The best Apple phones tested, reviewed and ranked



Introduction

Choosing the best iPhone for your needs can be a daunting task with iPhones available in all shapes and sizes – but that’s where we at Trusted Reviews come in.

We’ve tested every single iPhone model since the original iPhone, and we know exactly what makes an iPhone stand out from the crowd.

Our expert team has spent countless hours putting iPhones to the test, both in terms of benchmarks and real-world use. Through our expensive use, we evaluate key areas like camera performance, battery life, display quality, and build quality to ensure that each meets our high standards.

We also make sure to spend an extended period of time with every iPhone we test – at least two weeks but often much more – so we know what it’s like to actually use.

Of course, this list includes the new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and we’ll have our review of the iPhone 15 Plus ready very shortly. If you want a quick overview of how they compare, our iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro guides tell you all the important details.

However, if you’ve had a change of heart, or just want to check out the competition, then our guide on the best Android phones could be of interest to you instead. We’ve also published a definitive list of the best mobile phones available right now, so make sure to check that out if you’re open-minded about both major operating systems.

Best iPhone at a glance

How we test

Learn more about how we test mobile phones 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.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

The best iPhone

Pros

Lightweight and more comfortable to holdGreat camera performance in most conditionsIncredible A17 Pro powerHandy Action Button

Cons

Same 3x telephoto as its predecessorSluggish charging

The iPhone 15 Pro is our pick of the best iPhone this year, with key features that enhance the iPhone experience, though it’s not as clear-cut as previous years, with the standard iPhone 15 getting a bunch of previously Pro-exclusive features – but more on that a little later.

The iPhone 15 Pro is a refinement of last year’s model, with an upgraded titanium chassis and a brushed metal finish that not only allows for a significant weight reduction, but it makes the previously shiny chassis a little less of a fingerprint magnet. That’s further complemented by the slightly rounded corners on this year’s model, helping the phone sit a little more snug in the hand.

There’s also a new USB-C port, in place of the Lightning port used in previous models.

The big new feature for this year’s Pro model is the Action Button, replacing the silent switch present on every iPhone since its inception. While you can program the Action button to switch between silent and loud modes, you can now trigger functions like toggling on the torch, accessing the camera or running a shortcut to access your favourite app or control smart home tech. It’s a really versatile bit of tech that can change how you interact with your iPhone.

The other big feature is the introduction of the A17 Pro chipset. It’s built on a 3nm process that not only allows for a serious boost to performance – up to 20% according to Apple – but improved battery life, with this year’s Pro model outlasting last year’s model in everyday use. That excessive power keeps the iPhone 15 Pro comfortably ahead of the Android competition, and even allows the phone to run AAA console games with titles like Death Stranding headed to the iPhone in early 2024.

The three rear cameras take excellent snaps and videos, with particularly good results from the main 48MP camera in both well-lit and low-light scenarios, though it misses out on the enhanced 5x telephoto camera of the top-end iPhone, instead capping out at the same 3x as its predecessor.

The rest of the phone will be familiar to those who’ve used previous Pro phones. The iPhone 15 Pro looks great, has an IP68 rating, Ceramic Shield and MagSafe charging. 

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: Apple iPhone 14 Pro review

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

The best for photography

Pros

It has USB-C (finally)5x zoom is welcomeMuch comfier to hold and use; so much lighter

Cons

The Action Button is welcome – but it could do moreNo 128GB option means higher price

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

Pros

Welcome switch to USB-CReally good cameraFar more ergonomic than iPhone 14Dyanmic Island is much better than the notch

Cons

No true telephoto cameraStill no 120Hz displayUSB-C doesn’t improve charging or data speeds

The iPhone 15 Pro might be the best iPhone, but we’d say the iPhone 15 offers arguably better value for a lot of people. It’s a device that’s just as capable in most areas as its “Pro” siblings, but it does make a few sacrifices to hit its lower price. 

There’s no telephoto camera for improved zooming, for example, and the display is simply a 60Hz panel – so it lacks the smoother scrolling you get with the 120Hz panel. If you’re willing to accept these missing features, then we think this phone will suit you down to the ground.

Besides, the gap has closed significantly between the iPhone 15 and its Pro variant with the iPhone 15, with this year’s entry-level model boasting both Dynamic Island tech and a main 48MP camera – features previously exclusive to the Pro iPhones that elevate the experience on offer.

The iPhone 15 has also had a slight tweak to its design, with slightly rounded edges that make the phone nicer to hold in the hand, and the new matte finish on the rear both feels good and repels fingerprints very well. There’s also USB-C connectivity, new across the entire iPhone 15 range.

Everyday performance is solid thanks to the A16 Bionic, a chipset still capable of taking on the flagship Android competition despite the fact it’s now a year old, and battery life is solid too – though it’s still a phone you’ll want to charge every night.

Apple also still sells the iPhone 14, which remains a good buy if you want to save a little extra money.

Reviewer: Max Parker 

Full review: iPhone 15 review

iPhone 14 Plus

Best for battery life

Pros

Excellent battery lifeLight design works well with the big screenFast and reliable performance

Cons

Some sacrifices for a high priceNo ProMotionNo telephoto camera

The iPhone 14 Plus was the new addition to the iPhone family in 2022, and took the place, in a matter of speaking, of the iPhone 13 Mini. It has since been replaced by the iPhone 15 Plus, and we very much expect the newer model to take the iPhone 14 Plus’ place, but we can’t say for sure just yet.

That out of the way, in the simplest of terms, this is a bigger version of the iPhone 14 with a larger battery. Everything else is very much the same, including the camera specs, internals and features.

The battery is key here, and that larger cell leads to the best battery on any iPhone 14 model. Actually, of all the iPhones we’ve listed here, this is the one to choose if you want the best endurance.

We also prefer the 6.7-inch screen to the 6.1-inch iPhone 14. It’s a little roomier for games and movies, and less cramped for typing out emails and browsing the web. Importantly, it’s a much lighter phone than the 14 Pro Max and easier to hold as a result.

These differences aside, this is an iPhone 14. It has the A15 Bionic chipset – the same as the iPhone 13 Pro – which is fast and capable, 5G, up to 512GB storage and a very good set of rear cameras.

Reviewer: Max Parker 

Full review: iPhone 14 Plus review

iPhone 13 Mini

The best small iPhone

Pros

Great cameraBetter battery life than the previous MiniThe most powerful small phone around

Cons

No ProMotionNo optical zoomStill can’t compete with the other iPhone 13 models for battery life

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

Pros

The fastest phone at this price (by some distance)Takes great daylight picturesIP rating and wireless chargingiOS and all the benefits that come with it

Cons

Small screen is cramped and restrictiveTired designNo night mode in the camera

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 also considered…

iPhone 11

The natural successor to the ridiculously popular iPhone XR

FAQs

Which iPhones have 5G? All the iPhones in this list come with some form of 5G. However, the supported bands can vary so it’s best to check with your carrier or network to see which bands and forms of 5G they support. Do any of these iPhones come with a charger? No – Apple has removed the charger from the box of all its iPhones. You’ll need to buy it separately or else use an old one. Which is the smallest iPhone? While the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch screen is the smallest, the iPhone 13 Mini is the smallest overall device. What is the most recent iPhone? The most recent iPhone is the iPhone 15 series, which was first available to order in September 2023.

All the best iPhone specs

Compare all the most important specs from all the iPhones in our list.

UK RRP

USA RRP

EU RRP

CA RRP

AUD RRP

Manufacturer

Screen Size

Storage Capacity

Rear Camera

Front Camera

Video Recording

IP rating

Battery

Wireless charging

Fast Charging

Size (Dimensions)

Weight

ASIN

Operating System

Release Date

First Reviewed Date

Resolution

HDR

Refresh Rate

Ports

Chipset

RAM

Colours

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

iPhone 14 Plus

£949

$899

€1149

CA$1249

AU$1579

Apple

6.7 mm

128GB

12MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide

12MP

Yes

IP68

Yes

Yes

78.1 x 7.8 x 160.8 MM

203 G

B0BDJY2DFH

iOS 16

2022

2278 x 1284

Yes

60 Hz

Lightning

A15 Bionic Chip

12GB

Midnight, Purple, Starlight, Product Red, 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

Trusted Reviews test data

Apple does a great job at keeping performance the same across all phones, so you’re getting strong speeds whether you go for the cheapest iPhone or the priciest.

Geekbench 5 single core

Geekbench 5 multi core

Geekbench 6 single core

Geekbench 6 multi core

sRGB

Adobe RGB

DCI-P3

Max brightness

1 hour video playback (Netflix, HDR)

Battery drain 60-min (music streaming online)

Battery drain 60-min (music streaming offline)

30 minute gaming (intensive)

30 minute gaming (light)

1 hour music streaming (online)

1 hour music streaming (offline)

Time from 0-100% charge

Time from 0-100% charge – wireless

Time from 0-50% charge

30-min recharge (included charger)

15-min recharge (included charger)

30-min recharge (no charger included)

15-min recharge (no charger included)

GFXBench – Aztec Ruins

GFXBench – Car Chase

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

iPhone 14 Plus

1812

4452

542 nits

6 %

7 %

6 %

1 %

1 %

90 min

35 Min

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

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