For whatever reason, you need a phone now and it's got to be an iPhone. With four good ones to choose from, things can get complicated fast. You have the new models -- the iPhone 7 and bigger iPhone 7 Plus (is the dual camera worth it?) -- or you could save some bucks and buy last year's 6S or 6S Plus (now with more storage!). There's also the smaller iPhone SE (is that one too small?).
So, do what I always do and make a list of pros and cons compared to the other phones you're mulling over. In fact, I'll just go ahead and make one for you, starting with price.
iPhone prices: SE to 7 Plus
Pricing comparisons
| iPhone SE | iPhone 6S | iPhone 6S Plus | iPhone 7 | iPhone 7 Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | 16GB: $399 / 64GB: $449 | 32GB: $549 / 128GB: $649 | 32GB: $649 / 128GB: $749 | 32GB: $649 / 128GB: $749 / 256GB: $849 | 32GB: $769 / 128GB: $869 / 256GB: $969 |
| UK | 16GB: £379 / 64GB: £429 | 32GB: £499 / 128GB: £599 | 32GB: £599 / 128GB: £699 | 32GB: £599 / 128GB: £699 / 256GB: £799 | 32GB: £719 / 128GB: £819 / 256GB: £919 |
| AU | 16GB: AU$679 / 64GB: AU$749 | 32GB: AU$929 / 128GB: AU$1,079 | 32GB: AU$1,079 / 128GB: AU$1,229 | 32GB: AU$1,079 / 128GB: AU$1,229 / 256GB: AU$1,379 | 32GB: AU$1,269 / 128GB: AU$1,419 / 256GB: AU$1,569 |
iPhone 7 Plus
This is the king of the iPhones.
Sarah Tew/CNETAs far as iPhones go, the 7 Plus makes you elite. It's the priciest of the bundle, but with it you get that dual-camera system that can take some incredible photos with an artsy bokeh effect (better than the Google Pixel's version). Biggest downside: it can be unwieldy if you're used to a smaller phone.
Major pros:
- Two cameras are better than one for fancy portrait shots and optical zoom
- A 5.5-inch screen gives you tons of space to view and tap
- Water-resistant
- 256GB option for monster storage space
- Longer-lasting battery than iPhone 6S Plus
Major cons:
- Most expensive iPhone
- Large if you're used to a 5-inch screen or smaller
- No headphone jack! (You have to use the Lightning port or wireless headphones/speakers)
- Static home button feels weird at first
- Jet black color option scratches easily
Is the dual camera worth it?
iPhone 7
Waterproofing is nice, but we miss the headset jack.
Sarah Tew/CNETThis year's 4.7-inch iPhone 7 makes some real gains against the iPhone 6S, especially when it comes to taking photos, charging up and withstanding a watery mess. It's a great phone, and not too big.
Major pros:
- Cameras come with optical image stabilization, just like the 7 Plus (and 6S Plus)
- Better low-light shots than last year's phone
- Water-resistant
- Improved processor and battery performance over iPhone 6S
- 256GB option for monster storage space
Major cons:
- No headphone jack on this one either
- Jet black color option scratches easily
- Static home button feels weird at first
- Looks almost identical to the 6S
Don't forget last year's phones
iPhone 6S/6S Plus
Last year's phones still feel pretty fresh.
Josh Miller/CNETLast year's phones still have a lot of mileage left, and Apple keeps it easy at 32GB and 128GB models (no more 16GB, hooray!). Note that the larger 6S Plus has optical image stabilization in its camera, while the 6S does not.
Major pros:
- Apple shaved down the price
- More storage! Base models now start at 32GB, not 16GB
- They still have a headset jack
- They're still good
Major cons:
- Not water-resistant
- Slightly shorter battery life than new iPhones
- 6S Plus doesn't have two cameras or fancy new portrait mode
- Slightly slower processing speeds
How much do you really lose?
iPhone SE
The pint-size SE is adorable, and comparatively cheap.
Sarah Tew/CNETNo, you will not plunge back into the Stone Age with an SE, even though it looks like yesteryear's iPhone 5. In fact, it's essentially a repackaged iPhone 6S, it's fast and one of the only "small phones" you can buy. (If you're open to Android, you could also check out the 4.6-inch Xperia X Compact.)
Major pros:
- 4-inch screen helps keep the body petite and light for small-phone fans
- Compatible with iPhone 5/S cases if you're upgrading
- Has most of iPhone 6S' goodies like Apple Pay, always-on Siri
- Really affordable
- Headphone jack
- About the best battery life of any iPhone
Major cons:
- Selfie cam is behind the times
- No 3D Touch, if you're used to that
- Not water-resistant
- 16GB model looks like a steal, but you'll want 64GB of storage
How long would I hang on to it?
Also consider this
- We're expecting next year's 10-year anniversary iPhone to be a blow-out, with an all-new design and tons of hardware perks. Keep that in mind as you plan this year's phone budget.
- Keep an eye out for holiday sales; there may be a great two-for-one on top of the usual trade-in credits.
- An iPhone upgrade program through Apple or some carriers automatically bags you next year's model.
- Extended warranty and care programs mean you pay more up front to cover damage to the phone, like a cracked screen.