro Max and 16 Pro: These are still top-tier, featuring a versatile system with wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, often with 48MP sensors and 5x optical zoom. They offer advanced features like ProRaw images and ProRes video for professional-level content creation.
• iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: You get a fantastic 48MP main camera and the ability to shoot spatial video, which is a cool feature for future viewing experiences.
• iPhone 16e and rumored iPhone SE 4: Even these more affordable options are stepping up, with the 16e featuring a 48MP main camera and the rumored SE 4 expected to get a similar upgrade.
• iPhone 17 Series upcoming: Expect even more significant camera advancements, especially on the Pro models, with potential 48MP sensors across all three rear cameras and up to 8x optical zoom on the telephoto. All models are also rumored to get a 24MP front-facing camera.
  For anyone serious about mobile photography, checking out iPhone Camera accessories can further enhance your experience.

Battery Life: Powering Your Day

Nobody wants to be constantly looking for a charger. Thankfully, Apple has been improving battery life across its lineup.

• The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the undisputed champion, often lasting a full two days for many users.
• The iPhone 16 Pro also delivers excellent endurance, easily getting you through a very busy day.
• Even the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus offer solid all-day battery performance, and surprisingly, the compact iPhone 16e holds its own well.
  While Apple prioritizes sleek design, which can sometimes limit battery capacity compared to some Android phones, newer iPhones have sophisticated thermal systems and efficient chips that help them run longer. To maximize your iPhone Battery Life, avoid extreme temperatures and keep your device updated.

Display Technology: A Window to Your Digital World

The display is how you interact with your phone, so it’s a huge deal.

• All recent and upcoming iPhones feature stunning OLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
• ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate: This was a Pro-exclusive feature for years, making scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. However, it’s widely expected to come to the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air models, which is a must for the non-Pro lineup. If you’ve never experienced 120Hz, trust me, it’s hard to go back!
  You’ll want a screen protector for whatever model you choose to keep that gorgeous display pristine.

Connectivity & Charging: Modern Standards

• USB-C: If you’ve been waiting for it, rejoice! All recent iPhones, from the iPhone 15 onwards, have transitioned to the universal USB-C port for charging and data transfer. This means one cable for many of your devices, which is super convenient.
• Wi-Fi 7: The upcoming iPhone 17 series is expected to support Wi-Fi 7, offering even faster and more reliable wireless internet speeds.
• eSIM: The iPhone 17 Air could be eSIM-only in some markets, meaning no physical SIM card slot. This is a trend Apple has been pushing, so it’s worth noting.

Older iPhones: Still Worth Considering?

While the latest and greatest are always exciting, sometimes an older model, especially a refurbished one, can offer incredible value. Prices for older iPhones, like the iPhone 15, tend to drop significantly after new models are released.

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• iPhone 15 Series: These are still very capable phones, offering a great two-camera system, Dynamic Island, and MagSafe charging. If you can find a good deal on an iPhone 15 or 15 Plus, they’re definitely worth considering, especially if you’re coming from a much older device.
• iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and Even iPhone 12: These models can be found refurbished and offer a solid iOS experience for a lower price. Just be mindful of battery health, as batteries naturally degrade over time, and a replacement might be needed if you buy a very old unit. A healthy battery on an iPhone 13 can still get you through a full day of moderate use. When buying older models, always look for reputable sellers and check the battery health percentage.

Making Your Decision: Which iPhone is for YOU?

You’ve got a lot of options. Let’s break it down into different user profiles to help you pinpoint the best iPhone for you in 2025.

• For the Early Adopter & Tech Enthusiast Waiting for iPhone 17:
  If you live for the latest technology, crave cutting-edge features, and can patiently wait until late September, then saving up for an iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max is probably your best bet. You’ll get the absolute newest chip, potentially groundbreaking camera tech, and the most future-proof device Apple offers. If you want the new thin design and a 120Hz screen without the “Pro” price, the iPhone 17 Air looks incredibly compelling.

• For the “Best-of-the-Best, Right Now” User:
  Can’t wait for September? The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the undisputed champion. It offers the biggest screen, longest battery life, and a phenomenal camera system that’s available today. If you want those Pro features in a more manageable size, the iPhone 16 Pro is an excellent alternative.

• For the Everyday User Looking for Great Value Right Now:
  The iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus hit a fantastic sweet spot. They offer superb performance, great cameras, the Action button, and all the Apple Intelligence features without the Pro price tag. You’ll be happy with these for years to come. Pixel 6 eSIM

• For the Budget-Conscious User New:
  The iPhone 16e is your gateway to the modern iPhone experience without a huge investment. It provides a great display, solid performance, and access to Apple Intelligence at a very attractive price point.

• For the Budget-Conscious User Older Model/Refurbished:
  If every dollar counts and you’re not chasing the absolute latest features, a discounted iPhone 15 or a refurbished iPhone 13 can be an excellent choice. Just make sure to check the battery health and buy from a trusted vendor. An unlocked iPhone can also give you more flexibility with carriers.

  

Ultimately, the “best” iPhone is subjective and depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Take some time to think about what you use your phone for most often, what features are non-negotiable for you, and how long you plan to keep the device. No matter which you choose, you’re getting a powerful and reliable device that will serve you well in 2025 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Apple Intelligence, and do I need it?

Apple Intelligence is Apple’s new set of AI features designed to make your iPhone smarter and more personalized. It helps with things like writing, summarizing text, creating custom images, and enhancing Siri. You’ll need an iPhone with an A18 chip or newer like the iPhone 16 series or upcoming iPhone 17 series to use it. While you don’t need it to use an iPhone, it’s a significant step forward in functionality and will likely become a core part of the iOS experience. V29 eSIM

When will the iPhone 17 series be released?

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, with pre-orders beginning September 12 and the official release date slated for Friday, September 19, 2025. So, if you’re waiting, the wait isn’t much longer!

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max camera really that much better than the standard iPhone 16?

Yes, for serious photographers and videographers, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers significant advantages. It includes a dedicated telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and often more advanced computational photography features like ProRaw and ProRes video recording. The standard iPhone 16 has a fantastic main camera and ultrawide, but it lacks the telephoto lens and some of the “Pro” features that give you more flexibility and control.

Should I buy an iPhone 15 in 2025?

An iPhone 15 can still be a great purchase in 2025, especially if you find it at a discounted price. It offers a modern design, a capable dual-camera system, the Dynamic Island, and USB-C. It’s a solid choice for someone upgrading from an iPhone 12 or older and wants a good value without needing the absolute latest features. Just remember that the iPhone 16e is now priced lower, so compare features and prices carefully. You can often find great deals on Refurbished iPhones.

What’s the difference between the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone 17?

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be an all-new model that replaces the “Plus” size. It’s rumored to feature an ultra-thin design potentially as thin as 5.5mm, a 6.6-inch display, a single 48MP rear camera, and Apple’s C1 modem. The standard iPhone 17 will reportedly have a 6.3-inch display, a dual-lens camera system, and a slightly different design. Both are expected to get a 120Hz ProMotion display and the A19 chip. The Air seems to prioritize a super-slim form factor, while the regular 17 offers a solid all-around experience. TCL 50 Pro NXTPAPER 5G eSIM