Which iPhone to buy in 2026? From the iPhone 6 to the iPhone 18 Pro

You want an iPhone, but the range is huge: more than thirty models, from 2014 to 2026. Which iPhone to buy without paying too much, or buying a model that is too old? This guide helps you decide, generation by generation, with the strengths and limits of each model. It is written by Abdel Gafar Njupouen, CEO of Gafloow Store, and is based on the spec sheets in our catalogue and on Apple's official announcements.

The answer at a glance

For a brand-new iPhone, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are the most complete. For the best balance of price and quality, choose an iPhone 13, 14 or 15. For a small budget, the iPhone 11 is still very good. The table below sums up our advice.

What is new: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo

Apple unveiled its new models on 9 September 2026. Three models take centre stage this winter: the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone Duo. For the details of all three, read our guide iPhone 18: Pro, Pro Max and Duo.

iPhone 18 Pro: the standard-size Pro

The iPhone 18 Pro has the A20 Pro chip, built on 2 nanometres, and a 6.3-inch 120 Hz OLED screen. Its headline feature is the variable aperture on the 48 MP main camera: it opens or closes mechanically, from f/1.48 to f/4, for better control of light and depth of field. It also has an ultra wide and a 4x telephoto. Apple announces up to 36 hours of video playback. It weighs 211 g and comes in black, silver, glacier and bordeaux.

Who is it for? People who want the best of the iPhone without the weight of a big screen.

iPhone 18 Pro Max: the biggest and longest-lasting

The iPhone 18 Pro Max builds on this base with a 6.9-inch screen, brightness up to 3,000 nits outdoors and optical zoom up to 8x. Apple announces up to 45 hours of video playback and speaks of the biggest battery-life increase ever on an iPhone. It weighs 249 g.

Who is it for? Photo, video and gaming fans who want the biggest screen and the best battery life.

iPhone Duo: the first foldable iPhone

The iPhone Duo folds like a book. Open, it offers a 7.6-inch inner screen. Closed, it behaves like a classic iPhone, with a 5.4-inch outer screen. It has the A20 Pro chip and a titanium frame, and it is water and dust resistant (IP68). Apple announces up to 44 hours of video on the outer screen and 31 hours on the inner screen.

Apple announces pre-orders on 16 October 2026 and availability on 23 October 2026.

Who is it for? People who want to be among the first to try a brand-new format.

The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are in stock with us. The iPhone Duo is on pre-order: your adviser confirms the delivery date when you order.

How to choose an iPhone

Eight criteria make the difference. Look at them in this order.

• Budget. Set it first. A recent iPhone costs a lot; an older iPhone costs much less and is still very good.
• Screen size. The "mini" models have a 5.4-inch screen, the standard models 6.1 inches, the "Max" models 6.5 to 6.9 inches.
• Battery. The Pro Max models have the best battery life. The small models have the shortest.
• Camera. The Pro models add a telephoto, a LiDAR scanner or bigger sensors. The standard models have an ultra wide.
• iOS version. Every page in our catalogue shows the latest iOS version available for the model. It decides the phone's lifespan.
• 5G. It arrives with the iPhone 12. It is only useful if your network covers your city.
• Storage. 64GB is enough to start on an older model. Choose 128 or 256GB if you film a lot.
• eSIM. Some recent models have no SIM tray. Check compatibility with your network.

iPhones generation by generation

Here is each generation in our catalogue, from newest to oldest. The prices in the tables are read live from our catalogue: they are always up to date.

iPhone 17 and iPhone Air (2025)

The iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch 120 Hz OLED screen, the A19 chip and a dual 48 MP camera. The iPhone 17 Pro adds the A19 Pro chip and a triple camera with a 4x telephoto. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers the 6.9-inch screen and up to 39 hours of video. The iPhone Air is the thinnest of all, at 165 g.

Good to know: these models are listed as "eSIM only" in our catalogue. Check that your network supports it.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e (2024 and 2025)

The iPhone 16 has the A18 chip and a dual 48 MP camera. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max add the A18 Pro chip and a triple camera with a 5x telephoto. The Pro Max has a 4,685 mAh battery and a 6.9-inch screen. The iPhone 16e is the entry-level version.

Who is it for? Anyone who wants a recent iPhone, with many years of iOS updates ahead.

Unsure within this family? Read our guide which iPhone 16 to choose, then the comparisons iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 Pro vs 16 Pro Max.

iPhone 15 (2023)

The iPhone 15 offers the A16 Bionic chip and a dual 48 MP camera. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max move to the A17 Pro chip and a 120 Hz screen. The Pro Max has a 5x telephoto and a 4,422 mAh battery.

Who is it for? The best balance between modernity and price. It carries the Bestseller badge in our catalogue.

Unsure within this family? Read our guide which iPhone 15 to choose and the comparison iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15.

iPhone 14 (2022)

The iPhone 14 keeps the A15 Bionic chip and 5G. The iPhone 14 Pro Max moves to the A16 Bionic chip, a 48 MP main sensor and a 6.7-inch 120 Hz screen.

Who is it for? People who want a solid iPhone, with generous base storage, at a gentler price than recent models.

Unsure within this family? Read our guide which iPhone 14 to choose and the comparison iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14.

iPhone 13 (2021)

The iPhone 13 is excellent value: A15 Bionic chip, OLED screen, 5G. The Pro models add a ProMotion screen and a LiDAR scanner. The 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max have a triple camera. The iPhone 13 mini is the small size of the generation.

Who is it for? People who want a complete 5G iPhone without paying for a recent model.

Unsure within this family? Read our guide which iPhone 13 to choose and the comparison iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13.

iPhone 12 (2020)

The iPhone 12 is the first 5G iPhone, with an OLED screen and a flat-edge design. The iPhone 12 Pro adds a steel frame, a LiDAR scanner and a triple camera. The 12 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch screen. The 12 mini is very compact.

Who is it for? A mid-range budget with 5G and a nice screen.

Unsure within this family? Read our guide which iPhone 12 to choose and the comparison iPhone 11 vs iPhone 12.

iPhone 11 (2019)

The iPhone 11 is still one of the best choices on a small budget: A13 Bionic chip, Night mode, IP68 resistance. The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max have an OLED screen and a triple camera. The Pro Max is known for its battery life, up to 20 hours of video.

Good to know: these models work on 4G only.

Unsure within this family? Read our guide which iPhone 11 to choose.

iPhone X, XR and XS Max (2017 and 2018)

These models introduced Face ID and the screen that covers the whole front. The iPhone X and iPhone XS Max have an OLED screen. The iPhone XR has an LCD screen, but it is more affordable. The iPhone XS Max takes two SIM cards.

Who is it for? A first iPhone at a small price with a big screen.

iPhone 6, 7 and 8 (2014 to 2017)

These models have a Touch ID button and a small screen. The iPhone 8 is the most polished: glass back, wireless charging, IP67 resistance. The iPhone 7 is water resistant. The iPhone 6 stops at iOS 12.

Who is it for? A backup phone or a very first smartphone. Check that your apps work on the latest iOS version available for the model.

Small or large: which screen size?

Size matters as much as the chip. The mini models (iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini, 5.4-inch screen) fit in one hand and in any pocket. The standard models (6.1 inches) are the best compromise. The Max models (6.5 to 6.9 inches) are perfect for video, reading and games, but they are heavier: 249 g for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, 226 g for the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The Duo folds: 5.4 inches closed, 7.6 inches open.

Which iPhone for your budget

Each price range has its ideal iPhone. To go further, read our detailed guides.

• Under 75,000 FCFA: the iPhone 6, 7 and 8. See our guide to the best phone under 75,000 FCFA.
• Under 150,000 FCFA: the iPhone XR, XS Max and 11. See the best phone under 150,000 FCFA.
• Under 250,000 FCFA: the iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 11 Pro Max. See the best phone under 250,000 FCFA.
• Above that: the iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and the 18 range, to choose according to your needs.

Torn between an iPhone and a Samsung? Read our comparison iPhone or Samsung in Cameroon.

Mistakes to avoid

• Choosing on price alone. An iPhone that is too old gets fewer updates and eventually stops supporting some apps.
• Taking too little storage. 64GB fills up fast if you film. Plan for 128GB or more.
• Forgetting eSIM. Some recent models have no SIM tray. Check before you buy.
• Overlooking battery life. The small models last less.
• Not checking the IMEI. Compare the one on the phone, the box and the receipt. Our guide on how to check the IMEI explains the steps.

Our advice before you buy

• Ask your questions before paying. Torn between two models? Message us on WhatsApp, the answer comes fast.
• Enjoy 24-hour delivery in Douala and Yaounde for models in stock.
• Check the phone on delivery, in front of the courier.
• Check the warranty and returns. The warranty lasts 12 months, and you have 7 days to return your phone.
• Pay on delivery. You pay the courier with MTN MoMo, Orange Money or cash, after checking the phone: see how to buy a phone with Mobile Money.

Find all our models in the iPhone category or the full catalogue.

Our sources

• Apple debuts iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple, 9 September 2026;
• Apple unveils iPhone Duo, Apple, 9 September 2026;
• the spec sheets in our catalogue, aligned with Apple's official pages.

Information last checked: 23 September 2026.