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We tested every current iPhone — from the budget-friendly iPhone 16e to the flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max — to find the best for every budget. Apple's 2025-2026 lineup offers strong value across the board, with the A18-series chips delivering class-leading performance and the Camera Control button making photography more versatile. Whether you want the best camera system money can buy or just a reliable iPhone for under $600, this guide breaks down exactly which model is right for you.
Best Overall
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Our top-rated pick — skip to the full review below or check it on Amazon now.
Quick Picks
1 TOP CHOICES
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best iPhone for power users — A18 Pro chip, 5x zoom, ProRes video, titanium build, best battery life
Chip: A18 Pro
Display: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 120Hz ProMotion
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the pinnacle of what Apple currently offers.
Check Today's PriceOur Testing Methodology
We tested each iPhone for performance using Geekbench 6 and GPU benchmarks, camera quality in daylight, low light, and video, battery life with real-world usage, display brightness and color accuracy, and build quality. We used each phone as our daily driver for at least one week. Price data is based on Amazon retail pricing and carrier deals current as of early 2026.
Comparison Table
7 PRODUCTS COMPARED
← Scroll to compare →
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | A18 Pro | 9.8/10 | View on Amazon | |
| Best Compact Pro | A18 Pro | 9.7/10 | View on Amazon | |
| Best Value iPhone | A18 | 9.5/10 | View on Amazon | |
| Best Big-Screen Value | A18 | 9.4/10 | View on Amazon | |
| Best Budget iPhone | A16 Bionic | 9.3/10 | View on Amazon | |
| Best Last-Gen Pro Deal | A17 Pro | 9.4/10 | View on Amazon | |
| Best Entry iPhone | A16 Bionic | 9/10 | View on Amazon |
Quick Summary
| # | Product | Best For | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Best Overall | 9.8/10 | Check Price → |
| 2 | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Best Compact Pro | 9.7/10 | Check Price → |
| 3 | Apple iPhone 16 | Best Value iPhone | 9.5/10 | Check Price → |
| 4 | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Best Big-Screen Value | 9.4/10 | Check Price → |
| 5 | Apple iPhone 15 | Best Budget iPhone | 9.3/10 | Check Price → |
iPhones of 2026: Tested and Ranked Reviews
7 PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best for: Best iPhone for power users — A18 Pro chip, 5x zoom, ProRes video, titanium build, best battery life
Rated 9.8/10 by our testing team
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the pinnacle of what Apple currently offers. The 6.9-inch display is stunning with 1-2000 nit brightness and 120Hz ProMotion. The A18 Pro chip dominates every benchmark. The triple camera system — particularly the 5x telephoto — produces images that rival dedicated cameras. Battery life has improved significantly from the 15 Pro Max and comfortably lasts two days of moderate use. The Camera Control button enables new ways to shoot photos and video. If price is not a concern, this is the best iPhone money can buy.
Why we like it
- Best battery life of any iPhone — two-day endurance
- 5x optical zoom telephoto — best iPhone zoom ever
- A18 Pro chip — fastest iPhone processor available
- Titanium build is lighter and stronger than steel
Flaws
- Starts at $1,199 — significant investment
- Large 6.9-inch size may be too big for some users
- ProRes video fills storage quickly
Prices checked Jun 28, 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Best for: Best smaller Pro iPhone — A18 Pro with 5x zoom in a more manageable 6.3-inch size
Rated 9.7/10 by our testing team
The iPhone 16 Pro gives you everything the Pro Max offers except the larger screen and longest battery life — same A18 Pro chip, same 5x telephoto, same Camera Control, same titanium build. The 6.3-inch display is a sweet spot between the compact standard iPhone and the large Pro Max. If you want Pro-tier features without carrying a large phone, this is the one. Battery life is good but not exceptional — if battery endurance is your top priority, step up to the Pro Max.
Why we like it
- Full Pro feature set in a smaller 6.3-inch form factor
- 5x optical zoom — same as Pro Max
- A18 Pro chip identical to Pro Max
- Lighter and more pocketable than Pro Max
Flaws
- Shorter battery life than Pro Max
- $999 starting price — still premium
- Smaller battery means heavier use may require evening top-up
Prices checked Jun 28, 2026
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Apple iPhone 16
Best for: Best iPhone for most people — A18 chip, Camera Control, and Action button at $799
Rated 9.5/10 by our testing team
The iPhone 16 is the sweet spot of Apple's lineup. It gets the same A18 chip found in the Pro — not a downgraded version — along with the new Camera Control button, Action Button, and improved 48MP ultrawide camera. The main difference from Pro is the 2x optical zoom (vs 5x) and the 60Hz display (vs 120Hz ProMotion). At $200 less than the Pro, this is the iPhone we'd recommend to most buyers who don't need 5x zoom or professional video capabilities.
Why we like it
- Same A18 chip as the Pro — not a cut-down version
- Camera Control button for new photo/video interactions
- Aluminum build saves weight vs titanium Pro
- MagSafe charging ecosystem compatibility
Flaws
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion smooth scrolling like Pro models
- 2x zoom (digital crop) vs 5x optical on Pro
- No ProRes video recording
Prices checked Jun 28, 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Best for: Best large-screen iPhone under $1,000 — big 6.7-inch display with excellent battery life
Rated 9.4/10 by our testing team
The iPhone 16 Plus brings the large 6.7-inch screen experience at $100 less than the Pro Max, with the A18 chip and Camera Control. The big story is battery life — the Plus consistently delivers over 10 hours of screen-on time due to the larger battery inside the bigger chassis. Users who want a big-screen iPhone without paying Pro Max prices will love the 16 Plus. The 60Hz display is the main compromise versus the Pro models.
Why we like it
- Exceptional battery life — 27 hours video, 10+ hours screen-on
- Large 6.7-inch display at $100 less than Pro Max
- Same A18 chip and Camera Control as standard iPhone 16
- Lighter than Pro Max despite similar screen size
Flaws
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion like Pro models
- 2x zoom vs 5x on Pro — significant telephoto gap
- Larger size than standard iPhone 16
Prices checked Jun 28, 2026
Apple iPhone 15
Best for: Best deal on a previous-gen iPhone — Dynamic Island, USB-C, and excellent cameras at a lower price
Rated 9.3/10 by our testing team
The iPhone 15 dropped in price significantly with the iPhone 16 launch and is now one of the best values in the entire iPhone lineup. You get Dynamic Island (the pill-shaped notch replacement), USB-C charging, a 48MP main camera, and the A16 Bionic chip — which still outperforms most Android flagships. You miss the Camera Control button and Action button, but the fundamentals are excellent. With 5 years of software updates remaining, the iPhone 15 is a smart long-term investment for budget-conscious buyers.
Why we like it
- Significant price drop — excellent value for an iPhone
- Dynamic Island for notifications and Live Activities
- USB-C charging — compatible with modern cables
- A16 Bionic still faster than most Android competition
Flaws
- No Camera Control or Action Button (iPhone 16 features)
- 60Hz display — no ProMotion
- 2x digital zoom only — no optical telephoto
Prices checked Jun 28, 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Best for: Best previous-gen Pro iPhone — 5x zoom and titanium build at a reduced price
Rated 9.4/10 by our testing team
The iPhone 15 Pro is now available at a notable discount versus the iPhone 16 Pro and remains excellent. The A17 Pro chip still leads Android in single-core performance. ProMotion 120Hz display. Titanium build. The 15 Pro has 3x optical zoom versus the 16 Pro's 5x — that's a real step down if zoom photography matters to you. But for buyers who want a Pro-grade iPhone experience without the current flagship price, the 15 Pro hits a compelling sweet spot.
Why we like it
- ProMotion 120Hz display at a lower price than 16 Pro
- Titanium build — lighter and more premium than aluminum
- A17 Pro chip still class-leading in performance
- Action Button for customizable shortcut
Flaws
- 3x optical zoom vs 5x on iPhone 16 Pro
- No Camera Control button
- Starting to age — 2-3 years of major updates remaining
Prices checked Jun 28, 2026
Apple iPhone 16e
Best for: Best entry-level iPhone with Face ID — A16 Bionic and 6.1-inch OLED starting at $599
Rated 9/10 by our testing team
The iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE lineup, ditching the Home button and small screen for a modern 6.1-inch OLED with Face ID. The A16 Bionic chip handles Apple Intelligence AI features and will be supported for years. The tradeoff versus the iPhone 16 is a single rear camera (no ultrawide), no MagSafe wireless charging, no Camera Control button, and no Action Button. If $599 is your ceiling and you want a modern full-screen iPhone with Face ID, the 16e is your pick.
Why we like it
- Lowest-priced iPhone with Face ID and full-screen OLED
- A16 Bionic chip supports Apple Intelligence AI features
- USB-C charging — no Lightning cable needed
- Modern form factor compared to old SE models
Flaws
- Single rear camera — no ultrawide lens
- No MagSafe wireless charging
- No Camera Control or Action Button
- Shorter battery life than iPhone 16 standard
Prices checked Jun 28, 2026
The Bottom Line
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best iPhone Apple has ever made. For most users, the iPhone 16 is the sweet spot — same A18 chip at $200 less. Budget buyers should consider the iPhone 15, which drops significantly in price but retains excellent cameras and performance.
Best Overall
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Our #1 recommendation — the best overall pick in this guide.
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BUYING GUIDE
Buying Guide
**Pro vs Standard**: The Pro models gain a titanium frame, the A18 Pro chip (slightly faster GPU), 5x optical zoom, and ProRes video recording. Unless you need 5x zoom or shoot a lot of video professionally, the standard iPhone 16 covers most users. **Which size?** The Mini is discontinued; choose between standard (6.1-inch) and Plus/Max (6.7-inch) based on whether you prefer one-handed use or a larger screen. The Pro Max also gets substantially better battery life. **Last-gen deals**: The iPhone 15 and 15 Pro drop significantly in price and remain excellent phones with 5 years of updates remaining. **5G**: All current iPhones are 5G. **Trade-in**: Apple Trade In and carrier deals often dramatically reduce out-of-pocket cost — check those before buying outright.
Best Overall
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
A great example of this in practice — check current price on Amazon.
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