The iPhone 16 is here, and in this post, I want to help you decide which iPhone to buy right now, depending on your budget and the features you need. Whether you're buying your first iPhone or upgrading from an older model, I'll also help you avoid the common and very expensive 'But If' issue that often comes with every Apple product they sell.
Which iPhones Are Available Right Now?
Let’s start by looking at which phones are currently available directly from Apple. Of course, we have the newly announced iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, last year’s iPhone 15, and the iPhone 14 from the year before that—all available in two sizes: smaller or larger. There’s also the iPhone SE, which didn’t get an update this year, but is still part of the lineup.
Apple offers these phones in a range of colours that seem to change every year, making it easier to tell one model from another. Regardless of which phone you choose, you'll be getting a great device. Even Apple's cheapest iPhone SE is fast enough for most users, and if you’re spending close to £1,000 on a phone, rest assured you’ll be satisfied with your purchase.
It all comes down to figuring out which features matter most to you for the price you're willing to pay.
Where Should You Buy From? Apple vs. Amazon vs. Other Retailers
Now that you know what’s available, the next question is where to buy your iPhone. While Apple is the go-to option, they rarely offer discounts. Other retailers like Amazon or Best Buy often have promotions, so it’s worth checking their prices throughout the year.
If you’re buying a new device, purchasing from a third party like Amazon or Best Buy still gives you access to Apple’s warranty and Apple Care. However, if you're looking at refurbished devices, be cautious with Amazon, as the quality can vary. In contrast, Apple’s own refurbished store or Best Buy tends to be more reliable.
For today’s purposes, I’ll focus on what's available from Apple, but don't forget you can usually find older devices, like the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, from third-party sellers while stocks last.
The Budget Buyer
If you’re on a tight budget and upgrading from a much older iPhone or buying your first one, the best options are the iPhone SE or iPhone 14.
This decision is quite easy: I recommend going with the iPhone 14. Here’s why: for an extra £170 in the UK, you get:
- A larger, higher-quality screen that’s 1.4” bigger, offering better colours, contrast, and brightness—perfect for outdoor use.
- Double the storage (128GB compared to 64GB on the SE).
- Dual cameras with additional cinematic features that the SE lacks.
- A better front camera for FaceTime and selfies.
- Longer battery life, better durability, and Face ID over Touch ID, which I find more convenient.
- Newer features like Emergency SOS via satellite and crash detection.
The only drawback is that both models still use the older Lightning port, so if you’re after USB-C, you’ll need to look at the iPhone 15 or 16.
The ‘But If’ Dilemma
One issue with Apple products, particularly the iPhone lineup, is what I call the ‘But If’ dilemma. You start off thinking you’ll buy the iPhone 14, but then you want the Dynamic Island, so you may as well upgrade to the iPhone 15. And then, for just a bit more, you’re tempted by the iPhone 16. This cycle can quickly turn a £500 budget into a near £1,000 spend.
My advice? Stick to your must-haves and only upgrade for features that truly matter to you. Get the right amount of storage first, then consider extras like camera quality and display performance.
Best Premium Phone
When it comes to premium phones, Apple has made the decision easier this year with the iPhone 16. You have two choices: the 16 or 16 Pro. Both are great phones, but what do you get if you pay an extra £200 for the Pro version?
- A ProMotion display with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.
- A titanium build instead of aluminium.
- A faster A18 Pro chip (though most users won’t notice the difference day-to-day).
- An improved camera setup, with a 48MP ultrawide lens and a 5x telephoto zoom.
- 4K 120fps video recording with enhanced audio quality.
- Slightly better battery life.
- Faster USB 3 speeds for data transfer, which could be helpful if you often move large files.
If these features are worth the extra £200 to you, then go for the Pro model. But for most users, the regular iPhone 16 will more than meet your needs.
Thinking of Upgrading?
If you’ve got a recent iPhone—say, a 13, 14, or 15—you might still be wondering whether to upgrade. For those using an iPhone 11 or older, it’s worth noting that you can get iOS 18 on your current device, although without the new Apple Intelligence features.
If you’re ready for a new phone, the iPhone 16 is a great choice, but don’t overlook the iPhone 15 or even the 14, which are still excellent phones. Or perhaps this is the year you switch to Android?
Thanks for reading, and I hope this guide helps you decide on your next iPhone!
