Which iPhone Should I Buy?
Apple sells eight different iPhones right now, and they overlap more than the marketing suggests. This guide narrows it down in two ways: by what you can spend, and by what you actually do with your phone. There's also a table of the cheapest iPhone that has each feature you might be holding out for.
Data last updated June 2, 2026 · Specs from Apple.com · Prices are June 2026 estimates
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The fastest way to decide is to start with what you'll spend. Prices are June 2026 estimates for new models; refurbished costs less.
| Budget | Buy this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under $350 | Refurbished iPhone 13 | Modern design, Face ID, great camera, runs current iOS |
| $400–$550 | Refurbished iPhone 15 | USB-C, Dynamic Island, 48MP camera for far less than new |
| $599 new | iPhone 16e | Cheapest current iPhone — OLED, USB-C, Face ID |
| $799 new | iPhone 17 | The all-rounder — ProMotion 120Hz, newest A19 chip |
| $999 new | iPhone 17 Pro | Telephoto zoom, best video, pro camera in a standard size |
| $1,199 new | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Biggest 6.9" screen and the longest battery of any iPhone |
Choose by what you do
You mostly text, call, and scroll. You don't need a flagship. The iPhone 16e at $599 does everything a casual user wants, and a refurbished iPhone 15 does it for less. Save the difference.
You take a lot of photos. The jump that matters is the telephoto lens. Only Pro models have one, so the iPhone 17 Pro ($999) is the pick, or a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro / 16 Pro for a few hundred less. See the best iPhone for photography.
You game or stream for hours. You want a 120Hz screen and a big battery. The iPhone 17 ($799) has ProMotion; the iPhone 17 Pro Max ($1,199) adds the best thermals and 39 hours of video playback. See the best iPhone for gaming.
Battery is your top worry. The iPhone 17 Pro Max lasts longest at 39 hours of video, but the iPhone 16 Plus (refurbished) gets you most of the way for far less. See the best iPhone for battery life.
You want something small. The smallest new iPhone is the iPhone 16e (146.7 mm). For a genuinely compact phone, buy a refurbished iPhone 13 mini (131.5 mm). See the best small iPhone.
It's for an older parent or a child. Simplicity and durability win over specs. See best iPhone for seniors and best iPhone for kids.
The cheapest iPhone with each feature
If you're holding out for one specific feature, this is the least you can spend to get it. Refurbished is almost always the cheaper route.
| You want… | Cheapest new | Cheaper refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| The lowest price, period | iPhone 16e — $599 | iPhone SE ~$180 · iPhone 13 ~$330 |
| USB-C charging | iPhone 16e — $599 | iPhone 15 ~$480 |
| A telephoto / zoom lens | iPhone 17 Pro — $999 | iPhone 15 Pro / 16 Pro ~$650–800 |
| 120Hz ProMotion display | iPhone 17 — $799 | iPhone 14 Pro / 15 Pro ~$600–750 |
| Always-on display | iPhone 17 — $799 | iPhone 14 Pro / 15 Pro ~$600–750 |
| The biggest screen (6.9") | iPhone 17 Pro Max — $1,199 | iPhone 16 Pro Max refurb ~$900 |
| The smallest size | iPhone 16e — $599 (6.1") | iPhone 13 mini ~$330 (5.4") |
| The best battery life | iPhone 17 Pro Max — $1,199 (39h) | iPhone 16 Plus refurb (27h) |
Once you've picked, here's where to buy
New or refurbished?
This decision saves more money than which model you pick. A refurbished iPhone from one or two generations back runs the same iOS as a new one, costs 30–50% less, and — from a reputable seller — comes graded, tested, and warrantied.
Buy new if you want the newest chip, the longest update runway, and Apple's own warranty. Buy refurbished if value is the priority. For most people on a budget, a refurbished previous-generation iPhone is the smarter buy. Our refurbished iPhone guide covers grades, sellers, and what to check.
Still not sure? Pick the guide that fits you
FAQ
Which iPhone should I buy in 2026?
For most people the iPhone 17 ($799) is the right buy — A19 chip, 120Hz ProMotion, 48MP camera, no Pro premium. On a tight budget, the iPhone 16e at $599 covers the essentials. For serious photography, step up to the iPhone 17 Pro ($999). To spend the least, buy a refurbished iPhone 15 or 13.
What is the cheapest iPhone worth buying?
The cheapest new iPhone is the iPhone 16e at $599 (OLED, USB-C, Face ID). You can spend far less refurbished: a certified iPhone 13 runs around $330 and an iPhone SE around $180, both with warranties.
Is it better to buy a new or refurbished iPhone?
Buy new for the latest chip, the longest update runway, and Apple's warranty. Buy refurbished if value matters most — a model one or two generations back costs 30–50% less while running the same iOS. For budget buyers, refurbished wins.
Should I wait for the iPhone 18?
If you need a phone now, buy now. The iPhone 18 is expected around September 2026. Waiting only makes sense if you specifically want next-gen features and can go months without an upgrade.
Compare any two models side by side
Once you've narrowed it to two, see every spec measured against each other.