Best iPhone to Buy in 2025?

After spending a full week with the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2025, I was reminded why this phone continues to be one of Apple’s most balanced and satisfying flagships. With newer models like the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 17 series grabbing headlines, it’s easy to overlook just how capable last year’s Pro Max still is. But if you’re thinking of upgrading this year and want to make a smart purchase that balances power, value, and long-term usability this might still be the best iPhone to buy in 2025.

A Design That Still Feels Premium

The first thing that struck me after using the iPhone 15 Pro Max again is how premium it still feels. The titanium frame gives it a distinct edge over older stainless steel designs, making it not only lighter but also more durable. At just 221 grams, it’s surprisingly easy to hold for a phone of its size. The textured matte glass back adds a nice grip, and the natural titanium color is timeless classy without being flashy.

Apple’s decision to include a USB-C port finally made accessory life easier. I could charge my iPad, MacBook, and iPhone with the same cable. It might sound like a small thing, but for everyday use, it’s a huge convenience.

The action button, on the other hand, didn’t impress me as much. It’s customizable and handy in theory, but after a few days, I found myself forgetting it even existed. Still, it’s a good step forward for personalization, something Apple users have wanted for years.

Display That Sets the Benchmark

The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display remains one of the best screens on any smartphone. Watching videos, editing photos, or just scrolling through social media feels fluid thanks to the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. The color accuracy, brightness, and sharpness make it hard to find flaws, even when compared to the newer iPhone 16 or 17 series.

For content lovers, this screen is a treat. Whether it was Netflix, YouTube, or TikTok, everything looked crisp and immersive. Even under direct sunlight, the display handled brightness beautifully. You’d have to be extremely picky to find a reason to complain about it in 2025.

Performance That Still Holds Up

The iPhone 15 Pro Max runs on Apple’s A17 Pro chip and despite being two generations behind, it doesn’t feel outdated at all. Over the week, I used it for heavy multitasking: editing short videos, running multiple apps at once, and gaming. The phone handled everything smoothly without noticeable lag.

Yes, early versions of iOS 17 had reports of overheating, but after recent updates and moving to iOS 18 and iOS 26 the experience is stable. The phone no longer gets unusually warm, even during extended gaming sessions or 4K recording.

One of the best parts? The A17 Pro chip supports Apple Intelligence, which means this phone is ready for AI-based features rolling out across iOS 26 and beyond. That’s a big plus for users who don’t want to feel left behind when Apple’s AI ecosystem expands further next year.

A Camera That’s Hard to Beat

The camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains a major highlight. After a week of testing, I was blown away again by how consistent and realistic the results were. The 5x optical zoom is especially impressive. Being able to crop photos without losing detail is a game changer for travel and nature shots.

Daylight photos have excellent color balance, and low-light shots capture details without excessive noise. For someone who creates content, this phone is incredibly capable. I filmed a few short clips for social media entirely on the 15 Pro Max, and the results were sharp, cinematic, and smooth no professional camera needed.

Even though the iPhone 16 and 17 Pro Max bring minor camera refinements, the 15 Pro Max still feels just as reliable for photography and video. If you’re not chasing the absolute latest sensor tweaks, this one delivers everything you’d expect from a flagship camera.

Battery Life and Real-World Use

Battery life was solid throughout my week of use. On moderate days browsing, streaming, taking photos I ended with around 25% left by bedtime. Heavy days with lots of camera and social media use drained it faster, but it still got me through a full day.

After about a year of real-world use, the battery health can drop slightly, but it’s expected with daily charging. For most people, this won’t be a dealbreaker. The optimization in iOS 26 keeps performance smooth even as the battery ages.

The shift to USB-C also helps with faster charging, especially if you already use higher-wattage Apple adapters or third-party PD chargers. I could go from 20% to 80% in roughly half an hour, which is convenient for daily routines.

Comparing It to iPhone 16 and 17

Now, the question most people ask: Should you skip the iPhone 15 Pro Max and go straight for the 16 or 17 series?

After comparing them closely, I’d say the iPhone 16 Pro Max doesn’t bring enough to justify the higher cost unless you’re an absolute tech enthusiast. The design is almost identical, the camera upgrades are subtle, and performance differences are barely noticeable in day-to-day use. Apple Intelligence runs on all three.

With the iPhone 17 Pro Max now officially available, Apple’s focus this year has been on efficiency and AI integration. The A19 Pro chip improves battery performance and enhances computational photography slightly, but in real-world use, the difference isn’t huge. Unless you want the latest model for professional work or just to have the newest phone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max still feels like the most balanced and value-packed option.

You can now find the iPhone 15 Pro Max for around $625 new, and even less if you go for refurbished options. Considering it starts with 256GB of storage and goes up to 1TB, that’s serious value for money in 2025.

Why It’s Still the Best iPhone to Buy in 2025

After using the iPhone 15 Pro Max for a week, I can confidently say it strikes the perfect balance between performance, camera quality, and price. It’s not about chasing the newest release, it’s about finding the phone that still delivers everything you need without overspending.

If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 12, 13, or even 14, this model will feel like a massive step up. It’s smooth, premium, and built to last several more years of updates. Apple’s focus on long-term support means it won’t feel outdated anytime soon.

Sure, the iPhone 16 and 17 Pro Max have some refinements, but for most people, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the sweet spot: reliable, refined, and still future-ready.

Final Thoughts

Tech evolves fast, but great devices stand the test of time. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of those. Even with the iPhone 17 lineup now out, it doesn’t feel old. It’s fast, polished, and still one of the most complete smartphones you can buy.

If your goal is to get a flagship experience without spending over a thousand dollars, this is the one. In 2025, it remains a strong contender for the title of best iPhone to buy in 2025 and after using it myself, I can see why it continues to be one of the most recommended phones of the year.

See Also iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 comparison review: What’s changed in two generations?

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