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The Best iPhone for 2025

When selecting an iPhone, consider factors like usage, budget, camera quality, storage capacity, and battery life. Various models cater to different needs, from high-end options like the iPhone 15 Pro to budget-friendly choices. Updates and purchasing options also influence decision-making.
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December 21, 2024
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When considering purchasing an iPhone, especially from the Pro Max lineup, it’s essential to understand the key features, design changes, and price differences between the iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. The latest model, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, offers the most advanced features, including improved camera capabilities, a faster processor, and possibly the longest-lasting battery in the series. If you’re looking for the cutting-edge technology, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best choice with its superior performance and new features like enhanced AI processing, faster 5G speeds, and a brighter and more responsive display.

For those who don’t necessarily need the newest iPhone but still want a premium device, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers excellent value. It brings many improvements over the 14 Pro Max, such as the upgraded A17 Bionic chip and a more refined design, including a titanium body for increased durability and lighter weight. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also offers remarkable camera capabilities, including a 5x optical zoom on the telephoto lens, perfect for those who want great photography features without breaking the bank. If you want a balance of performance and price, the 15 Pro Max is a top contender.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max and 13 Pro Max, though not the latest, still remain exceptional choices. The 14 Pro Max features an Always-On display and Dynamic Island, while the 13 Pro Max offers excellent value with its still-powerful A15 chip and superb camera system. These models are great for those who want a premium iPhone experience but want to save some money by purchasing a previous generation. Ultimately, if you’re looking for the most advanced features and are willing to pay a premium, go for the iPhone 16 Pro Max or 15 Pro Max, but if you’re budget-conscious, the 14 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max will still serve you well.

Our Top Picks

Best iPhone for Performance

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 15 Pro

Best iPhone for Value

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14

Best iPhone for Battery Life

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13 Pro Max

Best iPhone for Design

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 13

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, US Version, 256GB, Black Titanium – Unlocked (Renewed)

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The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max in Black Titanium is a top-tier smartphone that offers a seamless blend of performance, design, and value. With its 6.9-inch display, you’ll enjoy crisp, vibrant visuals whether you’re streaming videos or browsing through your photos. Powered by iOS 17, this phone supports 5G connectivity, ensuring lightning-fast download speeds and smooth browsing. The 256GB storage capacity gives you ample space for apps, photos, videos, and more, while the powerful 4685mAh battery ensures long-lasting use. As a renewed product, it’s been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers, ensuring you get a high-quality phone at a lower price point. Despite being pre-owned, it’s in excellent condition with no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at arm’s length.

Although the accessories are not original, they are fully compatible and functional, making this iPhone an even more budget-friendly choice. The phone comes unlocked, giving you the flexibility to choose your carrier, and it’s ready to use with all major networks. If you’re not satisfied, Amazon offers a 90-day replacement or refund policy, giving you peace of mind with your purchase. With its premium build, exceptional performance, and affordability, the iPhone 16 Pro Max (Renewed) is a smart choice for those looking for a high-end phone without breaking the bank.

Product Specifications

FeatureDescription
Model NameiPhone 16 Pro Max
BrandApple
Operating SystemiOS 17
Memory Storage Capacity256 GB
Screen Size6.9 Inches
Battery Power4685 mAh
Cellular Technology5G
Wireless CarrierUnlocked for All Carriers
ColorBlack Titanium
Connector TypeUSB Type C
Form FactorBar
Item Weight12 ounces
ASINB0DHJ896RY
Date First AvailableOctober 20, 2024
Customer Reviews2.5 out of 5 stars (3 ratings)

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, Blue Titanium – Unlocked (Renewed)

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The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max in Blue Titanium offers an exceptional blend of power, design, and functionality. Featuring a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, this phone delivers stunning visuals with smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The Always-On display keeps you connected with important updates at a glance, while the titanium design with a textured matte glass back ensures both durability and style. Powered by the A17 Pro chip with a 6-core GPU, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is perfect for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, you have plenty of space and speed for apps, media, and more.

Capture breathtaking photos with the Pro camera system, which includes a 48MP main sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and telephoto capabilities. You can even shoot high-resolution photos up to 48MP, while the dynamic depth control enhances portrait shots. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also boasts 5G connectivity, offering fast internet speeds, and advanced features like Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection for your safety. With up to 29 hours of video playback and USB-C with USB 3 for fast transfers, this phone keeps you powered and connected throughout the day. As a renewed product, it’s been tested and certified, offering excellent value for those looking for top-tier performance at a lower price.

Product Specifications

FeatureDescription
Model NameiPhone 15 Pro Max
BrandApple
Operating SystemiOS 17
Memory Storage Capacity256 GB
Screen Size6.7 Inches
RAM8 GB
Battery Power3600 mAh
Cellular Technology5G
Wireless CarrierUnlocked for All Carriers
ColorBlue Titanium
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth, Wi-Fi
Form FactorBar
Item Weight7.7 ounces
ASINB0CMZDBVWT
Date First AvailableNovember 9, 2023
Customer Reviews4.0 out of 5 stars (538 ratings)

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, 128GB, Space Black – Unlocked (Renewed)

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The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max offers top-tier performance and stunning design, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their smartphone experience. With a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, the iPhone 14 Pro Max delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp resolution, thanks to its 2796 x 1290 pixel resolution and ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Always-On display ensures that essential information is always visible, while the device’s sleek Space Black finish adds a touch of elegance. Powered by the A16 Bionic chip and 8GB of RAM, it offers powerful performance whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or using demanding apps.

This phone also excels in photography, with its advanced triple-camera system that includes a 48MP main sensor, ensuring sharp and clear photos in any lighting condition. Whether you’re capturing portraits or wide-angle shots, the iPhone 14 Pro Max provides excellent quality and flexibility. With 5G connectivity, you get fast data speeds for streaming and browsing. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is unlocked for all carriers, giving you the freedom to choose your network provider. As a renewed product, it’s been rigorously tested and inspected, offering excellent value without sacrificing performance.

Product Specifications

FeatureDescription
Model NameiPhone 14 Pro Max
BrandApple
Operating SystemiOS 16
Memory Storage Capacity128 GB
Screen Size6.7 Inches
RAM8 GB
Battery Power3600 mAh
Resolution2796 x 1290
Refresh Rate120 Hz
Cellular Technology5G
Wireless CarrierUnlocked for All Carriers
ColorSpace Black
GPSTrue
Connectivity TechnologyWi-Fi
Form FactorBar
Item Weight8.3 ounces
ASINB0BN94DL3R
Date First AvailableNovember 24, 2022
Customer Reviews4.1 out of 5 stars (2,558 ratings)

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, 128GB, Sierra Blue – Unlocked (Renewed)

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The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max offers exceptional performance, stunning design, and top-tier features that make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality smartphone. Equipped with a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display and ProMotion technology, it delivers a smooth and vibrant viewing experience with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling, gaming, and media consumption more enjoyable than ever. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, this phone can handle any task you throw at it, from multitasking to high-end gaming. The Sierra Blue color gives it a premium, sophisticated look, while its slim, slate form factor makes it comfortable to hold.

With 128GB of storage, you have plenty of space to store your photos, videos, and apps, while the 4352 mAh battery ensures you can use the phone all day without worry. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also boasts impressive camera capabilities, including a 12MP front camera for clear selfies and video calls. It’s compatible with 5G for lightning-fast data speeds, and the phone comes unlocked for all carriers, giving you the flexibility to choose your network provider. As a renewed product, it has been professionally inspected and cleaned, offering excellent value while still delivering exceptional performance and functionality.

Product Specifications

FeatureDescription
Model NameiPhone 13 Pro Max
BrandApple
Operating SystemiOS 15
Memory Storage Capacity128 GB
Screen Size6.7 Inches
Resolution1920 x 1080
Refresh Rate120 Hz
RAM128 GB
Battery Power4352 mAh
Camera12 MP Front
Cellular Technology5G
Wireless CarrierUnlocked for All Carriers
ColorSierra Blue
GPSTrue
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth, Wi-Fi
Form FactorSlate
Item Weight8.3 ounces
ASINB09LPDM924
Date First AvailableNovember 11, 2021
Customer Reviews4.1 out of 5 stars (6,979 ratings)

1. What iPhone Model Is Right for You?

When choosing the right iPhone, it’s important to consider how you plan to use the device. Apple offers several models, each with its own features, performance, and price point. For those seeking the most cutting-edge technology and performance, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are top-of-the-line options, featuring the latest processors, advanced camera systems, and ProMotion displays for smooth scrolling. These models are ideal for tech enthusiasts, professionals, or anyone who needs the highest quality experience in terms of power, display, and camera capabilities.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus offers great performance at a more affordable price. These models feature similar capabilities to the Pro versions but with fewer premium features like the ProMotion display and some advanced camera features. The iPhone 14 models still perform excellently and are a great choice for users who want a solid iPhone experience at a reduced price.

If you need an iPhone with a compact form factor, the iPhone 15 Mini or iPhone 13 Mini might be your best choice. These devices provide the full iPhone experience in a smaller, more pocketable design. The smaller display and lower price point make them appealing to users who prioritize portability and want to save some money without compromising on performance.

The iPhone SE (2022 model) is Apple’s most affordable iPhone. It offers a classic design with the Home button and Touch ID, making it perfect for those who prefer a traditional iPhone feel but still want modern performance. If you’re not a fan of Face ID and want a budget-friendly iPhone, this is the option for you.

2. How Important Is the iPhone’s Camera for You?

Apple has always placed a strong emphasis on the iPhone’s camera system, and the quality of your iPhone’s camera is a major factor to consider when purchasing. If you’re a photography enthusiast or someone who takes a lot of pictures and videos, you might want to opt for the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max, which have the most advanced camera systems available. These phones feature 48MP main cameras, telephoto zoom lenses, and advanced computational photography features like Deep Fusion and Night Mode, making them perfect for shooting high-quality photos in a variety of lighting conditions.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus also offer impressive camera capabilities, with a 48MP main camera and ultra-wide lens, which deliver excellent photo quality. However, the Pro models give you added flexibility with more zoom and professional-level editing options. If you want great pictures but don’t need the advanced features of the Pro models, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus offer great value.

For video enthusiasts, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is one of the best options, offering cinematic video recording in 4K HDR with a range of frame rates. It also supports the Dolby Vision standard, which provides superior color accuracy and contrast in your videos. If video quality is a priority for you, this is the iPhone model to consider, especially if you plan on creating content for social media or professional use.

For users who don’t need professional-level photography but still want a solid camera experience, the iPhone SE and the iPhone 13 are more than enough for everyday use. These models offer great photo and video quality with 12MP cameras, and they perform well in various lighting conditions. If you’re not heavily invested in photography but want an iPhone with good camera quality, these are excellent choices.

3. What iPhone Storage Capacity Should You Choose?

Choosing the right storage capacity for your iPhone depends on how you intend to use the device. If you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, apps, and music directly on your phone, a larger storage capacity may be necessary. iPhone models come in different storage options, typically ranging from 128GB to 1TB, depending on the model. If you’re someone who likes to store a lot of content locally, it’s better to go with 256GB or 512GB options to avoid running out of space quickly.

If you’re mainly using cloud storage (such as iCloud, Google Photos, or other services) and don’t plan to store many large files directly on your device, the base 128GB option may be more than enough. This capacity suits most users who primarily use their iPhone for messaging, social media, browsing, and casual photography. However, it’s important to note that if you often shoot 4K video or download large apps and games, you may want to consider a higher capacity model.

For those who rely on the iPhone for professional work, like creating content or editing photos and videos, the 1TB option (available in the Pro models) offers ample space and is worth the extra investment. With this much storage, you can store large projects, high-resolution videos, and a significant amount of content without worrying about running out of space.

One important consideration when choosing storage is that iPhones do not have expandable storage via SD cards, so you need to carefully consider your storage needs before making a purchase. Apple’s iCloud service is a helpful way to manage space, but if you’re someone who prefers to keep everything stored directly on your device, go for a model with a larger capacity.

4. How Long Will Your iPhone Be Supported and Updated?

Apple is known for providing long-term software updates for its devices, so if you want your iPhone to stay relevant and secure for years, consider how long Apple will continue to support the model you choose. iPhones generally receive iOS updates for about 5-6 years from their release, meaning that if you buy a new iPhone, you can expect to get the latest features and security patches for several years.

For example, the iPhone 15 Pro will receive updates for several years, ensuring that you can enjoy the latest software features, enhanced security, and app compatibility long after your purchase. If you’re planning on keeping your iPhone for a long time, this is an important consideration. Even older models like the iPhone 13 still receive software updates, so you can rest assured that Apple’s long-term support will keep your device running smoothly.

While iOS updates are one of the standout features of Apple devices, it’s also worth considering battery health over time. After a few years, your iPhone’s battery may start to degrade, which can affect performance. Thankfully, Apple offers a battery replacement program, so you can extend the life of your iPhone by swapping out the battery when necessary.

If you’re someone who likes to have the latest technology and features, you may prefer to upgrade to the newest model every few years. But if you don’t mind using an older model for a while, you can rest assured that your iPhone will continue to receive software support for many years to come. Keep in mind that models like the iPhone SE will still receive iOS updates for years despite their lower price point, giving you a device that stays relevant without breaking the bank.

5. Where is the Best Place to Buy an iPhone?

When it comes to purchasing an iPhone, there are several trusted retailers where you can get a great deal. Apple’s official website and Apple Stores offer the full range of iPhones and accessories, and you can customize your device (color, storage options) while also taking advantage of trade-in programs for discounts. Purchasing directly from Apple also gives you access to AppleCare+, which provides extended warranty coverage and support.

Amazon is another reliable place to buy an iPhone, and it often offers competitive prices, especially during sales events. The convenience of free shipping, easy returns, and user reviews makes it an appealing option. Plus, Amazon has authorized sellers, ensuring that you’re purchasing a genuine product. Be sure to check seller ratings and reviews to ensure you’re buying from a reputable source.

For those who prefer in-person shopping, Best Buy offers a variety of iPhone models, often with the option for local pickup or same-day delivery. Best Buy also frequently offers promotions, including discounts and trade-in deals, which can make your purchase more affordable. Additionally, their knowledgeable staff can assist with any questions you may have and provide insights on which model is best for your needs.

Other retailers like Walmart and Target also sell iPhones, often with special promotions or financing options. Keep in mind that prices can vary between retailers, so it’s worth comparing deals to find the best offer. You can also check out carrier stores like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, where you may find special deals on iPhones when signing up for specific plans or trade-ins.

6. Should You Buy an iPhone with a Carrier Plan or Unlocked?

When purchasing an iPhone, you’ll need to decide whether to buy it through a carrier plan or an unlocked version. Both options have their advantages, and your choice largely depends on your preferences and usage needs. Buying an iPhone through a carrier plan often comes with perks like subsidized pricing and the ability to spread out the cost of the phone through monthly payments. This can be an attractive option if you’re looking to reduce your upfront cost. Carrier deals may also include bundling services like data plans, insurance, and family discounts, making it easier to manage multiple devices under one account.

However, buying an iPhone through a carrier typically locks the device to that particular network, meaning you won’t be able to switch carriers without first unlocking the phone. If you’re looking for flexibility, such as the ability to switch carriers or travel internationally with ease, buying an unlocked iPhone might be a better choice. An unlocked iPhone allows you to use any carrier that supports the device, and you won’t be tied to any specific network provider. This is especially helpful if you travel abroad frequently and need to use local SIM cards in different countries.

For those who prefer the simplicity of buying directly from Apple or a retailer like Amazon, the unlocked iPhone is an ideal choice. This version is typically more expensive upfront but offers the freedom to choose your network and avoid long-term commitments. It’s also a great option if you plan on reselling your iPhone or passing it along to someone else in the future, as it will have broader compatibility with various networks.


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Ultimately, whether you go with a carrier plan or an unlocked iPhone comes down to your financial situation, how you plan to use your device, and how much flexibility you want. If you’re on a tight budget and prefer paying monthly, a carrier deal may be the better option, but if you value independence and versatility, opting for an unlocked iPhone gives you more freedom in the long run.

7. How Do iPhone Battery Life and Charging Features Impact Your Decision?

One of the most important factors when buying an iPhone is battery life and the device’s charging capabilities. iPhones generally offer solid battery performance, but the actual battery life can vary depending on the model and your usage habits. For example, the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts impressive battery life, capable of lasting up to 29 hours of video playback, making it an excellent choice for heavy users or those who rely on their phones for extended periods throughout the day.

For most users, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus provide more than enough battery life for a full day of normal usage, including social media, browsing, and light media consumption. Battery life is something to consider if you spend a lot of time watching videos, gaming, or using apps that drain power. The Pro Max models generally have a larger battery and are better equipped to handle heavy use, so if you want the longest battery life, these models should be your top choice.

Charging options also play a role in your iPhone experience. The latest iPhone models support fast charging, which allows you to charge the battery up to 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher charger. This is convenient for users who need a quick top-up during the day. However, it’s important to note that Apple no longer includes a charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately if you don’t have a compatible charger lying around.

Another feature to consider is wireless charging. All recent iPhone models support MagSafe charging, which is a form of wireless charging that uses magnets to align the charger perfectly with the iPhone for faster and more efficient charging. If you prefer a wireless experience, MagSafe is a great feature, but it’s worth noting that wireless charging can be slightly slower than traditional wired charging. Depending on your charging habits, you might want to opt for a model that supports these advanced charging options.

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Mustafa Bugti

Mobile, Laptop Analyst

Mustafa's photo

Technology has been both a passion and a hobby since childhood. With over five years of professional experience, I’ve covered topics from smart home devices and fitness gadgets to tech services. My goal is to make advancements in technology accessible and relevant, explaining why they matter in simple, clear language.

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