Compare Apple iPhones
Choosing an iPhone isn't a matter of new or old, but of what you use it for. Apple sells multiple generations side by side: Pro models for those who take photos and videos, all-around models that are more than enough for most people, an ultra-thin model, a foldable iPhone, and affordable entry-level models. Below, you can compare all iPhones side by side, independently, and with current prices from dozens of online stores and carriers. Prefer to save money without compromising? Then check out the refurbished iPhones. Click through to the series or model that suits you; there you can compare versions and prices by provider.
4 products
iPhone 18 Series
Refurbished iPhones
2 products
iPhone Pro models
Inexpensive iPhones
All Apple iPhones
Which iPhone is right for you?
Every model in this overview runs the same version of iOS, receives updates for years, and works with the same apps and accessories. The differences come down to three things: how good the camera needs to be, what size and weight you prefer, and how much you want to spend.
How do iPhones really differ?
- iPhone Pro models: three 48MP cameras with a telephoto lens, the fastest chip, and the largest batteries; the iPhone 18 Pro adds a variable aperture that lets you control depth of field and light intake yourself.
- iPhone 17: the all-rounder: 120Hz display, dual 48MP camera, and the same updates as the Pro, without a telephoto lens and without the Pro price tag.
- iPhone 17e and iPhone 16: the entry-level models: everything you need for daily use (Face ID, USB-C, a good main camera), with a simpler display or a chip from the previous generation.
- iPhone Air: the thinnest and lightest iPhone in the lineup (5.6 mm), with a large screen; in exchange, you sacrifice battery life and zoom capabilities.
- iPhone Duo: the foldable iPhone: compact when folded, with a screen nearly tablet-sized when unfolded, featuring Touch ID instead of Face ID.
What you don’t need to worry about: Every iPhone in this overview has Face ID or Touch ID, USB-C, MagSafe, and at least five years of iOS updates from launch (which is the minimum at Apple). So there’s no such thing as the “wrong” iPhone; it’s all about finding the one that fits your needs.
Which iPhone is right for whom?
Choose a Pro model if you take a lot of photos or videos and want to use optical zoom.
Choose the iPhone 17 if you simply want the best iPhone for most people.
Choose the 17th or iPhone 16 if a full-featured iPhone doesn’t have to be expensive for you.
Choose the iPhone Air if a thin and light design is more important to you than battery life and zoom.
Choose the iPhone Duo if you want a large screen without having to carry a bulky phone in your pocket.
Pro or standard: what do you really need?
Now that even the standard model has a 120Hz display, the Pro has become a choice for specific needs. Three questions will help you decide. Do you zoom in often? The Pro models have a telephoto lens for optical zoom without any loss of quality; a standard iPhone zooms digitally and sacrifices detail in the process. Do you shoot a lot of video or do heavy editing? The Pro chip and larger battery can handle that for longer. Do you want the most premium build quality and the thinnest bezels? That’s also Pro territory. If you answer “no” to all three, you’ll be paying for features on the Pro that you won’t use.
Latest generation or a year older?
A previous-generation iPhone is often the smart buy: the same updates, the same apps, and usually a lower price. Just don’t count on it blindly: Apple sometimes keeps older models at the same price or even raises them when a new generation is released. So always compare the current prices in the overview above with those of the Latest series before making your choice.
Refurbished iPhones: good for your budget and the planet
If you find a new iPhone too expensive, a refurbished iPhone is the smartest choice. These aren’t used phones from a private seller, but professionally refurbished units.
A refurbished iPhone is inspected on 50 points, cleaned, and, where necessary, fitted with new parts, such as a battery or screen. You get a device that technically works like new for a fraction of the new price; the savings amount to 40%. The sellers in our comparison tool offer a standard 2-year warranty, and you help reduce e-waste.
