The best iPhone to buy in 2026 is not automatically the newest one. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s most capable flagship, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max can offer a better balance of price, camera quality, battery life and remaining software support. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is still attractive for buyers who want ProMotion and Dynamic Island at a lower used price, while the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro are the oldest models we would still recommend confidently for several more years of mainstream use.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the dividing line. It still has strong hardware, but Apple’s current iOS 27 compatibility list starts with the iPhone 13 generation. That makes the iPhone 12 Pro Max a conditional bargain rather than a default recommendation.
Quick answer
Best for Recommended model Why Best overall iPhone 17 Pro Max Longest remaining lifespan, A19 Pro, 6.9-inch ProMotion display and Apple’s most advanced camera system Best value flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max Nearly current flagship performance with strong battery life, 5x telephoto and lower used/refurbished cost Best premium used buy iPhone 15 Pro Max Titanium body, USB-C, A17 Pro and 5x telephoto without paying current flagship pricing Best cheaper ProMotion iPhone iPhone 14 Pro Max 120Hz display, Dynamic Island and 48MP main camera at a more accessible used price Best budget iPhone with current software runway iPhone 13 Pro Max or iPhone 13 A15 performance remains strong and the iPhone 13 family is still supported by iOS 27 Only if extremely cheap iPhone 12 Pro Max Still capable hardware, but no longer on Apple’s current iOS 27 compatibility list
Key takeaway
A buyer-focused ranking of the best iPhones to buy in 2026, from the iPhone 17 Pro Max to the iPhone 13 family, plus guidance on whether the iPhone 12 Pro Max still makes sense.
How PhonesGate ranked these iPhones
This ranking is based on six buyer-focused factors:
- Remaining software support: newer models receive a longer runway, while the iPhone 13 generation is the oldest family currently listed for iOS 27.
- Battery condition and replacement risk: older iPhones can still perform well, but battery health becomes increasingly important.
- Camera relevance: main-camera quality, telephoto reach, video tools and low-light consistency matter more than raw megapixel counts alone.
- Display experience: ProMotion, brightness and screen size significantly affect daily use.
- Connectivity and ports: USB-C on the iPhone 15 Pro generation and newer is more convenient than Lightning for many buyers.
- Value after depreciation: a previous-generation flagship can be a better buy than a new standard model when the condition and price are right.
We do not rank phones by launch price alone because used and refurbished pricing varies by market, storage capacity, battery health and cosmetic condition. The right comparison is always the final price of the exact unit you can buy.
11 min read
iPhone coverage from PhonesGate. Published Jul 26, 2026.
1. iPhone 17 Pro Max — best overall
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the safest recommendation for buyers who want the longest useful life and do not mind paying flagship prices.
Apple equips the 17 Pro Max with a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, ProMotion up to 120Hz, the A19 Pro chip and an all-48MP rear camera system. Its updated telephoto reaches a 200mm equivalent at 8x optical-quality zoom, giving the 17 Pro generation the longest telephoto reach Apple has offered on an iPhone.
The newest model also receives the longest future software runway, the strongest resale position and the lowest immediate risk of needing a battery replacement. For a buyer planning to keep the phone for four to six years, those advantages can justify the premium.
Who should buy it?
- Buyers keeping the same phone for many years
- Mobile photographers who want Apple’s longest zoom
- Users who want the largest display and strongest battery potential
- People who prefer buying new with full warranty coverage
Who should skip it?
Skip the 17 Pro Max when its price forces you to reduce storage, delay important purchases or accept a phone that feels too large and heavy. The iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers a very similar everyday experience for less money in the refurbished market.
2. iPhone 16 Pro Max — best value flagship
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the model most likely to make sense for premium buyers who want near-current performance without paying for the latest generation.
It combines a 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED display, A18 Pro, a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera and a 5x telephoto. The USB-C port supports faster wired data transfer than standard iPhones, while the titanium frame and large battery make it a complete long-term flagship.
The 16 Pro Max also sits in an attractive age range: old enough to have depreciated, but new enough that battery wear and software longevity should not yet be major concerns on a well-maintained unit.
Why it may be smarter than buying the newest model
- It already offers a large 120Hz display.
- The A18 Pro remains more than powerful enough for demanding games and editing.
- The 5x telephoto is still highly useful.
- USB-C, Camera Control and Apple Intelligence support keep it modern.
- Refurbished pricing can be substantially lower than a new 17 Pro Max.
3. iPhone 15 Pro Max — best premium used buy
The iPhone 15 Pro Max remains one of the easiest used iPhones to recommend. It introduced the titanium frame, A17 Pro, USB-C and a 5x tetraprism telephoto camera, creating a feature set that still feels contemporary in 2026.
It is also lighter than the stainless-steel Pro Max models that came before it. That matters because comfort is part of long-term value: a phone used every day should not feel like a burden.
What to inspect before buying
- Battery Health and cycle count
- USB-C port condition
- Camera focus at 1x and 5x
- Display burn-in or persistent image retention
- Face ID, microphones and speakers
- Parts and Service History in Settings
A clean 15 Pro Max with strong battery health is usually a better purchase than a newer phone with less storage or visible repair history.
4. iPhone 14 Pro Max — best cheaper ProMotion iPhone
The iPhone 14 Pro Max introduced Dynamic Island, Always-On display and Apple’s first 48MP main camera. It also retains the smooth 120Hz ProMotion experience that separates Pro models from many standard iPhones.
Its A16 Bionic chip remains fast, and the 6.7-inch display is still excellent. The main disadvantages are its heavy stainless-steel construction, Lightning port and shorter remaining support period compared with the 15, 16 and 17 generations.
Buy it only when the price gap is meaningful
The 14 Pro Max becomes less compelling when it costs close to an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The newer model is lighter, uses USB-C and includes a longer 5x telephoto. Choose the 14 only when the savings are large enough to justify those compromises.
5. iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro — best budget floor
The iPhone 13 generation is the oldest family we would still recommend broadly in 2026. Apple includes the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max on the current iOS 27 compatibility list, while the iPhone 12 generation is absent.
The standard iPhone 13 remains a strong low-cost choice with an OLED display, A15 Bionic and reliable cameras. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max add ProMotion up to 120Hz and a dedicated telephoto camera.
Which iPhone 13 should you choose?
- iPhone 13: best for buyers prioritising price, size and battery efficiency.
- iPhone 13 Pro: better for buyers who want 120Hz in a smaller body.
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: best for large-screen battery life, but check weight and battery condition carefully.
- iPhone 13 mini: only for buyers who specifically want a compact phone and accept shorter battery endurance.
6. iPhone 12 Pro Max — only if it is exceptionally cheap
The iPhone 12 Pro Max still offers a 6.7-inch OLED display, A14 Bionic, MagSafe and a capable triple-camera system. Hardware performance is not the main problem.
The concern is software runway. Apple’s current iOS 27 compatibility list begins with the iPhone 13 generation. That means the iPhone 12 Pro Max should be treated as a lower-cost transitional purchase, not as a phone to buy now and keep for another five years.
When it can still make sense
- The price is far below an iPhone 13.
- The battery has recently been replaced by a reputable provider.
- You need a temporary phone for one or two years.
- You understand that major iOS support has moved on.
Best iPhone by buyer type
Buyer type Best choice Alternative Keep it for five years iPhone 17 Pro Max iPhone 16 Pro Max Best flagship value iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro Max Best camera value iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 16 Pro Max Cheapest 120Hz option iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max Lowest sensible budget iPhone 13 iPhone 13 Pro Temporary low-cost phone iPhone 12 Pro Max only at a major discount Prefer an iPhone 13 whenever possible
Used iPhone buying checklist
1. Verify Activation Lock is removed
The seller must sign out of their Apple Account and erase the phone. Never buy a device that still requests the previous owner’s credentials.
2. Inspect Battery Health
A lower purchase price can disappear quickly when a battery replacement is needed. Consider the replacement cost as part of the total price.
3. Check Parts and Service History
Open Settings → General → About. Review whether the display, battery or camera has been replaced and whether iOS can verify the component.
4. Test every camera
Check focus, stabilisation and image quality at every available focal length. Record video with the front and rear cameras and listen for microphone problems.
5. Confirm storage capacity
Do not assume the seller’s listing is correct. Verify capacity in Settings, especially when buying 512GB or 1TB models.
6. Test charging and connectivity
Check wired charging, MagSafe, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and cellular service. On USB-C models, inspect the port for loose connections or physical damage.
7. Compare the full cost
A cheaper phone with poor battery health, no warranty and cosmetic damage may be worse value than a certified refurbished model with a new battery and return period.
PhonesGate take
The smartest iPhone purchase in 2026 is usually one generation behind the newest model. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has already absorbed some depreciation while retaining nearly every experience that makes the current Pro Max attractive. The iPhone 15 Pro Max remains the strongest premium used buy, and the iPhone 13 generation defines the practical lower limit for buyers who still care about current major iOS support.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the best phone in this list, but it is not automatically the best value. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the opposite: it can look inexpensive, but its shorter software runway and likely battery wear can make it more expensive over time.
Final verdict
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max for maximum longevity, the iPhone 16 Pro Max for the best overall value, the iPhone 15 Pro Max for premium used value, and an iPhone 13 model when budget matters most.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max remains good when priced clearly below the 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max should only be purchased at a deep discount and with realistic expectations about software support.
Do not buy based on model name alone. Battery health, repair history, storage and final price can matter more than a one-generation specification difference.
Frequently asked questions
Which iPhone is the best value in 2026?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the strongest premium value because it combines a large ProMotion display, A18 Pro, 5x telephoto, USB-C and a long remaining software lifespan.
Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max still worth buying?
Yes. It remains fast, supports Apple Intelligence, includes USB-C and offers a useful 5x telephoto camera. Battery health and price determine whether a specific unit is good value.
Is the iPhone 14 Pro Max too old?
No, but it should be meaningfully cheaper than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Its Lightning port, heavier design and shorter remaining support period reduce its value.
Is the iPhone 13 still supported?
Yes. Apple currently lists the iPhone 13 family as compatible with iOS 27.
Should I buy an iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2026?
Only when it is exceptionally cheap and in good condition. It is absent from Apple’s current iOS 27 compatibility list, so it should not be treated as a long-term purchase.
How much Battery Health is acceptable?
There is no universal threshold because price and usage matter. A phone near or below 80% maximum capacity should be priced with a likely battery replacement in mind.