Best iPhone 2026: Every Model Ranked and Picked by Use Case
Apple's 2025 lineup is the best the iPhone family has ever been — and the most fragmented. Three of the five 2025 iPhones placed at MKBHD's Smartphone Awards. Here's every current iPhone ranked by use case, with the case for each one.
Updated · 7 picks · Rankings reflect MKBHD Smartphone Awards outcomes.
How we picked
Currently-available iPhones, ranked by which is the right pick for the most buyers. Award context from MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards informs each writeup.
- #1
Won Phone of the Year at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. The iPhone 17 finally brings ProMotion 120Hz to the base model and supports full Apple Intelligence at $799. The default recommendation for 80% of iPhone buyers.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2025 Phone of the Year
- ProMotion 120Hz on base model
- $799 unchanged from iPhone 16
Cons
- No telephoto camera
- Storage starts at 128GB
- #2
Runner-up Best Camera at MKBHD's 2025 awards. The right pick for video creators specifically: ProRes Log, Cinematic mode at 4K30, the A19 Pro, and the deepest creator-app ecosystem.
Pros
- Runner-up Best Camera 2025
- ProRes video and Final Cut for iPad
- Triple 48MP camera array
Cons
- $1,099 starting price
- Storage upgrades expensive
- #3
Won Best Design at MKBHD's 2025 Smartphone Awards. At 5.5mm thin, the iPhone Air is the thinnest mainstream smartphone ever made. A triumph of industrial design — at the cost of battery life.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2025 Best Design winner
- Thinnest mainstream phone ever made (5.5mm)
- Beautiful in person
Cons
- Smaller battery (2,800 mAh) means shorter SOT
- Single-camera system, no telephoto
- #4
Won Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2024 awards. Now $599–$699. Same compact 6.1-inch form factor as the iPhone 17 with full Apple Intelligence support. The cheapest current-iOS pick in 2026.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone
- Now $599–$699 — biggest discount
- Apple Intelligence supported
Cons
- 60Hz display (no ProMotion)
- One generation behind on chipset
- #5
Won Best Camera at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. Same fundamental camera pipeline as the iPhone 17 Pro, often $200–$300 off in 2026. The best-value way to get Pro-tier mobile video this year.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2024 Best Camera winner
- Now $200–$300 off launch
- 5x telephoto
Cons
- Slightly behind 17 Pro on stills processing
- Smaller battery
- #6
Won Best Camera at MKBHD's 2023 Smartphone Awards. Widely available refurbished at $599–$699 in 2026. Still supports Apple Intelligence and has 4+ years of iOS updates remaining.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2023 Best Camera winner
- Refurbished pricing $599–$699
- Apple Intelligence supported
Cons
- 8GB RAM constrains heavy AI use
- Two generations behind on chipset
- #7
Now $499–$599 refurbished. USB-C, 48MP main, and four+ years of iOS support remaining. The cheapest path into a current-gen iPhone in 2026 — but it does NOT support Apple Intelligence.
Pros
- Cheapest USB-C iPhone in 2026
- Five+ years of iOS support remaining
- 48MP main camera
Cons
- No Apple Intelligence
- 60Hz display
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best iPhone to buy in 2026?
The iPhone 17 — winner of MKBHD's 2025 Phone of the Year. At $799 it's the right pick for 80% of buyers. Step up to the 17 Pro only if you specifically need ProRes, telephoto, or are a creator.
iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro Max — which to buy?
iPhone 17 unless you specifically want: ProRes video, telephoto camera, the larger 6.7-inch display, or maximum battery life. The cheaper iPhone 17 is the smarter pick for most buyers.
Should I buy a refurbished iPhone in 2026?
Yes, especially the iPhone 15 Pro (MKBHD's 2023 Best Camera winner) at $599–$699 refurbished. You give up some performance and the latest displays, but you keep Apple Intelligence and 4+ years of iOS support.
About this list
We index every phone that won or placed in MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025) and surface the strongest matches for this category. Award badges link to the full award history. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.