The top iPhones to buy out of Apple's bunch
Buying a smartphone is a regular process for all of us, we fit into one of a few categories – we want the latest every year, we want the latest on a contract, or we'll get a new one when this one is no good.
Regardless, there's a heck of a lot of choice out there. The iPhone has a level of prestige in the market, and while Apple isn't the biggest seller of mobile phones in this country, or the world, they sure seem that way. Mainly because they have just one product, the iPhone.
Or do they? In fact Apple has its latest generation iPhones, then they keep several previous generations devices on sale, and perhaps something a lot of people know is there are also a bunch of refurbished or 'renewed' phones out there.
Refurbished phones are like used cars, except they have normally been put through a barrage of tests to ensure they work, and often also come with a 12-month warranty. So, don't rule them out for your next device.
What to look for when buying an iPhone
All iPhones on the market will run the latest software from Apple, but there's a range of feature differences between them.
Firstly, from the iPhone X onward (Xs, 11, 12, 13, 14) there is no physical home button to push, now a full-screen swipe experience presents to you. If you're going full screen for the first time, have some patience and follow those on-screen hints and guides we often just dismiss.
Then there comes the issue of size. In reality there are three sizes of iPhone as they appear in the hand. The 'mini', the standard and the larger 'plus' or 'max' phones.
Plus phones go back to the iPhone 6 Plus, while the 'mini' from the iPhone 12 and 13 range is actually the size of the iPhone 6/7/8 but with a much larger screen. Many people will and should pick a phone based on how it feels in the hand.
Finally, the cameras. Quality alone from the iPhone 8 through to the iPhone 14 has made remarkable improvements. Add to that the new wide and telephoto zoom lenses and there are plenty of options.
Top iPhone picks
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
iPhone 14 Pro Max - 1TB
Price: $2,767
Pros:
- Outstanding camera
- Best iPhone processor
- Stunning materials/design
Cons:
- Large phone
- High price
iPhone's recent Pro Max models are the all-you-can-eat kinda iPhones. They have the biggest screens, the most powerful and advanced cameras, great power and performance and a stunning design.
This is as good as they come, with now 0.5, 1x, 2x and 3x zoom, from a new 48MP sensor, which when shooting in ProRAW captures stunning detail, and really great low-light performance.
Action mode in video recording means amazingly stable video performance, and the A16 bionic chip is powerful to run all the apps you can imagine.
iPhone 13 Pro - 512GB
Price: $1,997
Pros:
- Triple lens camera
- Better price than current model
- Appealing size for many
Cons:
- Still a high price
- Last year's model
Given it has the same shape and size as the newer iPhone 14 model, this is a great deal and you're getting most of the best of any iPhone.
A triple lens camera and pro level processor mean you can do what you need right on the phone.
The smaller, though still 6.1 inch, screen size makes it more appealing to many who find the 'max' phones a bit much.
A pro-level phone, just a single generation old, and one that will last you many many years.
READ MORE: Great cameras, that just happen to be smartphones
iPhone 12 mini - 64GB
Price: $1,053.88
Pros:
- Small size appealing for some
- Still great power
Cons:
- Two-year-old model
- Small screen
Size preference is a personal thing, and with the 'mini' size discontinued in iPhone 14 many are left wondering which phone next? Well, the iPhone 12 and 13 Mini can still be found, meaning those of us who much prefer a smaller device are right on point.
The thing about the 'mini' is it has everything the regular iPhone 12 had, just in a smaller screen.
So, a great dual-lens camera for standard wide and ultra wide photos, the slick new square edged look and fresh colours, plus it's powerful and will last many years.
iPhone 11 - 128GB - Refurbished/Renewed
Price: $617
Pros:
- Good sized iPhone under $1000
- Well reconditioned
- More affordable
Cons:
- Is a used phone
- Older model
Don't ever look down on refurbished or renewed phones. These have been exhaustively tested and checked, they're ready to use.
iPhone 11 was very popular, and now at a sub-$1000 price they are a perfect replacement phone, or first iPhone.
Accessories are easy to buy still, and it's got a great dual lens camera and a comfortable rounded edge body.
iPhone 8 256GB - refurbished/renewed
Price: $379
Pros:
- Great price for a solid working iPhone
- Well reconditioned
Cons:
- Software updates will end within 2 years
- Much older model
When you've broken your phone or your kids ask for an iPhone and stumping full freight just isn't going to happen, this refurbished iPhone 8 is perfect. Loads of storage, still running the latest iOS 16 and a good camera too.
For most, this will still be utterly fine for everything you want to do, in fact, I'd challenge anyone to fault the user experience outside of any photography comparisons, of course.
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