If you've been eyeing an Apple iPhone for your next big upgrade, how do you decide which one is best for you? With so many configurations and models available today, including the new iPhone 17 series, the journey of choosing the right model has never been longer.
With the iPhone 17 series officially launched, and iOS 26 being updated across generations of iPhones, the dynamics of how you decide which iPhone model to buy and how you interact with it have just changed again. Notably, the latest software version will likely not be compatible with some older iPhones, including the iPhone XR and XS. So I'd advise against buying those two models, even if they can be had for less money. Instead, I'd consider your best options below.
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. Right now, our pick for the best iPhone overall is the iPhone 17 Pro Max, thanks to its vivid and anti-reflective display, improved camera tools, and better heat management. Should you prefer a smaller, more affordable option, consider the iPhone 17.
And if you're feeling adventurous, Apple's thinnest and lightest new iPhone, the iPhone Air, has been built with ultraportability in mind. Just be aware that it lacks dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lenses, and the battery life is below-average.
Also: The best phones: Expert tested
Sort by All
The best iPhones of 2025
Show less View now at Apple View now at Verizon View now at Best Buy The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the best iPhone overall due to its highly capable specifications and supersized attributes. It's the iPhone model that sets a new standard for Apple every year and continues to be a worthy competitor to Samsung's S Ultra series and Google's Pixel Pro XL. Why we like it: Besides being the largest iPhone Apple currently offers, with a 6.9-inch AMOLED display, the iPhone 16 Pro Max also has the best-rated battery life of 39 hours of video playback. From our tests, we found the phone lasted much longer than the standard 17 Pro and last year's 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max looks and feels fairly similar to its predecessor, but it's now made with aluminum instead of titanium. This material choice keeps the phone cooler and more durable, while also allowing Apple to introduce a more exciting lineup of colors this year, including the polarizing Cosmic Orange. The most notable hardware change with the latest iPhone is the vapor cooling chamber, which works in tandem with the updated A19 Pro chip to optimize and maintain performance loads. We found the feature ideal for photographers and videographers who often experience recording issues due to the iPhone overheating. Review: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Who it's for: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a flagship phone that commands a flagship price, meaning it's ideal for users who are willing to pay for the best iPhone available, whether that's directly through retailers or through carrier deals. You should buy the Pro Max version if you want the larger screen, enduring battery life, and triple-camera setup. Who should look elsewhere: But if you're shopping on a budget and don't mind a smaller screen, consider the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro ($100 cheaper and with a 6.3-inch display). If you can live without the dedicated telephoto lens, you can even go with the $799 iPhone 17, which features a ProMotion display and the same 40W wired charging rate. iPhone 17 Pro Max specs: Processor: Apple A19 Pro Bionic | Display size: 6.9 inches with 120 Hz refresh rate | Storage options: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | Rear cameras: 48 MP wide, 48 MP ultra-wide, and 48 MP 4× telephoto | Front camera: 18 MP | Colors: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, Silver | Weight: 233 g | Starting price: $1,199 Pros Improved battery life with faster 40W wired charging
New 48MP telephoto supports 8x optical-quality zoom
... continue reading