Best iPhones: which Apple model suits different needs

An expert guide compares Apple’s current smartphones by need, including battery life, cameras, screen size and overall value. It also notes that owners of recent iPhones may not need to upgrade simply because new models have arrived.

The iPhone 17 remains Apple’s standard model because the company did not announce a regular iPhone 18. Apple has announced the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max for release on 18 September, and its first foldable, the iPhone Duo, for 23 September; neither has been fully tested yet.

The guide combines everyday use with benchmarks and dedicated checks of cameras, video playback, charging, battery life and wireless performance.

iPhone 17: the balanced choice

The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display, an A19 chip and at least 256GB of storage. The review found that its battery lasts just under two days, while the handset has an IP68 water-resistance rating.

Its dual 48MP rear camera performs well for photos and video in varied conditions, but there is no telephoto lens and zoom is limited to a 2x crop before digital zoom. The 18MP Centre Stage front camera can reframe group selfies automatically.

iPhone 17 Pro: camera and performance

The iPhone 17 Pro combines a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display with an A19 Pro chip and a cooling system. Battery life is about 42 hours, and USB-C charging reaches 70% in 30 minutes.

Its main upgrade is a triple 48MP camera system with a telephoto lens. The reviewer calls it Apple’s best tested phone for buyers seeking a powerful camera in a relatively compact handset.

iPhone 17 Pro Max: longest battery life

The Pro Max has a 6.9-inch OLED display, storage from 256GB to 2TB and the same A19 Pro platform. Its battery lasts about 55 hours of general use, allowing the phone to continue into a third day without charging.

It is also the largest and heaviest model in the guide. The review recommends it for buyers prioritising maximum battery life, a large screen and the capabilities of a triple-camera system.

New models await testing

Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have faster chips and a variable-aperture main camera. The foldable iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen.

Apple has also added £100 to the price of every model, including older iPhones still on sale. The guide will be updated after the new devices have undergone thorough testing.