Best Phones under $800 for flagship

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 16 16 Black 128GB

73.4 Premium Flagship Score
6.1" A18 48MP 8GB RAM 128GB 3561mAh
Why we recommend this

The A18 chip delivers a two-generation leap over the A16 Bionic, enabling Apple Intelligence and up to 22 hours of video playback, with a 48MP Fusion camera and 2x optical-quality telephoto. Camera Control offers instant access to zoom and depth adjustments, while the aerospace-grade aluminum build and Ceramic Shield make it 2x tougher than typical smartphone glass. Best for budget-conscious buyers and compact phone enthusiasts who prioritize daily photography and iOS ecosystem integration, though its gaming performance lags behind rivals.

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Price $730
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Also available open box & refurbished:
Apple iPhone 16 16 Black 128GB cellphone

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Apple iPhone 16e White 128GB

69 Premium Flagship Score
6.1" A18 chip 48MP 8GB RAM 128GB 4005mAh
Why we recommend this

The A18 chip and 48MP Fusion camera with 2x optical zoom deliver solid performance, while the 4005mAh battery supports all-day use. Its 167g body, IP68 water resistance, and budget-friendly pricing make it a compact, durable daily driver. Best for budget-conscious users who want an Apple Intelligence-ready phone and don't require advanced photography capabilities.

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Apple iPhone 15 MTLY3LL/A Blue 128GB

66.3 Premium Flagship Score
6.1" A16 48MP 6GB RAM 128GB 3349mAh
Why we recommend this

The Apple A16 Bionic chip powers a 48MP main camera with 2x optical zoom and the Dynamic Island on a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display hitting 1000 nits peak brightness. USB-C charging unifies cable use across Apple devices while Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection add vital off-grid safety. This 171-gram phone is best for compact-focused users needing a lightweight design with versatile photography and satellite-backed emergency features.

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Apple iPhone 12 Pro A2341 Graphite 256GB

61.1 Premium Flagship Score
6.1" Apple A14 Bionic 12MP 6GB RAM 256GB 2815mAh
Why we recommend this

The A14 Bionic chip enables detailed 12MP photography with Apple ProRAW, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording, and 4x optical zoom. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display reaches 800 nits in a compact 189g IP68-rated body. This phone is ideal for photographers seeking a portable 5G device with advanced manual capture, though its 2815mAh battery may not last a full day.

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Apple iPhone 14 A2649 Yellow 128GB

56.4 Premium Flagship Score
6.1" Apple A15 Bionic 12MP 6GB RAM 128GB 3279mAh
Why we recommend this

Powered by the A15 Bionic chip and satellite connectivity, it handles everyday tasks smoothly and offers emergency SOS in remote areas. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1170 x 2532 resolution, HDR10, and Dolby Vision provides sharp, color-accurate visuals, and refurbished availability lowers the entry cost. This model suits value-conscious iOS users who need a reliable dual-camera system for 4K video and photos without requiring long battery life.

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Apple iPhone 12 Mini A2176 Red 128GB

53.2 Premium Flagship Score
5.4" Apple A14 Bionic 12MP 4GB RAM 128GB 2438mAh
Why we recommend this

The 5.4-inch OLED display and Apple A14 Bionic chip make this the most compact flagship phone available, with MagSafe wireless charging and a dual 12MP camera system. Its 2227mAh battery offers modest endurance, but the sub-5-inch form factor is unmatched for one-handed use. Best for buyers seeking a small, powerful iPhone for daily tasks and light photography, not heavy gaming or all-day battery life.

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Apple iPhone 17e MHRR4LL/A Black 512GB

50.7 Premium Flagship Score
6.1" A19 chip 48MP 0 512GB
Why we recommend this

The A19 chip and 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a seven-layer antireflective coating ensure smooth performance and reduced glare. Priced lower than the main iPhone 17, it still offers a customizable Action button, Ceramic Shield 2 durability, and 15W MagSafe wireless charging. This phone suits budget-conscious users needing a compact, water-resistant iOS device with a 48MP camera for sharp portraits and 2x optical zoom.

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Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max GSRF MGCF3LL/A Graphite 128GB

41.9 Premium Flagship Score
6.7" A14 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine 12MP 0 128GB
Why we recommend this

The A14 Bionic chip enables 5G connectivity and handles 4K HDR video recording with Dolby Vision at 60 fps on a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. As a Geek Squad Certified Refurbished model, it offers a lower upfront cost with the same IP68 water resistance and deep iOS integration. This phone suits budget-conscious videographers and large-screen media consumers who can live with the 30.1/100 battery score.

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Apple iPhone 13 MLMM3LL/A Starlight 128GB

38.9 Premium Flagship Score
6.1" A15 Bionic 12MP 4GB RAM 128GB
Why we recommend this

The A15 Bionic chip drives smooth performance, while the 6.1‑inch Super Retina XDR display and 12MP dual camera with 2x optical zoom capture sharp 4K60 video. IP68 water resistance and MagSafe wireless charging add durability at a rehabilitated price point, though the Lightning connector remains USB 2.0. This phone suits budget-conscious users wanting a compact 5G iPhone for everyday photo and video tasks without breaking the bank.

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Apple iPhone SE 2nd generation White 128GB

33.7 Premium Flagship Score
4.7" A13 Bionic chip with third-generation Neural Engine 12MP 3GB RAM 128GB 1821mAh
Why we recommend this

The A13 Bionic chip with third-generation Neural Engine powers advanced Smart HDR, Portrait mode, and 4K 60fps video on a compact 4.7-inch Retina HD display. Its 148g body with a physical Touch ID sensor and IP67 water resistance provides secure one-hand use and wireless charging. Best for upgraders from older iPhones seeking a familiar home-button design and modern performance at a lower entry price.

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Apple iPhone SE 2nd generation White 128GB cellphone
Price $140
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Apple iPhone X A1865 Silver 256GB

28.4 Premium Flagship Score
5.8" Apple A11 Bionic 12MP 3GB RAM 256GB 2716mAh
Why we recommend this

The A11 Bionic chip drives a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display and a 12MP dual camera with OIS, protected by a sapphire crystal lens cover for added durability. 256GB of storage and wireless charging offer practical headroom, while IP67 water resistance provides basic protection. This refurbished iPhone X suits budget-conscious users who need ample storage and a capable iOS camera in a compact design, though its ruggedness score of 22.3 excludes harsh outdoor use.

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Apple iPhone 16e A3212 White 128GB

12.2 Premium Flagship Score
6.1" Apple A18 0 128GB
Why we recommend this

The Apple A18 chip drives smooth everyday tasks and iOS responsiveness on a 6.1-inch screen. Its 128GB storage and fully unlocked design offer carrier-free convenience. This phone suits first-time iPhone buyers or anyone wanting a reliable, basic Apple device without 5G.

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Best Phones under $1,200 for flagship

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 17 Pro MG7L4LL/A Cosmic Orange 256GB

91.3 Premium Flagship Score
6.3" A19 Pro 48MP 8GB RAM 256GB 4422mAh
Why we recommend this

The heat-forged aluminum unibody and A19 Pro chip with vapor cooling deliver 40% better sustained performance for demanding tasks. Its all-48MP rear camera system provides an 8x optical-quality zoom range, while the 33-hour battery life and durable Ceramic Shield 2 front and back add practical resilience. This phone is best for photographers and power users who need a full pro lens kit in a pocket and all-day battery without throttling.

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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max MFXH4LL/A Cosmic Orange 256GB

81.6 Premium Flagship Score
6.9" A19 Pro 48MP 8GB RAM 256GB 4422mAh
Why we recommend this

The heat-forged aluminum unibody design and vapor-cooled A19 Pro chip deliver 40% better sustained performance, while the 4422mAh battery provides up to 39 hours of video playback. Its triple-48MP camera system offers 8x optical zoom and 4K60 recording, shielded by Ceramic Shield with 4x better crack resistance on the back and 3x better scratch resistance up front. This phone suits mobile filmmakers and photographers who need a durable, long-lasting device for all-day 4K production.

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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max MFXH4LL/A Cosmic Orange 256GB cellphone
Price $1,200
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Apple iPhone 17 Lavender 256GB

80.1 Premium Flagship Score
6.3" A19 48MP 8GB RAM 256GB 3500mAh
Why we recommend this

The A19 chip with a 5-core GPU and 8GB RAM drives a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with 3000 nits peak brightness and 120Hz ProMotion, delivering up to 30 hours of video playback. It pairs a 3x more scratch-resistant Ceramic Shield 2 front glass with a versatile 48MP dual-camera system that includes a 48MP ultrawide and 2x optical zoom. This phone suits everyday users who want a durable build, vivid outdoor visibility, and high-resolution photography without moving to a Pro model.

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Apple iPhone Air MG1J4LL/A Sky Blue 512GB

79.3 Premium Flagship Score
6.5" A19 Pro 48MP 0 512GB 3500mAh
Why we recommend this

The 5.6mm titanium frame and 150-gram weight make it the thinnest iPhone yet, driven by the A19 Pro chip and a 3000-nit Super Retina XDR display with 27-hour battery life. Its 48MP Fusion camera system with 2x optical-quality zoom and Ceramic Shield front/back durability deliver pro imaging and drop resistance in an ultralight build. This device suits users who need uncompromising performance and all-day stamina in a pocketable flagship, ideal for frequent travelers and on-the-go content capture.

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Apple iPhone 16 Black 256GB

71.3 Premium Flagship Score
6.1" A18 48MP 8GB RAM 256GB 3561mAh
Why we recommend this

Featuring the A18 chip and a 48MP Fusion camera system, the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display delivers sharp 2556x1179 resolution with Ceramic Shield durability. This certified pre-owned unit is unlocked and in very good condition with only minimal hairline scratches, while the battery retains at least 80% of its original capacity. It’s best for budget-minded users seeking a compact, durable 5G iPhone with powerful photo and video capabilities.

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Apple iPhone 16 Plus MXUT3LL/A Black 128GB

66.5 Premium Flagship Score
6.7" A18 48MP 8GB RAM 128GB 4674mAh
Why we recommend this

The A18 chip enables a 6.7″ Super Retina XDR display, up to 27-hour battery life, and a durable aerospace-grade aluminum build with Ceramic Shield. Camera Control streamlines zoom and depth adjustments, while the 48MP Fusion camera and autofocus Ultra Wide capture macro detail, 2x optical zoom, and customizable Photographic Styles. It’s ideal for users wanting a large screen and all-day battery to fully utilize Apple Intelligence and advanced photography features.

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Apple iPhone 17 White 512GB

61.3 Premium Flagship Score
6.3" A19 48MP 0 512GB
Why we recommend this

The A19 chip with a 5-core GPU powers a 6.3-inch ProMotion display peaking at 3000 nits brightness, and Ceramic Shield 2 offers triple the scratch resistance. Its dual 48MP Fusion camera system, including a 48MP ultrawide, supports simultaneous front-and-rear recording through the 18MP Center Stage camera. This phone is best for content creators and photographers who need versatile framing and durable build without opting for a Pro model.

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Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 14 Pro Max 5G Gold 128GB

58.6 Premium Flagship Score
6.7" Apple A16 Bionic 48MP 6GB RAM 128GB 4323mAh
Why we recommend this

The A16 Bionic chip drives a 120Hz LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1600 nits peak brightness, while the 48MP main camera system introduces a 2x telephoto option and 4K cinematic mode. Its Ceramic Shield glass and IP68 rating provide notable durability, and the 4323mAh battery sustains all-day use with MagSafe convenience. This phone is best for photographers and videographers who prioritize a large, color-accurate screen and versatile focal lengths in a durable build.

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Apple iPhone 16e 16e White 512GB

46.4 Premium Flagship Score
6.1" A18 chip 48MP 0 512GB
Why we recommend this

The A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence features and smooth gaming, while the 48MP Fusion camera with 2x optical-quality zoom delivers high-resolution photos in a 167g IP68-rated body. Its 26-hour video playback battery life is the longest in a 6.1-inch iPhone, and the Ceramic Shield front glass adds notable durability. This phone suits users wanting a compact, future-proofed iOS device with strong camera capabilities and all-day battery life.

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Best Phones under $1,600 for flagship

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max MFXN4LL/A Silver 1000GB

79.6 Premium Flagship Score
6.9" A19 Pro 48MP 0 1000GB 5000mAh
Why we recommend this

The A19 Pro chip with vapor cooling delivers 40% better sustained performance, while the all-48MP rear cameras with 8x optical zoom and 39-hour video playback set new iPhone benchmarks. The heat-forged aluminum unibody and Ceramic Shield 2 front/back make it 4x more crack-resistant with 3x better scratch resistance. Best for photographers needing an eight-lens-equivalent system and heavy video consumers who prioritize all-day battery life.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Apple iPhone 17 Pro MG7N4LL/A Silver 512GB

77.7 Premium Flagship Score
6.3" A19 Pro 48MP 8GB RAM 512GB 4422mAh
Why we recommend this

The heat-forged aluminum unibody combines with the A19 Pro chip and vapor cooling for up to 40% better sustained performance, powering a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display and 33-hour video playback. All three rear cameras are 48MP and offer 8x optical-quality zoom—the widest range ever on an iPhone—while Ceramic Shield 2 front glass adds 3x better scratch resistance. This phone is best for mobile photographers who demand a full 8x zoom range and high-resolution ultrawide shooting in a durable, long-lasting body.

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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max A2849 Natural Titanium 1000GB

71.2 Premium Flagship Score
6.7" Apple A17 Pro 48MP 8GB RAM 1000GB 4422mAh
Why we recommend this

The A17 Pro chip and 1TB of storage provide ample power for console-quality gaming and large media libraries. A titanium frame keeps the build premium and weight manageable at 283g. Best for mobile gamers and users who require top performance and maximum on-device storage.

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Apple iPhone Air MG1Q4LL/A Sky Blue 1000GB

66.1 Premium Flagship Score
6.5" A19 Pro 48MP 0 1000GB 3500mAh
Why we recommend this

The A19 Pro chip powers a 5.6mm titanium frame that weighs just 150g, delivering 27-hour battery life and 3000-nit peak brightness. Its 48MP Fusion camera pairs with an 18MP Center Stage front camera for simultaneous front and rear recording, while Ceramic Shield 2 offers 3x better scratch resistance. This device suits users who prioritize extreme portability and durability without sacrificing flagship performance.

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Premium Phones for flagship

Best Pick

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max MFXR4LL/A Silver 2000GB

64.4 Premium Flagship Score
6.9" A19 Pro 48MP 0 2000GB
Why we recommend this

The A19 Pro chip with vapor cooling delivers 40% better sustained performance, paired with a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display and a 39-hour battery life. A heat-forged aluminum unibody and Ceramic Shield on both sides provide exceptional durability, while the all-48MP rear cameras offer a versatile 8x optical zoom range. This iPhone is best for photographers and videographers who need a pocketable camera system with extended battery life.

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