Apple kept its iPhone prices flat for 2026, but the lineup is more confusing than ever. CNET tested every iPhone the company sells to determine the best iPhone in 2026 for different budgets and needs.
The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone SE (4th generation) all went under review. The best overall pick for most people is the iPhone 17 Pro—not the most expensive model—because it balances performance, camera quality, and battery life at $1,099. For buyers on a stricter budget, the iPhone SE 4 at $499 offers surprising value with the A18 chip and 5G, though it lacks a telephoto lens.
Apple has raised prices on products like the iPad and Mac across the board, but iPhone pricing has remained unchanged since the iPhone 15 generation. That stability makes the buying decision more about features than price elasticity. The base iPhone 17 starts at $799 and includes a 6.1-inch OLED, Action Button, and an upgraded 48MP main sensor. However, it lacks the 120Hz ProMotion display—a feature many users now expect at that price point.
The iPhone 17 Pro ups the game with a titanium frame, 5x optical zoom, and 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence features. The Pro Max, at $1,199, adds a 6.9-inch screen and +5 hours of battery life, making it the choice for heavy users and videographers. The iPhone SE 4, meanwhile, drops the home button for the first time, adopting a full-screen design with Face ID and a single 48MP camera. It runs all core apps smoothly but lacks a UWB chip for precise location and the camera system is limited.
All four models run iOS 20, which introduces a redesigned Control Center, expanded on-device AI for photo editing, and deeper Siri integrations. CNET testers noted the iPhone 17 Pro delivered the best balance of value and longevity, with an 'Excellent' rating of 8.8/10. The Pro Max scored 9.1/10 but is overkill for most users.
Market analysts point to Apple's strategy of gating premium features (120Hz, telephoto, always-on display) to Pro models to encourage upgrades. With the SE becoming more capable, the gap between entry-level and premium is narrowing. For the average user upgrading from an iPhone 13 or 14, the iPhone 17 offers enough improvements to justify the cost without jumping to Pro pricing.
Looking ahead, expect the iPhone 18 series in late 2027 to introduce under-display Face ID and a periscope zoom on all models. But for now, the best iPhone in 2026 is clearly the iPhone 17 Pro for those who want top-tier features without maxing out their wallet. The iPhone SE 4 remains the smart budget choice for anyone still on an iPhone 11 or older.
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Best iPhone in 2026: Here's Which Apple Phone You Should Buy
Apple raised the prices on its products, but not its phones. We tested and reviewed every iPhone the company sells. Here's which one you should buy.
Patrick Holland
CNET
3 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 17 Pro achieved an 8.8/10 rating from CNET, earning 'Excellent' status for its titanium design, 5x telephoto, and 8GB RAM.
- Apple held iPhone pricing steady in 2026: iPhone 17 starts at $799, iPhone 17 Pro at $1,099, iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1,199, and iPhone SE 4 at $499.
- The iPhone SE 4 is the first SE without a home button, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, A18 chip, 48MP single camera, and 5G for under $500.
- iOS 20 launches with on-device AI photo editing, redesigned Control Center, and deeper Siri integration, available on all 2026 iPhones.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers 5 hours more battery life than the iPhone 17 Pro and a 6.9-inch display, but costs $100 more for most users.
- CNET's testing showed the base iPhone 17 lacks 120Hz ProMotion, a feature present in the Pro models, which may disappoint display enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best iPhone overall in 2026 is the iPhone 17 Pro. It offers the best combination of performance, camera quality (5x zoom), titanium design, and battery life at $1,099, earning CNET's top recommendation.
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro if you want a telephoto lens, 120Hz ProMotion display, and longer battery life. Choose the base iPhone 17 ($799) if you don't need those features and prefer a lighter phone for everyday use.
Yes, the iPhone SE 4 at $499 is the best budget iPhone. It includes a full-screen design, A18 chip, 5G, and a 48MP camera. It is perfect for users upgrading from an iPhone 11 or older who want modern iOS 20 features at a low price.
The cheapest iPhone in 2026 is the iPhone SE (4th generation) at $499. It offers essential features like Face ID, OLED display, and 5G, making it the most affordable entry point into the Apple ecosystem.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the best camera system in 2026, featuring a 48MP main sensor, 5x optical zoom telephoto, and improved low-light performance. It also includes ProRAW and ProRes video recording.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch display, about 5 hours more battery life, and slightly better thermal management for sustained performance. Both share the same A19 Pro chip and camera array, but the Pro Max costs $100 more.
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