image from iPhone
The iPhone revolutionized the mobile phone industry by introducing multi-touch technology, a feature we now take for granted. Over the years, iPhones have evolved significantly, boasting larger screens, video recording capabilities, water resistance, and increased accessibility features. Earlier models, up to the iPhone 8 Plus, featured a single home button.
The iPhone 5s and later introduced Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. With the iPhone X, Apple ushered in a new era with a near bezel-less display, Face ID facial recognition for security, and intuitive gesture controls for navigation. However, the Touch ID system remains available in the more budget-friendly iPhone SE series.
Picking a good iPhone in 2024 depends on your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the latest iPhones and what they offer:
Latest and Greatest:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: The top-of-the-line option with the biggest screen, most powerful processor (A17 Pro chip), and best camera system (including a telephoto lens for zooming). Ideal for power users who want the absolute best.
- iPhone 15 Pro: Same top-of-the-line specs as the Pro Max, but in a smaller size. Great choice if you prefer a phone that’s easier to handle.
Excellent Value:
- iPhone 15: Strikes a balance between price, features, and performance. It has the A16 Bionic chip (from the previous year’s Pro model) and a very good camera system (including a 48MP main sensor). This is a great option for most users.
More Affordable Options:
- iPhone 13: While not the latest, it’s still a fantastic phone with a powerful A15 Bionic chip and a good camera system. Perfect if you want to save money and don’t need the absolute newest features.
Other factors to consider:
- Screen size: Do you prefer a large screen for watching videos or a smaller phone that’s easier to carry?
- Camera: How important is camera quality to you?
- Battery life: How long do you need your phone to last on a charge?
- Storage: How much storage space do you need for apps, photos, and videos?
- New features: Are there any specific features in the newer models that are important to you (e.g., Dynamic Island notification system)?
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and pick the iPhone that’s the best fit for you. You can also research reviews online to get more detailed information on each phone’s strengths and weaknesses.
Here are the 7 best iPhones in 2024, categorized based on what you might be looking for in a new iPhone:
Best iPhone Overall: iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best iPhone money can buy in 2024. It has the biggest and best screen, the most powerful chipset, and the best cameras. It also has the best battery life of any iPhone.
Best iPhone for Most People: iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro is a great all-around iPhone that offers most of the features of the Pro Max in a slightly smaller and more affordable package.
Best Value iPhone: iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 offers a great balance of price and performance. It has a powerful A16 Bionic chip, a great camera system, and a long-lasting battery.
Best Budget iPhone: iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 is a great option for those looking for a more affordable iPhone. It still offers a powerful A15 Bionic chip, a great camera system, and a long-lasting battery.
Best iPhone for Battery Life: iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 Plus has a larger battery than the iPhone 15, which means it can last longer on a single charge.
Best Small iPhone: iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 13 mini is the smallest iPhone you can buy, making it a great option for those who prefer a phone that’s easy to carry around.
Best Affordable Option: iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone SE (2022) is the most affordable iPhone you can buy. It has a powerful A15 Bionic chip and a great camera system, but it has a smaller screen and a less premium design than other iPhones.
01. Best Overall: iPhone 15 Pro Max
4.4 out of 5 star Ratings
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the top-of-the-line model in Apple’s iPhone 15 series. It has a large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the new A17 Bionic chip, which is one of the fastest smartphone processors on the market. It has a quad-lens rear camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor, and two 12-megapixel telephoto sensors. It also has a 12-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in a variety of storage capacities, starting at 256GB. It is available in several colors, including black, silver, gold, graphite, and sierra blue. The starting price for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is $993.95.
Here are some of the key features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max:
- 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with a 120Hz refresh rate
- A17 Bionic chip
- Quad-lens rear camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor
- 12-megapixel front-facing camera
- Available in a variety of storage capacities and colors
- Starting price of $993.95
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the latest and greatest iPhone from Apple, and it comes with a lot of new features and improvements. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you.
Pros
- Top-notch performance: The iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the A17 Bionic chip, which is the fastest chip ever in a smartphone. It can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease, so you’ll never have to worry about your phone slowing down.
- Excellent cameras: The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a triple-lens camera system that takes stunning photos and videos. The new 48-megapixel main sensor captures more detail than ever before, and the 5x optical zoom lens lets you get close to the action without losing quality.
- Long battery life: The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery than its predecessor, and it can easily last a full day on a single charge.
- USB-C port: Apple has finally ditched the Lightning port in favor of USB-C. This means that you can use any USB-C cable to charge your phone, and you can also connect it to other devices like laptops and monitors.
- Durable design: The iPhone 15 Pro Max is made of surgical-grade stainless steel and has a ceramic shield front. This makes it one of the most durable iPhones ever made.
Cons
- Price: The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a very expensive phone. The starting price is $1,200, which is more than most people are willing to spend on a smartphone.
- Limited storage: The base model of the iPhone 15 Pro Max only comes with 128GB of storage. If you take a lot of photos and videos, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher storage tier, which will cost you even more money.
- Not very customizable: iPhones are not as customizable as Android phones. You can’t change the look and feel of the iOS operating system as much, and you’re limited to using Apple’s apps.
- Slower charging than competitors: While the battery life is great, the iPhone 15 Pro Max doesn’t support the fastest charging speeds that some of its Android competitors offer.
Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a great phone with a lot to offer. However, the high price tag and lack of customization may be dealbreakers for some people.
02. Best Runner Up: iPhone 15 Pro
4.6 out of 5 Ratings
The iPhone 15 Pro is a high-end phone from Apple that was released in September 2023. It has a lot to offer, but there are also some drawbacks to consider before you buy one. The iPhone 15 Pro is a high-end phone with a lot to offer, here are its specs and prices:
Specs
- Display: 6.1-inch 1170 x 2532 pixels Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Apple A17 Bionic chip
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Rear Camera: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom (Pro Max only)
- Front Camera: 12MP
- Battery: 3274 mAh (typical)
- Charging: 23W wired, 15W MagSafe wireless
- Design: Surgical-grade stainless steel or titanium (depending on model), Ceramic Shield front
Prices
- 128GB: $999
- 256GB: $1,099
- 512GB: $1,299
- 1TB: $1,499 (Pro Max only)
As you can see, the iPhone 15 Pro is a powerful phone with a great camera system. It’s also one of the most expensive phones on the market. However, if you’re looking for the best possible iPhone experience, the iPhone 15 Pro is a great option.
Here are some things to consider before you buy an iPhone 15 Pro:
- Price: The iPhone 15 Pro is a very expensive phone.
- Need: Do you need all the features that the iPhone 15 Pro offers? If not, you might be better off saving money and getting a less expensive phone.
- Alternatives: There are a number of other great phones on the market, including the iPhone 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It’s worth considering all of your options before you make a decision.
Pros
- Excellent camera system:The iPhone 15 Pro has one of the best camera systems on any smartphone, with a new 48-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor, and a 5x telephoto sensor. It takes stunning photos and videos in all lighting conditions.
- Fast performance: The iPhone 15 Pro is powered by Apple’s A17 Bionic chip, which is the fastest smartphone chip on the market. It can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.
- Beautiful display: The iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s bright, sharp, and smooth.
- Durable design: The iPhone 15 Pro is made of a new titanium material that is lighter than stainless steel but just as strong. It’s also water-resistant to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.
- USB-C port: Apple finally ditched the Lightning port in favor of USB-C on the iPhone 15 Pro. This means you can use any USB-C cable to charge the phone or transfer data.
Cons
- Expensive: The iPhone 15 Pro is a very expensive phone. The starting price is $1,099 for the 128GB model.
- No fast charging: Despite having a USB-C port, the iPhone 15 Pro doesn’t support fast charging. It only supports 20W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging.
- Limited storage options: The iPhone 15 Pro only comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. There is no 1TB option like the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- iOS limitations: iOS can be a bit restrictive compared to Android. For example, you can’t sideload apps or use expandable storage.
- Action Button: The new Action Button on the side of the phone is a bit awkward to use and may not be useful for everyone.
Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro is a great phone with a lot to offer, but it’s also very expensive. If you’re looking for the best possible camera system and performance, then the iPhone 15 Pro is a good option. However, if you’re on a budget or you prefer a more open platform like Android, then there are other smartphones that may be a better fit for you.
03. Best Value iPhone: iPhone 15
4.6 out of 5 Ratings
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus were released in September 2023. Here’s a rundown of the specs and prices: Overall, the iPhone 15 is a great phone with a lot to offer, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you’re a die-hard Apple fan and you want the latest and greatest features, the iPhone 15 is a great option. However, if you’re on a budget or you’re looking for a phone with a faster display or more storage, you might want to consider an Android alternative.
Specs
- Display: 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Refresh rate: 60Hz (iPhone 15) or 120Hz ProMotion (iPhone 15 Plus)
- Processor: A16 Bionic chip (iPhone 15) or A17 Bionic chip (iPhone 15 Plus)
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB (not expandable)
- Rear Camera: Dual-camera system (48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide)
- Front Camera: 12MP
- Battery: Up to 29 hours video playback (iPhone 15) or up to 33 hours (iPhone 15 Plus)
- Other: USB-C port, IP68 water resistance
Prices
- iPhone 15 (128GB): $676
- iPhone 15 (256GB): $776
- iPhone 15 (512GB): $876
- iPhone 15 Plus (128GB): $876
- iPhone 15 Plus (256GB): $976
- iPhone 15 Plus (512GB): $1076
It’s important to note that these are the official prices from Apple. You may be able to find the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus for cheaper at other retailers, especially if you’re willing to buy a used or refurbished model.
The iPhone 15 is a great phone, but like any device, it has its pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you:
Pros
- Excellent camera system: The iPhone 15 boasts a significant camera upgrade, borrowing the 48MP main sensor from the iPhone 14 Pro. This translates to sharper photos and better low-light performance.
- Dynamic Island:Apple introduced the notch-replacing Dynamic Island with the iPhone 14 Pro, and it has trickled down to the iPhone 15. This new interactive cutout houses the front camera and Face ID sensors, and it can also be used to display alerts, music, and other background tasks.
- USB-C charging:Finally! Apple has ditched the Lightning port in favor of the more universal USB-C. This means you can use any USB-C cable to charge your iPhone, or easily connect it to other devices.
- A16 Bionic chip: The iPhone 15 is powered by Apple’s latest A16 Bionic chip, which delivers top-notch performance for everything from everyday tasks to gaming.
- Durable design: The iPhone 15 has a sleek, matte-frosted glass design that’s comfortable to hold and feels very premium. It’s also water-resistant up to 6 meters deep.
Cons
- High price: Like most iPhones, the iPhone 15 doesn’t come cheap. You’ll be paying a premium for the Apple brand and its latest features.
- Slower charging: While the switch to USB-C is welcome, the iPhone 15’s charging speeds aren’t the fastest. Some competing Android phones offer much faster wired charging.
- 60Hz display: The iPhone 15’s display refreshes at 60Hz, which is fine for most users. However, if you’re used to the smoother 120Hz displays found on some high-end phones (including the iPhone 15 Pro), you might find the 15’s screen a bit less responsive.
- No telephoto lens: Unlike the iPhone 15 Pro, the standard iPhone 15 doesn’t have a telephoto lens for zooming in on distant subjects.
- Limited base storage: The base model iPhone 15 comes with 128GB of storage, which might not be enough for some users who take a lot of photos and videos.
04. Best Budget iPhone: iPhone 13
4.4 out of 5 Ratings
The iPhone 13 is considered the best budget iPhone in 2024. It offers excellent value for money, balancing great features with a more affordable price tag compared to the latest iPhone 15. Here’s why the iPhone 13 is a great budget option:
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip: This chip delivers excellent performance that can handle even demanding tasks like gaming and video editing with ease. It’s the same chip that powers the iPhone 14, so you’re not sacrificing much in terms of processing power.
- Excellent camera system: The dual-lens rear camera system takes stunning photos and videos, even in low-light conditions. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the iPhone 14 Pro’s camera system, but it’s still great for everyday use.
- Long battery life: The iPhone 13 offers good battery life that will get you through most days on a single charge.
- Durable design: The iPhone 13 has a sleek and durable design with a ceramic shield front for better scratch resistance.
- Large and beautiful display: The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is bright, clear, and perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games.
While the iPhone 14 boasts some improvements like an extra GPU core and slightly better cameras, for most users, the iPhone 13 is the better value, especially since the iPhone 14 typically costs a hundred dollars more.
The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, a powerful A15 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system on the back. It comes in five colors: Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, and Product Red.
Here’s a summary of the iPhone 13 specs:
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display (2532 x 1170)
- Processor: A15 Bionic chip
- Rear Camera: Dual 12MP wide and ultrawide cameras
- Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth camera
- Battery: Up to 19 hours of video playback
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB
- Colors: Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Pink, and Product Red
The price of the iPhone 13 varies depending on the storage capacity. Here are the prices in the Philippines:
- 128GB: $894.00
- 256GB: $1,017.00
- 512GB: $1,200.00
You can check the official Apple website or authorized retailers for the latest prices and deals.
Here are some things to consider before buying an iPhone 13:
- Storage: The iPhone 13 comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. If you take a lot of photos and videos, you’ll want to get a model with more storage.
- Battery life: While the battery life is good, it’s not the best. If you’re a heavy phone user, you may want to consider an iPhone with a larger battery, such as the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- Camera: The camera system is very good, but it’s not the best on the market. If you’re a serious photographer, you may want to consider an iPhone with a more advanced camera system, such as the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Overall, the iPhone 13 is a great option for anyone looking for a powerful, affordable iPhone. It offers excellent performance, a great camera system, and a long-lasting battery.
05. Best iPhone for Battery Life: iPhone 15 Plus
4.6 out of 5 Ratings
The iPhone 15 Plus is a real phone and is currently available for purchase. It has a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the 6.1-inch display of the iPhone 15. It also has a better camera system, with a 48-megapixel main sensor. Here are its specifications:
- 6.7-inch 1290 x 2796 pixel Super Retina XDR display
- Apple A16 Bionic chip
- 6GB of RAM
- 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options
- Dual-SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)
- iOS 16
The iPhone 15 Plus starts at $685.55 for the 128GB model.
- Do you need a large screen? If you prefer a phone that’s easy to carry around in one hand, the iPhone 15 might be a better option.
- Are you a power user? If you need the best possible performance for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks, the iPhone 15 Plus is a good choice.
- How important is camera quality to you? If you take a lot of photos or videos, the iPhone 15 Plus will give you better results than the iPhone 15.
- What’s your budget? The iPhone 15 Plus is likely to be more expensive than other smartphones on the market with similar features.
Ultimately, the best way to decide if the iPhone 15 Plus is right for you is to read reviews and watch videos to see what other users think.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the iPhone 15 Plus to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you:
Pros:
- Large, high-resolution display
- Excellent camera system
- Powerful A16 Bionic chip
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- No expandable storage
- Larger and heavier than the iPhone 15
06. Best Small iPhone: iPhone 13 Mini
4.3 out of 5 Ratings
If you’re looking for the best small iPhone, the iPhone 13 mini is a great option. It’s the smallest iPhone Apple currently makes, with a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display. It’s still a powerful phone, with the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro. And it has a great dual-camera system on the back.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the iPhone 13 mini:
Pros:
- Small and lightweight design
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Great camera system
- Long battery life (for its size)
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons:
- Smaller screen than other iPhones
- Battery life may not be as good as larger iPhones
- More expensive than the iPhone SE
Overall, the iPhone 13 mini is a great option for people who want a powerful and portable iPhone. However, if you need a larger screen or longer battery life, you may want to consider another iPhone model.
Here are some things to consider when deciding if the iPhone 13 mini is the right phone for you:
- How important is it to you to have a small phone?
- How important is battery life to you?
- How important is camera quality to you?
- How much are you willing to spend on a phone?
07. Best Affordable: iPhone SE (2022)
4.5 out of 5 Ratings
Apple offers the iPhone SE (2022) which is their most affordable iPhone. It starts at $429 and is a great option for people who prefer a smaller phone or are on a tight budget.
- Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD with 1334 x 750 resolution and 326 ppi
- Processor: A15 Bionic chip
- Rear Camera: 12MP wide with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and 5x digital zoom
- Front Camera: 12MP with f/2.2 aperture
- Battery: Up to 15 hours of video playback
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
- Size and Weight: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.8 mm, 144 grams
The iPhone SE (2022) is a good option for people who are looking for a powerful and affordable iPhone with a small screen. However, if you are looking for a phone with a larger screen, you may want to consider the iPhone 13 mini or iPhone 12 mini.
Here’s what makes the iPhone SE (2022) a great affordable option:
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip:This is the same chip that’s in the iPhone 13, so you’ll get great performance for everyday tasks and even gaming.
- Compact design: The iPhone SE (2022) has a 4.7-inch display, which is small by today’s standards, but it makes it easy to use with one hand and comfortable to carry around.
- 5G connectivity: The iPhone SE (2022) supports 5G, so you’ll be able to take advantage of the latest cellular networks.
- iOS 15: The iPhone SE (2022) comes with iOS 15, which is Apple’s latest mobile operating system. iOS 15 is packed with new features, including Focus mode, FaceTime improvements, and more.
However, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind as well:
- Small storage: The iPhone SE (2022) starts with only 64GB of storage, which may not be enough for some people.
- Single rear camera: The iPhone SE (2022) only has one rear camera, while most other iPhones have two or three.
- Older design: The iPhone SE (2022) has the same design as the iPhone 8, which means it has a large bezel around the display and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor instead of Face ID.
Overall, the iPhone SE (2022) is a great option for people who are looking for an affordable iPhone with a powerful processor and 5G connectivity. However, you’ll need to decide if you can live with the small storage capacity, single rear camera, and older design.
Conclusion:
The iPhone is a line of smartphones designed by Apple and considered one of the most popular smartphone brands in the world. iPhones are known for their user-friendly interface, sleek design, and powerful features. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Models: Apple releases new iPhone models every year, with the iPhone 15 being the latest one. There are usually several variations of each year’s iPhone, offering different screen sizes, camera capabilities, and storage capacities. Prices typically range from around $300.00 to over $2,000
- Operating System: iPhones use Apple’s iOS, a mobile operating system known for its stability and security. Apple typically releases a new version of iOS every year, bringing new features and improvements to the iPhone.
- Features: iPhones come with a variety of features, including high-quality cameras, large and vibrant displays, fast processors, and access to the Apple App Store, which offers millions of apps.
- Popularity: iPhones are a popular choice for many people due to their ease of use, reputation for quality, and integration with other Apple products like iPads and Mac computers.