Introduction
As Apple keeps coming up with new smartphone innovations, many Americans in 2024 are wondering if they should get the newest iPhone. The new features and capabilities in the upcoming iPhones are anticipated annually by tech aficionados and Apple devotees. With features like Apple Intelligence, sophisticated cameras, and the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, this year’s collection offers something for everyone. The choice to upgrade isn’t easy, though, because there are several models, each for a distinct user. This article will discuss the newest iPhone models, their top features, and whether or not it’s worthwhile to upgrade in 2024.
The best iPhone in 2024
The $799 iPhone 16 is, for the majority of consumers, the best iPhone. There are two models available: the normal iPhone 16 (6.1-inch) and the larger 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus (starting at $899). You can now shoot macro photographs with the phone’s new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, which improves performance in low light. This means you can get up close and create stunning food photos.
The best iPhone overall
1. iPhone 16 Pro Max
Specifications
Weight: 227g        Dimensions: 163 x 77.6 x 8.25mm  OS: iOS 18Screen
size: 6.9 inches      Resolution: 2868 x 1320 pixels
CPU: A18 Pro RAM: 8GB (unofficial)
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TBÂ Â Â Battery: 4,676mAh (unofficial)
Rear camera: 48MP (wide) + 48MP (ultra-wide) + 12MP (telephoto with 5x optical zoom)
Front camera: 12MP
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the model to choose if you want the greatest iPhone available right now. Although Apple’s most recent flagship has a larger screen, a more potent chipset, a better telephoto camera, a new Camera Control button, and Apple Intelligence compatibility, the iPhone 15 Pro Max was always (and still is) an outstanding phone.
You should make sure that your iPhone can support all of those power-hungry Apple Intelligence features when they eventually roll out, even though the final version won’t be available until early next year. Apple is promoting the latter feature as the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s main selling point. By the way, the first features are available now.
The A18 Pro chipset, which powers the iPhone 16 Pro Max, is the most potent mobile processor Apple has ever made and is probably going to be the most potent one available in 2024. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s stunning 6.8-inch Super XDR OLED display (with ProMotion) is the largest and finest iPhone screen ever, and all that power should make productivity, gaming, streaming, and scrolling a breeze.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has three cameras: a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, a 48MP quad-pixel primary lens, and a 48MP ultra-wide lens—the first on an iPhone. More zoom would have been wonderful, but maybe that would have been being greedy. In our testing, Apple’s new flagship also set a record with a battery life of 16 hours, which is only surpassed by the iPhone 16 Plus.
Notably, the 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro is a more affordable and smaller version of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Therefore, if you’re not concerned about having the largest iPhone, we suggest getting that model instead.
The best iPhone for most people
2. iPhone 16
Specifications
Weight: 170g      Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm
OS: iOS 18Screen  size: 6.1 inches
Resolution: 2556 x 1179 pixels   CPU: A18RAM: 8GB (unofficial)
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GBÂ Â Â Battery: 3,561mAh (unofficial)
Rear camera: 48MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide)
Front camera: 12MP
The basic iPhone 16 is a great all-around iPhone that we believe is the best iPhone for the majority of people if you’re not concerned about the larger size, quicker refresh rate, and telephoto camera capabilities of Apple’s more costly Pro models.
The iPhone 16’s compatibility with Apple Intelligence means that it won’t become outdated as rapidly as Apple’s 2023 base model, but the iPhone 15 (below) is still our choice for the best-value iPhone due to its lower price.
The iPhone 16 offers more than just software updates, of course. The iPhone 16 boasts a superfast A18 chipset, a larger battery, and a 45W charging speed, in addition to the Action button that was carried over from the iPhone 15 Pro. It also features a brand-new Camera Control button that can be used as a conventional shutter button or as a capacitive button that allows you to zoom and adjust exposure.
Although the iPhone 16’s 48MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide cameras are fantastic, the iPhone 16 Pro (or perhaps the Galaxy S24 Ultra or Pixel 9 Pro) is a better option if you want amazing zoom capabilities.
The iPhone 16’s display is a gorgeous 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with sharp contrast and vibrant colors. But, as previously said, to take advantage of Apple’s ProMotion (i.e., 120Hz refresh rate) technology, you will need to purchase the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro.
The best-value iPhone
3. iPhone 15
Specifications
Weight: 171g      Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80mm
OS: iOS 17Screen   size: 6.1 inches
Resolution: 2556 x 1179 pixels
CPU: A16 Bionic   RAM: 6GB   Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
Battery:   3,349mAh     Rear camera: 48MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide)
Front camera: 12MP
The regular iPhone 15 is still our pick for the best-value iPhone in 2024, even with the release of the iPhone 16 series. In terms of performance and portability, the basic iPhone 15 more than makes up for its lack of titanium edges, 120Hz scrolling, or high-spec zoom photos.
You can receive a 6.1-inch Super XDR OLED screen, a fast A16 Bionic CPU, a USB-C connector, an incredibly powerful 48MP primary camera, and Apple’s clever digital screen cut-out, the Dynamic Island, for just $699 / £699 / AU$1,249 when you buy it directly from Apple.
The iPhone 16 is a superior investment if you’re prepared to accept smartphone AI and want a future-proof pocket companion because the iPhone 15 does not support Apple Intelligence.
However, the iPhone 15 is a great option if all you want is a quick, durable, and stylish iPhone that will serve you for the next three or four years.
The best budget iPhone
4. iPhone SE (2022)
Specifications
Weight: 144g   Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm
OS: iOS 15Screen  size: 4.7 inches    Resolution: 750 x 1334 pixels
CPU: A15 Bionic  RAM: 4GB    Storage: 64/128/256GB
Battery: 2,018mAh  Rear camera: 12MP (wide)
Front camera: 7MP
Now that the iPhone 13 has been formally retired, the 4.7-inch iPhone SE (2022) is the most affordable iPhone that Apple still offers, and it’s still a fantastic option for those who want a more compact, basic iPhone.
A key selling feature at the time of its release was that this small, retro-looking smartphone was the first mid-range iPhone to offer 5G. Additionally, the iPhone SE (2022) still has a powerful A15 Bionic chipset, which implies that even though it is much older, it has more power than many of the top low-cost phones.
The iPhone SE (2022) is quite comfortable to use thanks to its thin, light design and small screen, but it also feels very outdated at this time because of the large bezels above and below the screen.
However, if you don’t mind its outdated look, the iPhone SE (2022) is still largely future-proof because it supports iOS 18 and will get software updates for at least three more years.
The best iPhone for battery life
5. iPhone 16 Plus
Specifications
Weight: 199g     Dimensions: 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm
OS: iOS 18Screen   size: 6.7 inches   Resolution: 2796 x 1290 pixels
CPU: A18Â Â Â RAM: 8GB (unofficial)Â Â Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
Battery: 4,006mAh (unofficial)Â Rear camera: 48MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide)
Front camera: 12MP
If you want a larger iPhone but don’t want to shell out a lot of cash for the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Plus is the phone to buy because it supersizes the outstanding features of the original iPhone 16.
In addition to the Action button, Camera Control button, Apple Intelligence compatibility, and other features that the normal iPhone 16 has, this year’s model also boasts a battery life that essentially outperforms that of its more reasonably priced rivals.
The iPhone 16 Plus’s endurance in our testing was comparable to that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a staggering 16 hours and 29 minutes. We would therefore advise choosing this phone over the iPhone 16 Pro Max if battery life is your top concern in order to save $300, £300, or AU$550 (if you don’t care about ProMotion, that is).
Conclusion
Whether you decide to upgrade to the new iPhone depends on your needs. You should get the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you value performance, camera, and future-proofing. For those seeking a budget without compromising on the Apple experience, the iPhone 15 or iPhone SE (2022) may be the best option. You will be more productive, connected, and convenient in your everyday life if you upgrade to the finest iPhone in 2024 as technology develops and the Apple ecosystem expands. To get a gadget that suits your expectations and lifestyle, upgrading should ultimately be determined by your financial situation and technological requirements.
FAQ
Which iPhone is worth buying in 2024?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is now our choice for the best iPhone of 2024 overall because of its vibrant display, a variety of camera tools, including a new Camera Control button, and compatibility with Apple Intelligence technologies. Consider the iPhone 16 Pro if you want a more manageable, compact form factor.
Is it okay to buy an iPhone 13 in 2024?
For consumers looking for the newest features and performance in 2024, the iPhone 13 is still a smart purchase. The iPhone 13 is a remarkable option due to its improvements in performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and durability, even though the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 are still competitive in many areas.
Is it worth buying an iPhone 14 in 2024?
Individual demands, the importance a person places on the most recent advancements in technology, and the desire for the newest features that Apple has released in the meantime all play a significant role in determining if the iPhone 14 is worth purchasing in 2024. The iPhone 14 is a fascinating option because of its many amazing features.
Is the iPhone 15 worth buying in 2024?
The iPhone 15 will not let you down if you have urgent needs and a desire for a dependable, powerful smartphone. However, the iPhone 16 might be worth the wait if you want to use the newest technology to future-proof your investment.
