Summary
2025?">Which iPhone to buy in May 2025?Like every year, Apple releases its new iPhones. The latest are the iPhone 16, but the differences are so minimal compared to some previous generation models that it's worth taking a closer look at the benefits of buying an older model. We'll help you navigate this ocean of references to choose the best iPhone for you.
Which iPhone to buy in May 2025?
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 14 Plus
Apple iPhone 16: a good basic for the years to come
The iPhone 16 benefits from titanic battery life, exemplary OS stability and Premium finishes. The new features of iOS 18 and its customization options add a fresh feel to this version, as does the new camera button. Photo quality is good, videos are excellent, and the new A18 chip runs Apple Intelligence perfectly. The compromises of the iPhone 16 are its average brightness, its 60 Hz display, the lack of a telephoto lens, and slow charging.
Despite these concessions, we recommend the iPhone 16, which remains a safe bet, but not for everyone. Indeed, it is particularly suitable for those who have an iPhone 12 or older and are looking for a long-term investment in a reliable smartphone. Without shaking up the formula of the iPhone 15, Apple therefore offers an iPhone 16 that is solid on its feet. Those who like big screens and want a little more battery life can also consider the iPhone 16 Plus.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: the ultimate Apple smartphone
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max stand out with notable technical advances, such as its high-performance A18 Pro chip, a larger screen than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, thinner bezels, and a (moderate) improvement to the camera unit. Video features remain a strong point for Apple, and this new model also runs cooler than the previous generation. Despite these improvements, we were disappointed on several points: a limited number of new features compared to the iPhone 15 Pro and a charging speed that is far too slow for a smartphone of this caliber.
Like the regular iPhone 16, we mainly recommend the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max to users who have older devices (four years or more). For those with a newer model, the innovations offered do not necessarily justify the investment. Until the release of the iPhone 17, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains Apple's best smartphone to date. Those who want a more compact (but slightly less durable) model will turn to the iPhone 16 Pro.
Apple iPhone 16e: the brand's best value for money
The iPhone 16th is a good entry point into the Apple universe. It features the brand's essential elements: a neat finish, a compact size that feels comfortable in the hand, and in particular the A18 chip, which guarantees good software longevity and is compatible with new features in iOS 18, such as Apple Intelligence. If you're looking for a simple, reliable, and reasonably priced iPhone (compared to other iPhones), without completely sacrificing performance, this model could be the perfect fit.
That said, this choice is justified mainly by purely Apple logic. Faced with Android competition, the iPhone 16th suffers in several respects: a single camera sensor without an ultra-wide angle, decent battery life, but lacks vibrancy, and a 60 Hz screen that's starting to look dated. Compromises that are a blot on the sky at this price point. It remains a balanced device, solid on the essentials, and which will appeal to users who are not very attached to advanced options, but who want to remain in the Apple ecosystem.
Apple iPhone 15: still in the know and cheaper
The iPhone 15 was a turning point compared to the iPhone 14 in several ways. The first notable change comes from the main camera, which has gone from 12 to 48 megapixels. The arrival of USB-C to replace the Lightning port is also a welcome new feature. Although its screen is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, it incorporates features long reserved for high-end models, such as the "Dynamic Island" at the top of the screen.
All these developments make this model attractive to those looking for a modern iPhone without paying the high price of the Pro versions and who do not consider that the developments of the iPhone 16 are significant enough. The iPhone 15 may lack the titanium coating, tetraprismic lens, 120Hz display, and action button, but it still represents one of the most balanced products Apple has offered in a long time.
Apple iPhone 14 Plus: large and very durable
If you're looking for a large iPhone, but don't want to spend more than €500, we recommend looking at the iPhone 14 Plus. Although it doesn't have the USB-C connection and "Dynamic Island" of the iPhone 15 and 16, this 2022 model still has a few tricks up its sleeve. We're thinking in particular of its large 6.7-inch screen (but still at 60 Hz) and its XXL battery life which allows it to last for two days.
The two 12 MP wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle cameras don't make the iPhone 14 Plus a champion of versatility in terms of photography, but they take quality shots when the light is good. If your budget is below €600, the refurbished iPhone 15 Plus is waiting for you.
How to choose the right iPhone based on your needs
What is the latest iPhone released?
Introduced in 2025, the iPhone 16 Plus is Apple's latest iPhone. This is the brand's entry-level model, succeeding the aging iPhone SE from 2022. But the brand's latest high-end models, presented in September 2024, are the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
Why buy an iPhone?
iPhone users appreciate the synergy that exists between the brand's different devices, its stable, secure, and long-updated operating system, as well as the performance offered by the AX chips. iPhones are also very well known for the quality of the videos they are capable of capturing.
Which iPhone 16 should you choose?
The answer to this question will obviously depend on your budget and your needs. If you're allergic to large screens, you'll have to choose between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro, the latter being better equipped in terms of performance and camera. The logic is the same between the iPhone 16 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro Max if 6.7- and 6.9-inch screens don't scare you. The latest model, the iPhone 16e, also benefits from the same dimensions as the iPhone 16, making it a pleasant phone to hold in one hand.
Which refurbished iPhone should you choose in May 2025?
All iPhones in this selection are still officially sold on Apple's website, with the exception of the iPhone 14 Plus. This model is, in our opinion, the best refurbished iPhone in May 2025, for all the reasons mentioned above.
What is the cheapest iPhone?
The iPhone 16th is the cheapest smartphone sold by Apple on its official website. But at €719, it's hardly a "good deal" or an affordable smartphone. It remains, however, the only solution if you are looking for the cheapest iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence, which will become increasingly important in the brand's ecosystem.
What is the iPhone with the best value for money?
Despite its high price, the iPhone 16th is probably the Apple smartphone with the best value for money, provided that compatibility with a maximum of software features is your priority. If you don't care about Apple Intelligence, a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro will give you more leeway in terms of photography, but also a better screen.
What is the most reliable iPhone?
Apple is known for making reliable iPhones in both hardware and software. On the latter point, the brand generally supports its smartphones by updating them for 5 to 7 years to the latest versions of iOS. However, you may not benefit from all the new features, like Apple Intelligence, on older models. All iPhones are reliable, but the newer ones will logically age better.
What is the biggest iPhone?
The largest iPhone yet is the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with its 6.9-inch display. It measures 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm and weighs 227 g.
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