Remember when buying an iPhone was simple? Just grab the newest one with as much storage as you could afford. Those days are long gone. Now Apple sells everything from a $429 iPhone SE to a $1,599 Pro Max monster, and honestly? That's actually awesome once you know what you're looking for.
According to Macworld's latest iPhone comparison, "Picking out an iPhone used to be easier—just get the newest one with all the storage you can afford." The reality is that choosing the right iPhone model has become more complex, but way more rewarding when you find your perfect match.
Table of Contents
Budget Champions (Under $500)
Sweet Spot Territory ($500-$900)
Go Big or Go Home ($900+)
What Actually Matters When Choosing
Real Talk: Which iPhone Should You Actually Buy?
Protecting Your Investment
Bottom Line
TL;DR
Tight budget? iPhone SE (3rd Gen) or refurbished iPhone 12 mini give you solid iOS without breaking the bank
Most people should grab the iPhone 13 or iPhone 15 - best bang for your buck
Want the absolute best? iPhone 15 Pro series delivers, but only if you'll use those Pro features
Storage matters more than you think - 128GB minimum, 256GB if you take lots of photos
Refurbished Pro models let you taste the premium life for less money
Whatever you buy, protect it with a decent case - trust me on this one
Budget Champions (Under $500)
Look, not everyone needs to drop a grand on a phone. These options prove you can get a great iPhone experience without eating ramen for months.
iPhone SE (3rd Generation) - The iOS Gateway Drug
Price: $429-$579
This little guy packs the same A15 Bionic chip that powers the iPhone 13 Pro. Yeah, the screen looks tiny compared to modern phones, but some people actually prefer that. My mom loves hers because it fits in her small purse and the Touch ID works perfectly with her screen protector.
The single camera won't win photography contests, but it handles everyday shots just fine. Start with 128GB storage unless you barely take photos - 64GB fills up faster than you'd expect.
Perfect for: First-time iPhone users, people who miss compact phones, anyone who wants iOS without the premium price tag.
iPhone 12 mini (Refurbished) - Compact Powerhouse
Price: $399-$499
Here's the thing about the iPhone 12 mini - it's basically perfect except for one annoying issue: battery life. But if you can live with charging twice a day or you're not a heavy user, this phone rocks.
You get that gorgeous OLED screen, 5G for future-proofing, and a solid dual camera system. Plus, MagSafe compatibility opens up a world of wireless charging and mounting options.
Perfect for: People with smaller hands, anyone who wants premium features in a pocket-friendly size.
iPhone 11 (Refurbished) - The Reliable Workhorse
Price: $349-$449
This is the phone I recommend to parents buying for their teenagers. It's tough, the battery still lasts all day even in refurbished units, and the camera system introduced Night mode to regular iPhones.
Sure, you're missing 5G, but if you're on Wi-Fi most of the time, who cares? The A13 Bionic chip still handles everything you throw at it.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants a solid, dependable iPhone without fancy features they won't use.
iPhone XR (Refurbished) - The Budget King
Price: $299-$399
At under $300, this is your cheapest ticket to Face ID and wireless charging. The LCD screen isn't as fancy as OLED, but it's perfectly fine for daily use. The single camera does Portrait mode through software magic, which is pretty cool.
Build quality feels premium despite the price, and you get those fun colors Apple used to do.
Perfect for: Extreme budget shoppers who still want a modern iPhone experience.
Sweet Spot Territory ($500-$900)
This is where most people should be shopping. You get modern features without the crazy premium pricing.
iPhone 13 - The Sweet Spot Champion
Price: $629-$779
If I had to pick one iPhone for most people, this would be it. The A15 Bionic processor crushes everything, battery life is excellent, and the camera improvements over the iPhone 12 are genuinely noticeable.
You get Cinematic mode for those fancy shallow depth-of-field videos, better low-light photos, and that bright OLED display. Starting at 128GB storage means you won't immediately run out of space.
Perfect for: Pretty much everyone who wants a current iPhone without paying flagship prices.
iPhone 13 mini - Compact Excellence (While It Lasts)
Price: $529-$679
This is your last chance to buy a small iPhone with flagship features - Apple killed the mini line after this generation. You get the exact same A15 Bionic chip and camera system as the regular iPhone 13, just in a more pocketable package.
Battery life is shorter than larger models, but my friend David (a busy executive) charges his twice daily and loves how it doesn't create a bulge in his suit jacket.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants a small phone with big phone features.
iPhone 12 - The 5G Pioneer
Price: $599-$749
The iPhone 12 brought us 5G, MagSafe, and that gorgeous OLED display upgrade from the iPhone 11's LCD. It's a solid choice if you find it at the lower end of its price range.
Battery life is decent but not amazing, and you're missing some of the camera improvements that came with the iPhone 13. Still, the A14 Bionic chip handles modern apps without breaking a sweat.
Perfect for: People who want modern features and can find a good deal.
iPhone 14 (During Sales) - Near-Latest Features
Price: $699-$799 (on sale)
When this drops to $699 during promotions, it becomes interesting. You get Crash Detection (which could literally save your life) and Emergency SOS via satellite for those off-grid adventures.
Camera improvements over the iPhone 13 are modest but real, especially in low light. The A15 Bionic processor is the same as the iPhone 13, which means excellent performance.
Perfect for: People who want current-generation safety features and catch it on sale.
iPhone 13 Pro (Refurbished) - Pro Features for Less
Price: $799-$899
Want to taste the Pro life without paying Pro prices? This is your ticket. That 120Hz ProMotion display makes scrolling buttery smooth - once you experience it, regular 60Hz feels sluggish.
The triple camera system adds telephoto zoom and macro photography. ProRAW and ProRes recording appeal to serious photographers and videographers. Even refurbished, the stainless steel construction feels premium.
Perfect for: Photography enthusiasts and anyone who wants Pro features but can accept last-generation tech.
iPhone 15 - Latest Standard Features
Price: $799-$949
The iPhone 15 brings some genuinely useful updates. USB-C means you can finally ditch Lightning cables (hallelujah!), and the Dynamic Island is actually pretty slick for notifications.
The A16 Bionic processor (borrowed from iPhone 14 Pro) delivers excellent performance. The 48MP main camera with 2x telephoto capabilities expands your photography options without needing a third lens.
Perfect for: People who want current-generation features and plan to keep their phone for several years.
iPhone 14 Plus - Big Screen, Small Price
Price: $899-$1049
Want a huge screen without Pro Max pricing? The 14 Plus delivers. That 6.7" display is fantastic for Netflix, reading, and anyone with vision concerns who benefits from larger text.
Battery life is exceptional - easily two days of moderate use. The camera system matches the standard iPhone 14, so it's good but not mind-blowing.
Perfect for: People who prioritize screen size and battery life over cutting-edge features.
Go Big or Go Home ($900+)
These are Apple's flagship offerings for people who want the absolute best, regardless of price.
iPhone 15 Pro - Professional Excellence
Price: $999-$1199
The A17 Pro chip delivers desktop-class performance that'll handle whatever you throw at it. Titanium construction makes it lighter than previous Pro models while feeling incredibly premium.
The triple camera system excels everywhere, with improved low-light performance and advanced computational photography. The Action Button replaces the mute switch with customizable functionality - finally!
USB-C with Thunderbolt support enables professional workflows, including external monitor connections.
Perfect for: Power users who demand cutting-edge tech and actually use professional features.
iPhone 15 Pro Max - The Ultimate iPhone
Price: $1199-$1599
Look, if you're even considering the Pro Max, you probably already know you want it. It's expensive, it's huge, and the battery lasts forever. The 6.7" display is gorgeous for everything from gaming to video editing.
You get all the Pro features from the smaller model plus that massive battery that easily handles the most demanding days. Content creators and business professionals will appreciate the extra screen real estate.
Perfect for: People who want the absolute best iPhone experience and can justify the premium pricing.
iPhone 14 Pro Max - Large Screen Pro Features
Price: $1099-$1299
All the Pro Max goodness at a modest discount. The 6.7" ProMotion display with 120Hz refresh rates and always-on functionality remains excellent. The A16 Bionic processor handles everything effortlessly.
Battery life matches the current Pro Max in most scenarios. This makes sense for people who want Pro Max features but can accept previous-generation tech to save money.
Perfect for: Users who want the biggest screen and longest battery life without paying current-generation pricing.
iPhone 14 Pro - Compact Pro Features
Price: $999-$1149
Professional features in a manageable 6.1" size. The ProMotion display provides smooth scrolling, while the always-on display shows essential info without fully waking the phone.
The triple camera system includes telephoto and macro capabilities, with ProRAW and ProRes recording for professional workflows. Dynamic Island provides that innovative notification interface.
Perfect for: Users who want Pro features in a compact form factor and can accept previous-generation savings.
What Actually Matters When Choosing
Here's the real talk about what you should actually care about when picking an iPhone:
Budget Reality Check: Don't stretch beyond your comfort zone. A $500 iPhone that doesn't stress your finances beats a $1200 iPhone that makes you eat ramen for months.
Camera Needs: Most people overestimate their photography needs. The dual camera on standard iPhones handles 95% of what regular users want. Only go Pro if you're seriously into photography or videography.
Storage Habits: This is where people mess up most. If you take lots of photos and videos, 128GB fills up fast. 256GB is the sweet spot for most people. Only go higher if you shoot ProRes video or have massive music libraries stored locally.
Performance Requirements: Any iPhone from the last 3 years handles everyday tasks smoothly. Only worry about having the absolute latest chip if you're gaming heavily or editing video.
Screen Size Preference: Try holding different sizes in a store. Some people love the compact feel of smaller phones, others can't go back after experiencing a larger display.
How Long You Keep Phones: Planning to upgrade in 2 years? Mid-range options make more sense. Keeping it for 4-5 years? Investing in newer tech pays off over time.
Real Talk: Which iPhone Should You Actually Buy?
Let me cut through the noise and give you straight recommendations based on real-world usage:
First iPhone or tight budget: iPhone SE (3rd Gen) or refurbished iPhone 11. Both will serve you well for years without breaking the bank.
Most people: iPhone 13. It hits that perfect sweet spot of modern features, great performance, and reasonable pricing. You won't feel like you're missing out on anything important.
Want the latest: iPhone 15. USB-C alone makes it worth considering, plus you get that borrowed A16 Bionic chip that used to be Pro-only.
Photography enthusiast: iPhone 13 Pro (refurbished) or iPhone 15 Pro. The triple camera system and professional features justify the extra cost if you'll actually use them.
Big screen lover: iPhone 14 Plus or iPhone 15 Pro Max, depending on whether you need Pro features or just want that massive display and incredible battery life.
Compact phone die-hard: iPhone 13 mini while you still can, or iPhone SE if you can live with the older design.
Protecting Your Investment
When you're dropping anywhere from $299 to $1,599 on a phone, you'd better protect it. I've seen too many people baby their iPhone for months, only to watch it shatter on concrete because they cheaped out on a case.
Rokform's cases aren't your typical flimsy protection. These things survive 6-foot drops - I've tested this personally (accidentally). The military-grade construction means your phone stays safe whether you're hiking, biking, or just being clumsy.
What I love most? You don't lose MagSafe functionality. Too many "rugged" cases turn your iPhone into a brick that can't wirelessly charge. Rokform figured out how to keep protection and convenience.
The mounting system is where things get interesting. Need your phone mounted in your car, on your motorcycle, or stuck to your fridge while you follow a recipe? The RokLock system handles it all. It's like having a Swiss Army knife for phone mounting.
Even if you bought a budget iPhone, spending $50-80 on a good case makes sense. One drop onto pavement costs way more than that to fix.
Professional photographer Maria chose the refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max for $999 instead of the current 15 Pro Max at $1399. She uses ProRAW for client shoots and ProRes for social media content. The savings allowed her to invest in a complete Rokform mounting system for her photography van. After 8 months, the phone performs identically to new units while saving her $400.
Bottom Line
Here's the truth about buying an iPhone in 2024: there's no perfect choice, just the right choice for you.
If money's tight, grab a refurbished iPhone 11 or the iPhone SE. Both will serve you well for years. Got a bit more to spend? The iPhone 13 hits that sweet spot where you get modern features without the premium price tag. Want the absolute best? The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a beast, but only buy it if you'll actually use those Pro features.
The biggest mistake I see people make? Overthinking it. Any iPhone you buy today will last 3-4 years easily. Pick one that fits your budget and needs, slap a good case on it, and stop second-guessing yourself.
Your phone should make your life easier, not give you decision paralysis. Trust your gut, protect your investment, and enjoy having one of the best smartphones ever made.
The iPhone landscape keeps evolving, but the fundamentals remain the same: buy what you can afford, protect it well, and use it until it no longer meets your needs. Whether that
Specialized Use Cases
Sometimes you need an iPhone for specific situations that go beyond typical daily use.
iPhone 15 Plus - Media Consumption Champion
Price: $899-$1099
Want that big screen experience without Pro pricing? The 15 Plus delivers. That 6.7" display makes Netflix binges and mobile gaming way more enjoyable. Battery life rivals the Pro Max models - this thing just keeps going.
The A16 Bionic processor (borrowed from iPhone 14 Pro) handles everything smoothly. USB-C connectivity means fewer dongles and adapters cluttering your life.
Perfect for: Netflix addicts, mobile gamers, anyone who wants a big screen without paying Pro Max prices.
iPhone 13 Pro Max (Refurbished) - Photography Powerhouse
Price: $899-$1099
This brings flagship photography features within reach of normal budgets. That 6.7" ProMotion display gives you excellent color accuracy for photo editing on the go.
The triple camera system includes macro photography and advanced computational photography features. ProRes video recording and ProRAW photography give serious creators more editing flexibility.
Even refurbished, the battery life remains excellent. This represents killer value for photographers who need Pro features but want to save money.
iPhone 12 Pro (Refurbished) - Professional Features on Budget
Price: $699-$849
The 12 Pro brings professional features to mid-range pricing. LiDAR scanning improves autofocus and enables cool AR apps. The triple camera system produces solid results across all focal lengths.
Stainless steel construction feels premium and durable. 5G connectivity future-proofs your investment. The A14 Bionic processor still handles professional workflows smoothly.
Perfect for: Users who need Pro features but can accept older tech for significant savings.
iPhone 11 Pro (Refurbished) - Triple Camera Value
Price: $549-$699
Your cheapest entry into triple camera photography. Night mode works across all three cameras, delivering excellent low-light performance. The telephoto lens offers 2x optical zoom for portraits and distant subjects.
Premium stainless steel construction feels substantial. The A13 Bionic processor still runs modern apps smoothly. The main compromise is missing 5G connectivity.
Perfect for: Photography enthusiasts on strict budgets who want multiple focal lengths.
Future-Proof Investments
Thinking long-term? These options provide the best value over extended ownership periods.
iPhone 15 Pro Max (1TB) - Ultimate Future-Proofing
Price: $1599
This is the ultimate iPhone investment. 1TB storage eliminates space concerns, even for users shooting extensive ProRes video or maintaining huge photo libraries locally.
The A17 Pro processor provides desktop-class performance that'll stay relevant for years. Advanced camera capabilities keep improving through software updates. Titanium construction ensures durability for long-term use.
Perfect for: Content creators, business professionals, or anyone planning to keep their phone for 4-5 years and wants maximum capabilities.
iPhone 15 Pro (512GB) - Professional Storage Balance
Price: $1299
Balances professional features with practical storage capacity. 512GB accommodates extensive photo libraries and 4K video projects without constant storage management.
All the cutting-edge features of the 15 Pro are present. Professional video recording benefits from the additional storage space.
Perfect for: Photographers, videographers, and business users who need professional features and substantial storage.
iPhone 15 (256GB) - Mainstream Future-Proofing
Price: $899
Solid future-proofing for mainstream users. The A16 Bionic processor will stay capable for years, while 256GB storage accommodates most users' needs without constant management.
USB-C connectivity future-proofs your accessory investments. Current-generation features ensure you won't feel left behind as iOS evolves.
Perfect for: Users who want a phone that'll serve them well for 3-4 years without needing Pro features.
iPhone 14 Pro (256GB) - Pro Features with Practical Storage
Price: $1099
Pro features with practical storage capacity. 256GB accommodates professional workflows while keeping costs reasonable. The A16 Bionic processor will remain capable for years.
ProMotion display, advanced camera system, and professional recording capabilities provide tools for serious users. Dynamic Island adds convenient interface improvements.
Perfect for: Users who need Pro features and plan to keep their phone for several years but want to save money versus current-generation models.
iPhone SE 4th Gen (Expected 2025) - Budget Future-Proofing
Expected Price: $499-$599
This could represent exceptional value for budget users wanting long-term software support. Anticipated features include modern design similar to iPhone 14, updated processor, and improved camera system while maintaining affordable pricing.
If Apple delivers on expectations, this would work well for first-time iPhone users, parents buying phones for children, or anyone needing reliable iOS functionality without premium pricing.
