When deciding on the best iPhones for 2024, many factors come into play, including budget, features, and long-term value. With Apple’s lineup now boasting a wide variety of models, there’s something for nearly every type of user. In this guide, we’ll explore the top iPhones available this year, breaking down which one might be the best for you based on your specific needs and preferences.
best iPhones for 2024: iPhone 16 Pro
For the majority of users, the iPhone 16 Pro stands out as the top choice. It starts at $999, which might seem steep, but it offers plenty of long-term value with its premium features. It’s built with a titanium frame, giving it a high-end feel compared to the aluminum frame of the standard iPhone 16. Although it’s slightly heavier than previous models, the build quality and durability more than make up for it.
Performance-wise, the iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the A18 Pro chip, which delivers impressive speed and efficiency, especially if you plan to use the phone for gaming, content creation, or other resource-heavy activities. While the A18 chip’s performance boost over the standard iPhone 16’s processor might not be immediately noticeable for day-to-day tasks, it offers future-proofing that ensures the phone will run smoothly for years to come.
One of the main reasons to opt for the Pro over the base model is its display. At 6.3 inches, the screen is only slightly larger than the 6.1-inch display on the iPhone 16, but the difference is noticeable thanks to thinner bezels, making the phone feel more spacious without compromising comfort in hand. The display also features ProMotion technology, which means it has an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This makes scrolling through content, gaming, and streaming incredibly smooth. Once you experience a higher refresh rate, it’s hard to go back to a standard 60Hz screen.
In addition to the smooth refresh rate, the iPhone 16 Pro’s display is always on, which allows you to check notifications, time, or any other widgets at a glance without touching the phone. This feature, combined with its rich, sharp OLED display, enhances the overall user experience significantly, making it one of the best iPhones for 2024.
When it comes to photography, the iPhone 16 Pro really shines. It’s equipped with three rear cameras: a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with a 5x zoom. The inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens is a big advantage over the standard iPhone 16, which lacks this feature. Additionally, the Pro’s larger camera sensor ensures better low-light performance, and it supports advanced modes like Night Portrait and ProRAW. For those who enjoy taking detailed photos or shooting professional-quality video, the iPhone 16 Pro is a clear winner.
Battery life is another area where the iPhone 16 Pro holds its own. While Apple claims it can last up to 27 hours of video playback, real-world usage shows that it will typically last a full day with moderate to heavy use. However, it may not have the longest battery life in the lineup, particularly when compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max making it top our list of best iPhones for 2024.
Best Premium Option: iPhone 16 Pro Max
For users who want the most out of their iPhone and don’t mind paying extra, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, priced at $1,199, is the top-tier choice. It shares many of the same features as the iPhone 16 Pro but with a larger 6.9-inch display and significantly improved battery life. If you’re someone who frequently watches videos, plays games, or works on a larger screen, the extra size can be a huge benefit.
The Pro Max also comes with a more substantial battery, which can last almost two full days on a single charge under normal usage. This makes it the best option for those who prioritize battery life and don’t want to worry about carrying around a charger. Additionally, the Pro Max starts with 256GB of storage, which is double the base storage of the iPhone 16 Pro, offering more space for apps, media, and photos right out of the box.
However, one drawback is its size and weight. At nearly 8 ounces, the Pro Max is hefty, and users with smaller hands might find it cumbersome to use one-handed. But if you’re okay with sacrificing portability for a larger screen and longer battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is hard to beat.
Best Budget Option: iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
For those looking for a more affordable iPhone without compromising too much on performance, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are excellent choices. Starting at $699, these models may lack some of the bells and whistles of the Pro series, but they still offer fantastic performance and build quality. Both phones are powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which is plenty fast for most users and can easily handle multitasking, photography, and casual gaming.
One area where the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus differ from the Pro models is the display. Both phones feature a 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display, respectively, but they are capped at a 60Hz refresh rate. This is fine for most people, but those who have used a 120Hz display may notice the difference in smoothness. That said, the displays are still bright and sharp, making them great for watching videos and browsing the web.
The camera system on the iPhone 15 series is also impressive. While it lacks the telephoto lens found on the Pro models, it still comes with a capable 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. For casual photographers and social media enthusiasts, the iPhone 15’s camera setup will more than suffice. The Plus model, with its larger screen and better battery life, is ideal for users who prefer a bigger phone but don’t want to jump to the Pro Max’s price point.
While the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus don’t support Apple’s newest AI features found in the Pro models, they are still highly capable devices with solid performance and all the core functionalities most users consider as the best iPhones for 2024.
Alternatives: iPhone SE and Older Models
For those who want to spend even less, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) remains the cheapest option in Apple’s lineup, starting at $429. However, it’s starting to show its age, with an older design that resembles the iPhone 8 and less powerful hardware compared to the newer models. It’s still a good option for basic tasks, but users looking for a more future-proof device should consider spending a bit more for the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus.
Additionally, older models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are still available for purchase, but given the advancements in the iPhone 15 series making it one of the best iPhones for 2024, it’s harder to recommend them unless you find a significant discount.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best iPhones for 2024 ultimately depends on your budget and how you plan to use your phone. The iPhone 16 Pro offers the best overall experience for most users, combining premium features with a reasonable price tag. For those who prioritize battery life and screen size, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the top choice, while the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus offer great value Whatever your choice, Apple’s 2024 iPhone lineup has something for everyone.
