Best iPhone 2024: The best Apple phones, tested and reviewed (2024)

Every iPhone we review, whether it’s the cheapest model or the most expensive, gets put through more than 15 tests. These include synthetic benchmark tests that give a good idea of general performance and in-depth camera comparisons between competing devices.

Like every phone we review, the expert tasked with putting the specific iPhone through its paces will use it as their main phone for the review period, transferring across apps, chats and accounts. We feel this gives us a proper view of the device and helps ensure we’re not just repeating headline features from marketing releases.

£999$999

£1199$1199

£799$799

£849$899

£679$699

£419$429

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

The best iPhone

Our top iPhone pick of this year, the iPhone 15 Pro is a great handset for anyone due a smartphone upgrade. With features including a three-camera system, solid battery life and a powerful processor, the iOS experience doesn’t get any better than this (unless you opt for the iPhone 15 Pro Max).

Measuring 6.1 inches, it’s smaller than the 15 Pro Max but sports similarly rounded edges and a new aerospace-grade titanium band. We found that the iPhone 15 Pro handset sits comfortably in your hands, which isn’t something to be overlooked in a market flooded with large phones.

Its new titanium band doesn’t just make it easier and more comfortable to hold but Apple claims it’s the toughest back glass in a smartphone. This is combined with Ceramic Shield glass protection, which Apple also states is tougher than any smartphone glass.

Despite its upgraded durability, the iPhone 15 Pro weighs 20g less than the iPhone 14 Pro, so it’s even lighter than before too.

The iPhone 15 Pro runs on the A17 Pro chipset which is the most up-to-date offering from Apple. We found this to be an impressively fast and powerful processor, with benchmark tests reporting multi-core scores that are around 2000 points higher than previously top-performing Android smartphones.

The iPhone 15 Pro features a three-lens rear camera system which includes a 48MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens and a 12MP 3x telephoto lens, so images are crisp and detailed in both well-lit and even low-light conditions. The 15 Pro Max may offer a 5x telephoto lens but we still found the 15 Pro to be perfectly capable.

Other notable changes from its predecessors include the shift from Lightning charging to USB-C, and the Action Button which replaces the silent switch, allowing you to trigger features such as the torch or camera.

If you want a truly powerful smartphone that offers speedy performance, high-end camera quality and impressive durability then the iPhone 15 Pro is a near-perfect choice.

Reviewer: Lewis Painter

Full review: Apple iPhone 15 Pro review

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

The best for photography

You might be looking for an iPhone that can deliver all the very best that Apple has to offer, along with the biggest screen you can fit your hands around as well. No problem: that’s what the iPhone 15 Pro Max is for.

With an enormous 6.7-inch OLED 120Hz screen, you will feel truly immersed in games and films when you’re using this behemoth of a handset, in a way that smaller-screened devices simply can’t compete with. It also allows Apple to fit a larger battery within, meaning battery life is a little better than the iPhone 15 Pro too.

The real benefit here compared to its predecessor is the upgraded titanium chassis, making it much lighter to hold, and the rounded edges help it sit nicely in the hand too.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max truly shines in the camera department, however, with a camera setup that bests even the iPhone 15 Pro. While the two share the same 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide lenses, the iPhone 15 Pro Max sports a better 5x zoom that allows you to get much closer to the subject than the 3x alternative on the iPhone 15 Pro.

In all other ways, it’s identical to the iPhone 15 Pro, with the same A17 Bionic chipset, USB-C connectivity and Action button support. It’s just a bigger, more expensive variant.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: iPhone 15 Pro Max review

Apple iPhone 15

The best iPhone for most people

The iPhone 15 Pro might be the best iPhone but, for many people, the Pro model simply isn’t necessary. After all, the iPhone 15 is just as capable as the Pro and Pro Max in many areas and comes at a much lower price.

The base model received a significant upgrade with the iPhone 15. Not only did the phone get the Dynamic Island interactive notch previously reserved for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, but it was also upgraded to a large 48-megapixel main camera, giving the rear camera a significant boost.

The iPhone 15 received the same USB-C charging port that arrived on the Pro models this year, while the A16 Bionic chipset remains perfectly capable of taking on any Android flagship despite being a year old.

The phone packs an all-day battery and a bright display, though the 15 Pro has kept its exclusive hold on the 120Hz refresh rate and telephoto camera.

If you want the smoothest screen and most advanced camera on an iPhone, it’s worth spending extra on the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max. However, if you’re happy with these sacrifices, the iPhone 15 remains a fantastic smartphone.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Apple recently announced Apple Intelligence, the company’s take on AI that will be rolling out on iPhones alongside iOS 18 later this year.

While the iPhone 15 will support iOS 18, we were disappointed to discover that the 2023 release will not support Apple Intelligence. This means that if you want to experience the Writing Tools proofreading feature, the Genmoji and Images Playground AI image generators, or ChatGPT-assisted Siri, you’ll need to opt for the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or – presumably – the upcoming iPhone 16 series over last year’s base model.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: iPhone 15 review

Apple iPhone 15 Plus

Best for battery life

The iPhone 15 Plus makes a lot more sense than its predecessor did, with a price closer to the regular iPhone 15 than the Pro models that make it a tempting alternative to the top-end iPhone 15 Pro Max. The crucial element that helps the 15 Plus stand out? Battery life.

There’s a larger cell in the iPhone 15 Plus than the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, and with its 6.7-inch OLED panel locked at a stable 60Hz, it can even beat the iPhone 15 Pro Max in terms of longevity. It’s a phone that’ll keep on going, as we found out during the review period.

We also prefer the 6.7-inch screen to the 6.1-inch iPhone 15. It’s a little roomier for games and movies, and less cramped for typing emails and browsing the web. Importantly, it’s a much lighter phone than the 15 Pro Max and more comfortable to hold as a result – something also aided by slightly rounded corners, a new touch compared to its predecessor.

The iPhone 15 Plus also enjoys other upgrades present on the regular iPhone 15, like a jump to a 48MP primary camera, the introduction of Dynamic Island tech and the use of the A16 Bionic chipset, all of which culminate in a great big-screen iPhone without the Pro Max price – it’s just a shame the display remains locked at 60Hz.

Reviewer: Lewis Painter

Full review: iPhone 15 Plus review

iPhone 13 Mini

The best small iPhone

With the release of the iPhone 15, the iPhone 13 mini is starting to show its age, but its small dimensions mean it’s still the most compact iPhone available – and it’s now available for as little as £599.

The iPhone 13 Mini takes everything you’ll find in the iPhone 13 and then shrinks it down to an even smaller size. It has the same duo of 12MP rear cameras, the same Super Retina XDR screen quality and the same overall design as its larger sibling – and it also runs on the same A15 Bionic chipset, so it boasts 5G and excellent general performance.

We’d recommend this as easily the best small phone on the market, but that said, its diminutive size does introduce a couple of issues. These aren’t necessarily downsides, depending on your point of view, but they’re still factors that might influence your buying decision.

The 5.4-inch display is a lot smaller than the 6.1-inch screen on the iPhone 15. That means the Mini isn’t as suitable for gaming or media binges as the regular-sized iPhone, and it also means that the battery size had to be reduced, so it’s the iPhone with the worst battery life – at least in our tests. If you’re a heavy user, you might be reaching for the charger even before the end of the day based on our experience with the Mini.

Still, there isn’t really anything else like this on the market, and if you prize pocketability above all else, then it is a great choice.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: iPhone 13 Mini review

iPhone SE 2022

The best affordable new iPhone

Apple’s cheapest iPhone is also the most confusing. While we like a lot of stuff about the iPhone SE 2022 and it scored well in our overall review, the tired design and slightly dated screen make it a harder proposition than the other phones on this list.

However, on the inside, there’s no doubt that the iPhone SE 2022 is a winner. The A15 Bionic chipset is the same as you’ll find in the iPhone 13 mini, and in benchmark tests, it outstripped the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra for sheer performance. Considering the price, that’s an impressive feat and it should support software updates for years and years to come, making it a good investment.

We were impressed with the camera here too. The single 12MP unit takes snaps with lovely colour reproduction and accurate skin tones that aren’t too far off what you’d get on the iPhone 13, although that gap has widened with the subsequent release of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15.

Battery life is on par with the iPhone 13 Mini and, like all the phones here, it has an IP rating for dust and water resistance along with 5G and wireless charging. You rarely get this collection of premium features on other phones at this price point.

This phone really isn’t for those who want a phone with a great screen. The 4.7-inch panel is dinky, not nearly as bright or sharp as the 13 series, and comes with chunky black bars on either side to boot. It feels rather old-fashioned, although the home button is nice for navigation and quick unlocking.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: iPhone SE 2022 review

We’ve reviewed

15,821

Mobile Phone

See all reviews

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

£999

$999

€1229

–

–

Apple

6.1 inches

128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

48MP + 12MP + 12MP

12MP

Yes

IP68

3274 mAh

Yes

Yes

70.6 x 8.3 x 146.6 MM

187 G

B0CHX53QY9

iOS 17

2023

09/10/2023

1179 x 2556

Yes

120 Hz

USB-C

Apple A17 Pro

8GB

Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

£1199

$1199

€1489

CA$1749

AU$2199

Apple

6.7 inches

256GB, 512GB, 1TB

48 + 12 + 12MP

12MP

Yes

IP68

–

Yes

Yes

76.7 x 8.25 x 159.9 MM

221 G

B0CHX96JDY

iOS 17

2023

05/10/2023

2796 x 1290

Yes

120 Hz

USB-C

A17 Pro

8GB

Black Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium and Natural Titanium

Apple iPhone 15

£799

$799

€979

CA$1129

AU$1499

Apple

6.1 inches

128GB, 256GB, 512GB

48MP + 12MP

12MP

Yes

IP68

–

Yes

Yes

71.6 x 7.8 x 147.6 MM

201 G

B0CHX95F2H

iOS 17

2023

06/10/2023

2556 x 1179

Yes

60 Hz

USB-C

A16 Bionic

6GB

Black, Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow

Apple iPhone 15 Plus

£849

$899

€969

–

–

Apple

6.7 mm

128GB, 256GB, 512GB

48MP + 12MP

12MP

Yes

IP68

4383 mAh

Yes

Yes

77.8 x 7.8 x 160.9 MM

201 G

B0CHX3ZTJQ

iOS 17

2023

06/11/2023

2796 x 1290

Yes

60 Hz

USB-C

Apple A16 Bionic

6GB

White, Black, Green, Pink, Blue

iPhone 13 Mini

£679

$699

€809

CA$949

AU$1199

Apple

5.4 inches

128GB, 256GB, 512GB

12MP + 12MP

12MP

Yes

IP68

–

Yes

Yes

64.2 x 7.65 x 131.5 MM

140 G

B09G99YW4K

iOS 15

2021

–

2340 x 1080

Yes

60 Hz

Lightning

A15 Bionic

–

Red, Starlight, Blue, Back. Pink

iPhone SE 2022

£419

$429

€529

CA$579

AU$719

Apple

4.7 inches

256GB, 512GB

12MP

7MP

Yes

IP67

–

Yes

Yes

67.3 x 7.3 x 138.4 INCHES

144 G

B09V51F5MX

iOS 15

2021

17/03/2022

1334 x 750

–

60 Hz

Lightning

Apple A15 Bionic

4GB

Red, Midnight, Starlight

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

–

–

2855

7149

–

–

–

2000 nits

7 %

–

–

–

8 %

–

–

92 min

–

25 Min

–

–

58 %

29 %

–

60 fps

60 fps

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

–

–

2900

7131

–

–

–

–

8 %

1 %

1 %

11 %

9 %

2 %

2 %

91 min

–

30 Min

50 %

37 %

–

–

–

60 fps

60 fps

Apple iPhone 15

–

–

2646

6599

–

–

–

–

8 %

2 %

2 %

11 %

8 %

2 %

0 %

92 min

180 min

31 Min

50 %

40 %

–

–

–

60 fps

60 fps

Apple iPhone 15 Plus

–

–

2490

6433

–

–

–

–

6 %

–

–

–

7 %

–

–

93 min

–

27 Min

–

–

55 %

26 %

2630

49 fps

52 fps

iPhone 13 Mini

1765

4399

–

–

92 %

67 %

67 %

524 nits

10 %

–

–

8 %

7 %

0 %

1 %

-4 min

–

27 Min

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

iPhone SE 2022

1733

4633

–

–

95.4 %

67.5 %

70 %

529 nits

5 %

–

–

8 %

7 %

1 %

1 %

63 min

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–