The Best iPhones in 2025: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Navigating Apple's 2025 iPhone lineup can feel overwhelming, but each model serves a distinct purpose and budget level. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge performance, stunning design, or outstanding value, the 2025 iPhone lineup offers compelling options. Here's a breakdown of the best iPhones to help you make an informed decision.

Best Overall: iPhone 17 Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro Max stands as Apple's ultimate flagship device in 2025, delivering everything a power user could want. This magnificent device combines a massive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 3,000 nits peak brightness, making it perfect for watching videos, editing content, and gaming.​

Powering the Pro Max is Apple's latest A19 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process, delivering exceptional performance and improved power efficiency. The device features 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking, and comes with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB.​

The camera system represents a major upgrade, featuring a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 4x-8x optical zoom. The 18MP selfie camera includes optical image stabilization, a first for front-facing iPhones. With support for 4K Dolby Vision, ProRes recording, and professional video features, the Pro Max excels for content creators.​

Battery life is exceptional, with the device capable of up to 30 hours of moderate use, powered by a 4,823-5,088 mAh battery depending on storage configuration. The Pro Max starts at $1,199 for the base 256GB model.

Best for Most People: iPhone 17

For those seeking a balanced combination of power, features, and value, the iPhone 17 emerges as Apple's best standard model in years. This device doesn't compromise on the essentials while offering a significantly lower starting price than Pro models.

The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch OLED display with 1-120Hz ProMotion, finally addressing criticism of previous standard models that stuck with 60Hz displays. It reaches 3,000 nits peak brightness with an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare in sunlight.​

Internally, the A19 chip provides ample performance for virtually all users, supported by a 5-core GPU. The device includes 256GB of base storage, a welcomed increase from previous generations. Notable upgrades include a 48MP ultrawide camera and a 24MP selfie camera with optical image stabilization.​

Battery life has improved significantly, with the iPhone 17 offering up to 30 hours of video playback compared to the iPhone 16's 22 hours. Faster charging is also included. At a starting price of $829, the iPhone 17 delivers exceptional value.​

Best Design: iPhone Air

The iPhone Air redefines what an iPhone can be, delivering Apple's most innovative design in years. At just 5.6mm thick and weighing 165 grams, it's 30 percent thinner and 25 percent lighter than the standard iPhone 17. Despite its ultra-thin profile, the device feels robust with a titanium frame and durable Ceramic Shield 2.​

The 6.5-inch display offers the same 3,000 nits peak brightness and 120Hz ProMotion as Pro models. An 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera and 48MP Fusion main camera provide excellent photography capabilities.​

Powered by the A19 Pro chip (with a 5-core GPU versus the 6-core in Pro models), the iPhone Air delivers pro-level performance in a remarkably thin device. The phone is eSIM-only worldwide, contributing to its slim design. While the camera system is more limited than Pro models, it excels at everyday photography and selfies.​

The iPhone Air represents a new category between standard and Pro models, perfect for users who value design and portability without sacrificing performance.​

Best Budget Option: iPhone 16e

The iPhone 16e offers a remarkable entry point to Apple's ecosystem without sacrificing essential features. Launched to provide an affordable yet capable iPhone, the 16e delivers surprising quality for its price point.​

Where it truly shines is battery life. With up to 26 hours of video playback, the 16e boasts some of the longest battery life of any iPhone 6.1-inch model. In real-world testing, it lasted 21 hours and 39 minutes in video streaming tests, significantly outpacing the iPhone 16 and even approaching the Pro Max's battery endurance.​

The device features the A18 chip with a 4-core GPU (versus 5 or 6-core in other models), the 48MP main camera, and the new C1 modem for efficient 5G performance. However, it makes sacrifices in areas like the 60Hz display, lack of MagSafe support, and limited wireless charging at just 7.5W.​

At a starting price of approximately $649, the iPhone 16e is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking a modern iPhone with exceptional battery life.​

Still Worth Considering: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 remains a solid choice, particularly if you find discounted models. It offers a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED display, the A18 chip, improved camera systems from previous generations, and the versatile Action Button.​

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, while from the previous generation, continues to offer flagship performance through its A18 Pro chip, 6.9-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, and impressive camera system with 5x optical zoom. Retailers are offering clearance prices on remaining stock, potentially providing excellent value.​

Choosing Your iPhone

Your choice depends on several factors:

• Maximum performance and cameras: iPhone 17 Pro Max

• Best overall value: iPhone 17

• Premium design and portability: iPhone Air

• Budget-conscious with great battery: iPhone 16e

• Previous-generation bargains: iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 16

Apple's 2025 lineup ensures there's an excellent iPhone for every need and budget, with meaningful improvements across the board from previous generations.