Name: The ONLY iPhones Worth Buying for 2026 - iPhone Buying Guide
Uploaded: 2026-01-19T14:46:05.000Z
Duration: 8 min 4 s
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You know, right now, looking at the iPhone market in late 2025, it is honestly a little bit crazy.

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I mean, apple just dropped the iPhone 17 lineup, and suddenly we have more options than ever before.

You've got the shiny new stuff, the older pros, the budget options, and

if you're sitting there wondering which one is actually worth my money going into 2026.

So I decided to make this video the only iPhones worth buying for 2026.

I've basically spent the last few weeks retesting everything from the older models that are still secretly great all the way up to this new iPhone 17 Pro to figure out which ones are actually a smart buy right now.

Because let's be real, not every iPhone on the shelf is a good deal anymore.

Some are, well, they're kind of value traps.

So today I'm gonna break down my personal list of the best value for money iPhones you can grab for 2026.

And just a heads up, if I skip a model you love, it doesn't mean it's bad.

It just means that for the price, it's maybe not the best value.

If you can grab a model I didn't list for a stealing price, Go for it.

But generally speaking, this is the list that makes sense right now.

So whether you are on a tight budget or you're ready to drop top dollar, I've got you covered.

So for me, this is the minimum model I'd recommend you buy right now.

If you want something that's still worth using in 2026, the price on this thing is really great now.

Like, it definitely has that value for money factor and it's still fast.

And the camera, it's actually next level because it adopted that sensor shift OIS technology from the 12 Pro Max.

I mean, that really helps for taking pictures in every situation.

The sensor size is bigger than the 12 and you get cinematic mode, which honestly is still pretty versatile even today.

Plus, you've got 5G and the thermal management is way more mature than the iPhone 12 was.

So if you're on a budget but want an iPhone that'll last through 2026, you'll this is it.

Software wise, I'm optimistic it'll support iOS 28, maybe even get to iOS 29.

The only downsides, you know, it still uses lightning port and we're all on USB C now.

And the display is just 60Hz, not promotion.

For casual stuff, social media, browsing, it's totally fine.

But for multitasking, you might see apps reloading in the background.

But hey, the chip is fast, so the reload is fast too.

Just keep an eye on battery health if you're buying used because these are four years old now.

This is the minimum pro model I recommend.

It's pretty much the same mature product as the base 13, but with some massive plus points.

The big one, the display, it's Pro Motion.

It's that really fluid 120 hertz that can ramp down to 10 hertz.

It just feels so smooth and once you use it, you can't go back.

Also you get 6 gigabytes of RAM instead of 4 gigabytes.

That really helps keep those background apps running, making the whole multitasking experience way better.

And of course you get that 3x telephoto lens.

The downsides are the same lightning port battery health checks needed, but

for the price, it's a gold tier value phone.

You get the Dynamic island which keeps it looking modern and relevant.

You get that 48 megapixel camera, a more comfy design with the rounded edges, and finally USB C.

The battery endurance is also really solid because of the newer standards.

And if you prefer a larger phone, the 15 plus is a beast for battery.

It'll easily last you all day, maybe two with moderate usage.

The downside, the display is just 60Hz, not promotion and it lacks Apple intelligence.

To be honest, AI is cool, but for a lot of people it's not a huge deal yet.

I mostly use third party stuff like Gemini anyway.

So if you don't care about about on device AI, the 15 is a solid pickup.

This is where Apple really set new boundaries.

This is the minimum requirement if you want Apple intelligence.

Even though you know Apple's AI is still catching up to competitors, it's a feature that's only going to get better design wise.

It feels premium, super light and those rounded edges are very comfy.

You also get the action button, a neat little trick and high speed USB C 3.0 that is a game changer if you transfer files.

I put this in the gold tier with the 13 Pro because the price is affordable now and the features are great but.

This was the first iPhone to run console level games, AAA titles.

The raw performance is there, but Apple hadn't quite figured out the thermals with titanium yet.

if you want a compact powerful device and can live with a little heat, it's a great deal.

Okay, getting into the new stuff, the iPhone 17.

I honestly believe this will be one of the most successful iPhones ever made.

It is the ultimate all rounder with a stealing price.

If you don't need Proraw or Prores video, buy this.

Because they finally gave US Pro Motion 120Hz on the base model.

The bezels are so thin there's basically no gap to the pro models anymore.

You get 256 gigabytes storage, that new 18 megapixel front camera, and

a chip that beats last year's 16 Pro Max in benchmarks.

Also, the size bumped up to 6.3 inches so it's a bit bigger, a bit better.

And finally, the big one, the iPhone 17 Pro.

Full disclosure, this is my daily driver.

I have it in silver and I have reasons for that.

I upgraded from the 15 Pro, skipped the 16 Pro, skipped and the jump is significant.

I record in 4K and where my 15 Pro used to get hot, this 17 Pro stays cool.

Because Apple ditched titanium and went back to a unibody aluminum design with a new vapor chamber.

I know people say aluminum is a downgrade material and I agree.

When you hold it, yeah, titanium feels denser.

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The ONLY iPhones Worth Buying for 2026 - iPhone Buying Guide

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