The best iPhone overall is the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While it launched in September of last year, the 6.7-inch model is still the largest iPhone Apple currently offers. It has the latest features, including support for future Apple Intelligence tools in iOS 18. 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max looks and feels different than prior Pro Max models, as it's made of titanium instead of stainless steel. This material choice "makes the Pro phones about 10% lighter (than their predecessors) and is very durable," 's editor-in-chief, Jason Hiner, noted when first reviewing the phone.

Review:iPhone 15 Pro: Coming from iPhone 12 Pro or earlier? This upgrade will wow you

Another major feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the USB-C connector. While that may sound underwhelming, the switch from Lightning means the iPhone now supports faster charging and data transfers, the ability to charge AirPods and other USB-C accessories, and the ability to connect to an external 4K monitor. Some users on Reddit even suggest that the switch to USB-C was what brought them back to the iPhone.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max also features a new 5x zoom camera lens -- the equivalent of a 120mm focal length on a mirrorless or DSLR camera -- a new Action button that lets you better customize shortcuts and easily open the apps you need, and an A17 Pro chip that's snappier and more capable of handling machine-learning, on-background tasks than other iPhone models.

iPhone 15 Pro Max specs: Processor: Apple A17 Pro Bionic | Display size: 6.7 inches with 120Hz refresh rate | Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP 5x telephoto | Front camera: 12MP | Colors: Natural Titanium, Blue, White, Black | Weight: 221g | Starting price: $1,099 

The iPhone 15 looks great, feels great, and performs how a premium phone should. It also starts at$300 less than the iPhone 15 Pro series, putting it in closer reach for most consumers. With this model, Apple has also given it USB-C charging, though the phone tops up at a slower pace (18W instead of 30W), the Dynamic Island for multitasking, and a matte back design that's less prone to fingerprint marks -- putting it closer to the Pro version than ever. 

The iPhone 15 offers a thinner, slightly lighter form factor than its predecessor, the iPhone 14, whether you opt for the standard size or Plus. When I reviewed the model at launch, I was very impressed by how the curved edges gave me a confident grip without digging deeply into my palm. That's been a pain point with older iPhone models, which flaunted sharper, glossier designs.

Review:iPhone 15: Why I recommend this model even to 'Pro' users in 2024

Apple also gave the latest iPhone a promising camera upgrade, with a new 48MP main sensor that lets you crop into photos and retain more detail and color accuracy than ever. As pulled from my review, "the iPhone's color science leans more natural, prioritizing the finer details like subjects underneath shadows and how evenly lit everything in the frame is."

Pair the reliable camera with great battery life, a reliable A16 Bionic chip, and a swatch of charming colors, and you have an iPhone that most people can buy and enjoy. Best Buy customers seem to agree with that sentiment, commending the iPhone 15's camera quality, endurance, and overall performance.

iPhone 15 specs: Processor: Apple A16 Bionic | Display size: 6.1 inches with 60Hz refresh rate | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide | Front camera: 12MP | Colors: Pink, Yellow, Blue, Green, Black | Weight: 171g | Starting price: $799 

While Apple has officially discontinued its iPhone Mini models, Avi Greengart, lead analyst at Techsponential, suggests the iPhone 13 Mini for anyone eyeing a small flagship iPhone. He's not wrong: The iPhone 13 Mini is the only compact option in the US that includes specs similar to that of its larger siblings. You'll just have to buy one refurbished, as the company no longer sells the smaller size in stores.

Review: Apple iPhone 13 Mini

For roughly$350 at major retailers, the iPhone 13 Mini comes with the same A15 Bionic processor as the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14, as well as Face ID, 5G, wireless charging, and a reliable set of cameras. If you find yourself taking advantage of the dual 12MP rear cameras, the base storage of 128GB (upgradeable up to 512GB) should be sufficient for creative needs.

The iPhone SE (2022) is the other contender for small iPhones, but its outdated design makes the iPhone 13 Mini the more practical choice in the modern age of digital consumption. Speaking of which, there are some obvious drawbacks to the smaller form factor, like battery life, display quality, and multitasking. But if you can shoulder the three, like several satisfied Reddit users, the iPhone 13 Mini is definitively the best mini iPhone available right now.

iPhone 13 Mini specs: Processor: Apple A15 | Display size: 5.4 inches with 60Hz refresh rate | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: Two 12MP (wide and ultra-wide) | Front camera: 12MP | Colors: Starlight, Midnight, Red, Pink, Blue | Weight: 141g | Starting Price: $350

Going off of retail price alone, the 2022 iPhone SE is the cheapest iPhone on the market right now. The$429 starting price comes with its caveats, of course, but there are still several iPhone benefits that may interest budget shoppers.

Review: Apple iPhone SE (2022)

For example, the latest model brings Sub-6 5G support (mmWave is not supported) and an improved A15 processor with the same 4.7-inch display size, front Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and single rear camera as the older iPhone 8 model. If you were a fan of the pre-notch era of iPhones, the iPhone SE will scratch that old-time itch.

The A15 processor, compared to its predecessor's A13, brings improved performance, longer battery life, and enhanced photography results, as tested by 's former contributor Jason Cipriani. "The lone 12-megapixel camera is no slouch. While Apple didn't upgrade the hardware itself, the camera benefits from the A15 Bionic processor and its image signal processor," he noted in his review.

iPhone SE specs:CPU: Apple A15 | Display: 4.7 inches with 60Hz refresh rate |  |  Internal storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | Rear cameras: 12MP wide | Front camera: 7MP | Colors: Midnight, Starlight, Red | Weight: 144g | Starting price: $429

While Apple continues to segment its iPhone line with "Pro" and "Plus" models, the regular offering, such as the previous generation's iPhone 14, continues to see the most success. Part of the reason is how similar its design is to the Pro variant, especially when it comes to form factor, button placement, and even the charging tech. 

But the more obvious reason is the price. What makes the iPhone 14 the "best old-generation iPhone" for now is the permanent price reduction. Selling for$799 originally, the 2022 iPhone can now be had for$699 at your local Apple store.

Review: Apple iPhone 14: Exactly as good as it needs to be

For folks who are not as invested in the latest camera features and hardware, which is most people, the price difference is enough to justify buying the regular iPhone 14 as opposed to one of the Pro models, or even the latest iPhone 15. That doesn't mean you're settling for an inferior iPhone experience. With its A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone 14 should power you through general tasks like social media browsing, emailing, video calls, gaming, and then some. 

Its dual camera system at the rear has been carried over from the iPhone 13 Pro, which, if you read our full review, should give you confidence more than anything else. If you do buy the iPhone 14 (or any older phone model), it's always helpful to replace the battery so that you have a full-health cell to work with, making the phone feel like new again.

iPhone 14 specs: Processor: Apple A15 | Display size: 6.1 inches with 60Hz refresh rate | Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Rear cameras: Dual 12MP (Wide, ultra-wide) | Front camera: 12MP | Colors: Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight, Red | Weight: 172g | Starting price: $699