iPhones are some of the best smartphones, but finding the right one can be challenging because the various models have different features and pricing. The best iPhones offer high-end performance and massive displays, while the more affordable models have compact sizes and a smooth user experience for most tasks.

Our Pocket-lint team specializes in testing phones, laptops, and other devices. We spent days living with various iPhones to see what they could do and made a list of options for every buyer and budget, so there's one to suit you.

Best iPhone overall

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max was the shining star of the 2023 iPhone range. It is the most expensive iPhone available, but that's really all that goes against it. This model offers a lighter build than its predecessor thanks to its switch to a titanium frame, and it also delivers some big upgrades to performance with a new A17 Pro chip under the hood. Its battery performance doesn't match that of the iPhone 15 Plus, but its day-to-day performance is buttery smooth, the display is quite simply glorious, and the design changes are charming in the flesh, as well as useful when you consider the Action Button.

That's all without mentioning the camera, too. The iPhone 15 Pro Max doesn't just sit at the top of our best iPhone list for its performance and design. It also features the best Apple offers in terms of camera capabilities, with a switch to 5x optical zoom. The camera results are excellent in my experience and testing, not just from the new 120mm lens but also from the main lens and Ultra Wide lens. This is the best iPhone Apple has ever made.

Best beginner iPhone

The Apple iPhone 15 might not offer all the bells and whistles of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but it has lots going for it, and it is still a fantastic choice -- and a more wallet-friendly one, too. The regular iPhone 15 models switched from the notch at the top of their displays to the Dynamic Island feature that was first introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro. It makes the regular iPhone 15 far more exciting than the iPhone 14 in 2022, and the matte glass finish on the back is a visually interesting update, too.

That's not all worth mentioning, however. The iPhone 15 sees an upgrade to a 48-megapixel primary sensor, and it is also now capable of 2x optical zoom, which has never been an option for the regular models in the past. Like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 can't match the iPhone 15 Plus in terms of battery performance, but it offers a fabulous display, great overall performance from the A16 Bionic chip, and brilliant camera results. If the iPhone 15 Pro Max is too big or too expensive, this is the iPhone you want.

Best iPhone for battery

The Apple iPhone 15 Plus offers everything the iPhone 15 does but in a larger format. With the larger size comes a bigger display, but there's a bigger battery under the hood, too. The larger display is fabulous, with some serious punch and plenty of brightness, but this device's battery capabilities make it a real winner. If overall battery performance is the most essential feature to you on a new device, then it's the iPhone 15 Plus you'll want to buy.

Alongside that battery performance, you get general performance, too. However, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a smooth and consistent experience. Like the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus is upgraded to a 48-megapixel main sensor, with a matte and contoured glass rear and Dynamic Island on the front. This is an excellent iPhone overall, and worth your attention if you want a big iPhone with smooth performance.

Best iPhone for performance

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro succeeded the iPhone 14 Pro, which was top of this list until the latest models came out. It's not as exciting this year as its larger brother, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but that's not to say it doesn't deliver. Its optical zoom capabilities top out at 3x rather than 5x, and it has a slightly smaller display and battery capacity, but otherwise, this is a small powerhouse of a device.

Performance across the board is excellent, and that's not just in terms of the chipset powering this device, but also in its glorious display, fantastic camera results, and general day-to-day experience. The iPhone 15 Pro Max will be too expensive and too large for some, and the iPhone 15 might not cut it in every aspect in terms of features, especially if you consider yourself a photographer of sorts. If that's you, the iPhone 15 Pro is an excellent choice.

Best value iPhone

The iPhone 14 is the entry-level model for the 2022 range, which the iPhone 15 models have now replaced. It offers an identical design to the iPhone 13 models, with a notch at the top of its lovely OLED display, an aluminum frame with flat edges that are nice and light, and a dual camera on the rear that delivers some great results and some upgrades from the iPhone 13. There's IP68 water and dust resistance, like the latest iPhone 15 models, but you miss out on the Dynamic Island design and the camera improvements.

The iPhone 14 runs on the A15 Bionic chip with a five-core GPU, like the iPhone 13 Pro from 2021. It's powerful hardware, and while it doesn't match the iPhone 15 models, there's still a great experience here. The iPhone 14 is the iPhone to buy if you want a smaller iPhone but your budget doesn't allow for the iPhone 15 with its design refinements and extra features.

The bottom line: What is the best iPhone?

The best iPhone is the 15 Pro Max because of its fantastic performance, which justifies its cost over the iPhone 15 Plus and the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 Pro Max gives you all Apple's features, and its overall performance is superb. The iPhone 15 Plus has the same size display as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but it has better battery performance. The iPhone 15 is cheaper than both these models and is a brilliant option if you're after value and a great all-rounder.

How did we choose these iPhones?

We have reviewed Apple's iPhones for several years and have extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with all the models on this list. Which iPhone you select will depend on many factors, not only your budget, but what features are most important to you. If you want an iPhone that will deliver the best camera experience that Apple offers, you will want to opt for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

If you want an iPhone that will last all day, you'll want to opt for the iPhone 15 Plus. If you want pocketable performance, the iPhone 15 Pro is your desired model. All the models selected on this list have a place. They are all great for certain features or requirements and there is an iPhone model to suit most needs, whatever they may be. We've tried to determine which models are best suited for particular needs to make it easy to scan the list and decide what the best iPhone is for you and what you might be looking for.

FAQ

Q:  Is the iPhone 15 worth buying?

Yes, the iPhone 15 is worth buying, more so than the iPhone 14 was in 2022. It is a brilliant phone that delivers excellent performance overall. For those deciding between the regular models, the iPhone 15 Plus will give you better battery performance, but both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus are devices I would happily recommend.

Q: Which iPhone has the best camera?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max currently offers the best camera capabilities of the models, followed by the iPhone Pro.

Q: Is the iPhone good for gaming?

The current iPhone 15 models are excellent for gaming and can easily handle demanding titles that require fast hardware.