What's the Best iPhone to Buy in 2023

By Yvonne
2023-01-13
Our Top 7 Picks
Apple iPhone 14
Best iPhone for Most People
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Full Review
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Best iPhone Battery Life
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Full Review
Apple iPhone 13 mini
Best Small iPhone
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Full Review
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Best Zoom Camera for the Money
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Full Review
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Best Affordable iPhone
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Full Review
Apple iPhone 12
Best Balance of Features and Price
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Full Review
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
Best Affordable Large-Screen iPhone
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Full Review
EDITORS'CHOICE

Apple iPhone 14

Best iPhone for Most People

The Reason We Picked It

The iPhone 14 is a solid compromise. It is the newest model with largely updated hardware. Although it has the A15 Bionic processor from 2021 and lacks the spectacular screen improvements of the Pro series, nearly everything else has been updated. Although the $799 price tag is not too high, it isn't quite affordable. The iPhone 14 is a great choice because of its upgraded performance, attractive screen, and attractive design.

Who is it for

This iPhone is perfect for everyone. It handles all smartphone fundamentals with ease and provides added Apple capabilities, such as crash detection and emergency SOS via satellite, for when you truly need them. It's the perfect phone for people who want a simple phone that does the job every day. The iPhone 14 is the phone for you if you are looking for a great phone but don't necessarily need it to be the best.

PROS

Solid performance

Capable cameras

Helpful emergency features

CONS

Not that different from the iPhone 13

Dated design and Lightning connector

READ OUR FULL REVIEW

$799.99 at Best Buy

EDITORS'CHOICE

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

Best iPhone Battery Life

The Reason We Picked It

There are eight iPhone models available, but the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the most powerful and popular by a significant margin. It includes every feature Apple offers, including the best cameras.

Who is it for

The iPhone 14 Pro Max model is Apple's top-tier iPhone. This model is for you if you are a buyer who is looking for the best version of the product you are buying. The 14 Pro Max has a battery life that is nearly as long as any other phone on the market. It's also suitable for those with high pockets. Even if carrier discounts reduce that price over time, the $1,099 initial price is still a great deal.

PROS

High-quality hardware

Always-on display includes widgets

Top-notch cameras

Stellar wireless performance

CONS

Pricey

Dated design and Lightning connector

READ OUR FULL REVIEW

$1,099.99 at Best Buy

EDITORS'CHOICE

Apple iPhone 13 mini

Best Small iPhone

The Reason We Picked It

The list had to contain a little iPhone. This item is the smallest in the group. In 2022, Apple eliminated the iPhone small from its iPhone 14 lineup, leaving only the iPhone 2021. The iPhone SE is smaller than the iPhone 13 mini, but it has a lower power consumption and performance. You don't have to sacrifice power just because you want a smaller phone.

Who is it for

Not everyone needs a bulky, heavy phone. The 13-inch iPhone mini is the optimal answer. It's the smallest iPhone currently available and is perfect for those who long for simpler phones that were easier to carry around. It's still fairly current in terms of hardware support and software support. This means you get a fast phone with great performances in a smaller (and more affordable) package.

PROS

Most powerful small smartphone

Beautiful build

Better battery life than iPhone 12 mini

CONS

Shortest battery life of iPhone 13 family

READ OUR FULL REVIEW

EDITORS'CHOICE

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Best Zoom Camera for the Money

The Reason We Picked It

The iPhone 14 Pro is the best phone for anyone who values high-end performance, a great display, the most recent features, and the best camera, while also avoiding the size or price of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. This phone is incredible and has all the necessary features. It may also feel more comfortable if your hands are smaller or you don't like large phones.

Who is it for

This is for the iPhone shopper looking to save money on a larger product.

PROS

Excellent build quality

Stellar cameras

Always-on display

Top-notch wireless performance

Useful safety features

CONS

Recycled design and dated Lightning connector

Weaker battery life than Pro Max model

READ OUR FULL REVIEW

$999.99 at Best Buy

EDITORS'CHOICE

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Best Affordable iPhone

The Reason We Picked It

The iPhone SE (3rd Generation), which offers many of the same features that make the iPhone so popular at a much reduced price, is a prime illustration of this trend. The iPhone SE is Apple's second-smallest iPhone (just slightly larger than the iPhone 13 mini), so it's a terrific alternative for individuals who don't want to carry a bulky phone. It features Touch ID, making it the final iPhone to do so. 

Who is it for

The iPhone SE is ideal for customers on a budget who adore iOS but cannot spend more than $500 or require more advanced models. Touch ID security is also available on the iPhone SE. This is the only option if you prefer to use your fingerprint to unlock your iPhone instead of your face.

PROS

Most inexpensive new iPhone

Quick performance

Mid-band T-Mobile and Verizon 5G support

Greater battery life than its predecessor

CONS

Outdated exterior design

No Night mode available on camera

Not compatible with AT&T's 3.45GHz mid-band 5G.

Shortest battery life of any iPhone model currently available

READ OUR FULL REVIEW

$429.00 at Amazon

EDITORS'CHOICE

Apple iPhone 12

Best Balance of Features and Price

The Reason We Picked It

Although the iPhone 12 is two models away from the iPhone 14, it still offers many features that make it worth it. It comes with the A14 processor, dual-camera system with Night mode and 5G connectivity. There are at least three years of Apple software support, making it a viable option even in 2022.

Who is it for

The iPhone 12 is a great choice for anyone looking for a 5G iPhone at a reasonable price. Apple sells the iPhone 12 for hundreds less than current models because it is an older model. Despite its age, the iPhone 12 is still a formidable device.

PROS

Excellent Night mode camera

Better 4G (and 5G) than previous iPhones

Beautiful build

Solid battery life

CONS

Several similar, but not-quite-the-same models

AT&T and Verizon 5G underwhelms

Charging and power adapter situation is confusing

READ OUR FULL REVIEW

$616.52 at Amazon

EDITORS'CHOICE

Apple iPhone 14 Plus

Best Affordable Large-Screen iPhone

The Reason We Picked It

Apple's new iPhone 14 Plus model is now available. It has the same screen size as the iPhone 14 Pro Max, but is significantly less expensive. Although it has the A15 processor and a long battery life, it is still a powerful phone. However, it does not have the Pro Max's premium camera or display features.

Who is it for

If you desire a large screen, you need not spend a fortune. The iPhone 14 Plus was created for this individual. The iPhone 14 Plus is a larger phone that is $200 less expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

PROS

Outstanding hardware

Big, high-resolution screen

Excellent battery life

Clean cameras

Swift performance

CONS

Dated design and Lightning port

No telephoto camera

READ OUR FULL REVIEW

$899.99 at Best Buy

COMPARE SPECS
What's the Best iPhone to Buy in 2023?
Our Picks
Editors'Rating
Operating System
CPU
Dimensions
Screen Size
Screen Resolution
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
Battery Life (As Tested)
Where to Buy
 
 
Apple iPhone 14
EDITORS' CHOICE
4.0
Editor Review >>
iOS 16
Apple A15
5.78 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches
6.1 inches
2,532 by 1,170 pixels
12MP, 12MP; 12MP
15 hours, 30 minutes
$799.99 at Best Buy
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
EDITORS' CHOICE
4.5
Editor Review >>
iOS 16
A16 Bionic
6.33 by 3.05 by 0.31 inches
6.7 inches
2,796 by 1,290 pixels
48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP
19 hours
$1,099.99 at Best Buy 
Apple iPhone 13 mini
EDITORS' CHOICE
4.0
Editor Review >>
iOS 15
Apple A15
5.18 by 2.53 by .3 inches
5.4 inches
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
12MP, 12MP; 12MP
12 hours, 20 minutes
$829.00 at Amazon
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
EDITORS' CHOICE
4.0
Editor Review >>
iOS 16
A16 Bionic
5.81 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
6.1 inches
2,556 by 1,179 pixels
48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP
16 hours
$999.99 at Best Buy
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
EDITORS' CHOICE
3.5
Editor Review >>
iOS 15
Apple A15
5.45 by 2.65 by 0.29 inches
4.7 inches
1,334 by 750 pixels
12MP; 7MP
7 hours, 20 minutes
$429.00 at Amazon
Apple iPhone 12
EDITORS' CHOICE
4.0
Editor Review >>
iOS 14
Apple A14
5.78 by 2.82 by 0.29 inches
6.1 inches
2,532 by 1,170 pixels
12MP, 12MP; 12MP
12 hours 24 minutes
$616.52 at Amazon
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
EDITORS' CHOICE
4.0
Editor Review >>
iOS 16
Apple A15
6.33 by 3.07 by .3 inches
6.7 inches
2,778 by 1,284 pixels
12MP, 12MP; 12MP
18 hours, 35 minutes
$899.99 at Best Buy