Apple’s latest iPhone 17 lineup and the slim iPhone Air are now available globally. These models substitute the iPhone 16 lineup as Apple’s flagship phones. After testing and reviewing the iPhone Air along with the powerful iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max and have included them in the picks for the top iPhone. It provides an impressive array of features for its cost. With the iPhone 16E and older iPhone 16 also available, buyers have several choices.

Factors to Consider When Buying a New iPhone

Hold the iPhone first: You may love or hate how it seems and feels in your hand.

Don’t discount previous year’s model: Apple often keeps the latest iPhones available at lower costs. The iPhone 16 has a strong camera and large battery, providing excellent value.

Buy a case and screen protector: Protecting your device minimizes expensive damage and maintains resale or trade-in value.

Know what matters most: Is it screen size, camera, or battery? Devices such as the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max have excellent cameras that almost competes the quality from a DSLR.

Look for holiday discounts: Seek deals on events such as Amazon Prime Day and Cyber Monday. Also, check the return or exchange grace period before buying.

How iPhone Models Are Tested

Every iPhone is tested in real-world scenarios, examining features, design, performance, camera, battery, and overall value. Reviews are updated periodically to showcase latest iOS versions or comparisons with competitors like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. Photography is a major focus that includes testing the latest camera modes such as the 4K 120fps slow motion video launched with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.

Battery Performance

Battery testing includes daily use, media streaming, video calls, gaming, and video playback tests, as well as a 45-minute drain test from full charge. Benchmark apps evaluate processing performance, graphics, and animations. Evaluate how smoothly the phone swaps between orientations and how fast the camera introduces. Processor-heavy activities such as editing photos and videos or gaming help to find if upgrading to a latest iPhone is worth it. Some outcomes are added later as updates following primary reviews are out.

Older iPhone Models Still Relevant

Although Apple no longer sells the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro, these variants are still available from carriers and third-party retailers. The iPhone 15 Pro shows a 6.1-inch adaptive-refresh rate screen (1–120Hz), advanced cameras, a better processor, always-on display, iOS 18, and features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS through Satellite. The phone is powered by Apple’s A17 Pro chip, which performs efficiently.

Key Terms

eSIM: An eSIM stores all account data, that includes phone number, carrier, and subscription, digitally rather than deploying a physical SIM card. Since the iPhone 14 series, Apple no longer has a physical SIM card slot in the US. This enables users to transfer their current provider easily. Apple has supported eSIM since the 2018 iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR.

iOS 26: Apple’s iOS 26 launches animations with comic book-style features. “Every time I unlock my phone, the apps delightfully assemble on the home screen like the five lion robots uniting together to become Voltron.” The lock screen clock extends around your chosen image like “ Mr. Fantastic,” and the Control Center pulls down “as if we were stretching a piece of taffy.” The Liquid Glass interface offers the iPhone a modern, slick, candy-like presence. iOS 26 also includes gems like background photos for group chats and the latest Hold Assist tool for phone calls.

FAQs:

Q1: What is the iPhone 17 series?
The iPhone 17 series is Apple’s recent flagship smartphone series in 2025, including the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. These gadgets feature upgraded cameras, processors, and software advancements.

Q2: What is the iPhone Air?
The iPhone Air is a lightweight, thin model with a smaller form factor. It provides essential features for users who require portability and style.