Apple sells phones priced from as low as $399 to as high as $1,399. We're here to help you find the best one for your needs and budget.
When Steve Jobs launched the original iPhone back in 2007, there was only one model you could buy. Once you worked up the courage to buy a phone from a company that was better known for making computers, the only decision you had was whether to get one with 4GB of storage or 8GB. As color options went, you could get any color you wanted as long as it was black and aluminum. Oh, and as far as carriers, only AT&T supported the iPhone.
Fourteen years later, Apple sells seven different models of iPhone, five of which launched in the past year. There is a model that works with pretty much every major phone carrier in the world. The iPhone is available in an array of colors and finishes, while storage options now top out at 512GB.
Apple currently sells seven iPhone models which are a mix of new phones and models dating back to 2018:
CURRENT IPHONES, COMPARED
| Model | Starting price | Screen size | No. of rear cameras | CPU | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE | $399 | 4.7 inches | 1 | A13 Bionic | April 2020 |
| iPhone XR | $499 | 6.1 inches | 1 | A12 Bionic | Oct. 2018 |
| iPhone 11 | $599 | 6.1 inches | 2 | A13 Bionic | Sept. 2019 |
| iPhone 12 Mini | $699-$729 | 5.4 inches | 2 | A14 Bionic | Nov. 2020 |
| iPhone 12 | $799-$829 | 6.1 inches | 2 | A14 Bionic | Oct. 2020 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | $999 | 6.1 inches | 3 | A14 Bionic | Oct. 2020 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | $1,099 | 6.7 inches | 3 | A14 Bionic | Nov. 2020 |
You might find that carriers and third-party sellers offer other older models, like the iPhone X. To complicate matters, some iPhones have two cameras, others three and others four (including the front-facing selfie camera). Then there's the fact that nearly all current iPhones have Face ID, but one model -- the iPhone SE -- soldiers on with Touch ID. Having a lot of options isn't bad but it sometimes can feel overwhelming.
To help you figure out which is the best iPhone for you, we thoroughly reviewed and tested each one on this list, from their batteries to camera performance.
But if you're looking for other options outside of Apple's offerings, read our guide to help find the best phone for your needs and take a look at our tips on how to buy a new phone.
With support for 5G being its crown jewel feature, the iPhone 12 ($829 unlocked, $799 on most carriers) marks the beginning of a new generation of iPhone. Out of the four phones in Apple's 12 series, the regular 12's spot is a bit overshadowed by its siblings. But if you look closely, you'll realize it's basically the iPhone 12 Pro with a $170 price cut. Both have the same design, the same display, the same insanely fast A14 Bionic chip, the same 5G support, the same support for MagSafe charging, the same selfie, wide and ultrawide cameras.
What do you miss for not going Pro? You don't get a dedicated telephoto camera, the ability to shoot Apple ProRaw photos or the lovely matte finish back and glossy stainless steel sides. Instead you get a glossy finish back and matte aluminum sides. If you choose to get an iPhone 12 and can afford to pay $50 more, I recommend upgrading from 64GB of storage to 128GB.
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