Choosing the best smartphone in 2026 is easier than ever. From flagship iPhones to value-driven models, this guide covers the best cell phones based on performance, price, and real-world usage.
What is the Best Cell Phone?
The best cell phone depends on what matters most—performance, camera quality, battery life, or value. In 2026, Apple continues to dominate smartphone reviews thanks to its powerful chips, long software support, and seamless ecosystem, making iPhones some of the best smartphones available today.
Best iPhone for Most People – Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is one of the best smartphones of 2026, offering a perfect blend of power, battery life, and camera performance. It’s ideal for users who want a no-compromise experience. With Apple’s latest chip and a large immersive display, it excels in gaming, productivity, and photography. This model consistently ranks high in smartphone reviews because it delivers flagship features while remaining practical for daily use.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Industry-leading performance with A18 Pro chip | Very expensive flagship pricing |
| Largest iPhone display ever (6.9”), great for media | Bulky and heavy for one-handed use (The Guardian) |
| Excellent camera system (48MP + 5× zoom + pro video) | No major design change vs previous generation |
| Outstanding battery life (best in iPhone lineup) (Apple) | Limited AI features vs competitors (early stage) (The Guardian) |
| Premium titanium build, lighter yet durable | No fingerprint sensor (Face ID only) |
| ProMotion 120Hz + Always-On display | Charging speed still behind some Android rivals |
| Top-tier video recording (4K 120fps Dolby Vision) | Base storage starts at 256GB (no 128GB option) |
| Improved thermal design & efficiency | Large size not comfortable for all users |
Specs & Configurations
| Category | Details |
| Release Year | 2024 |
| Operating System | iOS 18 |
| Chipset / Processor | Apple A18 Pro (3nm architecture) (Apple) |
| CPU | 6-core (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores) (NanoReview.net) |
| GPU | Apple custom GPU |
| Display Size | 6.9-inch OLED (Super Retina XDR) (Apple) |
| Resolution | 2868 × 1320 pixels (~460 ppi) (Apple) |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120Hz (ProMotion) (Apple) |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits peak (outdoor) (Apple) |
| Display Features | Always-On, HDR, True Tone, Dynamic Island |
| Rear Cameras | Triple camera system: 48MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto (5× zoom) (Apple) |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps (Dolby Vision) (Apple) |
| Front Camera | 12MP (TrueDepth) |
| Battery Capacity | ~4685 mAh (estimated teardown) (NanoReview.net) |
| Battery Life | Up to ~33 hours video playback (The Verge) |
| Charging | Fast charging + MagSafe wireless |
| Storage Options | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (Apple) |
| RAM | ~8GB (Tom's Guide) |
| Build Material | Titanium frame + Ceramic Shield glass (Apple) |
| Weight | ~227g (Apple) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (NanoReview.net) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
| Security | Face ID |
| Colors | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium (Apple) |
Price
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Positioned in the premium flagship price range
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Prices vary depending on retailer promotions and availability >>Compare the latest deals on the iPhone 16 Pro Max price comparison page
Why We Picked It
This is the best smartphone for most people because it offers the ideal balance of performance, battery life, and usability. >>Explore full details on the iPhone 16 Pro Max product page
Best Cell Phone – Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the most advanced iPhone available in 2026. With next-gen performance, AI-powered features, and a cutting-edge camera system, it leads the market. It’s designed for power users who want the best smartphone experience possible. From gaming to professional photography, it excels in every category.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Significant performance boost with A19 Pro + 12GB RAM | Very expensive, especially high storage tiers |
| Best battery life ever on an iPhone | Heavier and thicker design (~233g) (Vansware) |
| All-new triple 48MP camera system with stronger zoom | Camera bump is large and protruding (Vansware) |
| Up to 8× optical zoom, great for photography | Incremental upgrade vs iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Improved thermal system (vapor cooling) for gaming/video | Aluminum version less premium & more scratch-prone (Vansware) |
| Brighter display (~3000 nits) with better outdoor visibility | Still no fingerprint sensor (Face ID only) |
| Faster charging + reverse wireless charging support | AI features still evolving vs competitors |
| Up to 2TB storage option (power users) | Bulky for one-handed use |
| Wi-Fi 7 + future-ready connectivity | Design changes may not appeal to everyone |
Specs & Configurations
| Category | Details |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Operating System | iOS 26 (Tom's Guide) |
| Chipset / Processor | Apple A19 Pro (next-gen 3nm) (Tom's Guide) |
| CPU | 6-core (performance + efficiency cores) |
| GPU | Apple custom GPU (enhanced AI & gaming) |
| RAM | 12GB (Tom's Guide) |
| Display Size | 6.9-inch OLED (Super Retina XDR) (Vansware) |
| Resolution | ~2868 × 1320 (~460 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120Hz (ProMotion) (Tom's Guide) |
| Brightness | Up to ~3000 nits peak (improved outdoor visibility) (TechRadar) |
| Display Features | Always-On, HDR, Dynamic Island (smaller), anti-reflective coating (Tom's Guide) |
| Rear Cameras | Triple 48MP system (Main + Ultra-wide + Telephoto) (Vansware) |
| Zoom Capability | Up to ~8× optical zoom (enhanced telephoto) (Vansware) |
| Video Recording | 4K / possible 8K support, advanced pro video features (TechRadar) |
| Front Camera | ~18–24MP (Center Stage improvements) (TechRadar) |
| Battery Capacity | ~5,000–5,088 mAh (Vansware) |
| Battery Life | Up to ~35–39 hours video playback (Vansware) |
| Charging | Fast charging (~40W wired), MagSafe, reverse wireless charging (Vansware) |
| Cooling System | Vapor chamber cooling (new) (Tom's Guide) |
| Storage Options | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (Vansware) |
| Build Material | Aluminum or titanium (varies by version, new design) (Vansware) |
| Weight | ~233g (heavier than 16 Pro Max) (Vansware) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, satellite features (TechRadar) |
| Security | Face ID (smaller or under-display improvements rumored) (TechRadar) |
| Colors | Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, others (Vansware) |
| Special Features | Apple Intelligence (AI features), improved thermal design |
Price
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Falls into the ultra-premium smartphone segment
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Pricing reflects cutting-edge innovation and storage capacity >>Check current listings on the iPhone 17 Pro Max price page
Why We Picked It
We chose this as the best cell phone overall because it sets new standards for performance and camera innovation. >>See why it stands out on the iPhone 17 Pro Max product page
Best Premium iPhone – Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max remains a strong flagship option in 2026, offering excellent performance and a premium titanium design. It’s perfect for users who want flagship features at a slightly lower price.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful A17 Pro chip with strong gaming & efficiency | Very expensive at launch |
| Premium titanium design (lighter than previous models) | Still no major design overhaul |
| 5× optical zoom — best zoom on an iPhone at launch | Charging speed relatively slow vs Android rivals |
| Excellent camera quality (photo + ProRes video) | No periscope zoom beyond 5× |
| USB-C with faster data transfer (USB 3) | No fingerprint sensor (Face ID only) |
| Smooth 120Hz ProMotion display + Always-On | Battery good, but not class-leading |
| Great ecosystem integration (Apple devices) | Large size may not suit all users |
| Advanced features like satellite SOS & Action Button | Base storage starts at 256GB (no cheaper tier) |
Specs & Configurations
| Category | Details |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| Operating System | iOS 17 (upgradable to newer iOS versions) |
| Chipset / Processor | Apple A17 Pro (3nm architecture) |
| CPU | 6-core (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores) |
| GPU | 6-core Apple GPU (hardware-accelerated ray tracing) |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Display Size | 6.7-inch OLED (Super Retina XDR) |
| Resolution | 2796 × 1290 pixels (~460 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120Hz (ProMotion) |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits peak (outdoor) |
| Display Features | Always-On display, HDR, True Tone, Dynamic Island |
| Rear Cameras | Triple camera system: 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto |
| Zoom Capability | 5× optical zoom (tetraprism telephoto) |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps, ProRes, Dolby Vision |
| Front Camera | 12MP (TrueDepth) |
| Battery Capacity | ~4441 mAh |
| Battery Life | Up to ~29 hours video playback |
| Charging | USB-C fast charging, MagSafe wireless charging |
| Storage Options | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Build Material | Titanium frame + Ceramic Shield front |
| Weight | 221g |
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Security | Face ID |
| Ports | USB-C (USB 3 for faster data transfer) |
| Colors | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium |
| Special Features | Action Button, Emergency SOS via satellite, Precision Finding |
Price
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More affordable than newer flagship models >>Browse current offers on the iPhone 15 Pro Max price comparison page
Why We Picked It
We picked it for users who want premium performance at a better value. >>View full specs on the iPhone 15 Pro Max listing
Best Smartphone – Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is still one of the best smartphones for users who want reliability and performance at a lower price. It remains a popular choice in mobile phone reviews.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful A16 Bionic chip (top-tier performance for its time) | Heavy (240g) — one of the heaviest iPhones (support.apple.com) |
| First 48MP camera on iPhone — major photography upgrade (Apple) | Lightning port (no USB-C) |
| Excellent video recording (industry-leading) | Charging speed relatively slow vs Android |
| Dynamic Island — innovative UI interaction | Only 3× optical zoom (weaker than newer models) |
| Always-On display + very bright screen (2000 nits) (support.apple.com) | No major battery leap vs previous generation |
| Premium stainless steel build quality | No fingerprint sensor (Face ID only) |
| Strong battery life (up to 29h video) (support.apple.com) | Large and bulky for one-handed use |
| Reliable long-term iOS updates | Older model now (less future-proof vs newer Pro models) |
Specs & Configurations
| Category | Details |
| Release Year | 2022 (support.apple.com) |
| Operating System | iOS 16 (upgradable to newer iOS versions) |
| Chipset / Processor | Apple A16 Bionic (support.apple.com) |
| CPU | 6-core (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores) (support.apple.com) |
| GPU | 5-core Apple GPU (support.apple.com) |
| RAM | ~6GB |
| Display Size | 6.7-inch OLED (Super Retina XDR) (support.apple.com) |
| Resolution | 2796 × 1290 pixels (~460 ppi) (support.apple.com) |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120Hz (ProMotion) (support.apple.com) |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits peak (outdoor) (support.apple.com) |
| Display Features | Always-On display, Dynamic Island, HDR, True Tone (support.apple.com) |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto (support.apple.com) |
| Zoom Capability | 3× optical zoom, up to 15× digital zoom (support.apple.com) |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps, Dolby Vision, ProRes (support.apple.com) |
| Front Camera | 12MP (TrueDepth) |
| Battery Capacity | ~4323–4441 mAh (estimated) |
| Battery Life | Up to 29 hours video playback (support.apple.com) |
| Charging | Fast charging (≈50% in 30–35 min), MagSafe wireless (support.apple.com) |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (support.apple.com) |
| Build Material | Stainless steel frame + Ceramic Shield glass (support.apple.com) |
| Weight | 240g (support.apple.com) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 6m for 30 min) (support.apple.com) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Security | Face ID |
| Ports | Lightning |
| Colors | Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple (support.apple.com) |
| Special Features | Dynamic Island, Always-On Display, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite (Apple) |
Price
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Positioned as a budget flagship option >>Compare deals on the iPhone 14 Pro Max price page
Why We Picked It
Perfect for users who want flagship experience at a reduced cost. >>Check details on the iPhone 14 Pro Max product page
Best Mobile Phone – Apple iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e is designed for users who want a reliable smartphone at an affordable price. It handles everyday tasks smoothly and delivers great value.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| More affordable entry into iPhone 16 lineup | 60Hz display (no ProMotion) |
| Solid performance with A17 chip | No telephoto lens (limited zoom) |
| Lightweight and easy to handle (6.1") | Lower RAM vs Pro models (6GB) |
| Good main camera (48MP) | Weaker battery compared to Pro Max models |
| USB-C support (modern connectivity) | No premium materials like titanium |
| Reliable iOS ecosystem + long updates | Fewer AI features vs Pro models |
| Decent battery for everyday use | Display brightness lower than Pro models |
| Clean, minimal design | MagSafe / charging features slightly limited |
Specs & Configurations
| Category | Details |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Operating System | iOS 18 (upgradable to newer versions) |
| Chipset / Processor | Apple A17 (efficient version, slightly under Pro models) |
| CPU | 6-core (performance + efficiency cores) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (slightly reduced vs Pro models) |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch OLED (Super Retina XDR) |
| Resolution | ~2532 × 1170 pixels (~460 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz (no ProMotion) |
| Brightness | Up to ~1200–1600 nits peak |
| Display Features | HDR, True Tone |
| Rear Cameras | Dual camera: 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide |
| Zoom Capability | Up to 2× optical (sensor crop), digital zoom supported |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps, Dolby Vision |
| Front Camera | 12MP (TrueDepth) |
| Battery Capacity | ~3500–3700 mAh (estimated) |
| Battery Life | Up to ~20–23 hours video playback |
| Charging | USB-C fast charging, wireless charging (limited MagSafe support) |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Build Material | Aluminum frame + glass back |
| Weight | ~170–180g |
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth |
| Security | Face ID |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, Pink (varies by region) |
| Special Features | Dynamic Island (simplified), basic Apple Intelligence support |
Price
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Falls into the budget-friendly smartphone category >>See current pricing on the iPhone 16e price page
Why We Picked It
Best choice for users who want a cheap but reliable smartphone. >>Explore more on the iPhone 16e product page
Best iPhone – Apple iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro delivers flagship performance in a compact design, making it ideal for users who prefer smaller phones.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful A18 Pro chip (top-tier performance) | Expensive for a non-Max model |
| More compact than Pro Max (6.3") — easier to use | Battery smaller than Pro Max |
| Excellent triple camera system (incl. 48MP ultra-wide) | No major design overhaul vs 15 Pro |
| 5× optical zoom (same as Pro Max) | Charging speed still behind Android rivals |
| Smooth 120Hz ProMotion + Always-On display | No fingerprint sensor (Face ID only) |
| Premium titanium build (lighter & durable) | Base storage still starts at 128GB |
| Great for video (4K 120fps, ProRes) | Incremental upgrade year-over-year |
| USB-C + improved thermals for gaming | Still relatively bulky vs standard iPhone 16 |
Specs & Configurations
| Category | Details |
| Release Year | 2024 |
| Operating System | iOS 18 (upgradable to newer versions) |
| Chipset / Processor | Apple A18 Pro (3nm architecture) |
| CPU | 6-core (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores) |
| GPU | Apple custom GPU (enhanced ray tracing & AI performance) |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Display Size | 6.3-inch OLED (Super Retina XDR) |
| Resolution | ~2622 × 1206 pixels (~460 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120Hz (ProMotion) |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits peak (outdoor) |
| Display Features | Always-On display, HDR, True Tone, Dynamic Island |
| Rear Cameras | Triple camera system: 48MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto |
| Zoom Capability | 5× optical zoom (tetraprism telephoto) |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 120fps, Dolby Vision, ProRes |
| Front Camera | 12MP (TrueDepth) |
| Battery Capacity | ~3500–3600 mAh (estimated) |
| Battery Life | Up to ~27 hours video playback |
| Charging | Fast charging, MagSafe wireless charging |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Build Material | Titanium frame + Ceramic Shield front |
| Weight | ~199g |
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
| Security | Face ID |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Colors | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium |
| Special Features | Action Button, Apple Intelligence support, improved thermal design |
Price
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Premium pricing, slightly below Pro Max >>Compare offers on the iPhone 16 Pro price comparison page
Why We Picked It
Best option for users who want power in a smaller form factor. >>Learn more via the iPhone 16 Pro product page
Best Premium Cell Phone – Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| A17 Pro chip delivers top-tier performance (especially for gaming & AI) | Battery life only average for a flagship (vs Pro Max) |
| Lightweight titanium design (187g) — much easier to handle (support.apple.com) | Only 3× optical zoom (weaker than Pro Max 5×) |
| Excellent triple camera system (48MP main) | Charging speed still slower than many Android rivals |
| USB-C with fast data transfer (USB 3) | Expensive at launch |
| 120Hz ProMotion + Always-On display | No fingerprint sensor (Face ID only) |
| Great for video (ProRes, Dolby Vision) | Incremental upgrade vs iPhone 14 Pro |
| Action Button adds customization (Apple) | Can heat up under heavy gaming (user feedback) (Reddit) |
| Future-ready AI features (Apple Intelligence support) | Smaller battery vs larger iPhones |
Specs & Configurations
| Category | Details |
| Release Year | 2023 (support.apple.com) |
| Operating System | iOS 17 (upgradable to newer versions) |
| Chipset / Processor | Apple A17 Pro (3nm architecture) (support.apple.com) |
| CPU | 6-core (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores) (support.apple.com) |
| GPU | 6-core Apple GPU with ray tracing (support.apple.com) |
| Neural Engine | 16-core Neural Engine (support.apple.com) |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch OLED (Super Retina XDR) (support.apple.com) |
| Resolution | 2556 × 1179 pixels (~460 ppi) (support.apple.com) |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120Hz (ProMotion) (support.apple.com) |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits peak (outdoor) (support.apple.com) |
| Display Features | Always-On display, Dynamic Island, HDR, True Tone |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto (support.apple.com) |
| Zoom Capability | 3× optical zoom, up to 15× digital zoom (support.apple.com) |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps, ProRes, Dolby Vision (support.apple.com) |
| Front Camera | 12MP (TrueDepth) (support.apple.com) |
| Battery Life | Up to ~23 hours video playback (support.apple.com) |
| Charging | USB-C fast charging, MagSafe wireless charging (support.apple.com) |
| Storage Options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (support.apple.com) |
| Build Material | Titanium frame + Ceramic Shield front (Apple) |
| Weight | 187g (support.apple.com) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 6m for 30 min) (support.apple.com) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Security | Face ID |
| Ports | USB-C (USB 3 up to 10Gbps transfer speed) (support.apple.com) |
| Colors | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium (support.apple.com) |
| Special Features | Action Button, Apple Intelligence support (via updates), satellite SOS |
Price
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Competitive premium smartphone pricing >>Check deals on the iPhone 15 Pro price page
Why We Picked It
Chosen for users who want a premium yet compact flagship experience. >>View more on the iPhone 15 Pro listing
Best Smartphone for Most People – Apple iPhone 16
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful A18 chip, smooth daily performance | Lacks advanced ProRAW and telephoto camera (weaker than Pro models) |
| Good dual-camera system with Spatial Photo/Video support | Screen refresh rate only 60Hz, no Always-On Display |
| Bright, vibrant display with accurate colors | Some users may find new Action Button & Camera Control buttons unfamiliar |
| Lightweight design, multiple vibrant colors | Battery may be insufficient for heavy users |
| Solid battery life for typical daily use | USB-C port is limited to slower transfer speeds (USB 2.0 standard) |
| Supports latest iOS and Apple Intelligence features | Apple’s smart features are not yet highly innovative or mature |
| More affordable than Pro models, good value | Relative price still high; limited upgrade over previous model |
Specs & Configurations
| Category | Details |
| Model Name | Apple iPhone 16 |
| Release Date | September 20, 2024 (Wikipedia) |
| Operating System | iOS 18 (upgradable) (Wikipedia) |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) (Wikipedia) |
| CPU | Hexa‑core (2× high‑performance, 4× efficiency) (Latest Smartphone and Tech Updates) |
| GPU | Apple designed GPU (5‑core) (Latest Smartphone and Tech Updates) |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB LPDDR5X (Wikipedia) |
| Storage Options | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB NVMe (Wikipedia) |
| Display | 6.1‑inch Super Retina XDR OLED, ~2,556 × 1,179 px, ~460 ppi (Wikipedia) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz (TechSpot) |
| Rear Cameras | 48 MP (main) + 12 MP (ultrawide) (Wikipedia) |
| Front Camera | 12 MP (Wikipedia) |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60 fps, HDR, Dolby Vision (Latest Smartphone and Tech Updates) |
| Battery | Approx. 3561 mAh Li‑ion (Latest Smartphone and Tech Updates) |
| Charging | USB‑C, MagSafe (25 W), Qi2 (15 W) (Latest Smartphone and Tech Updates) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Ultra Wideband (Wikipedia) |
| Biometrics | Face ID (Wikipedia) |
| Buttons/Controls | Action Button + Camera Control button (The Verge) |
| Durability | IP68 dust/water resistance & Ceramic Shield glass (Latest Smartphone and Tech Updates) |
| Colors | Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, Black, White (Wikipedia) |
| Size & Weight | ~147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm; ~170 g (Wikipedia) |
| Satellite SOS | Emergency SOS via satellite (Latest Smartphone and Tech Updates) |
Price
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Positioned in the mid-range flagship segment >>See deals on the iPhone 16 price comparison page
Why We Picked It
Best overall choice for users seeking value and performance balance. >>Explore details on the iPhone 16 product page
Best iPhone to Buy – Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent large 6.7″ OLED display with high brightness and great color accuracy, ideal for media and reading (Apple Support) | No ProMotion (120 Hz) refresh rate — some users note animations feel less smooth compared with Pro models (Reddit) |
| Strong performance with the A18 chip and long future software support (Apple Support) | Heavier and larger compared with standard models, may feel bulky in pocket or hand (Reddit) |
| Excellent battery life — among the best in Apple’s lineup (up to ~27 hrs video) (Apple) | Camera system is capable but lacks some Pro‑level zoom and sensors compared to Pro/Pro Max (Apple Support) |
| Durable build with IP68 water/dust resistance (Apple Support) | Dual eSIM only — no physical SIM slot can be inconvenient for some travelers (Apple Support) |
| Solid camera quality with versatile photo and video modes (Apple Support) | Some users feel the 60 Hz refresh rate feels dated vs smoother Android competitors (Reddit) |
| 5G, Wi‑Fi 7, and latest connectivity features included (Apple Support) | Less buzz and accessory support compared to Pro models — fewer case options reported by users (Reddit) |
Specs & Configurations
| Category | Details |
| Release Year | 2024 (Apple Support) |
| Design & Build | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, color‑infused glass back (Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine) (Apple Support) |
| Dimensions / Weight | 160.9 mm × 77.8 mm × 7.80 mm; 199 g (Apple Support) |
| Display | 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED, 2796 × 1290 (460 ppi), Dynamic Island, True Tone, HDR, 2000 nits peak brightness (outdoor) (Apple Support) |
| Processor (Chip) | A18 chip with 6‑core CPU, 5‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine (Apple Support) |
| Operating System | iOS (latest version) (Apple Support) |
| Storage Options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB (Apple Support) |
| Rear Camera System | Dual cameras: 48 MP Fusion Main + 12 MP 2× Telephoto + 12 MP Ultra Wide; up to 10× digital zoom; sensor‑shift OIS (Apple Support) |
| Front Camera (TrueDepth) | 12 MP with autofocus, Portrait mode, 4K Dolby Vision video (Apple Support) |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/30/60 fps, Cinematic mode, Action mode up to 2.8K (Apple Support) |
| Battery & Charging | Up to 27 hrs video playback; Fast charging (50% in ~30 min with 20W+); MagSafe & Qi2 wireless charging (Apple Support) |
| Water / Dust Resistance | IP68 (up to 6 m for 30 min) (Apple Support) |
| Connectivity | 5G (sub‑6 & mmWave), Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Dual eSIM (Apple Support) |
| Location / Sensors | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS/BeiDou, digital compass, Face ID, barometer, accelerometer, proximity, ambient light sensors (Apple Support) |
| Ports & Buttons | USB‑C, Action Button, volume, side button, Camera Control button (Apple Support) |
| Audio | Spatial audio playback, stereo speakers, audio zoom (Apple Support) |
| SIM Support | Dual eSIM (no physical SIM) (Apple Support) |
Price
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Excellent value for a large-screen smartphone >>Compare prices on the iPhone 16 Plus price page
Why We Picked It
Best pick for users who want a big screen without Pro pricing. >>View full details on the iPhone 16 Plus product page
Conclusion
The best smartphones in 2026 deliver powerful performance, excellent cameras, and strong value. Whether premium or budget, these top iPhones represent the best choices in today’s mobile phone market.