Which Is the Best Model to Buy?

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There’s never been more choice for iPhone buyers, and like most purchasing decisions, the right model for you largely depends on your needs when it comes to price, performance, cameras, size options, and features.

In addition to helping you choose the right iPhone model, we also tell you which models you should stay away from.

Why should you listen to us? We’ve personally reviewed every iPhone since the iPhone 6 in a professional capacity as tech writers and editors. We also have a team of seasoned tech reporters who have owned or used iPhones since the first model was introduced. Below, find some general iPhone buying tips from those years of experience. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches tech products.

The best iPhones in 2022

Best iPhone: iPhone 13, $800 on Apple
The iPhone 13 has the best balance of performance, features, and design for the price, and it’s the model we’d recommend to anyone unless they need Apple’s very best battery life and cameras.

Best small iPhone: iPhone 13 Mini, $700 on Apple
The iPhone 13 Mini is basically an iPhone 13 for users who like more compact designs and smaller screens … or simply have smaller hands.

Best premium iPhone: iPhone 13 Pro, $1,000 on Apple
The iPhone 13 Pro has Apple’s best camera, screen, and battery tech, unmatched by any iPhone and many Android phones.

Best big premium iPhone: iPhone 13 Pro Max, $1,100 on Apple
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is the ultimate in Apple’s iPhone lineup, offering the best battery life and best entertainment experience with its big screen. 

Best budget iPhone: iPhone 11, $500 on Apple
The iPhone 11 is our preferred budget iPhone, even over the iPhone SE (2020), because it’s larger and so much more powerful for just $100 more.

Best premium iPhone overall for less: iPhone 12, $700 on Apple
The $700 iPhone 12 has a superb balance of performance, features, and design for $100 less than the iPhone 13.

Best premium iPhone for less: iPhone 12 Pro, $900 on Walmart
The iPhone 12 Pro is still a superb iPhone as long as you can get a good deal on it well under $900.

Best big premium iPhone for less: iPhone 12 Pro Max, $750 at Walmart
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still an excellent iPhone, but not unless you can score it for under $1,000 through a deal.