The iPhone 17 Pro Max (or latest Pro Max) generally has the best overall camera, offering advanced zoom (e.g., 4x/5x optical) and Pro video features, ideal for professionals, while the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max provides nearly identical top-tier performance, and the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max offers significant upgrades over older models with 48MP main sensors and better zoom, making them fantastic value for serious hobbyists; for everyday users, older Pro models (like the 13/14 Pro) or even standard models (13/14) offer excellent value for great photos without the flagship cost, depending on budget.
The iPhone 17 Pro / Max offer the best iPhone cameras, with some impressive video options as well. The main choice now, will be whether you want the larger phone, or the more compact phone.
Camera Specifications: Core capabilities and hardware
Aperture and Sensor Size: The iPhone 15's 48 MP wide camera features a larger sensor and a wider f/1.5 aperture compared to the iPhone 14's f/1.6, allowing more light intake and sharper images, especially in low-light conditions.
This is still true when it comes to the iPhone 13 camera compared to the iPhone 11. While both models have the same 12MP camera, iPhone 13 delivers crisper photos at 1170 x 2532 px resolution compared to 828 x 1792 px on the iPhone 11.
iPhone 12 loses mobile coverage or has weak connection
One of the most recurring complaints about the iPhone 12 (especially among users who are on the go a lot): mobile coverage suddenly drops, or reception gets stuck on 4G when there should be just 5G available.
Camera Capabilities
It introduces a 48-megapixel main sensor, a significant leap from the 12-megapixel sensor on the iPhone 13. This upgrade allows for sharper images and more detailed photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Safe to note the camera system on the iPhone 12 Pro features similar configurations to the 13 Pro but still loses the battle. The wide aperture, optical zoom, sensor size, pixel count, and low light capabilities boast better specs on the iPhone 13 Pro.
You should get the iPhone 15 for a more modern experience with USB-C, Dynamic Island, and a better main camera, making it feel more current and future-proof, while the iPhone 14 remains a solid budget option if saving money is your priority, though it has the older Lightning port and notch. The 15 offers significant upgrades in design (contoured edges), camera (48MP sensor), charging (USB-C), and features (Dynamic Island), making it the better value for most people looking for a phone to last.
Its improved display, tougher materials, fresh processor, new cameras, and significantly longer battery life are all worth considering. The fact that it comes with an additional 128GB of storage is reason alone to spend the extra $100. We recommend you buy the iPhone 17; it's the best iPhone for the money right now.
Phones from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google consistently hold their value due to high consumer trust, brand loyalty, and long-term software support. Devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are launched at premium price points, which naturally enhances their resale value.
The best camera phones: my quick list
For the best value, the iPhone 17 (standard model) is highly recommended for its Pro-level features at a lower price, while the iPhone 16e offers great budget-friendly entry, and the iPhone 13 remains a solid, affordable workhorse if you don't need the newest design. For those wanting a premium experience without top dollar, a slightly older iPhone 15 Pro (used/refurbished) or even a iPhone 13 Pro (used) offers excellent value with Pro features like smooth displays and better cameras.
The iPhone 14 is generally better due to its improved camera (Photonic Engine, Action Mode), better low-light performance, longer software support, and slightly better graphics/RAM, making it more future-proof; however, the iPhone 13 offers excellent value and performance for most users, with very similar core functionality and display quality at a lower price, making it a strong choice if budget is a concern.
No, the iPhone 11 isn't "too old" to buy in late 2025/early 2026 for budget-conscious users needing a reliable phone with good software support (like iOS 17/18), but newer models offer significant upgrades like OLED screens, 5G, and better cameras, making the iPhone 12 or 13 a smarter long-term buy for most, while the 11 is excellent value if budget is key and you can get a good battery, notes YouTube and Swappie.
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are the best-selling smartphones.
A 76% battery health is considered okay if your device lasts your day, but it's below Apple's recommended 80% threshold for optimal performance, meaning you'll likely experience shorter battery life and potential slowdowns, making a battery replacement a worthwhile consideration for improved longevity and speed.
For most people, the iPhone 15 is the best choice due to its significantly improved camera (48MP), brighter display, modern Dynamic Island, USB-C port, and better performance with more RAM, offering better future-proofing than the older iPhone 13 or 14. The iPhone 13 remains a great value option for budget-conscious buyers needing solid everyday performance, while the iPhone 14 offers fewer compelling upgrades over the 13 to justify its cost over the 15.
Apple discontinued the iPhone 13 (and older models) to streamline its product line, focus resources on newer devices like the iPhone 16 series, simplify supply chains, and encourage upgrades to current, more advanced, and energy-efficient technology, following its typical annual product cycle. The iPhone 13, a 2021 release, was retired in September 2024 when newer iPhones were launched, making way for current models to occupy lower price points.
Some users experience their iPhone 13's screen becoming completely unresponsive or remaining black while the device is on. This could be due to software issues or a faulty screen. If you have an upcoming call with your boss, this can be so irritating that you may want to use your phone as a baseball.
Apple discontinued the iPhone 12 (and Pro models) in September 2022 with the iPhone 14 launch to make way for newer models, a standard practice; however, specific issues like the iPhone 12 mini's poor sales and regulatory concerns over radiation levels in France also prompted earlier production halts for the mini and later required software updates for the base 12, but the main reason was simply lineup refreshing.
The technical characteristics of the iPhone 13 are slightly better than the 12. The iPhone 13's screen is better calibrated to improve readability, even in sunlight. It also features Apple's new A15 Bionic chip for improved performance and fluidity. However, the iPhone 13 is slightly heavier than the iPhone 12.