From Classics To Innovations: The Best iPhones For Every User

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Forbes Vetted Nov 1, 2023, 04:15pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Apple recently just launched its 2023 iPhone lineup that includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and the flagship iPhone 15 Pro Max. These new models are feature-packed and use the new USB-C port. While the company has phased out the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus are still in the market.

Further, you can buy a new iPhone 13 but not a 13 Mini. In short, you can find plenty of models on the market to suit your needs. The best iPhones, like our top choice, the iPhone 15 Pro Max , pack the most powerful processor on the market and is capable of snapping gorgeous pictures, with plenty of other camera features to choose from.

The best iPhones bring a great camera, all-day battery life and more straight to your fingertips. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers Whether you’re seeking the best camera on the market or an affordable model to keep in contact with your friends and family, we’ve compiled a list of our top recommendations. After our own hands-on testing and extensive research, here are the best iPhones you can buy right now.

Best iPhone Overall: iPhone 15 Pro Max Best Compact iPhone: iPhone 15 Pro Best iPhone For Casual Users: iPhone 15 Best iPhone For Battery Life : iPhone 14 Plus Best Mid-Range iPhone: iPhone 13 The Best iPhone with Touch ID: iPhone SE Best iPhone Overall Full Camera System In One Device Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Display size : 6. 7-inches | Display type : 2796 x 1290 pixel resolution AMOLED, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate | Storage : 256GB, 512GB and 1TB | Dimensions : 6. 29 x 3.

02 x 0. 32 inches | Weight : 7. 81 ounces | Front camera : 12 megapixels | Rear camera : 48 megapixels; 12 megapixels (ultrawide), 12 megapixels (telephoto with 5x optical zoom) | Charging : 20W wired, MagSafe wireless | Processor : Apple A17 Pro Best for : Shooting and editing gorgeous, detailed images.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a new design where you get slightly curved, ergonomic edges and titanium build packed into a lighter form factor. At 19 grams lighter, it’s now more comfortable than before to talk, text, and shoot images without compromising on the usual upgrades to the camera and processor. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the A17 Pro SoC, which can run console-level games on the iPhone like Resident Evil: Village .

On the camera front, you get better HDR support and portrait features, upgraded night mode and a 5x optical zoom that adds more ways to snap photos. For editors, you can go in and back edit the focus of your shot after you take your pictures. It makes it easier to capture your content in the moment, and you can edit it at a later time.

Plus, with the macro lens that can have you shooting images as close as two centimeters away, you’re essentially carrying multiple cameras in one device. The battery life lasts an entire day on a single charge. You also get a new Action Button instead of the Silent Switch that lets you configure tasks like opening the camera, capturing photos, switching between silent and ringing modes and much more with Shortcuts.

Moreover, you now get 256GB of storage on the base model. What our writers say : In his review , Apple expert David Phelan says, “from the truly outstanding cameras that take smartphone photography to a new level, to the gorgeous design, from the neat, new Action button to the screaming-fast performance speeds and improved graphical capabilities. Overall, this is a real winner.

” Pros: Upgraded processor for AAA gaming Built-in 5x optical zoom USB-C charge port Cons: 3x zoom is now digital Best Compact iPhone Feature-Packed Despite Smaller Display Apple iPhone 15 Pro Buy From Apple Display size : 6. 1-inches | Display type : 2556 x 1179 pixel resolution AMOLED, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate | Storage : 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB | Dimensions : 5. 77 x 2.

78 x 0. 32 inches | Weight : 6. 60 ounces | Front camera : 12 megapixels | Rear camera : 48 megapixels; 12 megapixels (ultrawide), 12 megapixels (telephoto with 3x optical zoom) | Charging : 20W wired, MagSafe wireless | Processor : Apple A17 Pro Best for: Carrying a versatile camera setup on a compact iPhone.

The iPhone 15 Pro is the most feature-packed Apple phone you can buy right now. It uses the same processor (A17 Pro) as the iPhone 15 Pro Max and has the Action Button and titanium build. Additionally, it gets the same software camera upgrades like enhanced HDR, new portrait mode where you can change the blur between two subjects in the Photos app after capture and improved lens flare.

However, you miss out on the 5x optical zoom and still get 128GB of storage on the base version. What also separates the iPhone 15 Pro from its Pro Max sibling is the smaller display that opts for a 6. 1-inch rather than a 6.

7. For those that want the best features in a more compact size, this device balances those needs well while maintaining an all-day battery life. Pros : Excellent display Smaller form factor compared to the Pro Max USB-C charge port Cons : No 5x optical zoom like the iPhone 15 Pro Max Best iPhone For Casual Users Now Featuring The Dynamic Island Display Apple iPhone 15 Display size : 6.

1-inches | Display type : 2556 x 1179 pixel resolution AMOLED, 60Hz refresh rate | Storage : 128GB, 256GB and 512GB | Dimensions : 5. 81 x 2. 82 x 0.

31 inches | Weight : 6. 02 ounces | Front camera : 12 megapixels | Rear camera : 48 megapixels; 12 megapixels (ultrawide) | Charging : 20W wired, MagSafe wireless | Processor : Apple A16 Bionic Best for: Regular use The iPhone 15 is Apple’s newest base model that adds many upgrades for casual users. The new base model comes equipped with several pro features from last year including the Dynamic Island display, a 48MP primary camera, A16 Bionic chipset and 2,000 nits peak brightness.

While you won’t get the telephoto lens, you’ll still get a great 48MP camera for capturing your family’s moments. Notably, you also get the same camera improvements as the iPhone 15 Pro series with enhanced HDR and 24MP photos. The iPhone 15 still uses a 60Hz refresh rate in lieu of a 120Hz rate, but you won’t notice while streaming your favorite shows or gaming on the device, for the most part.

Like the 15 Pro, it comes in a 6. 1-inch screen for an ergonomic form factor, too. Pros : Upgraded 48MP camera Brighter display Dynamic Island support Cons : Still a 60Hz refresh rate Best iPhone For Battery Life Ditch The Power Bank MOST POPULAR Apple iPhone 14 Plus Buy From Apple Display size : 6.

7-inches | Display type : 2778 x 1284 pixel resolution AMOLED, 60Hz refresh rate | Storage : 128GB, 256GB and 512GB | Dimensions : 6. 33 x 3. 07 x 0.

31 inches | Weight : 7. 16 ounces | Front camera : 12 megapixels | Rear camera : 12 megapixels; 12 megapixels (ultrawide) | Charging : 20W wired, MagSafe wireless | Processor : Apple A15 Bionic Best for: Enjoying an all-day charge without needing a power bank. The first iPhone in the “Plus” series came last year in the form of the iPhone 14 Plus.

It remains the go-to iPhone if you need the best battery life on your Apple phone. It’s similar to the iPhone 14 Pro Max form factor but without the telephoto camera and ProMotion (120Hz) display, but you won’t notice these differences on your device when you’re taking calls or streaming. The iPhone 14 Plus is powered by the A15 Bionic chipset, which is plenty fast and can handle multitasking with ease.

It feels premium when you’re holding the device because the flat sides give it a comfortable form factor. The big, 6. 7-inch screen is great for content consumption and playing games–in fact, it’s the largest display alongside the iPhone 15 Pro Max that you can get right now.

Pros : Great battery life Big display Good cameras Cons : No Dynamic Island Best Mid-Range iPhone Solid Features For Less Than $600 Apple iPhone 13 Display size : 6. 1-inches | Display type : 2532 x 1170-pixel resolution AMOLED, 60Hz refresh rate | Storage : 128GB, 256GB and 512GB | Dimensions : 5. 78 x 2.

82 x 0. 30 inches | Weight : 6. 14 ounces | Front camera : 12 megapixels | Rear camera : 12 megapixels; 12 megapixels (ultrawide) | Charging : 20W wired, MagSafe wireless | Processor : Apple A15 Bionic Best for: Getting a good balance of affordability and features.

The iPhone 13 remains the best mid-range iPhone to buy. The iPhone 13 packs a 6. 1-inch display with a notch that’s wider than the iPhone 14.

However, it doesn’t cause any major hindrance while watching your content on the device. The display is sharp and bright, lasting all day on a single charge. Plus, you get the still-powerful A16 Bionic processor.

The iPhone 13 sports a 12MP dual rear camera setup that supports Photographic styles, so you can tune the images to your liking when taking photos. As aforementioned, you get the same display, design and chipset as the iPhone 14 but miss out on a smaller notch, more RAM and crash detection. More RAM might be useful if you are running a bunch of apps simultaneously or gaming, but overall the iPhone 13 suits most general needs.

What our writers say : In his iPhone 13 review , Apple expert David Phelan says, “The iPhone 13 would be worth buying even if the only upgrade was the brilliant battery life increase. But it’s not. The enlarged, improved cameras with cool new features like Cinematic mode, the brighter screen, the smaller notch and the blazing-fast performance are all excellent too.

” Pros : Same chipset as iPhone 14 Good display Great battery life Cons: Average cameras No Dynamic Island support Best Affordable iPhone The Only iPhone With TouchID Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen Display size : 4. 7-inches | Display type : 1334 x 750 pixel resolution AMOLED, 60Hz refresh rate | Storage : 64GB, 128GB and 256GB | Dimensions : 5. 45 x 2.

65 x 0. 29 inches | Weight : 5. 09 ounces | Front camera : 12 megapixels | Rear camera : 12 megapixels | Charging : 20W wired | Processor : Apple A15 Bionic Best for: A no-frills iPhone that won’t break the bank.

The third-gen iPhone SE is the only Apple phone with Touch ID in the market right now. While it doesn’t come with an AMOLED display, it features a bright LCD panel. For those that want an iPhone that’s under six inches, the iPhone SE is the only option with a 4.

7-inch screen. Moreover, It is the only phone with a single camera that’s still on sale in 2023. You don’t get an ultrawide-angle lens like the other iPhones, but it will be good enough to take family photos when you want to point and click.

As a heads up, you’ll lose out on wireless charging, but so long as you don’t mind that, this is an affordable device for those that want to stick to a budget. Pros : TouchID Lightweight design Small form factor Cons : Mediocre battery life No wireless charging MORE FROM FORBES VETTED The 6 Best Vacuum Cleaners, According To Extensive Testing By Margaret Eby Contributor The Best Tennis Shoes For Women That Enhance Your Game By Molly Calhoun Contributor How We Chose The Best iPhones When reviewing the iPhones currently available, we took into account our firsthand experience and prior knowledge of the brand and mobile tech space. We also extensively researched each model on this list, and features including screen size, camera, Dynamic Island support, storage and more were carefully considered.

To make the cut, each pick had to present an excellent value, balancing features and cost; we also browsed customer reviews to make sure the majority of buyers were happy with their purchase. Further, we made sure to include a variety of price points, screen sizes and features in order to offer a great iPhone for every kind of user. We also regularly update this guide to bring you the most up-to-date and helpful advice.

It was last updated in November 2023 to answer common questions about iPhones. How Long Does An iPhone Last? Apple is renowned for supporting its devices with software updates for the longest amount of time. For instance, iOS 17 can run on five-year-old iPhones like the iPhone XR and XS.

By contrast, leading Android smartphones like the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 5 are supposed to get four years of software updates and five years of security updates, and Google only just recently announced the Pixel 8 line will receive up to seven years of security and software updates. While a device’s longevity is only growing thanks to market demand, iPhone users can expect their devices to last years. Newer iPhones also have better build quality with Ceramic Shield that is harder to break, so you can expect anything above iPhone 12 to last for five years as long as you take care of it.

What Is A USB Type-C Port On iPhone 15 Series? Apple changed the charge port in its iPhone 15 series from Lightning to USB-C. It’s the same port type that is found on the MacBook and recent iPads. So, what does this mean for you? For starters, you no longer need an extra cable to charge your iPhone, and can swap seamlessly between charging your favorite MacBook or your new iPhone.

Because Apple opted for the universal USB-C port, you can also connect your iPhone 15 Pro with an external SSD while recording videos to store them directly on an external hard drive . While the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature a USB 2 speed, the iPhone 15 Pro series supports 10Gbps speed with a USB 3 cable. What Comes In The Box With My New iPhone? Apple removed the charger from the iPhone boxes with the launch of iPhone 12 in 2020.

Since then, Apple has not included a charger or charge port in the box. Now, you only get the iPhone and a charging cable (USB-C on the new iPhone 15 lineup and Lightning cable on all the other iPhone models) along with the regular documentation and paperwork. And, per usual, you also get the Apple logo sticker.

Does My iPhone Have A SIM Slot? Last year, Apple removed the physical SIM tray from the iPhone 14. This design carried forward into the iPhone 15, which means you can’t insert a physical SIM to any of the iPhone 15 models. While you can get one with a physical SIM tray outside of the United States, right now iPhones in the American market only support eSIM.

If you want an iPhone 15 with a SIM tray, your best bet is to purchase it from outside the country. Is My iPhone Waterproof? All iPhones in the market right now carry an IP rating that denotes the level of water and dust resistance. No matter which phone you choose, the goods news is all models in the iPhone 12 series and later feature an IP68 water and dust resistance rating.

The two terms are used interchange-ably but both are vastly different. While “waterproof” means that something is impervious to water, “water resistant” means that it can resist the penetration of water to some degree—but not entirely. For instance, the iPhone 15 series can withstand freshwater submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted tech team consists of accomplished tech experts who’ve (literally) written books on the subject. In particular, this story was written by contributor Prakhar Khanna , an accomplished writer, journalist and experienced product tester. In addition to covering dozens of tech topics, Prakhar has been in the tech industry since 2015 and has been covering mobile tech for over six years.

His bylines include Digital Trends, CNET and more. Over his career, he has accumulated hours of in-depth product research and has conducted firsthand testing, including for the writing of this story. The tech section is overseen by consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs , an expert who has extensive experience going hands-on with devices, including many on this list.

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