Which iPhone Should I Buy? A Complete Comparison from iPhone 12 to iPhone 17 Lineup
Choosing an iPhone in 2025 can feel overwhelming. Apple now offers multiple models in four categories: Base, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max. Each year brings new upgrades in performance, cameras, and features, but not every change is worth the jump in price. To help you decide, here is a breakdown of iPhones from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 17, including what makes each one special and who it is best for.
The Categories Explained
Base models (iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17): Affordable, balanced performance, great for most people.
Plus models: Same features as the base version but with a larger display and better battery life.
Pro models: Advanced camera systems, ProMotion 120Hz displays, and premium materials.
Pro Max models: Everything the Pro offers with the biggest screen, best battery, and exclusive camera features.
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iPhone Comparison Table (12 to 17)
Model | Best For | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
iPhone 17 | All-rounder, future-proof | A19 chip, 120Hz, Wi-Fi 7, Dynamic Island, Action & Camera buttons | Fastest standard iPhone yet, smooth ProMotion display, modern features | Expensive at launch |
iPhone 17 Plus | Large screen lovers | 6.7-inch 120Hz display, A19 chip, bigger battery | Best battery in standard lineup, same features as base 17 | Bulky for small hands |
iPhone 17 Pro | Creators & photographers | A19 Pro, triple 48MP cameras, vapor-chamber cooling | Excellent camera system, Always-On display, pro-grade performance | Higher price |
iPhone 17 Pro Max | Professionals & content creators | 6.9-inch display, 8x zoom, 8K video, 2TB storage | Most powerful iPhone ever, best camera, biggest screen | Very expensive, heavy |
iPhone 16 | Balanced users | A18, 6.1-inch, Action & Camera buttons, spatial video | Great features at lower cost than 17, strong performance | 60Hz display feels dated |
iPhone 16 Plus | Battery-focused buyers | 6.7-inch, A18, same as 16 with bigger size | Excellent battery life, large screen | Big size, still 60Hz |
iPhone 16 Pro | Photography fans | A18 Pro, 120Hz, periscope zoom, Camera button | Pro-level cameras, larger display | Pricey compared to 15 Pro |
iPhone 16 Pro Max | Power users | 6.9-inch ProMotion, triple cameras, A18 Pro | Largest display, premium features | Large and heavy |
iPhone 15 | Budget-friendly with modern look | A16 Bionic, Dynamic Island, USB-C | Good cameras, upgraded design, affordable now | 60Hz display |
iPhone 15 Plus | Affordable big-screen option | 6.7-inch, A16, Dynamic Island | Big battery, good value | Still 60Hz |
iPhone 15 Pro | Best balance of price & features | A17 Pro, titanium frame, Action Button | Lightweight, pro cameras, USB-C fast transfer | Smaller screen than Pro Max |
iPhone 15 Pro Max | Best budget Pro Max | A17 Pro, 5x telephoto zoom, titanium | First 5x zoom, premium build | Still expensive |
iPhone 14 | Everyday users on a budget | A15, Crash Detection, SOS via satellite | Reliable, affordable, safety features | No Dynamic Island on base |
iPhone 14 Plus | Long battery on a budget | 6.7-inch, same as 14 | Huge battery life | Large and basic |
iPhone 14 Pro | Camera-focused at lower cost | A16, Dynamic Island, Always-On, 48MP | First Dynamic Island, ProMotion | Older now |
iPhone 14 Pro Max | Affordable large Pro option | 6.7-inch, A16, triple 48MP | Great display, strong battery | Still pricey second-hand |
iPhone 13 | Value buyers | A15, Cinematic Mode, good battery | Solid performer, modern design | No Dynamic Island |
iPhone 13 mini | Compact lovers | 5.4-inch, A15, Cinematic Mode | Smallest modern iPhone, powerful | Weak battery life |
iPhone 13 Pro | Affordable ProMotion | 120Hz display, triple 12MP | First 120Hz iPhone, good value now | Smaller zoom range |
iPhone 13 Pro Max | Battery kings | Huge screen, A15, triple 12MP | Exceptional battery life | Big and heavy |
iPhone 12 | Entry-level Apple experience | A14, 5G, MagSafe, flat design | Still looks modern, affordable | Average battery, 60Hz |
iPhone 12 mini | Cheapest compact iPhone | 5.4-inch, same as 12 | Very pocketable | Weak battery |
iPhone 12 Pro | Budget Pro | Triple cameras, LiDAR scanner | First LiDAR iPhone, good AR features | Older chip now |
iPhone 12 Pro Max | Affordable large Pro | Biggest 12, better low-light main sensor | Big screen, better camera than 12 Pro | Heavy, aging chip |
Highlights by Generation
iPhone 17 Series (Latest and Most Advanced)
Best for: Those who want the newest design, fastest performance, and cutting-edge features.
Why pick one:
Base and Plus models finally get 120Hz ProMotion displays and Wi-Fi 7.
The Pro and Pro Max push boundaries with 8K video recording, vapor-chamber cooling, and massive zoom capability.
Pro Max goes up to 2TB storage, ideal for creators.
iPhone 16 Series
Best for: Users who want strong performance and future-proof features without paying the iPhone 17 premium.
Why pick one:
Standard models add Action Button and Camera Control button, features once exclusive to Pro.
The Pro models introduce the periscope zoom lens and larger displays.
Still excellent for photography and long-term use.
iPhone 15 Series
Best for: A balanced upgrade with modern features at a lower price point.
Why pick one:
Standard models introduced Dynamic Island and USB-C.
Pro models gained a titanium frame and the new Action Button.
The Pro Max has 5x optical zoom, making it one of the best iPhones for photography.
iPhone 14 Series
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want good performance and Dynamic Island on Pro models.
Why pick one:
Base and Plus are reliable, with Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite.
Pro models bring the first 48MP main camera and Dynamic Island.
iPhone 13 Series
Best for: Value hunters who want modern features at a cheaper price.
Why pick one:
ProMotion 120Hz debuted on the Pro models.
Excellent battery life across the lineup.
A compact option with the 13 mini.
iPhone 12 Series
Best for: Entry-level buyers who want an iPhone experience at the lowest cost.
Why pick one:
First iPhones with 5G and MagSafe.
Flat-edge design that still looks modern.
The mini is one of the smallest iPhones ever made.
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Quick Recommendations
Best all-rounder in 2025: iPhone 17 – now with 120Hz on the base model.
Best for creators and photography: iPhone 17 Pro Max with 8x zoom and 8K video.
Best battery life at a fair price: iPhone 16 Plus.
Best value right now: iPhone 15 Pro – titanium build and Pro features without the 17’s price tag.
Best compact option: iPhone 13 mini.
Best budget choice: iPhone 12 or 13 if found at a good price.
Final Thoughts
If you want the absolute latest, the iPhone 17 lineup is unmatched. But for most people, the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 series strikes the perfect balance between features, performance, and price. Older iPhones like the 13 and 14 are still excellent options if you are looking for a deal and do not need cutting-edge upgrades.
The right iPhone for you depends on your priorities: screen size, camera power, or budget. But whichever you choose, Apple’s ecosystem ensures you are getting a fast, reliable, and long-lasting device.
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