Which iPhone is best suited for me - A buyer’s guide

Why you can trust our best refurbished iPhones list

At Back Market, our mission is simple: we aim to make tech affordable, reliable, and sustainable. You can trust this best iPhones list because it is based on thorough research, expert reviews, and an in-depth analysis of each model’s performance, features, and value. With deep expertise in Apple’s product lineup, we considered various factors, including display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall usability, to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Whether you’re looking for the latest iPhone or a great deal on a refurbished model, this best iPhones list has you covered.

Which is the best refurbished iPhone for you? The best iPhones ranked

iPhone 16 Pro: Best iPhone overall 

Verdict:  4.5/5

The iPhone 16 Pro takes the top spot as the best iPhone overall. Although relatively compact, it has powerful internals, capable cameras, and a great display. It perfectly bridges the gap between the iPhone 16 and the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max. Its handy size makes it more comfortable for one-handed use, and it doesn’t miss out on any features or camera sensors — unlike previous generations that had different cameras on the Pro model. 

The iPhone 16 Pro gets all the latest tech from Apple, including the A18 Pro chip that is exceedingly powerful for everyday use and gaming. The A18 is paired with a GPU that’s equally impressive, and while playing games, the iPhone 16 Pro pumps out high frame rates at max settings. 

The iPhone 16 Pro features Apple’s luxurious build, though it isn’t available in the most vibrant colors. The screen is just as brilliant, offering a nice blend of high brightness and contrast with the more fluid motion of a 120Hz refresh rate. The 16 Pro also gets Ceramic Shield glass for protection, and an IP68 rating ensures it remains dust-tight and water-resistant. 

The iPhone 16 Pro features strong cameras, including the 5x telephoto lens previously saved for the Pro Max. The main sensor can only be described as excellent, performing brilliantly in low-light scenarios — an area where smartphone cameras typically struggle. The ultrawide camera squeezes more into the shot, while a 5x telephoto sensor is especially helpful in capturing portraits with smooth backgrounds or getting closer to a subject without moving. Camera Control is also available on the 16 Pro, and it lets you easily adjust settings and take photos with a button similar to a shutter button.

iPhone 16: Best iPhone for most people  

Verdict: 4.4/5

The iPhone 16 is the best iPhone for most people — it is more affordable than its Pro siblings, doesn’t skimp on features, and still delivers excellent performance. The introduction of Apple Intelligence meant that more would be required from the internals, and Apple couldn’t leave the iPhone 16 in the past as it has done in previous generations. Thus, the iPhone 16 has gained the new A18 chip, which performs brilliantly, much like its counterpart with the A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro. The A18 chip lags behind the A18 Pro chip by just a tiny margin, meaning it provides enough power for everyday use and gaming. It can easily handle demanding titles, and even after long play sessions, the phone remains comfortable to hold. 

The iPhone 16 also has Apple’s sleek build, with this model getting more colorful options for the hardware, but should you want a simple design, there are also black and white options. Ceramic Shield remains the choice for protection, and this iPhone also gets an IP68 rating for water and dust protection. The base model is more compact than its Pro siblings, making it great in the pocket and in the hand. Its smaller size makes it more comfortable for one-handed use compared to the wider 16 Pro Max. 

While the iPhone 16 misses the smooth 120Hz refresh rate, it still gets a great display. This model comes with a 6.1-inch screen with a gorgeous OLED panel. The display is paired with punchy speakers that elevate the movie-watching experience on this phone. The cameras on the iPhone 16 are equally outstanding, with the main camera capturing vibrant photos even in dimly lit environments. The ultrawide and selfie cameras are similarly excellent, but these struggle with some softness issues. These can be avoided, however, by using manual focus.

iPhone 15: Best value iPhone 

Verdict: 4.0/5

Despite the debut of the iPhone 16 series, we still consider the iPhone 15 to be the best value iPhone. While it lacks titanium sides, a 120Hz refresh rate, and high-spec zoom photography, the iPhone 15 still provides excellent performance and portability. It may not have the latest top-tier specs, but the A16 Bionic chip still delivers outstanding performance. 

Even at a 60Hz refresh rate, the 6.1-inch OLED display is impressive, and it’s nice to see the handy Dynamic Island on a non-Pro model. The 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP selfie cameras still deliver great shots even without the fancy zoom, and all this is delivered within a sleek, eye-catching design. 

Getting an iPhone 15 means you will miss out on Apple Intelligence compatibility, so if you want a future-proof handset, the iPhone 16 is the better buy. However, if you simply want a rapid, long-lasting, and eye-catching iPhone to get you through the next four years, the iPhone 15 is an excellent choice.

iPhone 16 Plus — Best iPhone for battery life 

Verdict: 4.2/5

The iPhone 16 Plus takes the crown as the best iPhone for battery life. The iPhone 16 Plus sits between the standard iPhone 16 and the 16 Pro models. This model takes the iPhone 16 and supersizes it, meaning it is the go-to choice if you want a big handset but don’t want to spend big bucks on the 16 Pro models. 

The iPhone 16 Plus gets all the benefits that the standard iPhone 16 gets, including Camera Control, Apple Intelligence compatibility, and the Action button. However, the Plus gets one benefit that not even the Pro could match: extended battery life. According to Apple, the iPhone 16 can last up to 27 hours on local video playback, 24 hours on streamed video playback, and 100 hours for audio playback. These are some serious numbers that rival the premium iPhone 16 Pro Max. Although the 16 Pro Max lasts longer than the 16 Plus, the 16 Plus is the better option, as it offers extended battery life without the premium price tag. 

Apple also improved the charging on the iPhone 16 Plus, and when plugged in via a USB-C 20W adapter, the phone can get to 50% in about half an hour. Opting for a higher adapter, say 35W, will get you past the 50% mark in the same time. The iPhone 16 Plus also supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging.

iPhone 15 Plus: Best big-screen iPhone 

Verdict: 4.2/5

The iPhone 15 Plus is the best big-screen iPhone, combining a massive display with an affordable price. iPhones aren’t the cheapest phones, but the iPhone 15 Plus represents excellent value. It offers an impressive big-screen experience without the premium price tag of the newer models. Consider this: the iPhone 15 Plus comes with a giant 6.7-inch display, but it still costs about $100 less than the iPhone 16 Plus (but you can get both the iPhone 15 Plus and 16 Plus for much less on Back Market). Yes, it lacks Apple Intelligence and the Action button, but it is hard to beat for an affordable big-screen device. 

The big screen gets Apple’s Ceramic Shield glass for protection, and the phone’s larger size allows it to carry a bigger battery, providing about 20 hours of video streaming. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, highlights are exceptionally bright, while the large screen enhances immersion compared to smaller phones. The OLED display performs as expected, delivering deep and inky blacks, natural skin tones, and vibrant colors with plenty of punch. 

On the audio front, the sound is rich, dynamic, and engaging, with a cleaner treble than previous iPhones. Compatible headphones get Apple’s Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and this paired with the large display offers impressive value for money. The iPhone 15 Plus is an excellent choice if you want a big-screen phone without all the bells and whistles of the newer models.

iPhone 14: Best old iPhone to buy

Verdict: 4.0/5

The iPhone 14 is the best old iPhone you can buy and the best budget option. The iPhone 14 goes toe-to-toe with the iPhone 13 mini, but it edges ahead of its smaller counterpart because it offers better value in the long run. So, why is the iPhone 14 the best old iPhone you can buy? Because the standard iPhone 14 can be compared to the iPhone 16 in many ways. They both have a 6.1-inch display and offer Apple’s modern features like Face ID, MagSafe wireless charging, an ultrawide camera, and satellite-based emergency features. 

The iPhone 14 is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, and three years later, it still runs any app and game almost perfectly. Newer processors will run these apps and games more smoothly, but that doesn’t mean the iPhone 14 lacks in performance. The iPhone 14 also supports major AAA titles supported on the iPhone 16 series. While it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, it can still run features like the ChatGPT app and many other chatbots, with the only difference being that these AI chatbots aren’t integrated with Siri. 

The iPhone 14 was the last to use the 12MP main camera, with Apple upgrading the main sensors to 48MP on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, but it still takes terrific photos, and this will only be a dealbreaker for a select few users.

iPhone 13 mini: Best compact iPhone  

Verdict: 3.5/5

The iPhone 13 mini is the best compact iPhone and the go-to option for anyone eyeing a small flagship iPhone. It was the last iPhone mini to be released, with the iPhone 14 Plus replacing it in 2022. The iPhone 13 mini is one of the best compact phones because it offers similar specs to its larger siblings.

Under the hood, the iPhone 13 mini is powered by the A15 Bionic chip — the same one used in the iPhone 14 — and is powerful enough to perfectly run most modern games and apps. It supports Apple features like FaceTime, Face ID, 5G, wireless charging, and iMessage, and it is compatible with other Apple tech including Apple Watch and AirPods. The iPhone 13 mini also has two reliable 12MP rear cameras and storage options range from 128GB to 512GB — more than enough for your creative needs.

The iPhone SE (2022) is the iPhone 13 mini’s main competitor for the best compact iPhone, but the SE’s outdated design makes the iPhone 13 mini the more practical choice. Being a compact iPhone, there are some obvious drawbacks, such as battery life, display quality, and multitasking being affected by the smaller form. However, if you can handle these three drawbacks, the iPhone 13 mini is definitely the best compact iPhone available.

Comparing specs

Shopping tips for finding the best iPhone

iPhones come in many shapes and sizes, and finding the best iPhone for you out of the multitude of phones available can seem like a daunting task. But worry not — we have you covered. The first question you must ask yourself before shopping for an iPhone is whether you actually need a new iPhone. We recommend buying a new iPhone only if you need one. Otherwise, you can make do with a Verified Refurbished iPhone, with Back Market offering some of the best used iPhones at 30% to 70% off compared to the price of a new one. 

Buying a refurbished iPhone is not only pocket-friendly, but it’s also eco-conscious. Refurbished smartphones actively combat climate change by reducing the need for new manufacturing, as 80% of a smartphone’s carbon emissions come from manufacturing. They also keep e-waste out of landfills, reducing the environmental impact and promoting a circular economy. And the best part? These devices offer premium quality and are available at the most affordable prices.

Trade in your old iPhone for cash

 Do you have an old iPhone that’s just gathering dust? Take advantage of Back Market’s Trade-in program and exchange your old device for cash or credit towards your next purchase. The process is simple: answer a few questions about your device’s condition and get an instant estimate of its trade-in value. If you like the offer, accept it and ship your device to us for free. Once it’s verified, you get paid. There’s still life left in that old iPhone, and this program provides an affordable way to upgrade your device and keeps old tech out of landfills for a better planet.

The best iPhone for you — Our thoughts summarized

When shopping for your next iPhone, take note of the features and capabilities that matter most to you. If you need exceptional battery life, consider some of the larger iPhones, like the iPhone 16 Plus. These models usually have larger batteries to match their large displays. However, with Apple devices popular for their efficiency, even more compact models tend to last longer on a single charge.

If you base your next purchase on camera quality, top-tier Pro models like the iPhone 16 Pro Max are an easy recommendation. Thanks to their triple-lens design, you can capture various shots, from zoomed-out ultrawide images to shallow depth of field portraits.

If value is king and you want a device that will provide brilliant performance without breaking the bank, consider the standard models — iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and iPhone 14. These devices offer great value for money, with the iPhone 15 being our top choice because of its perfect balance of features, performance, and portability.

Don’t be shy to check out even older models like the iPhone 14, iPhone 13 mini, and iPhone SE (2022). These models provide enormous savings and deliver excellent performance, making them a smart choice for anyone looking for a high-quality device without a hefty price tag. While they may lack the latest features, they are still Apple devices crafted from flagship-quality materials with enough power and performance to sustain years of use.