The best iPhone models of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

If you’re shopping for an iPhone, you may be asking yourself a combination (or all) of the following questions: How much storage should I buy? Should I buy an older model for less money? Is the “Pro” model worth it? And should I spring for the iPhone 16? That’s because the iPhone lineup is more convoluted than ever, with Apple now offering a total of 13 models, not counting the refurbished ones, on its website and in stores, with the arrival of the new iPhone 16 line.

Also: The best phones: Expert tested

What is the best iPhone right now?

ZDNET’s mobile experts carefully test every iPhone model at release, putting them through their paces to provide you with the best advice on which model to buy and the key features to look out for when you do. Currently, our pick for the best iPhone of 2024 overall is the iPhone 16 Pro Max, thanks to its vivid-looking display, extensive camera tools, including a new Camera Control button, and support for Apple Intelligence features. Should you prefer a smaller, easy-to-handle form factor, consider the iPhone 16 Pro. 

Read on for the rest of our top picks for the best iPhones you can buy today. 

The best iPhones of 2024

iPhone FAQs

How do I take care of my new iPhone?

There are several ways you can keep your iPhone clean and pristine. 

1. One way is by equipping a protective case and/or screen protector. The best iPhone cases offer reliable drop and scratch protection, won’t bulk up the phone, and may feature some extra utility like a kickstand or MagSafe ring. As for screen protectors, tempered glass options are your best bet to keep the display underneath free of scratches and cracks. They’re relatively affordable, too, often coming in multi-packs for less than $10.
2. Battery management is another key aspect of iPhone maintenance. To keep your device running for as long as possible, consider charging it between 20% to 80% battery. Overcharging the device would otherwise wear down the battery and reduce the health value (found in Settings). When your iPhone battery health is low (anything less than 75% typically is), it would be helpful to get it replaced at an Apple store or by an Apple-authorized technician.
3. As stressful as it may be to clear up space to download that software update, you absolutely should. Besides fixing any bugs on your iPhone, software updates also bring with them security patches to reduce the chances of your phone getting hacked.

Will my iPhone support iOS 18?

The latest software version for the iPhone is officially available to download, with extended versions rolling out gradually over the next few months. Like iOS 17, iPhone models as old as the XR will be eligible to receive the iOS 18 update. The list includes the iPhone 11 to iPhone 15 series and the iPhone SE (2nd generation or later). What’s not included is the iPhone X and iPhone 8 series. Those, unfortunately, won’t be receiving any more operating system updates.

What is the new iPhone?

The latest iPhone is the iPhone 16, announced on Monday, September 9, during Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event. There are four iPhone 16 models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. All will come with iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence built in.

Which iPhone is better, 15 or 16?

Between the two latest generations of iPhones, here are the key reasons to buy one over the other:

You should buy the iPhone 16 if…

• You want the best camera system on an iPhone
• You want an iPhone that will last you for more than a day; the iPhone 16 Pro Max is great for this
• You want access to the latest Apple Intelligence (AI) features and don’t have a 15 Pro model

You should buy the iPhone 15 if…

• You can find a good deal on a used, second-hand model

Lightning port vs. USB-C

One of the biggest upgrades with the iPhone 15 series is the USB-C port, a faster, more powerful, and more universal charging standard than the Lightning port on previous models. There’s really no argument for the Lightning port unless you still own legacy Apple accessories, like the AirPods, and would much rather stick with the one charging standard. 

Also: Best USB-C chargers and accessories: Expert tested

Otherwise, even if you own an iPad or MacBook, or almost any other non-Apple gadget, USB-C is more widely used and truly the one-size-fits-all option for charging and transferring data.

Which iPhone models support Apple’s new AI features?

Apple’s existing (and upcoming) AI features, branded as “Apple Intelligence,” are available on iPhones with at least an A17 Pro processor. That means the iPhone 16 series and 15 Pro series will support the new AI tools.

What storage size should I buy for my iPhone?

It wasn’t until 2021 that Apple began selling both its non-Pro and Pro iPhones with a base storage of 128GB. The only exception here is the iPhone SE model. While not as flashy of an upgrade as larger camera sensors and 120Hz displays, this double-up of storage meant that consumers had more space than ever to store apps, photos, videos, and more.

Maurice Klaehne, senior market research analyst at Counterpoint Research, suggests that higher storage options are generally better as they will help with the longevity of the device, and his firm has generally seen an uptick in postpaid customers opting for higher storage sizes when they can afford them. “Currently, the 256GB option is sufficient for most people,” Klaehne adds.

Should I trade in my old iPhone?

Trading in an old iPhone is one of the easiest (and safest) ways to replace an otherwise unwanted device with a new, more capable one. Most retailers, including Apple, accept trade-ins of older iPhone models, with store credit ranging from as low as $50 to $800; it all depends on which generation your iPhone is, the condition, and whether it turns on or not.

Do I really need an iPhone case?

While an iPhone case is not a necessity — your iPhone will still function normally without it — having one on greatly reduces the chances of wear and tear. For example, the best cases are military-grade certified, meaning they’ll keep your iPhone protected from waist-high drops. Not only do cases reduce the chances of your phone getting cracked or scratched, but the plastic/rubberized material often provides more grip than if you hold your iPhone naked.

Which iPhone should I buy for a parent?

At the time of writing, the iPhone 13 is the best phone to buy for a parent. While it’s not as glass-heavy or flashy as the newer iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro models, the iPhone 13 remains a formidable choice due to its durability, long battery life, and SIM card support. This latter feature is particularly important if your parent travels overseas or prefers the simplicity of swapping a physical SIM card to transfer contacts and data.

The cameras on the iPhone 13 are reliable enough for clear video calls, the occasional outdoor photo, and capturing images of children and pets.

What is eSIM?

Embedded Subscriber Identity Module, or eSIM in short, is the electronic version of the classic SIM card. That means your eSIM carries your phone number, mobile data plan, and telephone carrier info, just like a regular SIM card. The major difference between eSIM and SIM is that the former does not need to be physically installed onto your phone, which is why the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 lines no longer have a dedicated slot for it. Instead, you’ll have to transfer the information wirelessly via Apple’s file transfer service, or with the help of your local carrier representatives. 

Also: eSIM vs. SIM: What’s the difference?

There is one problem that ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner sees with Apple forcing eSIM adoption on US consumers. “There are a variety of good reasons why some people will still need or prefer a phone with a physical SIM card. The top reason is privacy. This is especially true for some journalists and populations at risk of persecution around the world. Removing the physical SIM card option reduces privacy for millions of people, especially some of the most vulnerable,” said Hiner. 

Note that if you buy an iPhone 14, 15, or 16 anywhere outside of the U.S., the device will come with a regular SIM card slot. 

Which iPhone models support 5G?

All models within the iPhone 16, 15, 14, and 13 line, as well as select iPhone 12 models, support 5G wireless technology. Even the new iPhone SE (2022) supports Sub-6, low-band 5G networks.

5G continues to roll out across the US, and while it is debatable if there are benefits to the speeds of the network, in my experience, the broad coverage of low-band 5G has solved my connectivity issues in spotty coverage areas with past iPhone models.

Even more importantly, the 5G iPhone models have Qualcomm chipsets inside that are proving to provide better RF reception than we saw in past iPhones that had Intel chipsets. 

Which iPhone models support wireless charging or MagSafe?

All of the iPhone models in this list support Qi wireless charging technology, which is becoming an expected feature for modern smartphones from all manufacturers.

Meanwhile, Apple’s proprietary MagSafe technology is only supported by the iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone 12 models. 

Also: Best MagSafe accessories for your iPhone

MagSafe provides a secure magnetic connection system so that you can connect to wireless chargers with perfect positioning and alignment. MagSafe can also be used with other accessories, such as wallets and kickstands. 

While the extra security when your iPhone is docked to a wireless charger can be a nice bonus, it’s not vital and probably shouldn’t be a major determiner in your choice. Apple’s first-party wallets and battery packs that use MagSafe have also received somewhat mixed reviews, making them a hard sell for all except the most die-hard Apple enthusiasts. 

How many years do iPhones typically last?

While this number varies greatly depending on how you handle a smartphone — perhaps you’re a construction worker whose phone will be put through the harshest climates or you have kids who may drop the phone ever so often — the iPhone will typically run efficiently for three to four years. 

Then, you’ll likely experience more frequent app crashes, lag, storage problems, and more. Those are common issues that any piece of technology will inhibit, not just the iPhone, after years of constant usage. 

If you’d like to prolong that time, I’d recommend visiting your local Apple store to have the phone’s battery replaced every three to four years and also consider backing up files to an external hard drive for safekeeping. As a last resort, a factory reset, followed by data restoration, should give your phone a brand-new feel.