What is the Best iPhone of 2025? A Comprehensive Review of Our Top iPhone Picks

*This comparison guide was created by T-Mobile to help you explore smartphones in our store. The opinions expressed here reflect our editorial perspective based on publicly available features, specifications, and articles.

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The year 2025 brings with it an impressive range of available iPhones, each boasting groundbreaking features and exceptional performance. With the ever-evolving lineup of Apple smartphones, it can be overwhelming to determine which iPhone is the perfect fit for your needs. Fear not, as our definitive guide is here to help you navigate the best iPhones of 2025, offering a thorough analysis of top models, feature highlights, and expert advice to help you make the right choice. Let's dive into the world of Apple and explore the outstanding iPhones of 2025 together. 

Our best iPhone picks of 2025 – Comparison chart

The 2025 iPhone lineup offers an impressive range of models, each packed with cutting-edge technology and performance upgrades. But are the newest always the best fit for everyone? With so many strong options, finding the right one can feel overwhelming.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve broken down our top iPhone picks for the year, highlighting key features, strengths, and considerations, so you can confidently choose the one that fits your lifestyle.

Which iPhone is the best overall? iPhone 17

For the perfect blend of performance, smart features, and value, look no further than iPhone 17, the most well-rounded iPhone of the year. With a noticeably larger display than past base models, upgraded cameras, and Apple’s newest A19 chip paired with extra RAM, this phone feels fresh, fast, and fully future-ready.

It also comes loaded with the latest Apple Intelligence features baked right in, bringing smarter tools to your favorite apps, from Messages to Mail to Safari. With a sleek new design, refreshed colors, and solid battery life, iPhone 17 hits the sweet spot. It’s powerful enough to feel premium, but more budget-friendly than the Pro lineup.

Key features of iPhone 17

• 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, ProMotion with 120Hz, always-on, peak brightness 3,000 nits
• A19 chip for fast, efficient performance
• 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking
• 18MP Center Stage front-facing camera for easier selfies, landscape photos, and video calls
• Dual-lens 48MP main camera system with improved low-light and computational photography
• Fully integrated Apple Intelligence features across apps
• Sleeker design with thinner bezels and premium materials
• MagSafe wireless charging
• 3,692 mAh battery with all-day performance
• Ships with iOS 26, optimized for AI
• Color options: Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, or Black

What we like most

iPhone 17 offers a bigger, smoother display, faster performance, and a sharper new selfie camera with Center Stage. The camera, now with the new square-style framing, makes it easier to capture landscape selfies and include more people in the shot – no tilting or rotating your phone required. The addition of Apple Intelligence tools means you get smart, real-time assistance when writing messages, summarizing content, or organizing your day.

With three new colors (in addition to the tried-and-true black and white options), and a sleeker design, this iPhone feels like a true next-gen upgrade. It's an ideal choice for most people, balancing premium features with a more approachable price tag.

Other considerations

While iPhone 17 delivers plenty of high-end perks, it doesn’t quite match the Pro models when it comes to raw power and advanced hardware. It lacks the 48MP triple-lens camera system and 8X telephoto zoom found on the Pro and Pro Max. It also uses the standard A19 chip, not the vapor-cooled A19 Pro built for more demanding tasks like gaming and high-end video editing.

Still, for the vast majority of people, iPhone 17 offers the best mix of price, performance, and future-proof features, making it our top overall pick in the 2025 lineup.

Which iPhone has the best camera? iPhone 17 Pro Max

iPhone 17 Pro Max raises the bar for smartphone photography, making it the go-to choice for creators who want the best camera Apple has ever offered. Building on the already impressive system in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, this model introduces a triple-lens 48MP setup with an upgraded telephoto lens capable of up to 8X optical zoom, and improved low-light performance across all sensors.

Combined with a new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera, Dolby Vision video support, and advanced Apple Intelligence photo tools, iPhone 17 Pro Max delivers the most professional-grade mobile photography experience yet, far surpassing last year’s Pro Max.

Key features of iPhone 17 Pro Max

• 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, ProMotion 120 Hz, always-on, peak brightness 3,000 nits
• A19 Pro chip with vapor chamber cooling
• 12GB RAM
• 256GB – 2TB of storage
• Triple-lens 48MP rear camera system
• 18MP Center Stage selfie camera
• 4,832mAh battery capacity
• USB-C with 30W wired charging and faster 25W MagSafe wireless
• Ships with iOS 26, optimized for Apple Intelligence
• Color options: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, or Silver

What we like most

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s ultimate powerhouse, delivering the best camera system ever on an iPhone with its triple 48MP setup and 8X telephoto zoom. The massive 6.9-inch display is brighter and smoother than ever, making it perfect for streaming, gaming, or editing on the go. With the new A19 Pro chip and 12GB RAM, performance is lightning fast, and upgraded vapor chamber cooling ensures it stays that way even during demanding use. The phone also has a new brushed aluminum unibody design, with all three cameras housed in a “plateau” that extends across the back of the phone – giving it a sleeker, more upgraded look. Add the new Cosmic Orange color option to the mix (only available on the Pro models) and it’s a showstopper.

Other considerations

With all those top-tier features, it’s no surprise iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with the highest price tag in the lineup. Its large 6.9-inch display and heavier build may also feel bulky for users who prefer something more compact, and while the upgraded camera system is unmatched, most casual users may not need that level of pro-grade photography. If you want Apple Intelligence, strong performance, and excellent cameras but can live with a smaller screen and slightly less battery, iPhone 17 Pro offers a more balanced option at a lower cost.

Which iPhone is the best compact device? iPhone Air

Coming in as the thinnest and lightest big-screen iPhone has ever made, the first-of-its-kind iPhone Air is our pick for best compact, portable device. Just 5.64mm thick at its thinnest spot, and weighing in at a mere 165g, it’s perfect for those who want an easy-to-handle device that’s still packed with the latest features. Despite its ultra-thin frame, it still has a big 6.5-inch display, giving you immersive visuals without the bulk of other devices. With a simpler single 48MP rear fusion camera and Apple’s in-house C1X modem, the iPhone Air focuses on efficiency, design, and ease of use.

Key features of iPhone Air

• Ultra-thin design at just 5.64mm thick
• Lightweight build at 165g
• 6.5-inch OLED display and 120 Hz ProMotion
• A19 Pro chip
• 8GB RAM with storage starting at 256GB
• 48MP rear fusion camera and 18MP Center Stage selfie camera
• Apple’s newest custom C1X modem
• 3,036mAh battery
• MagSafe with fast wireless charging
• Ships with iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence
• Color options: Sky Blue, Light Gold, Cloud White, or Space Black

What we like most

iPhone Air redefines what a compact iPhone can be. It’s incredibly thin and light, making it ideal for users who want a sleek, easy-to-carry device without sacrificing screen size or performance. The 6.5-inch OLED display offers an immersive viewing experience in a slimmer, more portable form factor. You still get the power of the A19 Pro chip, Apple Intelligence, and an upgraded 18MP Center Stage selfie camera, all packed into a design that feels effortless to use, whether you're texting, streaming, or on the go. With Apple’s newest C1X modem on board, it delivers fast, efficient connectivity while helping preserve battery life. And with a starting storage of 256GB, you have plenty of room for photos, apps, and media right out of the box.

Other considerations

While iPhone Air is impressively thin and portable, its ultra-light design comes with a few trade-offs. The smaller 3,036mAh battery may not deliver the same all-day endurance as the Pro models, especially for heavy users. The single 48MP rear fusion camera is capable, but lacks the versatility of dual- or triple-lens systems, meaning no dedicated telephoto or ultra-wide options. While the thin frame looks and feels premium, it may not be the best choice for those who prioritize battery life, advanced camera features, or prefer a more rugged build. Still, if portability and style top your list, iPhone Air delivers.

Which iPhone is the best for entertainment and gaming? iPhone 16 Pro 

iPhone 16 Pro offers a nice blend of power and value for entertainment and gaming enthusiasts. While its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display is smaller than the Pro Max’s, it still delivers vibrant, fluid visuals with a 120Hz refresh rate that makes gameplay and streaming incredibly smooth. Powered by the A18 Pro chip and enhanced with Apple Intelligence, it handles demanding games and multitasking effortlessly. With most of the flagship features at a lower price point and in a more manageable size, the iPhone 16 Pro is an excellent choice.

Key features of iPhone 16 Pro

• 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display
• Titanium design with textured matte-glass back
• A18 Pro chip
• Apple Intelligence
• Action Button
• Pro camera system
  • 48MP Fusion, 48MP Ultra Wide Telephoto
  • Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
  • Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control
  • 48MP Macro Photography
  • Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps
  • Latest-generation Photographic Styles
• 3,582 mAh battery
• Color options: Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium

What we like most 

You get an amazingly powerful A18 Pro processor to power most-things AI, plus a pro-style 48MP fusion camera, flawless audio, intuitive photography, and cinematic video capabilities – but in a smaller, more budget-friendly package, perfect for photographers, musicians, gamers, influencers, and movie/video makers on a budget, since there be some great deals now that the new 17 models are out.

Other considerations 

While iPhone 16 Pro packs impressive power and features, it does fall short of both the 16 and 17 Pro models in a few areas. The smaller screen might not satisfy those who prefer a truly immersive experience for gaming or video watching. Battery life, though solid, isn’t as long-lasting, which could matter for heavy users. Additionally, some of the more advanced camera features, like the 8X telephoto zoom and larger battery capacity, are exclusive to the newer Pro models. If you prioritize maximum screen real estate or the absolute best battery performance, the 16 or 17 Pro Max might be worth the extra investment.

What iPhone has the best big-screen value? iPhone 15 Plus

If you’re looking for impressive screen size, enhanced camera capabilities, and overall multimedia performance, iPhone15 Plus is a top choice at a really great price – now that two newer generations are out. While you won’t be getting the much-ballyhooed Apple Intelligence features like those on the newer iPhones, this device still has an amazing 48MP main camera, advanced audio/video capabilities, Dynamic Island, a powerful battery with 26 hours of video playback, and a giant 6.7-inch screen.

Key Features 

• 6.7" Super Retina XDR display
• Aluminum design with color-infused glass back
• A16 Bionic chip
• Pro camera system
  • 48MP Main
  • Telephoto with 5x Optical Zoom
  • Ultra Wide
  • 12MP Selfie
• 4,383 mAh battery with MagSafe, Qi2, and Qi wireless charging
• Supports USB 2
• Color options: Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, or Black 

What we like most 

iPhone 15 Plus is an incredible value for anyone who wants a big-screen experience without breaking the bank. The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display offers vibrant colors and sharp detail, perfect for streaming, gaming, or staying productive. The camera system, with its impressive 48MP main lens and versatile telephoto capabilities, allows for stunning photos and videos in nearly any situation. Plus, the A16 Bionic chip ensures nice performance whether you're multitasking or enjoying the latest apps. With excellent battery life and fast wireless charging options, iPhone 15 Plus is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to step up to a larger iPhone at a more affordable price.

Other considerations 

While this phone offers a lot of features, it does miss out on some of the more advanced technologies found in newer models, like Apple Intelligence and the Action button. It also lacks the some of the pro-style camera features, like the Camera Control button, Macro Photography, Spatial photos and videos, as well as the latest 5G modem advancements. Additionally, while it has MagSafe support, it's not as future-proof as some of the higher-end models. Still, for the price, it offers a lot of value, as well as a huge screen.

The all-new iPhone 17

Looking for a phone that blends power, polish, and the signature Apple experience? The iPhone 17 delivers across the board. With a stunning OLED display, lightning-fast A19 chip, and a redesigned dual-camera system for beautiful shots day or night, this is everyday performance at its best. Add in the vibrant new colors, improved battery life, and sleek aluminum body, and the iPhone 17 isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a statement.

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You might also be interested in: 

• iPhones In Order: The iPhone Evolution from the Original iPhone to iPhone 17
• What’s the Trade-In Value of Your iPhone?
• How and Why to Upgrade Your iPhone
• iPhone 17 Series: Everything You Need to Know
• iPhone 17 Series vs. iPhone 16 Series: New Features, Specs, Price & Upgrade Guide
• Apple’s First iPhone: How It Looked and What It Could Do
• Our Best Deals on iPhone
• Shop All iPhones
• Get iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 and iPhone Air all on Us at T‑Mobile, America’s Best Network
• Looking to Upgrade to iPhone 17? There’s an App for That: T-Life

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https://www.apple.com/iphone-16/specs/
https://www.apple.com/iphone-17
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https://www.apple.com/iphone-17-pro
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/
https://www.apple.com/iphone-15/specs/}