iPhone 11 Pro & Pro Max iPhone 11 iPhone XS & XS Max iPhone XR iPhone X iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
The best iPhone for you is likely one of the more recent generations, like the iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, or 11. iPhones get better with each release, and that’s why our best iPhones are the five most recent, plus our honorable mention—the iPhone 8. Older iPhones have great qualities and are less expensive than the newer generations, but with stronger hardware and smarter software, the most recent generations are the way to go. Having a modern phone will also help you get the most out of your wireless service. For instance, T-Mobile has a new high-speed data network that only a handful of recently released phones can connect to. As technology continues to grow and improve you need a device that can keep up with the times.
In this guide, we’ll break down the facts about each device to help you decide the best iPhone for you. If you’re looking for a discount, check out our iPhone deals.
Best iPhones Compared
Category | Winner |
---|---|
Best iPhone for Pricing | iPhone 11 |
Best iPhone Camera | iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max |
Best iPhone Battery | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
Best iPhone Display | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
Best Budget iPhone | iPhone 8 |
1. iPhone 11 Pro & Pro Max
The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max are the top two iPhones on the market right now. Released in September, 2019, these devices are more sleek and feature-packed than ever. The iPhone 11 Pro is priced at $999, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max costs $1,099. For the first time since iPhones hit the market, Apple has introduced the word “Pro” to an iPhone, and for an excellent reason—this highly-advanced device is the ultimate tool for videographers and photographers, as well as the everyday person looking to step up their camera game.
Some important changes and updates:
- More power-efficient chip
- Improved water-resistant technology
- Longer-lasting battery
- Smart HDR edits subject of photos, as well as background details
- Night Mode for photos
- Audio zoom to match audio with video frame
- New triple-camera system
- Improved 12-megapixel front-facing camera
At $999, the iPhone 11 Pro is an affordable iPhone with the sophisticated photo and video technology of a professional camera. You don’t want to miss out on the Pro and Pro Max.
Unlimited iPhone 11 Pro Plans Unlimited iPhone 11 Pro Max Plans
2. iPhone 11
The iPhone 11, which only costs $699, is the economy version of the iPhone 11 Pro. But don’t let the word “economy” fool you—this is a super sophisticated and advanced device that will wow any Apple fan. Like the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, it comes with many improvements and upgrades:
- Faster chip
- Improved water-resistant technology
- Longer-lasting battery
- Audio zoom to match audio with video frame
- Smart HDR
- Night Mode
- Upgraded 12-megapixel front-facing camera
- New dual-camera system
If you’re someone who wants one of the latest and greatest devices Apple has to offer but you don’t want to fork over $999 or $1,099, then this may be the phone for you. It is absolutely the best phone on the market for its price.
3. iPhone XS & XS Max
Despite being last year’s releases, the iPhone XS and XS Max are great devices for anyone who wants a sophisticated iPhone with awesome features. Although Apple is retiring the iPhone XS and XS Max, these smartphones are still available through certain carriers, for varying prices. Depending on the carrier, they may have specials in which you can trade in an old device and get one of these at a huge discounted price. The iPhone XS and XS Max have the following features:
- Dual-lens camera system
- Super Retina OLED display
- 7-megapixel front-facing camera
- 14-hour and 15-hour video playback battery life, respectively
- Water resistance up to 2 meters for 30 minutes
The XS is nearly the same as the XS Max. If you want all new technology with a slightly smaller screen and lower price, the XS is for you.
Unlimited iPhone XS Plans Unlimited iPhone XS Max Plans
4. iPhone XR
Apple unveiled the iPhone XR at the same as the XS and XS Max as a more affordable option for a new iPhone. The XR, which originally costed $749, is only $599 now. It’s a less expensive version of the XS and Max because the hardware and software aren’t as advanced. However, the iPhone XR is still an excellent device, especially for an iPhone-lover on a budget. Bonus points: Apple is still producing this phone, so you don’t necessarily need to go to a carrier to find it.
The iPhone XR is the best iPhone for you if you want a phone that will perform the basics really well. The phone’s camera gets the job done beautifully, and your selfies will still look great on Instagram, but your pics won’t have the same depth control that Apple’s high-end models have. The XR’s battery life matches the XS Max and is better than the iPhone X and XS.
5. iPhone X
Apple released the iPhone X in 2017. It is the first iPhone to have facial recognition and no home button. It’s also the first device Apple included with a notch at the top of the screen. At the time, it was also Apple’s most expensive phone ever.
The iPhone X was discontinued by Apple in 2018, with stock still available from some carriers
The iPhone X is the best iPhone if you want similar tech to the XS for a lower price. Because the iPhone X is from 2017, it’s less expensive. Even though the XS is faster and has a slightly better camera, you won’t be missing out on much if you decide to go for this phone as the differences are minor. Apple does NOT sell the X anymore, so you’ll have to get the device from a wireless carrier.
Honorable Mention: iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
Since Apple has stopped producing the iPhone X and it may be harder for you to get your hands on, we’ve named the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus as honorable mentions. You can purchase the iPhone 8 through Apple for $449 and you can get the 8 Plus through select carriers. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus debuted around the same time as the iPhone X, but that’s about the only similarity between the two generations. The iPhone 8 Plus:
- is the last iPhone to have a home button.
- doesn’t have facial recognition software and uses fingerprint technology to unlock instead.
- only has a Retina HD Display which isn’t as bright or clear as the more recent generations.
- doesn’t have front-facing TrueDepth technology, which means selfies won’t have any background blurring, and you can’t use animojis or memojis.
- has dual rear-facing cameras so you can blur backgrounds in photos making them look more professional.
If you want an iPhone with a large screen that has somewhat new technology and a home button, the iPhone 8 Plus is the best iPhone for you. If you look at the specs, the 8 Plus is almost the same phone as the X but is much less expensive. If you’re looking to save money and have a great phone, you can’t go wrong with the iPhone 8 Plus.
Which iPhone Should I Get?
iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max: For the person who wants all the bells and whistles and has the money to spare.
iPhone 11: For the person who wants the best iPhone for the best price.
iPhone XS and XS Max: For someone who doesn’t need the latest release but still wants great features.
iPhone XR: For the budget-minded iPhone-lover that values battery life.
iPhone X: For the person who wants sophisticated tech but is fine with slower processing speeds.
iPhone 8: For the person who still wants a home button and doesn’t mind the lack of facial recognition technology.