The year 2023 brings with it an impressive range of 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 2023, offering a thorough analysis of top models, feature highlights, and expert advice to assist you in making the right choice.
Catering to both newcomers and seasoned iPhone users alike, our comprehensive evaluation will ensure you discover the ideal iPhone tailored to your unique requirements and preferences. Let's dive into the world of Apple and explore the outstanding iPhones of 2023 together.
Best Overall: iPhone 14 Pro
Apple’s latest iPhone generation has addressed a few of the small concerns many iPhone fans had about previous models and added some truly exciting new features, and iPhone 14 Pro rises to the top of the list as our favorite iPhone for 2023.
Gone is the notch at the top of iPhone’s display screen, replaced by a Dynamic Island. While the old notch was just a black rectangle that housed the camera system, the pill-shaped Dynamic Island expands to offer notifications, information about battery life, and quick access to apps. Other features include ProMotion for a more seamless experience and an Always On function that offers access to information like date, weather, and time even when the phone is in sleep mode. It has all the capabilities of the most expensive in the series, the Pro Max, but a slightly smaller screen 6.1” vs. 6.7” and a tad less battery power.
Key Features
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display with ProMotion
- Dynamic Island
- Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant
- iOS 16
- 5G Connectivity
What we like most
iPhone 14 Pro is as sleek and stylish as ever, now with a Deep Purple color option. Some updates to the phone include Dynamic Island, Always On, and improvements to the camera.
Other considerations
The battery life is shorter than in previous generations, likely because of the Always On feature. And while iPhone 14 Pro offers features not currently available on two other models (iPhone 14 and iPhone Plus) they may still be a solid choice for many.
Best Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Major improvements to the camera are a big part of the reason it’s one of the best iPhones for both amateur and pro photographers. The 14 Pro series marks the first time that Apple has updated its 12-megapixle camera in nearly a decade, now boasting a 48 MP main camera that uses technology called pixel-binning to create vivid, true-to-life 12-megapixel images.
Video capabilities are also noticeably better on iPhone 14 Pro Max, plus you get up to 29 hours of video playback. While Apple has always led the pack in great video, new Action Mode technology means that videos are more stable than ever before, even video taken while in motion. Yes, the Pro has these features, too, but photos and videos look bigger than life on the giant 6.7” screen.
Key Features
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display with ProMotion
- 48MP Main camera
- Cinematic mode
- Action Mode for smooth, steady, handheld videos
What we like most
Apple has outdone itself with Action Mode, and the 48-megapixel camera is a welcome addition. To top it off, the huge screen brings it all to life in living color.
Other considerations
This model is usually for sale at a premium. Another consideration is that it’s Apple’s first foray into a more powerful main camera.
Best Compact: iPhone 13 mini
Since the mini model was phased out in 2023, the previous generation iPhone 13 mini is a great option for those who want a truly compact device that is just about as powerful as its larger counterparts. At around the size of an iPhone 5, it still uses the A15 Bionic Chip, meaning it’s nice and fast. iPhone 13 mini also features the same excellent dual-camera system and vivid HDR. Good things do sometimes still come in small packages!
Key Features
- 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR Display
- Cinematic Mode
- Advanced Dual-Camera System
- Smart HDR 4
- Night Mode
- 4K Dolby Vision HDR Recording
- 12MP TrueDepth Front Camera
- A15 Bionic Chip
What we like most
The main selling point of iPhone 13 mini is, of course, its size. At 5.4 inches, it’s well over a full-inch smaller than iPhone 14 Pro Max and noticeably more pocketable than iPhone 14, Pro and Plus. And while most smaller smartphones aren’t as super-fast or functional as the newer versions, iPhone 13 mini still has excellent speed and camera capabilities.
Other considerations
There is one consideration to the more compact body of iPhone 13 mini: battery life. Although it does improve on the relatively short battery life of its predecessor compared to its bigger devices.
Best Value: iPhone 13 Pro
For iPhone fans who are looking for an upgrade, there are some great deals on iPhone 13 Pro Series. Now that many iPhone users are interested in the 14 series, it’s a great time to trade in older iPhones for a top-of-the-line 13 Pro at a fraction of what the device cost last year.
In addition to being a great value, iPhone13 Pro has some standout features. For starters, the battery life beats that of iPhone 14 Pro Max, and it operates on the same, super-fast A15 bionic chip as the latest generation. iPhone 13 is also optimized for a 5G future, meaning that it should work well on 5G networks for years to come.
Key Features
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display with ProMotion
- Cinematic Mode
- Pro Camera System
- LiDAR Scanner
- 6x Optical Zoom Range
- ProRes Video
- Smart HDR 4
- Night Mode
- Apple ProRAW
- A15 Bionic Chip
What we like most
iPhone 13 Pro is an affordable option for upgrading if you’re willing to skip or delay getting one of the new iPhone 14 series devices. It has a great camera and the same superfast chipset and 5G capabilities as the latest version.
Other considerations
There are some features, like Dynamic Island, that you won’t get without upgrading to the 14 Pro Series. And while iPhone 13 Pro comes with updates like Cinematic Mode for more vivid video, along with better low light photography capabilities, those upgrading from iPhone 12 might not see much difference between the two models.
Best Budget: iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
There are lots of reasons to love iPhone. After all, its stylish appearance, intuitive design, and exclusive features like iMessage have made iPhone the best-selling smartphone in the US for years. However, some people are looking for the classic design and size of an older-generation iPhone without all the bells and whistles. And for those who prefer simplicity, the third-generation iPhone SE is an incredible bargain. It’s compact, at just 4.7 inches, but it still has 5G capabilities and the same fast processor as iPhone 13 at a much lower price.
Key Features
- 5G Cellular
- 4.7-inch Retina HD Display
- Advanced Single-Camera System
- 7MP FaceTime HD Camera
- A15 Bionic Chip
What we like most
Small, stylish, and affordable, iPhone SE is still just as fast and 5G-ready as its larger counterparts. Perfect for a starter smartphone or for anyone who likes the design of older generation iPhones and doesn’t need all the extras.
Other considerations
Because iPhone SE is so small, battery life may be a question . Though users get 15 hours of video playback (five hours more than the second generation) SE may require a touch more frequent charging compared to its larger counterparts. Also, the pared-down single camera has many of the features today’s latest iPhone users are used to, such as Night Mode. While iPhone SE does provide a strikingly bright display within a budget-friendly range, some might find the experience of video viewing on its more petite screen just a tad challenging. However, it's important to note that there are folks who might be perfectly comfortable with this screen size and may not necessarily require a larger display.
Apple's iPhone continues to shine as one of the best devices out there. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or high-end powerhouses with all the bells and whistles, our comprehensive gives you a detailed breakdown of what each model brings to the table so you can narrow down your options and find the perfect iPhone that suits your needs and preferences. No matter which one you choose, you know you’re getting cutting-edge technology and outstanding performance. Happy hunting!