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CEO Tim Cook at an Apple store selling iPhone 16. Photo: Apple

CNET has just released the best iPhone models at the moment, after testing and evaluating.

At $599, the newly launched iPhone 16E becomes Apple's cheapest iPhone yet - although it's still quite a bit more expensive than truly budget smartphones (which typically cost under $500).

It has a single camera, the same processor as the iPhone 16, but the iPhone 16E lacks some of Apple's premium features like MagSafe.

At $799, the iPhone 16 is the next step up, featuring an ultra-wide camera, MagSafe, and new buttons to activate shortcuts like turning on the flashlight.

For $999, the iPhone 16 Pro gets a new display, upgraded main camera, and 5x optical zoom on both the Pro and Pro Max. Apple is also continuing to sell previous models, like the iPhone 15, at a lower price than when they launched.

Best Pick: iPhone 16

The best iPhone for most people is the $799 iPhone 16. It comes in two sizes: the standard 6.1-inch iPhone 16 or the 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus (starting at $899). Both have a new ultra-wide camera that takes better low-light photos and supports impressive macro shots.

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The iPhone 16 is still Apple's smallest, lightest and most pocketable modern phone. Photo: The Guardian

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus also come with a number of AI tools that help compose text, remove unwanted details from photos, and summarize messages and websites. The latest iOS 18.2 also integrates ChatGPT into Siri.

In addition, the device has an Action button, which can be customized to turn on the flashlight, record audio, change focus mode...; the new Camera Control button helps to quickly adjust the zoom, Portrait mode and activate Visual Intelligence, providing information about the subject in the frame - similar to Google Lens.

Even without an always-on display and slow wired charging speeds, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are still great options with strong performance.

Top pick: iPhone 16 Pro

The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max offer significant improvements, including: Larger displays (6.3 inches for the Pro, 6.9 inches for the Pro Max); longer battery life; improved cameras with high-resolution slow-motion recording; Camera Control buttons and enhanced Apple Intelligence tools.

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The iPhone 16 Pro Max (left) is quite a bit larger than the iPhone 16 Pro (right), but both have the same quality screen. Photo: The Guardian

The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max share the same camera system – unlike the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max before it. So if you’re deciding between the two, consider screen size, battery life, and price.

On the downside, the iPhone 16 Pro only has 128GB of storage for a starting price of $1,000, the colors aren't very vibrant, and the Camera Control button isn't always the best way to take photos. But if you can afford it, it's still an iPhone worth owning.

Best choice if you're using an iPhone 11 or earlier: iPhone 16E

Priced at $599, the iPhone 16E combines components and features from previous generations, including: Design and screen similar to iPhone 14; A18 chip similar to iPhone 16; Single camera, no MagSafe.

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iPhone 16E. Photo: PCmag

If you're using an iPhone SE, iPhone 11, or earlier, the iPhone 16E will be a significant upgrade in performance, battery life, and cameras (though it lacks an ultra-wide camera). It's also a good option if you're switching from Android to iPhone.

To save more money, look for discounts, promotions, or installment plans.

Best iPhone under $700: iPhone 15

With the launch of the iPhone 16, Apple has reduced the price of the iPhone 15 to $699 - a $100 reduction from the original price. And the price may continue to drop in the future.

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iPhone 15. Photo: PCmag

In terms of equipment, the iPhone 15 has Dynamic Island, a convenient USB-C charging port, a high-resolution camera with sharp digital zoom, and a powerful A16 Bionic chip.

The device comes in two sizes: 6.1 inches (iPhone 15) and 6.7 inches (iPhone 15 Plus). In addition, it is also equipped with a second-generation ultra wideband chip, making it easy to locate friends or family members in a crowd.

If you're using an iPhone that's a few years old, the iPhone 15 is still a worthy upgrade.

Other iPhones

Apple no longer sells the iPhone 15 Pro officially, but users can still find it at carriers or third-party stores.

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iPhone 15 Pro. Photo: Future

This is still a good phone in 2025, with features: 120Hz ProMotion always-on display, high-quality camera, powerful A17 Pro chip. In addition, it is also equipped with safety features such as Crash Detection & Emergency SOS via satellite.

If you can find the iPhone 15 Pro at a good price, it's still a great option for 2025.

If you want more new features, wait until September to choose the iPhone 17 series including: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and the super-thin iPhone 17 Air, with many new upgrades, especially the Pro models.

Watch the iPhone 17 Pro Max concept video (Source: Asher Dipprey):

(According to CNET)

iPhone 17 is revealed to have high-end features from the Pro line Normally, only the Pro models are equipped with high-end features. However, the upcoming iPhone 17 is said to have a feature that has never appeared on the standard line.