Apple’s seven-model iPhone lineup shows how devices in one product family can differ beyond benchmark results.
The roundup recommends iPhone 17 for most people, while the Pro models lead performance tests and the foldable iPhone Duo pairs a larger inner display with Apple Pencil support.
It also lacks dedicated optical zoom and native support for professional video formats.
Which model to choose?
For everyday use, the iPhone 17 is PCMag's pick. It won an Editors' Choice award. The iPhone 18 Pro Max also won that award, as well as a PCMag award for best battery life.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have the A20 Pro processor and are at the top of performance tests.
The iPhone Duo is the only foldable iPhone in the series. When closed, it has a 5,4-inch external display. When opened, the internal display is 7,6 inches. It also supports the Apple Pencil.
Cameras and size
The iPhone 17e and iPhone Air have a single rear camera. The basic iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 have a second camera, for wider shots, such as group shots or landscapes. The Pro models offer optical zoom for close-up shots and more advanced video capabilities.
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The iPhone Duo has two rear cameras, but it doesn't have a separate camera with optical zoom nor does it natively support professional video formats.
The iPhone 16, iPhone 17e, and iPhone 17 are the smallest modern models in the series, with screens ranging from 6,1 to 6,3 inches. The iPhone 17e is the same size as the iPhone 14.
The iPhone 17 models have longer battery life than their iPhone 16 counterparts of the same size. According to testing, they offer about two more hours of use per day.
What to look out for before buying
The iPhone Duo has a fingerprint sensor in a button on the right side. PCMag found that its operation was not always reliable and says that facial recognition may be preferable.
iOS 27 works on iPhone 11 and later models. However, PCMag no longer recommends iPhones older than the iPhone 14 series. For the best resale value, it recommends the iPhone 16 series or later.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were released in September 2026, and the iPhone Duo in October of the same year. There was no regular iPhone 18 or iPhone Air released in 2026. According to the report, they could be introduced in the first half of 2027.
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