Which iPhone Should I Buy?
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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.
Specs from Apple.com · Market prices are not stored on this page; check live listings before deciding
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Answer five quick questions and our quiz matches your budget and priorities to a specific model.
Take the iPhone quiz →Choose by budget
The fastest way to decide is to start with what you'll spend. Market prices are not stored on this page; check live listings before deciding.
| Budget | Buy this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Refurbished option | Refurbished iPhone 13 | Modern design, Face ID, capable camera, current iOS |
| Refurbished with USB-C | Refurbished iPhone 15 | USB-C, Dynamic Island, 48MP main camera |
| Current entry-level model | iPhone 17e | OLED, USB-C, Face ID |
| Current standard model | iPhone 17 | ProMotion 120Hz, A19 chip |
| Current Pro model | iPhone 18 Pro | Variable-aperture camera, A20 Pro, 36h battery — same size as 17 Pro |
| Largest current slab | iPhone 18 Pro Max | 6.9" screen, 45h video playback |
| Foldable | iPhone Duo | 7.6" inner screen; 117.8 × 84.1 × 11.3mm folded |
Choose by what you do
You mostly text, call, and scroll. You do not need a flagship. The iPhone 17e covers casual use, while a refurbished iPhone 15 adds Dynamic Island and a 48MP main camera; compare condition, battery health, warranty, and current offers.
You take a lot of photos. The jump that matters is the telephoto lens and, on the 18 Pro models, variable aperture. Compare the iPhone 18 Pro with refurbished 16 Pro listings. See the best iPhone for photography.
You game or stream for hours. You want a 120Hz screen and a big battery. The iPhone 17 has ProMotion; the iPhone 18 Pro Max is rated 45 hours of video. See the best iPhone for gaming.
Battery is your top worry. Compare Apple's battery ratings for the iPhone 18 Pro Max (45h) and iPhone 16 Plus, then check refurbished 16 Plus listings. See the best iPhone for battery life.
You want a foldable. The iPhone Duo is 84.1mm wide and 254g folded — not a compact phone. It opens to a 7.6" inner display.
You want something small. The smallest new iPhone is the iPhone 17e (146.7 mm). For a compact phone that is easy to use one-handed, compare 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.
Start with the feature you need
Use this shortlist to identify models with a required feature, then compare like-for-like live offers. A refurbished option is only better value when condition, storage, battery policy, warranty, and returns also line up.
| You want… | Current-line option | Refurbished shortlist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level daily use | iPhone 17e | iPhone SE or iPhone 13 |
| USB-C charging | iPhone 17e | iPhone 15 |
| A telephoto / zoom lens | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro or 16 Pro |
| 120Hz ProMotion display | iPhone 17 | iPhone 14 Pro or 15 Pro |
| Always-on display | iPhone 17 | iPhone 14 Pro or 15 Pro |
| A 6.9-inch screen | iPhone 18 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| A 7.6-inch inner screen | iPhone Duo | No slab equivalent |
| Compact dimensions | iPhone 17e (6.1-inch display) | iPhone 13 mini (5.4-inch display) |
| Long battery rating | iPhone 18 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Plus |
Once you've picked, here's where to buy
Buy refurbished & save
Compare condition grades, battery health, warranty, and return terms at Back Market.
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Cases & accessories
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New or refurbished?
The new-versus-refurbished decision can matter as much as the model. An iPhone one or two generations back can run current iOS, and a reputable seller may provide grading, testing, and a warranty. Compare the specific condition, battery health, warranty, and return terms.
Buy new if you want the newest chip 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 is a balanced choice: an A19 chip, 120Hz ProMotion, and a 48MP camera. The iPhone 17e covers core needs in a simpler new model. For serious photography, consider the iPhone 17 Pro; for a refurbished option, compare the iPhone 15 or 13 by condition, battery health, and warranty.
What is the cheapest iPhone worth buying?
For the lowest current new-device price, compare the iPhone 17e's live listing (OLED, USB-C, Face ID). Refurbished iPhone 13 and iPhone SE listings can cost less; compare condition, battery health, and warranty.
Is it better to buy a new or refurbished iPhone?
Buy new for the latest chip and Apple’s warranty. Consider refurbished if you are comfortable comparing condition, battery health, seller warranty, and return terms. A model one or two generations back can still run current iOS; compare the specific offer before buying.
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.