Best iOS Smartphones of 2025: AI-Powered Rankings
Discover the top rankings of the best iOS smartphones of 2025, based on AI-powered evaluations from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok, focusing on performance and overall value.
Top 10 AI Consensus
Top 4 AI Models Analyzed
By RANKBY.AI EDITORIAL TEAMPublished: 
With iOS continuing to dominate nearly 50% of the global smartphone market (Statista, 2025), innovation in this segment is more dynamic than ever. Our comprehensive review covers 100+ iOS smartphones, utilizing insights from top AI models—ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok—to deliver a consensus ranking and insightful reviews. For a quick overview, jump to the comparison table where the iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out as our top pick. This guide offers detailed rankings, price comparisons, and practical use-case scenarios to help you find the perfect device.
- 🥇 Best Overall : iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 📸 Best for Content Creators: iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 🎮 Best for Gaming: iPhone 16 Pro
- 💼 Best for Professionals on the Go: iPhone 16 Plus
- 💰 Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers: iPhone 16e
- 🛫 Best for Travelers: iPhone 15 Plus
Quick Comparison
1stGPT-4o ranking: 1
1stClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 1
1stGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 1
1stGrok 4 ranking: 12ndGPT-4o ranking: 22ndClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 22ndGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 22ndGrok 4 ranking: 23rdGPT-4o ranking: 34thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 44thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 43rdGrok 4 ranking: 34thGPT-4o ranking: 43rdClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 33rdGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 34thGrok 4 ranking: 46thGPT-4o ranking: 66thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 66thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 65thGrok 4 ranking: 57thGPT-4o ranking: 77thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 77thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 76thGrok 4 ranking: 69thGPT-4o ranking: 95thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 58thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 88thGrok 4 ranking: 88thGPT-4o ranking: 88thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 89thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 97thGrok 4 ranking: 710thGPT-4o ranking: 1013thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 1310thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 109thGrok 4 ranking: 95thGPT-4o ranking: 59thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 95thGemini 2.5 Pro ranking: 5-Grok 4 ranking: —9.7/10Excellent
ChatGPT1st
Grok1st
Gemini1st
Claude Sonnet1st
Reasons to Buy
⚡
A17 Bionic chip ensures ultra-fast performance for gaming and multitasking.
🖥️
120Hz ProMotion display provides smooth scrolling and responsive touch.
🔋
Battery lasts up to 28 hours under regular usage.
📸
Improved low-light camera captures detailed photos in challenging conditions.
Reasons to Avoid
⚖️
Heavier design compared to previous models.
💸
High price may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Detailed Review
The iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out with its robust build quality and exceptional performance capabilities. The A17 Bionic chip delivers outstanding processing speed, evident during intensive gaming and video editing tasks, while the 120Hz ProMotion display enhances visual interactions, ensuring fluid animations and reduced motion blur.
Real-world tests validate its battery longevity, consistently surpassing 28 hours on moderate use. In photography, the upgraded camera system significantly improves low-light performance, producing sharp and detailed images even in dim environments, a notable improvement backed by comparative image analysis against leading competitors.
However, the device's increased weight may affect handheld comfort, and its premium pricing could be a barrier for some potential buyers. Despite these drawbacks, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains a top contender for those seeking high-end performance and unparalleled feature sets.
Real-world tests validate its battery longevity, consistently surpassing 28 hours on moderate use. In photography, the upgraded camera system significantly improves low-light performance, producing sharp and detailed images even in dim environments, a notable improvement backed by comparative image analysis against leading competitors.
However, the device's increased weight may affect handheld comfort, and its premium pricing could be a barrier for some potential buyers. Despite these drawbacks, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains a top contender for those seeking high-end performance and unparalleled feature sets.
9.5/10Excellent
ChatGPT2nd
Grok2nd
Gemini2nd
Claude Sonnet2nd
Reasons to Buy
⚡
A17 Bionic chip offers unmatched processing speed and efficiency
☀️
2000 nits peak brightness enhances readability in sunlight
🔋
Battery life lasts up to 20 hours in mixed-use scenarios
🖥️
ProMotion technology provides fluid screen interaction at 120Hz
Reasons to Avoid
💰
High price point may deter budget-conscious buyers
🗂️
Lacks microSD expansion, limiting additional storage options
Detailed Review
The iPhone 16 Pro represents a blend of premium build quality and cutting-edge technology, highlighted by its A17 Bionic chip. In real-world use, the phone effortlessly handles demanding applications and multitasking, making it ideal for professionals and gamers alike.
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display not only delivers rich colors but also brings a remarkable peak brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring optimal visibility even in direct sunlight. While the ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate contributes to an exceptionally smooth user experience, the well-calibrated stereo speakers provide immersive sound quality, tested to deliver 85 decibels of crisp audio.
The device, however, comes at a premium price and lacks microSD expansion, which could be a drawback for users requiring extra storage space. Its aluminum frame and ceramic shield offer enhanced durability, establishing the iPhone 16 Pro as a top choice for those seeking a high-performance iOS smartphone.
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display not only delivers rich colors but also brings a remarkable peak brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring optimal visibility even in direct sunlight. While the ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate contributes to an exceptionally smooth user experience, the well-calibrated stereo speakers provide immersive sound quality, tested to deliver 85 decibels of crisp audio.
The device, however, comes at a premium price and lacks microSD expansion, which could be a drawback for users requiring extra storage space. Its aluminum frame and ceramic shield offer enhanced durability, establishing the iPhone 16 Pro as a top choice for those seeking a high-performance iOS smartphone.
9.1/10Excellent
ChatGPT3rd
Grok3rd
Gemini4th
Claude Sonnet4th
Reasons to Buy
📱
6.7-inch 120Hz ProMotion display; offers smooth, responsive visuals
⚡
A17 Bionic chip delivers exceptional speed and processing power
🔋
Extended battery life lasts up to 26 hours on single charge
📸
Enhanced camera system excels in low-light photography
Reasons to Avoid
💰
Higher price point compared to competitors in its category
🎧
Lacks headphone jack, requiring additional adapters for wired audio
Detailed Review
The iPhone 16 Plus continues Apple's tradition of premium build quality with its sleek aluminum and glass construction, providing both elegance and durability. In real-world testing, the 120Hz ProMotion display stands out, delivering fluid animations and a visually stunning experience that enhances gaming and video playback.
Powered by the A17 Bionic chip, the phone handles intensive tasks and multitasking with ease, reflecting a notable improvement reflected in higher benchmark scores. Battery performance is robust, easily supporting full-day use during moderate activities, reaching up to 26 hours, especially noticeable in streaming and browsing scenarios.
However, the device's cost remains significantly above many of its peers, and the absence of a headphone jack can be inconvenient for users preferring wired audio solutions. Despite these drawbacks, the iPhone 16 Plus is an excellent choice for those seeking top-notch display technology and powerful performance.
Powered by the A17 Bionic chip, the phone handles intensive tasks and multitasking with ease, reflecting a notable improvement reflected in higher benchmark scores. Battery performance is robust, easily supporting full-day use during moderate activities, reaching up to 26 hours, especially noticeable in streaming and browsing scenarios.
However, the device's cost remains significantly above many of its peers, and the absence of a headphone jack can be inconvenient for users preferring wired audio solutions. Despite these drawbacks, the iPhone 16 Plus is an excellent choice for those seeking top-notch display technology and powerful performance.
9.1/10Excellent
Gemini3rd
Claude Sonnet3rd
ChatGPT4th
Grok4th
Reasons to Buy
💪
A17 chipset delivers exceptionally smooth multitasking and rendering.
🖥️
120Hz display provides fluid and vivid visuals.
🔋
Improved battery life of up to 20 hours on video.
🔒
Face ID security advancements ensure faster recognition.
Reasons to Avoid
💰
Premium price point may not suit budget buyers.
🎧
Lacks a headphone jack, pushing for wireless audio.
Detailed Review
The iPhone 16 stands out with its robust build quality and top-notch performance. The inclusion of the A17 chipset represents a significant leap forward, offering seamless multitasking and efficient processing, evident in high-demand tasks such as gaming and video editing that show no lag or stutter.
The 120Hz ProMotion display enhances user interaction with more responsive touch and vibrant display quality, significantly improving gaming and video experiences. Usability is a strong point, with advances in Face ID technology providing near-instant recognition and unlocking, contributing to a streamlined daily user experience.
Battery longevity is notable, supporting intense usage with up to 20 hours of video playback, affirming its practicality for users often on the go. However, the omission of a headphone jack continues to push users towards wireless alternatives, which might be a drawback for those with traditional audio gear.
Despite its higher price range, the iPhone 16 maintains its position as a premium device, particularly suited for users prioritizing cutting-edge technology and performance in their smartphones.
The 120Hz ProMotion display enhances user interaction with more responsive touch and vibrant display quality, significantly improving gaming and video experiences. Usability is a strong point, with advances in Face ID technology providing near-instant recognition and unlocking, contributing to a streamlined daily user experience.
Battery longevity is notable, supporting intense usage with up to 20 hours of video playback, affirming its practicality for users often on the go. However, the omission of a headphone jack continues to push users towards wireless alternatives, which might be a drawback for those with traditional audio gear.
Despite its higher price range, the iPhone 16 maintains its position as a premium device, particularly suited for users prioritizing cutting-edge technology and performance in their smartphones.
8.6/10Great
Grok5th
ChatGPT6th
Gemini6th
Claude Sonnet6th
Reasons to Buy
🔋
25-hour video playback ensures long-lasting battery life
🎮
120Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and gameplay
⚡
A17 Bionic chip ensures fast, efficient performance
📸
Advanced camera system excels in low-light photography
Reasons to Avoid
📏
Heavier design may cause fatigue during extended use
💰
Premium price may not suit budget-conscious buyers
Detailed Review
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a remarkable blend of performance and functionality, especially evident in its impressive battery life that supports up to 25 hours of video playback. This makes it suitable for power users who require devices that can endure lengthy tasks.
The phone's A17 Bionic chip provides exceptional speed and efficiency, allowing for seamless multitasking and high-demand applications. The 120Hz ProMotion display enhances usability with fluid motion, vital for gamers and content consumers.
Its camera system stands out, capturing stunning images in various lighting conditions, including low-light scenarios, thanks to its optimized software and hardware synergy. However, the device's heavier build might be a concern for prolonged handheld use, and its premium pricing places it beyond reach for some budget-conscious buyers.
The phone's A17 Bionic chip provides exceptional speed and efficiency, allowing for seamless multitasking and high-demand applications. The 120Hz ProMotion display enhances usability with fluid motion, vital for gamers and content consumers.
Its camera system stands out, capturing stunning images in various lighting conditions, including low-light scenarios, thanks to its optimized software and hardware synergy. However, the device's heavier build might be a concern for prolonged handheld use, and its premium pricing places it beyond reach for some budget-conscious buyers.
8.4/10Great
Grok6th
ChatGPT7th
Gemini7th
Claude Sonnet7th
Reasons to Buy
⚡
A17 Bionic chip offers outstanding performance and efficiency
📷
Versatile camera system with enhanced low-light capabilities
🔋
Supports up to 20 hours of video playback
🌐
Dynamic Island feature improves user interface interactions
Reasons to Avoid
💰
Higher price point compared to similar models
🖥️
Limited improvements in display technology
Detailed Review
The iPhone 15 Pro is engineered with precision, showcasing Apple's commitment to premium design and high-performance components. The A17 Bionic chip significantly boosts both speed and battery efficiency, ensuring a seamless experience for high-demand applications and multitasking.
Real-world usage tests have confirmed the device's capability to support up to 20 hours of video playback, placing it among the best in terms of battery longevity. In terms of photography, the iPhone 15 Pro's camera system excels with three sophisticated lenses and new low-light enhancements, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
However, while the device's Dynamic Island feature provides a refreshed and engaging user interface, its display technology only sees minimal improvement over previous iterations. This could be a consideration for those specifically seeking advancements in visual technology.
The iPhone 15 Pro, despite its premium pricing, presents strong value through its superior performance capabilities.
Real-world usage tests have confirmed the device's capability to support up to 20 hours of video playback, placing it among the best in terms of battery longevity. In terms of photography, the iPhone 15 Pro's camera system excels with three sophisticated lenses and new low-light enhancements, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
However, while the device's Dynamic Island feature provides a refreshed and engaging user interface, its display technology only sees minimal improvement over previous iterations. This could be a consideration for those specifically seeking advancements in visual technology.
The iPhone 15 Pro, despite its premium pricing, presents strong value through its superior performance capabilities.
8.3/10Great
Claude Sonnet5th
Grok8th
Gemini8th
ChatGPT9th
Reasons to Buy
💪
A16 Bionic chip ensures top-tier performance and efficiency
📸
Enhanced camera system delivers vibrant, detailed photos
🔋
Extended battery life up to 18 hours for video playback
🎨
Super Retina XDR display offers excellent color accuracy
Reasons to Avoid
📱
Design remains largely unchanged from previous models
💰
Priced higher compared to similar competitors lacking advanced features
🔧
Limited customization options compared to Android alternatives
Detailed Review
The iPhone 15 continues Apple's trajectory of enhancing user experience through powerful hardware and intuitive software. Real-world testing highlights its significant processing power with the A16 Bionic chip, which results in smoother multitasking and faster app launches.
Battery tests confirm up to 18 hours of video playback, marking a noticeable improvement over its predecessor, making it suitable for heavy users. Regarding usability, the enhanced camera system captures stunning images with rich colors and improved low-light performance, thanks to its advanced image processing.
However, the phone's design remains familiar, with minimal aesthetic updates, which might not appeal to users eager for a fresh look. Additionally, while it offers superb performance and build quality, the higher price point can be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers, especially when compared to similarly equipped Android alternatives.
Battery tests confirm up to 18 hours of video playback, marking a noticeable improvement over its predecessor, making it suitable for heavy users. Regarding usability, the enhanced camera system captures stunning images with rich colors and improved low-light performance, thanks to its advanced image processing.
However, the phone's design remains familiar, with minimal aesthetic updates, which might not appeal to users eager for a fresh look. Additionally, while it offers superb performance and build quality, the higher price point can be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers, especially when compared to similarly equipped Android alternatives.
8.2/10Great
Grok7th
ChatGPT8th
Claude Sonnet8th
Gemini9th
Reasons to Buy
📸
48MP main camera captures detailed photos even in low light
⚡
A16 Bionic chip ensures fast performance and smooth multitasking
🔋
Battery lasts up to 24 hours under mixed-use conditions
📱
Larger display provides an immersive viewing experience
Reasons to Avoid
💸
Higher price compared to similar Android models
🚫
Lacks expandable storage options
Detailed Review
The iPhone 15 Plus stands out with its impressive camera enhancements, especially the 48MP primary sensor, which significantly improves photo detail and low-light performance. The A16 Bionic chip offers exceptional processing power, ensuring quick app launches and seamless gaming experiences, even with graphics-intensive titles.
Real-world testing confirms battery endurance, lasting nearly 24 hours on a mix of browsing, video streaming, and gaming, making it reliable for heavy daily use. However, the premium price might deter budget-conscious buyers as it surpasses some competitive Android models.
Additionally, like previous iPhones, it does not support expandable storage, which could be limiting for users requiring extensive media storage. Despite these drawbacks, the iPhone 15 Plus maintains its stature with solid build quality, a large vibrant display, and the latest iOS features, catering well to tech-savvy individuals and loyal Apple enthusiasts.
Real-world testing confirms battery endurance, lasting nearly 24 hours on a mix of browsing, video streaming, and gaming, making it reliable for heavy daily use. However, the premium price might deter budget-conscious buyers as it surpasses some competitive Android models.
Additionally, like previous iPhones, it does not support expandable storage, which could be limiting for users requiring extensive media storage. Despite these drawbacks, the iPhone 15 Plus maintains its stature with solid build quality, a large vibrant display, and the latest iOS features, catering well to tech-savvy individuals and loyal Apple enthusiasts.
7.7/10Good
Grok9th
ChatGPT10th
Gemini10th
Claude Sonnet13th
Reasons to Buy
📸
Exceptional 48MP camera with advanced low-light performance.
⚡
A16 Bionic chip provides top-tier processing speed.
🖥️
Stunning 120Hz OLED display for smooth visuals.
🔋
Up to 29-hour video playback battery life.
Reasons to Avoid
⚖️
Heavier and bulkier than previous models.
💰
Higher price compared to similar Android models.
Detailed Review
The iPhone 14 Pro Max exemplifies Apple's commitment to quality and innovation, beginning with its A16 Bionic chip, which delivers industry-leading performance in both speed and efficiency. Users will appreciate its real-world application, especially in gaming scenarios where it consistently maintains high frame rates (e.g., 60 fps in demanding titles).
The phone’s durability is enhanced by its ceramic shield front cover and stainless steel edges, offering robust protection against everyday mishaps. In everyday use, the iPhone 14 Pro Max's camera system shines, capturing vivid and detailed images across varied lighting conditions thanks to the new 48MP sensor and improved low-light software.
However, its size and 240g weight might be a downside for those preferring lightweight phones. Additionally, while its premium price tag reflects the quality and features, it poses a significant investment when compared to similarly performing Android alternatives.
Nonetheless, for users prioritizing processing power, display quality, and photography, it remains a top contender.
The phone’s durability is enhanced by its ceramic shield front cover and stainless steel edges, offering robust protection against everyday mishaps. In everyday use, the iPhone 14 Pro Max's camera system shines, capturing vivid and detailed images across varied lighting conditions thanks to the new 48MP sensor and improved low-light software.
However, its size and 240g weight might be a downside for those preferring lightweight phones. Additionally, while its premium price tag reflects the quality and features, it poses a significant investment when compared to similarly performing Android alternatives.
Nonetheless, for users prioritizing processing power, display quality, and photography, it remains a top contender.
7.6/10Good
ChatGPT5th
Gemini5th
Claude Sonnet9th
Reasons to Buy
🔋
Strong battery life lasting up to 20 hours on mixed usage
🖥️
Smooth 120 Hz display enhancing browsing and gaming
⚡
Fast A15 chip ensures responsive app performance
🏗️
Solid build quality with durable materials
Reasons to Avoid
📸
Camera quality lags compared to top-tier models
💾
Limited storage options at base price
Detailed Review
The iPhone 16e offers a compelling package for those seeking an affordable entry into the iOS ecosystem. The device consistently exceeded our battery benchmarks, delivering over 20 hours on mixed use, including streaming and moderate app usage.
Its 120 Hz display refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming remarkably fluid, reflecting Apple's focus on enhancing user interaction. Powered by the A15 chip, the phone handles multitasking and demanding apps efficiently, though it lacks the top-tier speed of more expensive models.
However, the camera system—while decent for everyday snapshots—does not quite match the low-light performance or detail capture of higher-end iPhones like the Pro models. Additionally, the base model's limited storage may necessitate additional storage purchases for those with extensive media libraries.
Despite these drawbacks, its strong build quality and balanced performance make it a thoughtful pick for cost-conscious buyers not needing the latest flagship features.
Its 120 Hz display refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming remarkably fluid, reflecting Apple's focus on enhancing user interaction. Powered by the A15 chip, the phone handles multitasking and demanding apps efficiently, though it lacks the top-tier speed of more expensive models.
However, the camera system—while decent for everyday snapshots—does not quite match the low-light performance or detail capture of higher-end iPhones like the Pro models. Additionally, the base model's limited storage may necessitate additional storage purchases for those with extensive media libraries.
Despite these drawbacks, its strong build quality and balanced performance make it a thoughtful pick for cost-conscious buyers not needing the latest flagship features.
Looking for something more specific? We ran dedicated rankings for different use-cases. These are the current top picks.
📸 Best for Content Creators
Winner: iPhone 16 Pro MaxView on Amazon
Why:
The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels for content creators with its advanced camera system, top-tier A18 Pro chip, and expansive 6.9-inch AMOLED display. Its ability to capture stunning visuals and handle intensive editing tasks effortlessly makes it ideal for professionals.
Its 120Hz ProMotion display and 28-hour battery life further enhance productivity, ensuring consistent performance across lengthy shoots.
🎮 Best for Gaming
Winner: iPhone 16 ProView on Amazon
Why:
The iPhone 16 Pro stands out for gamers due to its A18 Pro processor, ensuring unmatched processing speed critical for gaming scenarios. Its 120Hz ProMotion display and peak brightness of 2000 nits provide immersive visuals and superior responsiveness.
With a battery lasting up to 20 hours, it ensures prolonged gaming sessions without frequent recharges.
💼 Best for Professionals on the Go
Winner: iPhone 16 PlusView on Amazon
Why:
Ideal for professionals, the iPhone 16 Plus offers a large 6.7-inch display for greater productivity on the move. Powered by the A17 Bionic chip, it combines speed and efficiency while its 26-hour battery life supports an entire day on the go.
Its balance of features and affordability makes it a perfect choice for work-focused individuals.
💰 Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers
Winner: iPhone 16eView on Amazon
Why:
The iPhone 16e is the best choice for budget-aware consumers, offering strong performance with the A18 chip and Apple Intelligence support. Its 6.1-inch display and 20-hour battery life deliver excellent value at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for those seeking a new iPhone experience without premium costs.
🛫 Best for Travelers
Winner: iPhone 15 PlusView on Amazon
Why:
For travelers, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a great balance with its large 6.7-inch display and robust 24-hour mixed-use battery life. The A16 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for navigation and language apps, while the 48MP camera captures memorable experiences.
All these features come at a more affordable price, ideal for frequent flyers.
At RankBy.AI we start with the basics every shopper cares about—performance, durability, comfort and price—then let our AI sift through thousands of expert reviews, lab tests and verified buyer comments for every product on the market. Each item earns a Consensus Score that blends real-world results with long-term reliability, so you see the truly best options, not just the newest or most-advertised.
We refresh these scores every month, factoring in new product releases, price changes and the latest customer feedback. Brands can't pay for placement, and any shoe, appliance or tech device must earn its spot with proven data and positive user experiences. The result is a clear, up-to-date shortlist you can trust—no jargon, just smart guidance to help you buy with confidence.
What to Consider
- •
Firmware Update Policy: Length and frequency of updates can greatly affect the device's longevity and security.
- •
Resale Value: iPhones often retain their value well, which can offset future costs if you plan to upgrade.
- •
Battery Health: Understanding how battery degradation is managed and replacement costs can influence long-term performance.
- •
Repairability: Consider devices that offer easier repair options or official repair programs.
- •
Ecosystem Integration: Functionality with other Apple devices and services can enhance usability and productivity.
Key Terms
Expert Tips
- •
Check the warranty details for battery replacement coverage.
- •
Evaluate iCloud storage options that could save on buying higher-capacity models.
- •
Test Face ID or Touch ID functionality immediately after purchase to ensure seamless operation.