Which iPhone Should You Get?

We Break It Down by Budget—Making Your Next iPhone a Smart, Easy Pick!

Our Top Picks

iPhones Under $300

As a general rule, we recommend starting with the base model iPhones (i.e., not the Pro or Pro Max versions). These models offer excellent all-around performance and represent the best value for most people—it’s why they’re by far our most popular choice. For the under $300 budget level we recommend the iPhone SE 3rd Gen!

If you’re looking for a phone that will take *great* photos (and your budget is a bit more flexible), we recommend the Pro series, in this case the iPhone 11 Pro. Note that there is a trade-off here: you are effectively buying a phone that is two years older, which means it will have that great camera, but will not be supported by Apple for as long as the base models above.

See our top picks below

  • iPhone SE 3rd Gen

    • Powered by the A15 Bionic chip — the same one in the iPhone 14!
    • Great performance in a compact, reliable package
    • Easy navigation thanks to the Home button
    • Supported by Apple until late 2029!

  • iPhone SE 2nd Gen

    • Runs on the A13 Bionic chip — still performant for light everyday use
    • Compact, reliable package
    • Easy navigation thanks to the Home button
    • Expect to still get the iOS 26 software update later this year!

  • iPhone 11 Pro

    • Triple-lens system with ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto
    • Night mode and better low-light performance
    • Premium feel with a richer OLED display
    • Supported by Apple until late 2027

Our Top Picks

iPhones $300-600

The base model we're recommending for a $300-$600 budget is the iPhone 13! It offers excellent all-around performance and represent the best value for most people.

If you’re looking for a phone that will take *great* photos, we recommend the Pro series, in this case the iPhone 12 Pro.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a larger screen and/or extended battery life for heavy usage, we recommend Pro Max models. If you’re keen on these models, unfortunately you’re going to have to stretch your budget a bit.

Note that there is a trade-off with Pro and Pro Max models: you are effectively buying a phone that is two years older, which means it will have that great camera and longer battery life, but will not be supported by Apple for as long as the base models above.

  • iPhone 13

    • Powered by the A15 Bionic chip — so impressive, Apple kept it for the iPhone 14!
    • Excellent battery life, smooth day-to-day performance and 5G compatible.
    • A great dual-camera system with Night mode and Smart HDR
    • Supported by Apple until late 2029!

  • iPhone 12 Pro

    • Triple-lens system with ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto
    • Night mode and better low-light shots
    • LiDAR scanner for faster autofocus and better portrait mode
    • Supported by Apple until 2028

  • iPhone 11 Pro Max

    • 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display — vs 6.1-inch on the iPhone 13 and 12 Pro.
    • Longer battery life
    • Triple-camera system — similar to the 12 Pro
    • Supported by Apple until 2027!