Best iPhone in 2024: The iPhone 15 lineup brings enhanced speed, USB-C charging, and upgraded cameras, while the iPhone 15 introduces the user-friendly Dynamic Island for seamless app interaction. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro stands out with its advanced camera, titanium build, and a new Action button for quick shortcuts.
If you’re making the leap from an older iPhone or exploring budget options like the iPhone 13 or compact iPhone SE, iPhone Bros’ thorough testing provides valuable insights. For most users, the $799 iPhone 15 emerges as the top choice, featuring the A16 Bionic chip for extended software support, well-rounded camera capabilities, and a 6.1-inch size that balances usability and screen experience. Before deciding, don’t forget to explore potential carrier deals to make the most of your upgrade.
Best iPhone of 2024: iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 marks a substantial advancement with the introduction of Dynamic Island, a user-friendly USB-C port for streamlined charging, and an enhanced camera boasting higher resolution and sharper zoom capabilities. Positioned as a scaled-back version of the iPhone 14 Pro, this entry-level model feels like a significant leap forward, especially for users upgrading from older iPhones.
Offered in two sizes, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus, both devices are powered by the A16 Bionic chip, promising notable performance improvements for those with aging iPhones. Equipped with Apple’s second-generation ultra-wideband chip, these phones facilitate a novel feature for easier location tracking of friends or family in crowded settings.
While the previous iPhone 14 Pro, if available at a discounted rate through third-party retailers, might appeal to those seeking a dedicated telephoto lens, the iPhone 15 stands out as Apple’s most exciting upgrade for its standard iPhone lineup in years. For a detailed review, explore our insights on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.
Pros:
- USB-C port enhances charging convenience.
- Vibrant matte design adds a splash of color.
- Enhanced camera capable of automatically capturing portraits of people and pets.
- Dynamic Island improves multitasking functionality.
Cons:
- Absence of an always-on display feature.
- Find My Friends feature limited to iPhone 15 devices.
- A discounted iPhone 14 Pro might offer better value.
- Galaxy S24 provides a longer optical zoom.
Best Premium iPhoneiPhone 15 Pro
Apple elevated its Pro models with a refreshed, lighter build, introducing a new shortcut button and the world’s smallest processor, all while preserving the iconic iPhone aesthetic. The Pro and Pro Max models feature a more distinct differentiation, and the 15 Pro maintains the reliable 3x telephoto camera from previous iterations.
Driving the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is the A17 Pro chip, showcasing remarkable performance capabilities, including handling console-tier video games like Resident Evil Village. Paired with the A17 Pro, iOS 17 acts as the soul of these devices, bringing various quality-of-life enhancements such as StandBy mode, Check-In, Stickers in Messages, and improved autocorrect for the keyboard. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max stand out as among the best releases of the year. Explore more in our Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max review.
Pros:
- Lighter and more comfortable design.
- A17 Pro chip delivers console-level gaming performance.
- Adjustable focus in Portrait photos.
- Back glass repair is easier and more cost-effective.
Cons:
- Action button limited to triggering a single action.
- Sole color option is blue.
Best iPhone Camera: iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple gave the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max a significant upgrade, matching the smaller iPhone 15 Pro with a lighter titanium build and a new shortcuts button. The Pro Max’s standout feature is its 5x telephoto lens, offering superior zoom compared to the regular Pro’s 3x, making it an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts. The extended zoom capability is beneficial for capturing distant subjects, making it perfect for filming sports events or school concerts. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts longer battery life, particularly advantageous for users engaged in extensive video recording.
Driving the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is the A17 Pro chip, delivering robust performance, especially for console-tier video games like Resident Evil Village. Complementing the A17 Pro chip is iOS 17, serving as the soul of the 15 Pro and Pro Max. This new OS introduces various quality-of-life improvements, including StandBy mode, Check-In, Stickers in Messages, and enhanced autocorrect for the keyboard. Undoubtedly, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max stand out as some of the finest phones released by Apple or any manufacturer this year.
Pros:
- Lighter and more comfortable design.
- A17 Pro chip supports console-level gaming.
- 5x optical zoom enhances versatility.
- Adjustable focus in Portrait photos.
- Easier and more cost-effective back glass repair.
Cons:
- Action button limited to triggering a single action.
- Baseline 15 Pro Max costs $100 more.
- Sole color option is blue.
Best larger affordable iPhone: iPhone 15 Plus
Opt for the iPhone 15 Plus if you crave a sizable display without the Pro Max price tag. It inherits all the appealing features of the iPhone 15, including USB-C charging, the Dynamic Island, and a robust 48-megapixel camera, housed within a larger 6.7-inch screen. Apple claims that the iPhone 15 Plus delivers extended battery life compared to the iPhone 15.
While the iPhone 14 Plus is still available, the iPhone 15 Plus justifies its $100 premium with added benefits. With enhancements like a newer chip, a fresh design, and the mentioned improvements, the iPhone 15 Plus presents a compelling upgrade, especially for those transitioning from older models.
Pros:
- USB-C port for convenient charging.
- Colorful matte design.
- Improved camera for people and pet portraits.
- Dynamic Island enhances multitasking.
Cons:
- Lacks an always-on display.
- Find My Friends limited to iPhone 15 devices.
- Discounted iPhone 14 Pro may offer better value.
- Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a longer optical zoom.
Best iPhone value: iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 remains a top-notch choice, especially for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable device. Here’s why:
Pros:
- Impressive camera performance.
- Robust battery life, outlasting both iPhone 12 and 14 in tests.
- Enjoyable Cinematic mode for creative videos.
Cons:
- Noteworthy notch is still present.
- Cinematic mode, while fun, leans more toward novelty.
- Room for improvement in the selfie camera.
Recommended: Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15
Current iPhone models compared
| Model | US starting price | Screen size | No. of rear cameras | CPU | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE | $429 | 4.7 inches | 1 | A15 Bionic | March 2022 |
| iPhone 13 | $599 | 6.1 inches | 2 | A15 Bionic | September 2021 |
| iPhone 14 | $699 | 6.1 inches | 2 | A15 Bionic | September 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | $799 | 6.7 inches | 2 | A15 Bionic | September 2022 |
| iPhone 15 | $799 | 6.1 inches | 2 | A16 Bionic | September 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | $899 | 6.7 inches | 2 | A16 Bionic | September 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | $999 | 6.1 inches | 3 | A17 Pro | September 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $1,199 | 6.7 inches | 3 | A17 Pro | September 2023 |
