Our Experts Written by Patrick Holland Lisa Eadicicco Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement How we test What to consider iOS or Android? If your family and friends are on Apple services like iMessage and FaceTime, stick with an iPhone. If youve been deep on Samsung, stay on Android. But know that switching between the two has never been easier. Size Phones are big in general, with the smallest ones having a 6.1-inch screen and larger models topping out at 6.8 inches. That makes visiting a store and trying a phone out before you buy it quite important. Cameras Phone cameras have gotten better over the past five years. But dont be fooled by how many cameras a phone has. More is not necessarily better. Software support Phone makers promise varying lengths of long-term software and security support, ranging from just one year to as many as seven. These updates not only ensure you get many of the latest features, but also keep your phone secure. Table of Contents Debuted in 2007, it feels like the Apple iPhone hasnt left our pockets since. The newest iPhone 16 series dazzles with new processors, enhanced cameras and larger batteries, plus nifty buttons to toggle the flashlight or snap a quick photo. Apple still sells older models like the iPhone 15 and 14 at a lower price than when they first launched, as well as the most-affordable iPhone SE with a classic style home button. You can even snag a 13 that is, if you can find it. All these different options can make picking the best iPhone for you a tricky endeavor. The good news? CNET editors have tested and reviewed each iPhone model currently offered to help you find the best iPhone for you. Our Picks Best iPhone Apple iPhone 16 View details $830 at T-Mobile View details Best premium iPhone Apple iPhone 16 Pro View details $1,000 at T-Mobile View details Best iPhone value iPhone 14 View details $630 at Best Buy View details Best iPhone under $700 iPhone 15 View details $699 at Best Buy View details Best iPhone discounted if you can find it iPhone 13 View details $345 at Amazon View details Best small iPhone iPhone SE View details $429 at Apple View details SMARTPHONE DEALS OF THE WEEK Google Pixel 9 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian): $649 (save $150) Apple iPhone 12 64GB Straight Talk Phone (Prepaid, Black): $199 (save $50) Apple iPhone 14 128GB Unlocked Phone (Refurbished, Midnight): $394 (save $236) Motorola Edge Plus 512GB Unlocked Phone (Intersteller Black): $450 (save $350) Moto G Power 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (2024 Model, Midnight Blue): $200 (save $100) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. Table of Contents This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas. What's the best iPhone right now?The best iPhone for most people is the $799 iPhone 16. It comes in two sizes: a 6.1-inch regular iPhone 16 model or a larger 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus model that starts at $899. The phones have a new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera that performs better in low light and can now take macro photos, meaning you'll be able to focus close to take amazing food snaps.The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have several Apple Intelligence tools for writing, removing distractions from photos and doing summaries of messages and webpages. The phones also have an Action button that can be programed for different functions like turning on the flashlight, recording a voice memo, changing the focus mode and more. There's also a new Camera Control button that not only lets you take photos and quickly change things like zoom, Portrait mode aperture and Photographic Styles, but can also trigger a new feature called Visual Intelligence, which will add context to whatever the camera is pointed at, a bit like Google Lens. Visual Intelligence isn't on the iPhone 16 at this time and will come via a software update in December. We think the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are ideal for most people looking for a great phone that will last for years.Read more: The iPhone 16 Helps My Eyes Feel Less Strained, Thanks to This Overlooked FeatureBest iPhones of 2024