The iPhone may not have been the first smartphone, but it’s certainly the one that stands out in your memory.
In 2007, Apple revolutionized the mobile phone industry by introducing a touchscreen device and ditching the physical keyboard. It’s worth noting that the App Store, which brought third-party apps to iPhones, was launched a year later.
Fast forward almost two decades, and the market is flooded with a variety of smartphones, with Android dominating the landscape and Apple releasing only a handful of new models each year.
Despite the plethora of options available, Apple stands out for prioritizing quality over quantity. The four models of the iPhone 16 are all solid choices for different types of users, while there are six older models that are still recommended in 2024, especially if you can snag a good deal.
Apple’s commitment to software support ensures that you can safely use an iPhone for six years or more after its release. All the phones mentioned in this article are compatible with iOS 18, the latest version.
If you’re wondering which iPhone is the right fit for you, this article will guide you through the models worth considering, with links to full reviews of each.
With Black Friday upon us, there are numerous deals on phones available. For a comprehensive roundup of tech deals, check out our sister site Macworld’s dedicated iPhone Black Friday deals round-up.
Why you should trust us: iPhone reviews and buying advice have been a core part of Tech Advisor’s coverage since the original iPhone launch in 2007.
We’ve witnessed the evolution of iPhone models from 2G to 5G, and advancements like Face ID, the Dynamic Island, and Camera Control. Apple has made significant improvements in display quality, performance, battery life, and camera technology over the years.
We conduct thorough real-world testing on every iPhone release from Apple by using it as our primary phone to provide you with the most reliable buying advice.
Best iPhone 2024
1. iPhone 16 Plus – Best overall
Pros
- Large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display
- A18 chipset delivers superb performance
- Excellent battery life
- Useful Camera Control button
Cons
- No 120Hz refresh rate
- Incomplete AI features at launch
- Starts at only 128GB storage
- No telephoto zoom lens
Price When Reviewed:
$899
The iPhone 16 Plus is an excellent choice for users seeking a large-screen iPhone experience without the premium price tag of the Pro models. From the A18 chipset to the new Camera Control and improved battery life, this phone excels in performance, photography, and daily use.
While it may lack some of the Pro-exclusive features like the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and a telephoto lens, the iPhone 16 Plus still offers plenty of exciting features. Additionally, the full potential of Apple’s AI features is not yet fully realized, so some users may opt to wait for further updates.
Overall, the iPhone 16 Plus provides excellent value for money, offering a similar experience to the iPhone 16 Pro Max for most users while delivering a larger screen and 16 hours of battery life. For many, this could be a better purchase.
Read our full
Apple iPhone 16 Plus review
