Consumer Tech

Which is the best iPhone to buy in 2024? Reviewed for all budgets

We reviewed Apple’s top smartphones - yes, the iPhone 15 series is the best model to buy in 2024.

Apple's iPhone

Apple's iPhones are perennial favorites known for their sleek designs, powerful performance, and long-term software support. The new iPhone 15 series continues this trend with exciting upgrades.

If you're ready to upgrade, deciding which model is right for you can be tough. Do you prioritize the latest and greatest features, or could a slightly older, more affordable iPhone still check all your boxes?

Let's help you find your perfect iPhone match in this guide.

Our top best 7 iPhone picks

1. Best high-end - Apple iPhone 15 Pro

2. Best vlogging iPhone - Apple iPhone 14 Pro

3. Best affordable iPhone - Apple iPhone XR

4. Best battery life - Apple iPhone 15 Plus

5. Best budget iPhone - Apple iPhone 13

6. Best entry-level iPhone - Apple iPhone SE (2022)

7. Best photography iPhone - Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro in Titanium White

The iPhone 15 Pro introduces several upgrades from its predecessor, including the long-awaited transition to USB-C charging, replacing the proprietary lightning port. Featuring a sleek titanium chassis and a powerful A17 Pro chip, it ensures smoother gaming performance with reduced heat buildup.

Additionally, an innovative, customizable action button replaces the vibrate/ring toggle, providing enhanced flexibility for various functions. The camera system is enhanced by an improved main sensor for superior photo and video quality, although slightly trailing the Pro Max in zoom capabilities.

Despite this, the iPhone 15 Pro excels in delivering fantastic results and introduces a new feature for capturing stunning portraits. This smartphone is designed for users seeking a high-performance yet comfortable iPhone, the Pro variant focuses on exceptional camera quality without the need for the Pro Max's top-tier zoom. Available in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium colours, the iPhone 15 Pro offers excellent value with various storage options at a premium price point, ensuring a superior overall experience for many users.

Cons:

Costs $200 more than iPhone 15
Less battery life than iPhone 15 Pro Max
Shorter optical zoom than iPhone 15 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 12 Pro Max in Blue

Purchasing an iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2024 highlights Apple's long-term software support. Released in 2020, this model could still receive updates for several years – a rarity compared to some Android devices.

However, it's important to consider how the iPhone 12 Pro Max stacks up against newer models. Its Apple A14 Bionic processor means update support may end slightly sooner than for the iPhone 13 and later models. And while its main camera is strong, it likely won't match the performance of newer iPhones, especially in challenging lighting or video scenarios.

That said, the iPhone 12 Pro Max still offers advantages. It boasts a superior telephoto zoom, excels in Night mode photography, and delivers impressive battery life exceeding 48 hours on a charge. While its selfie and ultrawide cameras are the same as the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro, its main and telephoto lenses truly distinguish it. If you're comfortable with its large size and premium price tag, the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a compelling choice in 2024.

Cons:

Marginal gains over iPhone 12
No charger included in the box.
The large size may be unwieldy.

Apple iPhone XR

iPhone XR in Yellow

The Apple iPhone XR stands out as the best affordable iPhone from our picks, balancing price with excellent performance, great cameras, and impressive battery life (over 11 hours).

Its design is a major selling point – the XR is smaller and lighter than most newer iPhones, and its single rear camera gives it a sleek, minimalist look and feel compared to bulkier models.

One trade-off with the XR's lightweight design is slightly reduced durability. The back isn't as robust as some other iPhone models. To keep yours in good condition, handle it carefully, as even a few drops could potentially cause damage.

Cons

Thicker bezels compared to newer models
No 3D touch

Apple iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Plus in Pink

The iPhone 15 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch screen and a more powerful battery than the standard iPhone 15.

This translates to significantly longer battery life – enough to handle a full day of heavy use and potentially even two days for lighter users. That's impressive, even compared to the similarly sized 15 Pro Max, which has more power-hungry features like its ProMotion display.

Since the 15 Plus shares the same processor, cameras, and features as the standard iPhone 15 (just in a larger package), it prioritizes outstanding screen size and maximum battery life.

Cons:

No Action button
Still only 60Hz display
Older chipset

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone SE (2022) in Black

The Apple iPhone SE (third generation) delivers the core iOS experience at the most affordable price. Powered by the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13 series, it offers impressive performance for its budget-friendly cost, handling demanding games with ease. With access to the Apple App Store and key services like iMessage and FaceTime, you won't sacrifice the essential Apple experience.

However, be prepared for a few compromises. The SE retains the classic iPhone design with a smaller 4.7-inch LCD and a physical Home button. Storage options (64GB, 128GB, 256GB) and colour choices (Midnight, Starlight, red) are available. While 5G connectivity is included, it's limited to sub-6 speeds, and features like MagSafe and Night mode photography are absent.

Overall, the iPhone SE (2022) is ideal for those seeking a compact, no-frills iPhone experience with solid performance at a bargain price.

Cons:

A tiny 4.5″ screen
The physical home button is prone to wear and tear
Limited storage

Apple iPhone 13

iPhone 13 and 13 mini in Dark Green

If you want a powerful iPhone without the latest features (and the latest price), the iPhone 13 offers excellent value. It boasts a bright 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, the speedy A15 Bionic chip for smooth performance, and solid battery life.

You still get great cameras (though newer models may outperform it in low light), 128GB of storage, 5G connectivity, and MagSafe for accessories.

While the iPhone 13 lacks the USB-C port and other upgrades found on the iPhone 14 series, it remains a compelling option for those who prioritize the core iPhone experience and want to save some money.

Cons:

Slower charging than similarly priced Androids
Rear camera protrusion may be a design concern
No USB-C
60Hz refresh rate limits screen smoothness
No telephoto lens for zoom photography

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro in Deep Purple

While Apple has discontinued the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, they remain excellent choices for vloggers, especially if you can find a renewed model or a good sale. Both models offer powerful chips (A15 in the 14, A16 in the 14 Pro) for smooth video editing and handling other tasks while filming.

Compared to the iPhone 13, the 14 Pro features enhanced cameras with a new Action mode for smooth handheld videos which is perfect for vlogging. Additionally, it offers superior battery life, outlasting competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S22.

For professional vloggers with a budget, the 14 Pro stands out. Its 48MP main camera offers incredible detail for zooming, and its front camera sports a phase detection autofocus for crisp selfies and videos. The 120Hz refresh rate and Dynamic Island add to the premium experience.

However, if you're looking to save some money, the iPhone 14 still provides an excellent vlogging experience at a lower price point.

Cons

Extremely pricey
No SIM card slot, so you’ll have to rely on eSIM

How to choose the best iPhone and what to look for

Here's a quick overview of how to find your perfect iPhone match:

Phone Size: Match the size to how you'll use it. Smaller iPhones (like the SE or Mini models) are better for one-handed use, while larger ones (Pro Max) excel for gaming and videos.
Storage Capacity: If you take lots of photos, use many apps, or record high-resolution videos, opt for more storage.
Price: iPhones range from budget-friendly (SE) to premium. Remember, even the more affordable models receive long-term software support from Apple.
Screen Quality: Look for 1080p+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate for optimal visuals.
Camera Quality and Battery Life: For in-depth insights on these key aspects, refer to our full reviews.

FAQs

What is the best iPhone?

The best iPhone is usually the latest numbered model (like the iPhone 15 Pro Max). However, the perfect iPhone for you depends on your priorities: big screen (Pro Max), top specs in a smaller size (Pro), or budget savings (standard model or the latest SE).

Which iPhone is the best value for money?

Currently, the iPhone 15 offers great value. If you desire Pro-level features without breaking the bank, consider the iPhone 13 Pro.

Which iPhone has the best camera for selfies?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max takes the best selfies with its advanced 12MP front camera.

Which iPhone models support 5G?

All iPhone 15, 14, 13 models, and select iPhone 12 models support 5G. Even the new, budget-friendly iPhone SE (2022) offers low-band 5G connectivity

Will these past models support iOS 17?

Yes! All of the models listed here will support iOS 17 (Apple's latest operating system) and are 5G compatible, potentially working seamlessly with your existing SIM.

How many years do iPhones typically last?

While lifespan depends on individual usage, an iPhone typically performs well for 3-4 years. Factors like extreme conditions (construction sites) or frequent drops can shorten this. After a few years, you might experience app crashes, lag, and storage constraints – issues common to ageing tech devices.

To extend your iPhone's lifespan, consider:

Regular battery replacements (every 3-4 years) at an Apple Store.
Backing up files to an external hard drive.
A factory reset (as a last resort) to restore that fresh-out-of-the-box feeling.

What are the Best iPhone Alternatives?

While iPhones are popular, several excellent Android phones compete with Apple's latest offerings. Top contenders include the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 8 series. For feature-rich, mid-range options, consider brands like Asus and OnePlus.

Conclusion

As USB-C becomes the standard and camera technology continues to evolve, newer iPhones will undoubtedly offer advantages. However, if you aren't chasing the absolute latest tech, significant savings can be found on slightly older models. Invest wisely, knowing that whichever iPhone you choose, you'll have a powerful and intuitive device in your hands. For more buying guides like this, check out our guides on How to choose which fast charger to buy for your smartphone and our top picks for the Best Budget-Friendly Android Phones in Nigeria.

Which is the best iPhone to buy in 2024? Reviewed for all budgets