Thinking of buying a new iPhone but not sure which one to go for? There are lots of models out there, so it can be a tough choice.
Apple has rolled out Apple Intelligence - a new set of AI-powered tools built into iOS - but only certain iPhones support it. And with big differences in cameras and battery life, it’s worth thinking carefully about what you really want from your next phone.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the iPhone line-up available at Currys, and explain the benefits of each model. Whether you want a premium iPhone 17 Pro Max powerhouse, a lightweight iPhone Air, or a more budget-friendly option, you’ll find the phone that suits you best.
iPhone comparison table (2025)
Let’s start with a table showing you how the iPhones in our range stack up against each other:
| Model | Display | Processor | Cameras | Apple Intelligence support | Key strengths | Who should buy this model? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 6.9" OLED | A19 Pro | Triple 48MP (Main, Ultra Wide with Macro, Telephoto with 8x optical zoom) | Yes | Largest screen, longest battery life, most powerful camera system | Creators or power users who wants the biggest display and best battery life |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 6.3" OLED | A19 Pro | Triple 48MP (Main, Ultra Wide with Macro, Telephoto with 8x optical zoom) | Yes | Powerful A19 Pro chip and best-in-class camera with 8x optical zoom | Pro users, gamers, or photographers who want a powerful phone in a manageable size |
| iPhone Air | 6.5" OLED | A19 Pro | Single 48MP main | Yes | Pro performance in the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, titanium build | Style-conscious users who want an ultra-slim, large-screen phone |
| iPhone 17 | 6.3" OLED | A19 | Dual 48MP (Main & Ultra Wide with Macro) | Yes | Great value with a 120Hz display and quality camera setup | Everyday users who want solid performance and modern features at a good price |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 6.7" OLED | A18 Pro | Triple, 48MP main | Yes | Pro camera, long battery life, USB-C | Power users and creators who want premium features |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 6.1" OLED | A18 Pro | Triple, 48MP main | Yes | Compact powerhouse, great features in a smaller size | Content creators, business users or those who want a manageable phone size |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 6.7" OLED | A18 | Dual, 48MP main | Yes | Large screen, solid battery life, modern AI | Media consumers and casual users who want a big screen without a pro price |
| iPhone 16 | 6.1" OLED | A18 | Dual, 48MP main | Yes | Value flagship, latest AI, superb all-round performance | Everyday users who prioritise price, power, and future-proofing |
| iPhone 16e | 6.1" OLED | A18 | Dual, 48MP main | Yes | Strong specs at entry price, efficient battery | Students, budget-conscious shoppers, first-time buyers |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 6.7" OLED | A17 Pro | Triple, 48MP main | Yes | ProMotion display, great camera, still a premium experience | Those who want a flagship experience at a slight discount |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 6.1" OLED | A17 Pro | Triple, 48MP main | Yes | Fast, feature-rich, compact Pro quality | Professionals wanting top specs in a compact phone |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 6.7" OLED | A16 | Dual, 48MP main | No | Big screen, good battery, affordable | Elderly users, media lovers, casual upgraders |
| iPhone 15 | 6.1" OLED | A16 | Dual, 48MP main | No | Budget-friendly access to modern design | Budget iPhone buyers who don't mind skipping AI |
| iPhone 14 | 6.1" OLED | A15 | Dual, 12MP main | No | Entry-level choice with familiar layout | iPhone users upgrading from older models like XR/11 |
| iPhone 13 | 6.1" OLED | A15 | Dual, 12MP main | No | Affordable, decent camera and performance | Light users, kids, secondary phone use |
How to choose the right iPhone in 2025
The most obvious starting point is budget. If you want the best performance and every Apple Intelligence feature, then you’ll want to check out the iPhone 17 family. But if you’d rather spend a little less on an iPhone that still has a great camera setup (and plenty of power), the iPhone 16 or the iPhone 16e make more sense.
Apple Intelligence is the next big factor. It’s only available from the iPhone 15 onwards, so if you’re tempted by an older model like the iPhone 14, keep in mind you’ll miss out on AI-powered tools. That’s fine if you mainly use your phone for calls, browsing and social media. But if you want a phone that will still feel up to date in three years’ time, it’s worth choosing something that supports Apple Intelligence.
Cameras divide the range too. If you mostly take photos of friends, family or the occasional holiday, the dual-camera systems on the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 are more than enough. But if you want a phone that can replace your compact camera, then the Pro models are where Apple puts its best lenses - including longer zoom and better low-light performance.
Screen size and portability are worth considering as well. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is huge, with the biggest battery and display Apple offers. Meanwhile, the iPhone Air is slim and light enough to slip easily into a jacket pocket.
Finally, think about how long you usually keep your iPhone. The newer the model, the longer it’ll get iOS updates. If you tend to hold onto your phone for four or five years, it makes sense to buy the most recent model you can afford.
Understanding Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is Apple’s big step into Ai. It appeared in iOS 18 (launched in Sep 2024) and is part of the new iOS 26 (which is the sequel to iOS 18, despite the gap in numbers).
Instead of being a separate app, Apple Intelligence is built into the tools you already use. You can record a lecture or meeting and have it transcribed into notes. You can edit photos in seconds to remove distractions in the background. Even your emails and messages can be drafted with a little help, saving you the effort of writing from scratch.
Apple Intelligence is now part of all phones in the iPhone 15 family onwards. That means if you’re choosing between an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 15 today, it’s not just a small difference in design or battery life - it’s the difference between having Apple Intelligence or not.
You can dive deeper into what these features mean in our guide to Apple Intelligence.
What’s the best iPhone in 2025?
The best iPhones ever came out this year! Meet the iPhone 17 family.
The iPhone 17 cameras give you more features than ever. The 48MP rear lenses give you pictures full of incredible detail. And the front lens has been beefed up for better group shots, video calls and selfies.
The A19 and A19 Pro chips bring more power for everyday stuff. Your apps load quicker, animations feel much smoother, and even intense gaming or video editing doesn’t slow things down. Here’s a round-up of each phone in the series…
iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 is the all-rounder of the bunch. It has a big and bright 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, a 48MP Dual Fusion camera system, and is rocking Apple’s latest A19 chip. Battery life is good, and Ceramic Shield 2 is tough enough to keep it safe from the usual scrapes. If you want the newest iPhone without spending Pro prices, this is a great shout.
iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is new this year and aimed at people who like phones that are slim, lightweight and easy to carry. It’s just 5.6mm thick, with a titanium frame that makes it incredibly light for a large-screen phone.
It has the A19 chip and full Apple Intelligence support - but makes a few small compromises in camera specs and battery size to stay thin. That makes it a great option for students, travellers, or anyone who doesn’t want to feel weighed down by their phone.
iPhone 17 Pro
The iPhone 17 Pro is built for power users. It uses the A19 Pro chip and has a triple-camera setup with up to 8× optical-quality zoom. If you’re serious about taking quality photos, or you push your phone hard with editing, gaming or multitasking, this iPhone will keep up.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
If you want the best iPhone overall, grab an iPhone 17 Pro Max. It has the biggest display, the longest battery life, and the most advanced camera system Apple has ever made. Yes, it’s also the most expensive. But if you want unbeatable performance and futureproofing, this is the phone to get.
Best value iPhone
Not everyone wants (or can afford) the newest releases. If you’re looking for a nice mix of price, performance and staying power, the iPhone 16 is hard to beat. It supports Apple Intelligence, has an impressive dual-camera system, and comes with Apple’s A18 chip under the hood. It’s fast, efficient, and will be futureproof for a few years yet. You can even pair it with a MagSafe charger to make charging easy and clutter-free.
Best budget iPhone
If you’re on an even tighter budget, the iPhone 16e is the most affordable way to get Apple Intelligence. It doesn’t have the same premium build as flagship iPhones, but the camera takes great everyday shots, performance is smooth, and the battery keeps up all day long. Plus, its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to use one-handed.
Best iPhone for photography and video
If photography is your thing, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is an obvious choice. Its triple-camera system is packed with pro features anyone can use, with great low-light performance and the longest zoom range of any iPhone. It’s the best choice for content creators or anyone who enjoys shooting video, thanks to its ProRes video recording and huge battery to back it up.
ProRes video explained. ProRes on the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a high-quality video format that makes your footage clear and colourful. You can shoot up to 4K at 60 frames per second, which makes everything look smooth and sharp. It’s also easier to edit later because the quality stays high, so your clips look professional even if you’re just starting out.
Best iPhones for students in 2025
Students need a phone that’s affordable, reliable, and can handle everything from note-taking apps to streaming lectures. You can do all those things with the iPhone 16e - and it’s the most affordable way to get into Apple Intelligence.
If you can stretch your budget a little, the iPhone 16 might be a better choice. It’s got a sharper camera setup for high-quality photos and videos - perfect for scanning notes or capturing project work. The display is brighter, so long study sessions and Netflix breaks are easy on the eyes. And with 128GB of storage, there’s plenty of space for apps, music, and assignments.
Best battery life
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the battery life winner here. With its super-efficient A19 Pro chip, it lasts longer on a charge than any other iPhone - making it perfect for heavy users or long days away from a charger. According to Apple, this phone can play up to 29 hours of video on a single charge.
Is it still worth buying an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 in 2025?
It’s still possible to buy an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 from Currys, and they’ll handle everyday tasks like streaming and browsing without any issues. They also support iOS 18, so you’ll get software updates for another two to three years, going by Apple’s usual software support cycle.
The drawbacks? Well, neither phone supports Apple Intelligence, which is a big part of Apple’s plans for the next few years. They also miss out newer features like USB-C and AI-powered camera tricks.
The iPhone 13 and 14 are fine if you want a cheaper entry point. But it’s worth going for something newer if you can afford it, like the iPhone 15, iPhone 16 or iPhone 16e. These will last longer, feel faster, and give you all the benefits of Apple Intelligence.
iPhone FAQs
Is it worth buying the iPhone 16 in 2025?
Yes. The iPhone 16 is a strong all-rounder, with the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support and dual-camera system. It’s a safe choice for anyone who wants a modern iPhone without paying premium prices.
What are the main differences between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro?
The iPhone 16 runs on the A18 chip, has a Super Retina XDR display, and a dual-camera setup that’s perfect for everyday photos and video. It’s quick, reliable, and covers all the basics.
The iPhone 16 Pro takes it further. Titanium makes it lighter and tougher, and the A18 Pro chip adds extra speed for gaming, multitasking, and creative apps. The triple-camera system gives you sharper low-light shots and more detailed video. If you just need a solid iPhone, the 16 is great. If you want more power and better cameras, the 16 Pro is the one.
Which is the best iPhone for everyday use?
The iPhone 17 is a good everyday choice. It’s powered by the new A19 chip, so everything feels fast and responsive. And it features a Super Retina XDR display that makes social feeds, and streaming look sharp and clear.
The camera has large sensors for cleaner shots in any light, with Smart HDR and clever AI working in the background to improve your photos. Battery life lasts all day, and wireless charging is quick. It’s simple, powerful, and easy to use - day in, day out.
Which iPhones support Apple Intelligence features?
Apple Intelligence is available on iPhone 15 and newer, including the iPhone 16, 16e and 17 ranges. Older models like the iPhone 13 and 14 don’t support it - so choose carefully!
Which iPhone has the longest battery life?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max wins here. Its larger body houses a bigger battery, and the efficient A19 Pro chip stretches it even further — ideal for long days away from a charger.
Is the iPhone 16e good for students or budget users?
Yes. The iPhone 16e is the cheapest way to get Apple Intelligence, while still offering fast performance and good battery life. It’s a smart choice for students or anyone on a tight budget.
Need more help?
Still not sure which iPhone is the right fit? If you’d like to talk it through, just pop into your local Currys store. One of our colleagues will be happy to help you compare models in person and find the one that works best for you.
If you want to get even more from your iPhone, here’s how to update an iPhone and how to lock and unlock your iPhone screen too.
