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Many consider the Apple iPhone the best phone on the market, but with so many configurations and models available today, which one should you buy? For years, I've tested every iPhone model released, including the large-sized iPhone 16 Pro Max and the budget-oriented iPhone 16e, gathering insights on what models resonate with what type of user.
In fact, Apple just launched the iPhone 16e for $599 on February 28th, and we've been testing it ever since. This model is the company's most affordable iPhone in 2025. It excels in performance and power efficiency but falls short in camera capabilities (especially if you're seeking a telephoto and/or ultrawide lens). If you're looking for the best that Apple has to offer, consider the flagships like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
ZDNET's mobile experts carefully test every iPhone model at release, putting them through their paces to provide you with the best advice on which model to buy and the key features to look out for when you do. Right now, our pick for the best iPhone overall is the iPhone 16 Pro Max, thanks to its vivid and slim-bezel display, extensive camera tools, including a new Camera Control button, and support for Apple Intelligence features. Should you prefer a smaller, easy-to-handle form factor, consider the iPhone 16 Pro.
For most people, the standard iPhone 16 is your best bet if you want the latest iOS 18 features and Camera Control but don't want to spend a thousand dollars. It helps that the base iPhone models this year sport colorful finishes that are sure to appeal. Read on for the rest of our top picks for the best iPhones you can buy right now.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best iPhone overall due to its highly capable specifications and supersized attributes. It's the iPhone model that sets a new standard for Apple every year and continues to be a worthy competitor to Samsung's S Ultra series and Google's Pixel Pro XL.
Why we like it: Besides being the largest iPhone Apple currently offers, with a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, the iPhone 16 Pro Max also has the best-rated battery life, at 27 hours of video playback. From our tests, we found the phone to last much longer than the standard 16 Pro and last year's 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max looks and feels fairly similar to last year's 15 Pro Max, as it's also made of titanium instead of previous versions' stainless steel. This material choice "makes the Pro phones about 10% lighter (than their predecessors) and is very durable," as ZDNET's editor-in-chief, Jason Hiner, describes it.
The one notable hardware change comes in the form of a new Camera Control key on the right side of the device. Camera Control lets you quickly turn on the camera app, adjust color tones and other photographic settings, and capture pictures and videos. It's a useful tool that, with a bit of practice, can be essential for creative workflows.
Review: iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Who it's for: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a flagship phone that commands a flagship price, meaning it's ideal for users who are willing to pay for the best iPhone available, whether that's directly through retailers or through carrier deals. You should buy the Pro Max version if you want the larger screen, enduring battery life, and triple-camera setup.
Who should look elsewhere: But if you're shopping on a budget and don't mind a smaller screen, consider the $999 iPhone 16 Pro ($200 cheaper and with a 6.1-inch display). If you can live without the dedicated telephoto lens, you can even go with the $899 iPhone 16 Plus, which features a large screen and battery but only has wide and ultrawide lenses for shooting.
iPhone 16 Pro Max specs: Processor: Apple A18 Pro Bionic | Display size: 6.8 inches with 120Hz refresh rate | Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, and 12MP 5x telephoto | Front camera: 12MP | Colors: Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium, White, Black | Weight: 227g | Starting price: $1,099
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Outside of this list of excellent options, here are worthy alternatives that will surely delight you.
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