When the first iPhone was released in 2007, it revolutionised the way we interact with technology. Since then, Apple has become one of the most dominant players in the smartphone space.
However, deciding which is the best iPhone to buy can be a tricky decision. While it might be tempting to go with the newest iPhones or the top-of-the-range model, these phones can be expensive and you might find an older device better fits your budget. In this guide, we take a look at which iPhones are available and what the best iPhone in Australia is for your needs.
On this page:
- Best overall iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro
- Best budget iPhone: iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- Best standard iPhone: iPhone 16
- Best premium iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro
- Best big-screen iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Best iPhone for battery life: iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Best value iPhone: iPhone 15
- iPhone reviews
- Which iPhones are currently available to purchase?
- What should I consider when choosing an iPhone?
- What is the best iPhone to buy?
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Best overall iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro
It may come as no surprise that the best overall iPhone is the Pro version in Apple’s latest iPhone 16 line-up, the iPhone 16 Pro. Apple has crammed in plenty of upgrades when comparing the iPhone 16 Pro to the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro includes a bigger display than previous iPhone Pro devices, increasing the screen size from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches.
You’ll also get an improved battery life with up to 27 hours of video playback, compared to 23 hours for the 15 Pro. The rear cameras have also been upgraded with a 48MP main Fusion camera and 48MP ultra-wide camera, plus a 12MP telephoto camera. Apple has also included a new camera control button on the side of the phone for easier camera access.
Another big selling point for the iPhone 16 Pro is that its launch price is cheaper than that of the iPhone 15 Pro — so you’ll essentially get more from your phone, but at a lower starting price. However, as the iPhone 15 Pro is now a discontinued device, retailers may offer it for a discounted price when compared to the 16 Pro.
The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 16 Pro plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Related: iPhone 16 vs 15 buying guide
The best budget iPhone: iPhone SE (3rd generation)
While budget and iPhone are not usually words that are put together in the same sentence, Apple does have a range of iPhones on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
The 2022 iPhone SE is the only iPhone that still has the home button and touch ID capabilities, with a smaller screen and only one camera. However if you like the functionality of Apple devices, but don’t need all of the bells and whistles that come with the latest models, then this might be a great option for you.
The same chip that powers the iPhone 13 is also featured in the iPhone SE, meaning that the smartphone is still incredibly powerful and is capable of handling your day-to-day requirements.
Want to know more? Read our hands-on review of the iPhone SE.
The following table shows a range of 24-month plans for the 64GB iPhone SE as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Best standard iPhone: iPhone 16
If you want a more basic iPhone, especially considering the big price jump to a Pro iPhone, the iPhone 16 offers the best standard iPhone experience — especially with a starting price below $1,400.
When compared to older devices like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14, that lower starting price comes with some great upgrades, cementing the iPhone 16 as a great all-rounder.
The iPhone 16 includes Apple’s A18 Bionic chip, which is a jump up of two generations when compared to the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip. The cameras have also had a big upgrade, with macro mode included in a standard (non-Pro) iPhone for the first time. It also has an improved battery performance with up to 22 hours of video playback, compared to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 which had up to 20 hours of video playback.
The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 16 plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Best premium iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro
If you’re after Apple’s best premium performance, it’s hard to go past the iPhone 16 Pro. It includes the best of the best features that Apple has to offer, along with a larger screen size and better battery performance than its predecessors.
Although the iPhone 16 Pro Max includes a bigger screen and bigger battery than the 16 Pro, both devices include most of the same features and upgrades, but the 16 Pro Max starting price is much higher.
Best big-screen iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro Max
While the Pro Max model of any iPhone range is the largest of the lineup, the iPhone 16 Pro Max includes the biggest screen of any iPhone to date. You’ll get a 6.9-inch display, while its predecessors, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max, had a 6.7-inch display size.
Best iPhone for battery life: iPhone 16 Pro Max
It’s no surprise that the iPhone with the best battery life is the iPhone 16 Pro Max, as the Pro Max model typically has the biggest battery of each iPhone lineup. While the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max both had up to 29 hours of video playback, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has been bumped up to 33 hours of video playback.
If the price point of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is out of your budget, the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro both include up to 27 hours of video playback.
The following table compares a selection of 24-month 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
Best value iPhone: iPhone 15
Choosing an iPhone that offers the best value for money comes down to your needs and budget. If you’re tempted by a better processor, along with camera and battery upgrades, the iPhone 16 might offer the best value iPhone experience for you. However, you might find that that last year’s iPhone 15 strikes a good balance between quality inclusions and a slightly cheaper price point
The iPhone 15 includes several big upgrades when compared to the iPhone 14, such as a brighter display, better cameras and inclusion of the Dynamic Island and USB C charging port. But if budget is more important to you and you’re happy with a more basic iPhone experience, the 2022 iPhone 14 — which has a starting price just over $1,000 AUD — could offer the best value for money, especially if you’re not interested in an older or refurbished device.
The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 15 plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
iPhone reviews
Still not sure which is the best iPhone for you? Check out our hands-on iPhone reviews below:
- iPhone 15 Plus review: Tougher, brighter, and better on battery life
- iPhone 14 Pro review: a camera upgrade, fun bonus feature and hard-to-fault performance
- iPhone 13 review: another stellar Apple smartphone
- iPhone 13 Pro review: the most noticeable upgrade in an iPhone
Which iPhones are currently available to purchase?
Apple no longer officially stocks iPhone models older than the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, and the 3rd generation of iPhone SE. However, some retailers and telcos may still have stock of older devices such as the iPhone 13, iPhone 12 and iPhone 11.
You’ll also find that older Pro and Pro Max versions of devices, like the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max, are no longer available from the Apple store, but retailers and telcos may still have stock available.
Here are the iPhones currently available through the Apple online store:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
If you don’t have the cash to shell out for a brand new iPhone, a good alternative is a refurbished phone. These are essentially phones that are pre-loved or were used as demo models in stores, but have been factory reset and had any faulty components replaced.
Read More: Best Phone Cases in Australia
What should I consider when choosing an iPhone?
If you’ve got your heart set on an iPhone, there are a number of factors to consider before you make your final decision. Of course, what matters in a phone will differ from person to person, based on your preferences and usage needs.
- Price: iPhones are typically rather expensive; however, if you’re set on an Apple device, then an older model or refurbished phone may be a way to keep those costs down.
- Screen size: Apple offers a couple of different size options across its iPhone lineups. The iPhone 16 series actually includes four different display sizes, so if you prefer bigger phones or smaller phones, you’ll have a couple of options to choose from.
- Battery life: Generally, the newer the model, the better the battery is going to be. However, the jump in battery power between each iPhone series isn’t necessarily enough to be noticeable to lighter users, and opting for an older iPhone, like the iPhone 15 or iPhone 14, could be a good money-saving choice if you’re not glued to your phone all day.
- Camera quality: The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max offers the best camera seen on an Apple device yet. But if you’re just after a camera for your day-to-day life, a less expensive device is still going to perform well.
- Internal storage: The iPhone 16 series starts at 128GB of storage, with variations all the way up to 1TB. However, the bigger your phone’s storage, the more expensive it will be.
What is the best iPhone to buy?
The iPhone that’s best for you is based on a variety of factors including price, design, cameras, and other features. Unsurprisingly, the newest iPhones will tend to have the best technology and upgrades. However, Apple does offer a more budget-friendly iPhone SE that has all the basics covered if you’re happy to forgo the brand’s newest and priciest features.
Consider what features are important to you, your budget and whether you want to be future-proof if you don’t plan on upgrading your device every year or so.
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Photo Credits: apple.com
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