These are the iPhone models that are rated as the best according to each criterion such as battery, screen, camera.
Rumors and leaks about the iPhone 16 have been piling up in recent months, but something much more important is on the horizon: iOS 18. A beta is available for developers now, and the full update is expected to launch this fall with the iPhone 16.
And you won't need a new iPhone to download it, all you need is an iPhone XS or newer. From the looks of it, you'll get a ton of cool home screen customization options, a redesigned photo gallery, and much better messaging with Android devices.
It’s also worth noting that when the iPhone 16 comes out in the fall, the prices of previous iPhone models will likely drop. If you’re looking to buy a new phone, now might be a good time. Here are the best iPhones by each criterion, as rated by The Verge:
iPhone 15: The best standard iPhone
The base iPhone 15 features an A16 chip, a 6.1-inch display, a USB-C port, and a 48-megapixel main camera, with storage configurations starting at 128GB.
The iPhone 15 is a remix of features from previous-generation Pro models like Dynamic Island and the A16 Bionic chip, adding some unique touches with a new high-resolution image sensor and a USB-C port. The iPhone 15 isn't exactly new, but it's a solid step up from the iPhone 14. It's exactly the kind of update you'd expect from a standard iPhone.
The 48-megapixel sensor on the 15 and 15 Plus is new, but physically smaller than the one used on the Pro line. And the iPhone 15 still has a standard 60Hz display in a year when most mid-range Android phones have at least 90Hz screens.
There's a lot about the iPhone Pro that won't be available on the iPhone 15, but what you do get is very appealing, especially if you're upgrading from an iPhone 11 or 12. The new camera's 2x optical zoom is a great option for portraits, and Dynamic Island is useful for bringing important information to the top of the screen when you need it.
Switching to USB-C can be a bit of a pain when it comes to organizing your charging cables, but it will be a significantly positive change in the long run.
If you’re the type of person who wants the most performance out of their phone, you’ll want to consider the Pro models. But if you just want an iPhone that’ll last you all day, take great photos, and last for years to come, the iPhone 15 is your best bet.
iPhone 15 Pro: The best premium iPhone
The iPhone 15 Pro features a lighter titanium case, a faster USB-C port with 3.0 speeds, improved cameras, a customizable Action Mode button that replaces the old ring/mute button, and thinner bezels around the 6.1-inch display.
There's a lot that's new on the iPhone 15 Pro, and there isn't much else. Like the 14 Pro, it has a 6.1-inch ProMotion display, triple rear cameras with Dynamic Island, and an always-on display.
But pick up the 15 Pro and you'll immediately notice that this is a very different device. It's 19 grams lighter than the 14 Pro, so it's significantly easier to hold, and the edges are gently curved for a more comfortable grip.
Inside, the new A17 Pro chipset lets you play AAA games on your phone, and Apple's upcoming Intelligence Platform experience is coming. There are some great camera improvements, including two new 28mm and 35mm "lenses" for the main camera to complement the 3x telephoto lens (about 77mm).
Like the 15 and 15 Plus, you can also apply Portrait Mode to photos after they've been taken. Videographers will also appreciate access to a new ProRes Log recording option that makes it easy to combine iPhone footage into multi-camera shoots.
Those are some powerful new features, the iPhone 15 Pro is worth the extra money over the standard 15 if you value customization and versatility from your device, more customization with the action button, and you'll take advantage of the additional camera options.
