Buying a new smartphone is almost always a dilemma. Should you go for the latest model with top functions or a basic one for everyday tasks? Or maybe it’s better to pick last year’s flagship? After all, Apple releases new devices every year — and it’s not always worth overpaying for the newest one. Let’s figure out how not to get lost and find the iPhone in 2025 that’s perfect for you.
What to pay attention to: key iPhone features
If you don’t like digging into technical details, focus on the essentials:
- Performance. The chip determines how fast and smooth the smartphone runs.
- Display. You’ll be looking at it constantly, so comfort matters: size, matrix quality, refresh rate.
- Cameras. A modern iPhone is a pocket photo studio. It’s important to know which features you really need.
- Battery.
- Storage. For games and gigabytes of photos/videos, you’ll need more space.
- Price. Naturally, flagships with premium features cost more. The question is, do you really need them?
iPhone 16 — The best choice in 2025
This is the most up-to-date lineup, including 5 models covering the needs of every user. Choose the one that suits you best.
The Best of the Best: iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
These are Apple’s most advanced smartphones to date. They run on the A18 Pro chip, which powers even heavy apps with ease and handles modern games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Resident Evil, Death Stranding. Apple Intelligence brings access to smart functions. The LiDAR scanner works with 3D objects.
The difference lies in display sizes: 6.3 inches for iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches for iPhone 16 Pro Max. Which is better? If you read, game, or edit photos on your phone, the larger version is more convenient. But before buying, we recommend visiting a store, holding both devices, and comparing them yourself.
Both Pro models feature identical OLED screens: Super Retina XDR with ProMotion support and up to 120 Hz refresh rate. Minimum brightness is 1 nit, peak brightness up to 2000 nits. Expect vivid contrast, smooth scrolling/animations, and comfortable outdoor use.
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Storage | 128, 256, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Colors | Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, Black Titanium, White Titanium |
The iPhone 16 Pro leads camera rankings for a reason. Both versions have three main lenses with anti-reflective coating: a 48 MP Fusion camera, a telephoto lens with 5x zoom, and a 48 MP ultra-wide camera. AI further enhances shots. Macro photos with 48 MP look stunning. A new Camera Control button is placed on the side.
Battery life is also top-notch: expect 1.5–2 days without charging (with moderate use), or a full day of heavy gaming and TikTok. Apple’s own numbers: iPhone 16 Pro — up to 27 hours of continuous video playback; iPhone 16 Pro Max — up to 33 hours.
Great everyday smartphones: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 plus
Like the Pro models, these differ mainly in size and battery life.
Both run on the A18 Bionic chip, handling almost everything: daily tasks, games, Apple Intelligence AI functions.
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch OLED display, the iPhone 16 Plus a 6.7-inch. Standard brightness: 1000 nits; peak up to 2000 nits. Refresh rate 60 Hz.
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus |
| Storage | 128, 256, 512 GB | |
| Colors | Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black |
The redesigned camera module is the giveaway: unlike past generations, the cameras are stacked vertically. Features include a 48 MP Fusion camera with 2x zoom and a 12 MP ultra-wide with autofocus. These models also get the Camera Control button.
Battery life: iPhone 16 — up to 22 hours video playback, iPhone 16 Plus — up to 27 hours. Fast charging: 50% in 30 minutes.
iPhone 16e — The new affordable model
Introduced in February 2025, this model replaces the iPhone SE 3rd gen. Unlike the budget-friendly SE, it’s aimed at a wider audience.
The iPhone 16e has a single rear camera and no Dynamic Island, but it inherits flagship perks: OLED display, 48 MP camera, and the powerful A18 chip.
The chip is A18 Bionic (same as iPhone 16) but with 4 GPU cores instead of 5 — noticeable only in heavy gaming, irrelevant for daily use. Apple Intelligence is supported.
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display matches iPhone 16 in quality, minus ProMotion and Always-On. Standard brightness 800 nits, peak 1200 nits (HDR).
| Feature | iPhone 16e |
| Storage | 128, 256, 512 GB |
| Colors | White, Black |
The single 48 MP f/1.6 camera includes optical stabilization and 2x optical zoom. Expect colorful, detailed photos day and night. No macro mode, though Apple positions it as a “2-in-1 camera system.”
Battery is another strength: up to 26 hours of continuous video playback.
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max — Powerful 2023 Flagships
Apple builds devices with years of performance in mind, so these still crush many competitors today.
The A17 Pro chip (6-core CPU, 6-core GPU) makes iPhone 15 Pro a solid buy. Apps, games, multitasking — all smooth.
Both feature Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion and 120 Hz adaptive refresh, brightness up to 2000 nits. Display sizes: iPhone 15 Pro — 6.1″, iPhone 15 Pro Max — 6.7″ (slightly smaller than the iPhone 16 series).
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Storage | 128, 256, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Colors | Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium, Black Titanium, White Titanium |
The camera modules are similar except zoom: iPhone 15 Pro Max has 5x optical zoom, while iPhone 15 Pro has 3x. Both also feature a 48 MP main camera and 12 MP ultra-wide.
Battery life: iPhone 15 Pro — up to 23 hours video playback; iPhone 15 Pro Max — up to 29 hours. With average use, expect 1.5–2 days on a charge.
Conclusion: which iPhone to buy in 2025?
Many believe upgrading iPhones every 3 years makes sense — that’s when tech takes a real leap. We recommend choosing either the latest series or the previous generation’s flagships. That way, your phone will handle modern tasks and popular games.
- If you want the best and are willing to pay: iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max.
- If you don’t need flagship extras (5x zoom, 120 Hz ProMotion): iPhone 16 or 16 Plus.
- For an affordable, up-to-date option: iPhone 16e. Great for first-time Apple users or those not needing flagship perks.
- Don’t overlook the still-powerful iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max — advanced cameras, features, and only slightly behind the 16 series.
Still undecided? Visit iSpace to try the latest iPhones yourself. All models are on open display, and our consultants will gladly answer your questions and help you pick your dream iPhone.
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