Choosing the best Apple smartphone can be a real headache. There are numerous references in the brand’s catalog. To find the mobile that suits your needs, we compared several models taking into account different criteria (display quality, battery life, photo, etc.). Here is our selection of the best iPhones of the moment.
Top 3 iPhones in 2025
Currently, Apple mobiles are the benchmark in the mobile market. The Cupertino company offers a complete range with devices suitable for all uses and almost all budgets. From the superb and expensive iPhone 16 Pro Max to the much more affordable iPhone SE, the choice is vast. Likewise, versions of older generations like the iPhone 15 or 14 are interesting solutions. Without forgetting either that it is always possible to turn to reconditioned products.
In summary, each model has its advantages and prices vary enormously from one product to another. However, we still favored Apple phones that could benefit from several years of updates and were compatible with iOS 18. However, should you buy an iPhone 15 rather than a 16? Which smartphone from the Apple brand is the most durable? If you are asking yourself all these questions, our comparison of iPhones available in 2025 will help you make the best choice.
Also read: our comparison dedicated to iPhone cases
iPhone 16 Pro Max, the best iPhone
Unsurprisingly, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is simply Apple’s best smartphone. Although particularly expensive, it combines power, endurance and photo performance. Thanks to his A18 Pro chip it turns out suitable for all uses and does not suffer from heating problems. And when the time comes, you can take full advantage of Apple Intelligence. For the rest, there is no major difference in design compared to the previous generation. However, we note the appearance of “Control” button on the edge of the device.
The latter should offer better ergonomics when taking photos and videos. It’s interesting, but a bit anecdotal. In any case, in terms of photography, it is the reference in the manufacturer’s catalog. It is equipped with a wide-angle and a 48 Mpx ultra-wide-angle, supplemented by a 12 Mpx telephoto lens (x5 zoom). No matter the exercise, the result is simply sublime. We find a 6.9-inch Super Retina OLED panel with adaptive refresh to 120 Hz.
The display quality is sublime and the Dynamic Island always appreciable. The format is imposing, but will delight people looking for a large screen mobile. Finally, autonomy has been improved and it is possible to envisage two days of use with one charge cycle.
iPhone 16, the Apple classic, durable and versatile
Not everyone wants to spend 1500 euros on a phone, so turning to the classic iPhone 16 is an interesting solution. Indeed, if you want a latest generation Apple mobile, this model is available for under 1000 euros. Obviously, it is not at the level of the Pro Max version either. In detail, it is equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panelwhich gives it a much more compact format.
However, it is regrettable to always have to settle for a 60 Hz refresh rate given the price. For the rest, it’s classic with the recharge MagSafe (wireless charging) or unlocking with Face ID. Under the hood, we find an A18 chip giving it good performance. It is a versatile Apple phone suitable for all uses. In terms of the photo module, we note a change in design with the two lenses aligned vertically. This is a wide-angle of 48 Mpx and an ultra-wide-angle of 12 Mpx.
This camera takes beautiful photos day and night. But Pro-branded products remain superior in this area. Autonomy has been increasedbut we always regret very slow wired charging.
iPhone 15 Plus, for a large format Apple smartphone
We are leaving the latest generation of Apple smartphones to offer you the iPhone 15 Plus. The latter has little to envy of its successor, but above all, it offers good value for money for a large format iPhone. If we have to make the comparison, both phones are equipped with a panel 6.7-inch OLED offering very good screen quality. We also find the Dynamic Islanda charge par USB-C5G connectivity or the emergency call function.
In terms of differences, we do not find the button for the camera, but its absence is frankly not detrimental. Then, this product has an A16 chip. Although it is slightly less powerful than the firm’s new SoC, the performance remains excellent. You can fully enjoy your mobile games or make small video edits. On the other hand, it is a little less durable, but it remains one of Apple’s phones with the best battery life.
For example, you can count on 24 hours of video streaming before draining the battery. Ultimately, the main change is at the level of the photo unit, the positioning of the sensors has been modified on the new model. Finally, it shows itself to be versatile in this sector.
-iPhone 14, the best value for money
The iPhone 14 is currently the best value for money Apple smartphone. Without taking advantage of all the developments of the latest generation models, it nonetheless remains a quality product. He will receive miOS updates for several more years and its equipment still makes it a premium mobile.
More concretely, it is equipped with a chip A15 Bionic supported by 6 GB of RAM. The latter allows for smooth multitasking navigation and it is entirely possible to consider gaming with this device. Then he takes a slab 6.1-inch OLED with a refresh rate obviously stuck at 60 Hz. However, the display quality remains impeccable. On the other hand, you cannot benefit from Dynamic Island here. For once, the Cupertino company’s interface is intuitive and easy to use for new users.
It is a durable product with a battery life of up to 2 days. In this area, it does even better than its direct successor. Let us point out, however, that this version has a Lighting port and is therefore not not compatible with USB-C charging. For photography, you have to make do with two 12 Mpx lenses for a result that remains honorable.
iPhone SE, the iPhone for a low budget
It has now been several years since Apple has renewed its iPhone SE range. It is still possible to obtain the 3rd generation version new or reconditioned from many resellers. It takes the design of the brand’s older generation mobiles. That is to say, we find a small button at the bottom of the screenjust like a single photo lens on the back. On the technical side, it has a 4.7-inch LCD panel.
It is one of the phones with the smallest screen on the market. It is therefore compact, but will displease fans of streaming on smartphones. Finally, it must be recognized that the display quality is good despite the absence of OLED technology. On the other hand, it has a A15 Bionic chip (similar to iPhone 14) which offers surprising performance. Without being a monster of power, it proves comfortable in the majority of uses. However, it is not the recommended reference for gaming either. Her single 12 Mpx sensor takes some nice shots, but nothing exceptional.
Finally, autonomy is correctbut you shouldn’t push the iPhone SE to its limits if you want to get through the day with a single recharge.
???? Which iPhone to choose for photography?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max emerges as the best Apple cameraphone. It excels at this exercise and the addition of the Control button provides improved ergonomics. It is capable of taking photos in format ProRAW and HEIF and the shots are sublime regardless of the light level. Likewise, it can capture 4K videos in Dolby Vision standard and it is possible to film slow motion at 120 frames per second. You can also turn to older generation devices. In fact, the iPhone 15 Pro Max et 14 Pro Max are very good choices for photography enthusiasts.
???? Which Apple smartphone offers the best battery life?
Unsurprisingly, The iPhone 16 Pro Max is positioned as the most durable Apple smartphone. However, other devices from the Apple brand offer excellent battery life. Generally, you can count on all Pro Max versions in this area. But this is also the case for iPhone 16 Plus and 15 Plus which can easily provide battery life of 2 days. On the other hand, the classic and Pro models are not the best in this exercise. They offer a good day of use, but it’s going to be difficult to push them further.
???? What is the best refurbished iPhone in 2025?
In 2025, we tend to consider the iPhone 13 and its different versions like the best refurbished Apple smartphones. Indeed, the technical differences with the iPhone are really slight. In addition, they are quite easy to find at various specialist retailers. While some older generation models still receive updates, this will no longer be the case in a few years. The iPhone 12 may be a nice solution, but don’t get older models (iPhone 11, XR, 8, etc.).
???? How much storage for my Apple smartphone?
Today, Apple offers a a minimum of 128 GB storage on your iPhone. The only exception is the iPhone 16 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max which start with 256 GB and the iPhone SE with 64 GB. We strongly advise against opting for the latter version. In any case, a storage capacity of 128 GB remains sufficient to store your photos, videos, music and other applications. Don’t forget that at Apple, prices tend to soar with larger storage.
???? Are iPhones water resistant?
All recent Apple smartphones are water and dust resistant. All iPhones since the iPhone XS are IP68 certified. In the case of older generations, we find IP67 certification from the iPhone 7. As a reminder, this does not mean that you have to immerse your Apple phone in water. IP certifications are more indicators of resistance in the event of an accident.
