Which iPhone Should You Buy?

This article explains how to decide which iPhone is best for you among the iPhone models Apple is currently selling: iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, and iPhone 11.

We'll also look at older iPhone models currently available only as refurbished devices through Apple or via third-party sellers: iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone XR, and iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.

iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro

Who will want it: If having the coolest, most cutting-edge technology matters to you, the iPhone 13 Pro series is your only choice. Both the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max offer Apple's TrueTone color management system, making it an excellent choice for artists, content creators, and heavy users.

Notable specs: The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max feature extraordinary cameras, long battery life, and A15 Bionic chips. The 13 Pro's screen is 6.1 inches, while the Pro Max boasts a 6.7-inch display with 2,778 x 1,284-pixel resolution. Both models' screens are noticeably brighter than previous models and feature a ProMotion display, which means a higher refresh rate.

Bottom line: An iPhone 13 Pro or Pro Max will let you enjoy a gorgeous screen experience where animations and graphics—and even everyday images—are smooth and crisp.

iPhone 13

Who will want it: The iPhone 13's improvements over previous models in storage, performance, battery life, and camera make it an excellent device and a wise choice for those seeking an impressive, high-end smartphone at a reasonable price point.

Notable specs: The iPhone 13 includes the same A15 Bionic chip as the 13 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 13 also features a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with 2532 x 1170-pixel resolution, 5G connectivity, and dual cameras boasting 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide lenses.

Bottom line: The iPhone 13 is a gorgeous device with many of the benefits of its enhanced Pro and Pro Max siblings, but with a lower price tag and size that will appeal to the masses.

iPhone 13 Mini

Who will want it: With its compact, lightweight, and durable design, the iPhone 13 Mini is an excellent choice for those who want to reap the benefits of a flagship phone in a compact form factor.

Notable specs: The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini share many key features, including the same A15 Bionic chip. The 13 and Mini also share an OLED Super Retina XDR display, 5G connectivity, and dual cameras boasting 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide lenses. While the iPhone Mini's battery life features 17 hours of video playback, this is less than the iPhone 13's 19 hours.

Obviously, the Mini is smaller, with a 5.4-inch display and 2340 x 1080-pixel resolution. It's thin and lightweight, which many consumers prefer over bulkier phones.

Bottom line: Users who don't mind less battery life and prioritize pocketability and affordability will love the iPhone 13 Mini.

iPhone SE (Third Generation)

Who will want it: Apple's third-generation iPhone SE is an excellent choice for those who want the panache of an iPhone at an affordable price, starting at $429.

Notable specs: The iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch display and includes the Home button, like its previous incarnations, while improving battery life and supporting 5G connectivity. The iPhone SE features the same A15 Bionic chip as the flagship iPhone 13 line, which powers the diminutive device without slowing down tasks like multitasking, editing images, and opening apps.

Bottom line: For a 5G iPhone on a budget, the iPhone Mini is unbeatable, with the power and features of an expensive phone in a compact size.

iPhone 12 and 12 Mini

Who will want it: When they were unveiled in 2020, the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini were Apple's flagship devices, bringing an overhauled design to the iPhone lineup. Today, they're still excellent choices for those who want middle-of-the-road iPhones at an affordable price.

Notable specs: The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch screen and a 2532 x 1170 resolution, while the 12 Mini has a 5.4-inch screen and a resolution of 2430 x 1080. The iPhone 12 succeeded 2019's iPhone 11, while the 12 Mini marked the smallest iPhone to date. Both devices boast an A14 chip, HDR support, vivid colors, haptic touch, and True Tone to adjust the display's color to ambient light.

Bottom line: The iPhone 12 has many of the newer iPhone 13 series plusses at a more affordable price.

iPhone 11

Who will want it: If you don't mind your iPhone looking and acting a bit dated, don't need 5G connectivity, and aren't too worried about durability, the iPhone 11 may be a good, affordable choice.

Notable specs: The iPhone 11 debuted an edge-to-edge OLED HDR screen (5.8 inches), a three-camera system, and enhanced IP68 waterproofing. In addition, it debuted the next-generation Face ID recognition system for unlocking the iPhone and confirming Apple Pay transactions. It also features the A13 Bionic chip and support for NFC (Near-Field Communication).

Bottom line: Look a the iPhone 12 and 13 series' features and decide what you can live without. If the 11 suits your needs and budget, it's worthwhile.

iPhone XR

The iPhone XR is not currently available from Apple. However, you may be able to find it refurbished or through third-party resellers.

The iPhone XR featured:

• Screen: A 6.1-inch, edge-to-edge LCD.
• Battery life: Its battery life outperformed its predecessor, the XS, by a few hours.
• Cameras. Cameras improved on previous incarnations.
• Most key iPhone 11 features: The iPhone XR offered Face ID, wireless charging options, and other iPhone 11 features.

iPhone 8 Plus

The iPhone 8 Plus is not currently available from Apple. You may be able to find it refurbished or through third-party resellers.

The iPhone 8 Plus featured:

• Many iPhone XR features: The iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XR had many of the same features.
• Touch ID: Apple's 2nd generation fingerprint scanning technology was built into the 8 series. It didn't have Face ID.

iPhone 8

The iPhone 8 is not currently available from Apple. You may be able to find it refurbished or through third-party resellers.

The iPhone 8 featured:

• Nearly identical features to the 8 Plus: The two phones were identical in storage options, processors, wireless charging, 3D Touch, Touch ID, NFC and Apple Pay support, and Apple Watch compatibility. 
• Good screen: The iPhone 8 had a 4.7-inch screen. While that's not as huge as the 8 Plus's and much smaller than the XR or 11 Pro, it's a good size for many users.

Deciding on Your Best iPhone

The general rule when making a technology purchase is to buy the best device that you can afford. That's true when it comes to deciding which iPhone to buy.

If you can afford the iPhone 13 series, these devices offer the best performance and features and will hold their value longer than older devices. If you're more price-conscious, more recent older iPhone models offer excellent features at a lower price.

Current iPhone Models Compared

For a quick comparison of how all current models stack up in terms of features and price, check out this chart.

Scroll right at the bottom of the table as needed to see more phones.