Best iPhone of 2025: This is the Apple Phone you should buy
Test every iPhone in a real scenario focused on features, design, performance, camera, battery life and overall value. Document your findings with the initial reviews that are regularly updated when there is a new iOS update, or compare them with new phones from competitors like Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and more.
photograph
Photos are a big focus for your iPhone, so you can take photos and videos of different themes in different settings and lighting scenarios. Try out new camera modes such as the 4K 120FPS slow-mo video, which debuted on the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.
Battery life
Battery testing is carried out in a variety of ways. We will assess how long your iPhone lasts for a typical day of use and note how it works during video calls, media streaming, and more intensive sessions of gaming. Video playback tests will also be conducted. This is not always included in the initial review, but was added later to the update.
Performance measurement
Use the benchmark app to measure performance along with unique anecdote experiences using the phone for reviews. Of particular note is the graphics and animation look. Are they smooth? Or are they delayed or studded? We’ll also look at how quickly your phone switches between horizontal and vertical directions, and how quickly your camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
Emergency SOS may be one of the most important features that will come up with any phone this year.
It performs processor-heavy tasks, such as editing photos and videos, exporting videos, and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of your iPhone contains enough features to be worth upgrading from an older model. Some of these tests will be updated later after the initial review is published.
read more: How CNET tests your phone