Earlier this September, Apple introduced the iPhone 17 series, and with that, we now have five iPhones in total to choose from in 2025. The lineup feels both familiar and new at the same time. On one end, you still get your regular iPhone 17, and on the other, there are the Pro models that take the performance and camera prowess to the next level. But Apple also surprised everyone with the iPhone Air, a super-thin and lightweight device that takes a different path from the usual. Add to that the more affordable iPhone 16e, which was launched earlier in the year, and the options now cover a wide range of budgets, sizes, and features.
SurveyAlso read: iPhone 17 Pro Max review: Brilliance at a price
Prices start from Rs 59,900 for the iPhone 16e and go all the way up to Rs 2,29,900 for the fully loaded iPhone 17 Pro Max with 2 TB storage. That’s a big spread, and naturally, the question is: which iPhone should you actually buy in 2025? Let’s take a closer look at each model to help you decide.
iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e is the most affordable option in Apple’s 2025 lineup. It’s lighter on the pocket but still offers the core iPhone experience. At 167 grams and 7.8mm thick, it feels compact and comfortable to use. The 6.1-inch OLED display is sharp, though it’s limited to 60Hz, so you miss out on the smoother refresh rate that newer models now offer. Brightness peaks at 1,200 nits, which is good enough for most conditions.
Inside the iPhone 16e, you get the A18 chip paired with 8 GB RAM, which should be more than capable of handling everyday apps, social media, and even some gaming. Storage options go up to 512 GB, and like the higher models, it uses fast LPDDR5X RAM and NVMe storage. Camera-wise, there’s a reliable 48-megapixel primary lens at the rear and a 12-megapixel selfie camera, but no ultra-wide or telephoto. Battery life should last a full day with its 4,005mAh unit, though charging is slower at 20W wired and 7.5W wireless. Starting at Rs 59,900, this is the iPhone to buy if you want an entry into the Apple ecosystem without spending big.
iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 is likely the go-to choice for most people. It strikes the right balance between price and performance. Apple has finally brought ProMotion to its non-Pro models, so you get a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, brighter display, and even an always-on option. It runs on the A19 chip, which isn’t quite the A19 Pro but still powerful enough for gaming and multitasking. The cameras have also been improved with a 48-megapixel primary and a new 48-megapixel ultra-wide, giving you more versatility than the iPhone 16e. If you want a phone that feels premium but don’t want to pay Pro-level prices, the iPhone 17 is the safest bet.
iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is Apple’s most daring iPhone yet. Just 5.6mm thick and weighing only 165 grams, it’s unbelievably thin and light for a 6.5-inch phone. The titanium frame keeps it sturdy despite the slim build. But to achieve this design, Apple has made some sacrifices. The Air only has a single 48-megapixel rear camera, no ultra-wide or telephoto, and the battery life isn’t as solid as the other models. Charging is also slower compared to the other iPhone 17 models.
On the plus side, the iPhone Air is powered by the A19 Pro chip, so performance is top-notch. Priced starting at Rs 1,19,900, the iPhone Air is for those who want a stylish, ultra-portable iPhone and don’t mind compromising on battery or camera variety.
iPhone 17 Pro
For power users, the iPhone 17 Pro is where things get serious. It features a 6.3-inch screen with a vapour chamber cooling system for sustained performance and improved thermal management. Apple has also switched to an aluminium unibody design for better heat management. The triple-camera setup is the most advanced, with all 48-megapixel sensors, including a telephoto that goes up to 4x optical zoom and 8x optical-like zoom. Video recording is best-in-class with 4K at 120fps and support for ProRes RAW. There’s also a Lidar scanner and better microphones. Starting at Rs 1,29,900, the iPhone 17 Pro is the ideal phone for creators, gamers, and anyone who wants more than just the basics.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the ultimate iPhone experience. It has everything the 17 Pro offers but with a much larger 6.9-inch screen, the biggest battery, and the option for 2 TB of storage. USB-C transfers are faster at 10 Gbps, which is great for creators dealing with big files. The trade-off is its size and weight, which may not suit everyone. But if you want the absolute best and don’t mind spending upwards of Rs 1,49,900, this is the iPhone to buy.
Which iPhone should you buy in 2025?
For most people, the iPhone 17 strikes the best balance of price, features, and future-proofing. The iPhone 16e is the budget-friendly entry point, while the iPhone Air is perfect for those who want a slim, lightweight design above all else. The iPhone 17 Pro is a powerhouse for gamers and creators, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the top choice for anyone who wants every feature Apple has to offer.
Also read: iPhone 17 Review: The most sensible iPhone in 2025!
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Aman Rashid
Aman Rashid is the Senior Assistant Editor at Digit, where he leads the website along with the brand’s YouTube, social media, and overall video operations. He has been covering consumer technology for several years, with experience across news, reviews, and features. Outside of work, Aman is a sneaker enthusiast and an avid follower of WWE, Dragon Ball, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. View Full Profile
