Phones ranking

Best iPhones

The iPhone decision now splits between the available iPhone 17 family and Apple's announced 2026 Pro and foldable models. Buy an available model when you need a phone now; wait for iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, or iPhone Duo only when their specific camera, battery, display, or folding advantages justify launch pricing.

Updated 2026-09-10

Scores are editorial estimates based on public product data and the published category weights; they are not lab measurements.

Top pick

Apple iPhone 17

Start with Apple iPhone 17 if mainstream iOS buyers and everyday photography match your buying priorities. Compare the official configuration and current US price before treating any launch reference as a checkout price.

mainstream iOS buyerseveryday photographylong-term support

1. 1

   Apple iPhone 17

   Start with Apple iPhone 17 if mainstream iOS buyers and everyday photography match your buying priorities. Compare the official configuration and current US price before treating any launch reference as a checkout price.

   Why it ranks here

   iPhone 17 remains the broadest buy-now recommendation for mainstream iOS users who want current hardware without paying Pro or foldable launch prices.

   Buyer note

   Compare storage and carrier promotions carefully, and move to a Pro model only when its camera and display advantages will be used regularly.

   Editorial 8.9 / 10

   Camera

   9

   Battery

   8.8

   Display

   9
2. 2

   Apple iPhone 17 Pro

   Start with Apple iPhone 17 Pro if pro photo and video and compact flagship match your buying priorities. Compare the official configuration and current US price before treating any launch reference as a checkout price.

   Why it ranks here

   iPhone 17 Pro is the available compact Pro choice for buyers who need pro photo and video features before iPhone 18 Pro reaches stores.

   Buyer note

   Its $1,099 launch reference sits close to the newer model, so buyers who can wait should compare the iPhone 18 Pro camera and charging changes.

   Editorial 9.1 / 10

   Camera

   9.5

   Battery

   8.8

   Display

   9.4
3. 3

   Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

   Start with Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if pro photo and video and large-screen flagship match your buying priorities. Compare the official configuration and current US price before treating any launch reference as a checkout price.

   Why it ranks here

   iPhone 17 Pro Max is the available large-screen Pro option and may become more attractive if retailers discount it as the new generation arrives.

   Buyer note

   Do not pay near its original launch price without comparing iPhone 18 Pro Max's longer battery rating, newer camera system, and $1,299 starting price.

   Editorial 9.3 / 10

   Camera

   9.6

   Battery

   9.3

   Display

   9.6
4. 4

   Apple iPhone 18 Pro

   Shortlist iPhone 18 Pro for maximum Apple camera and performance features in the more compact Pro size. Wait for the September 18 release and compare the final storage price against iPhone 17 Pro unless variable aperture, the longer telephoto reach, or the faster charging estimate would change your daily use.

   Editorial 9.4
   Why it ranks here

   iPhone 18 Pro is the most balanced announced 2026 flagship, bringing A20 Pro, variable aperture, optical-quality 8x telephoto, and faster published charging to a 6.3-inch body.

   Buyer note

   It is not available until September 18, starts at $1,199, and still needs independent camera, heat, and battery testing after release.

5. 5

   Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max

   Choose iPhone 18 Pro Max when a 6.9-inch display and the strongest new-iPhone battery rating justify the extra size, weight, and $100 over iPhone 18 Pro. Buyers who do not need those two advantages should start with the smaller Pro because the cited camera, chipset, storage range, and charging specifications are otherwise aligned.

   Editorial 9.5
   Why it ranks here

   iPhone 18 Pro Max is the announced pick for maximum conventional iPhone display size and battery life, with a 6.9-inch panel and up to 45 hours of video playback.

   Buyer note

   The camera system matches the smaller Pro while the phone costs $100 more and weighs 249g, so size and battery are the reasons to upgrade.

6. 6

   Apple iPhone Duo

   Wait for hands-on durability and app-layout evidence before treating iPhone Duo as the best iPhone for most buyers. It makes the clearest case for iOS users who want one device for phone use, larger-screen multitasking, and Apple Pencil input; iPhone 18 Pro Max is the lower-risk alternative when a large display matters more than folding.

   Editorial 9.1
   Why it ranks here

   iPhone Duo is the specialist choice for buyers who will use a 7.6-inch inner display, foldable modes, and Apple Pencil support inside the Apple ecosystem.

   Buyer note

   The $1,999 price, 254g weight, first-generation hinge, and October 23 availability make waiting for durability and app-layout reviews the prudent choice.

7. 7

   Apple iPhone Air

   Start with Apple iPhone Air if thin and light design and premium iOS buyers match your buying priorities. Compare the official configuration and current US price before treating any launch reference as a checkout price.

   Editorial 9
   Why it ranks here

   iPhone Air remains the design-led alternative for buyers who prioritize a thin and light conventional phone over the Pro models' full camera hardware.

   Buyer note

   Compare battery, camera flexibility, and current discounts against iPhone 17 before paying a premium mainly for the thinner design.

8. 8

   Apple iPhone 17e

   Apple iPhone 17e is best suited to lower-cost iPhone and long software support. Compare alternatives if this documented drawback would undermine that fit: Configuration and availability can differ by retailer or carrier.

   Editorial 8.5
   Why it ranks here

   iPhone 17e is the lower-cost current entry for buyers who value iOS support, simple everyday use, and a smaller total purchase price.

   Buyer note

   Its simpler camera and display configuration should be checked against discounted iPhone 17 pricing before deciding that the lower launch tier is better value.