If you’re comparing sizes because you’re deciding which model to buy next, start with our best refurbished phones guide, then use our refurbished iPhone 16 buying guide or refurbished iPhone 13 buying guide to narrow it down by budget.

iPhone Price Differences Explained: Pro Max vs Pro vs Plus vs Air vs Base

Apple’s lineup can feel deliberately confusing. Here’s what you’re actually paying for at each tier, and why it matters when you’re deciding which generation to buy refurbished.

Model Tier	Screen Size	What You’re Paying For
Pro Max	6.9″	Largest display, longest battery life, full triple-lens camera system with maximum optical zoom, Pro chip
Pro	6.1″ to 6.3″	Same Pro chip, same triple-lens camera, more compact chassis
Plus	6.7″	Large display, good battery life, standard chip (not Pro), dual-lens camera
Base	6.1″	Most compact and lightest standard model, same chip as Plus, dual-lens camera
Air (17 only)	6.5″	Thinnest iPhone ever (5.64mm), lightest large-screen model (165g), standard chip
16e	6.1″	Entry-level pricing, A16 chip, full-screen OLED, Apple Intelligence support

Tech Tip: The base model and the Pro share the same physical width in most generations. The main differences you actually feel day-to-day are battery life and camera versatility, not the size in your hand. If you’re on the fence between a refurbished base model and a Pro, spend an extra 10 minutes comparing the camera specs for your use case. The Pro’s telephoto lens matters enormously if you shoot portraits or zoom-heavy content. For everything else, the base model is genuinely sufficient.

Do You Even Need to Buy a New iPhone?

Here’s the honest conversation most phone guides won’t have with you.

Smartphone technology has, broadly speaking, plateaued, and the good news is now you know you don’t have to pay $1000+ for your next phone.

Here’s why:

• The A16 Bionic chip Apple shipped in the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022 is still an elite processor in 2026.
• The camera systems on the iPhone 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max produce images that working photographers publish commercially.
• The OLED panels on iPhones from 2021 onwards remain among the finest screens on any portable device.

Meanwhile, new iPhone prices have climbed significantly.

A new iPhone 17 Pro Max costs £1,199 in the UK or $1,199 in the US. And that’s for the base storage model.

Geopolitical disruption, supply chain fragility, component shortages and straightforward inflation have all pushed new device prices upward at a rate that simply is not matched by year-on-year performance gains.

You are paying a price premium for hardware improvements that you will NOT notice in day-to-day use.

The smart play is to buy a flagship from two generations back, and the best way to do this is to buy refurbished iPhones.

• You save 50% to 60% versus buying new.
• The silicon is the same. iOS does not treat your refurbished device any differently to a brand new one.
• The Secure Enclave, Face ID, and every security architecture work exactly as Apple designed them.
• The only thing you are giving up is the number on the box.

Did You Know? According to Counterpoint Research, the global refurbished smartphone market grew to over 300 million units in 2023 and continues to climb. The single biggest driver is buyers realising that flagship performance from two years ago is functionally identical to this year’s model, at half the price.

So What Does This Mean for Buying Refurbished?

Still choosing between iPhone and Galaxy? Start with our refurbished iPhone vs Samsung comparison, then come back here to narrow down the exact iPhone size that fits you best.

Here’s the kicker. Those £200 to £400 gaps between tiers at new pricing shrink considerably in the refurbished market.

A refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB will often cost less than a brand new base iPhone 17.

You’re getting a better camera, a larger screen, a more powerful chip, and ProRes video recording, for less money than Apple’s cheapest current model.

The sweet spot is almost always the Pro Max from two generations back.

The trade-in supply is highest for those models (everyone trading up to a new Pro Max), which pushes prices down fast while the hardware stays genuinely capable.

Right now, that makes the iPhone 15 Pro Max the most compelling buy in the refurbished market. You’re saving close to 40% on what that phone cost new, and it will still receive iOS updates for years to come.

If budget is the primary concern, the Plus models are chronically underrated in the second-hand market.

A refurbished iPhone 15 Plus 256GB gives you a big 6.7-inch OLED display and strong battery life at a price point well below Pro Max stock. It is one of the best value plays in the range right now.

iPhone 17 Series: Sizes & Dimensions (2025)

Model	Screen	Dimensions	Weight	Chip
iPhone 17	6.3″ OLED	149.6 × 71.5 × 7.95 mm	177 g	A19
iPhone 17 Air	6.5″ OLED	156.2 × 74.7 × 5.64 mm	165 g	A19
iPhone 17 Pro	6.3″ OLED	150.0 × 71.9 × 8.75 mm	206 g	A19 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max	6.9″ OLED	163.4 × 78.0 × 8.75 mm	233 g	A19 Pro

The iPhone 17 Air is the headline: at 5.64mm thick and 165g, it is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever shipped. ProMotion 120Hz and Always-On Display are now standard across every model in the range.

These are the current reference points, but unless you specifically need the very latest Apple Intelligence features or the upgraded camera hardware for professional work, the 17 series is not where the value sits right now.

iPhone 16 Series: Sizes & Dimensions (2024)

Model	Screen	Dimensions	Weight	Chip	Main Camera	Battery Life (approx)
iPhone 16	6.1″ OLED	147.57 × 71.63 × 7.87 mm	170 g	A18	48MP	22 hrs video
iPhone 16 Plus	6.7″ OLED	160.78 × 77.72 × 7.87 mm	199 g	A18	48MP	27 hrs video
iPhone 16 Pro	6.3″ OLED	149.61 × 71.37 × 8.13 mm	199 g	A18 Pro	48MP + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP 5x	27 hrs video
iPhone 16 Pro Max	6.9″ OLED	163.07 × 77.72 × 8.13 mm	227 g	A18 Pro	48MP + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP 5x	33 hrs video

The 16 Pro grew its screen from 6.1 to 6.3 inches without meaningfully enlarging the chassis. Apple thinned the bezels rather than expanding the body.

The Pro Max jumped to 6.9 inches, matching what the 17 Pro Max ships with today.

As a refurbished purchase, the 16 series sits at an interesting position: recent enough to carry full Apple Intelligence support, and already discounted enough to represent genuine savings over new.

The iPhone 16 Pro 256GB in Black Titanium and iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB in Black Titanium are both confirmed unlocked in our database right now.

Refurbished Picks: iPhone 16 Generation

Model	Storage	Colour	Link
iPhone 16	128GB	Black	View deal
iPhone 16	256GB	Ultramarine	View deal
iPhone 16 Plus	128GB	Pink	View deal
iPhone 16 Plus	256GB	Ultramarine	View deal
iPhone 16 Pro	256GB	Black Titanium	View deal
iPhone 16 Pro	128GB	White Titanium	View deal
iPhone 16 Pro Max	256GB	Desert Titanium	View deal
iPhone 16 Pro Max	512GB	Black Titanium	View deal

iPhone 15 Series: Sizes & Dimensions (2023)

Model	Screen	Dimensions	Weight	Chip	Main Camera	Battery Life (approx)
iPhone 15	6.1″ OLED	147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm	171 g	A16 Bionic	48MP	20 hrs video
iPhone 15 Plus	6.7″ OLED	160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm	201 g	A16 Bionic	48MP	26 hrs video
iPhone 15 Pro	6.1″ OLED	146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm	187 g	A17 Pro	48MP + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP 3x	23 hrs video
iPhone 15 Pro Max	6.7″ OLED	159.9 × 76.7 × 8.25 mm	221 g	A17 Pro	48MP + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP 5x	29 hrs video

The iPhone 15 generation brought Dynamic Island to all models, not just Pro. The Pro Max switched from stainless steel to a titanium frame, dropping weight from 240g to 221g compared to the 14 Pro Max. That is a real difference over a long day.

This generation also introduced USB-C across the range and ProRes video recording on the Pro models.

If you shoot content for social or professional video, the 15 Pro Max remains a legitimately professional tool at refurbished pricing. The 5x optical zoom here is the same hardware Apple shipped on the 16 Pro Max.

Refurbished Picks: iPhone 15 Generation

Model	Storage	Colour	Link
iPhone 15	128GB	Black	View deal
iPhone 15	256GB	Pink	View deal
iPhone 15 Plus	128GB	Yellow	View deal
iPhone 15 Plus	256GB	Black	View deal
iPhone 15 Pro	256GB	Black Titanium	View deal
iPhone 15 Pro	1TB	Natural Titanium	View deal
iPhone 15 Pro Max	256GB	Blue Titanium	View deal
iPhone 15 Pro Max	512GB	Black Titanium	View deal

iPhone 14 Series: Sizes & Dimensions (2022)

Model	Screen	Dimensions	Weight	Chip	Main Camera	Battery Life (approx)
iPhone 14	6.1″ OLED	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm	172 g	A15 Bionic	12MP dual	20 hrs video
iPhone 14 Plus	6.7″ OLED	160.8 × 78.1 × 7.8 mm	203 g	A15 Bionic	12MP dual	26 hrs video
iPhone 14 Pro	6.1″ OLED	147.46 × 71.45 × 7.85 mm	206 g	A16 Bionic	48MP + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP 3x	23 hrs video
iPhone 14 Pro Max	6.7″ OLED	160.7 × 77.6 × 7.85 mm	240 g	A16 Bionic	48MP + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP 3x	29 hrs video

The iPhone 14 Pro was the first iPhone to ship with Dynamic Island and Always-On Display. The A16 Bionic in the Pro models is the same chip Apple used in the standard iPhone 15 a full year later. That tells you everything about how much headroom these processors carry.

One important note: the base iPhone 14 uses the A15 Bionic, not A16.

If you’re choosing between a 14 and a 14 Pro at similar refurbished pricing, go Pro. The 48MP camera sensor and A16 chip justify the difference every time.

The 14 Pro Max at 240g is noticeably heavier than the 15 Pro Max. If weight in the pocket matters to you, that gap is worth knowing. On three-year-old stock, check battery health carefully before committing.

Refurbished Picks: iPhone 14 Generation

Model	Storage	Colour	Link
iPhone 14	128GB	Starlight	View deal
iPhone 14	128GB	Blue	View deal
iPhone 14 Plus	128GB	Midnight	View deal
iPhone 14 Plus	256GB	Blue	View deal
iPhone 14 Pro	128GB	Space Black	View deal
iPhone 14 Pro	512GB	Gold	View deal
iPhone 14 Pro Max	128GB	Space Black	View deal
iPhone 14 Pro Max	1TB	Deep Purple	View deal

iPhone 13 Series: Sizes & Dimensions (2021)

Model	Screen	Dimensions	Weight	Chip	Main Camera	Battery Life (approx)
iPhone 13	6.1″ OLED	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm	174 g	A15 Bionic	12MP dual	19 hrs video
iPhone 13 Mini	5.4″ OLED	131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm	141 g	A15 Bionic	12MP dual	17 hrs video
iPhone 13 Pro	6.1″ OLED	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm	204 g	A15 Bionic	12MP triple + 3x optical	22 hrs video
iPhone 13 Pro Max	6.8″ OLED	160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm	240 g	A15 Bionic	12MP triple + 3x optical	28 hrs video

The iPhone 13 is the minimum floor for a sensible refurbished purchase. It still receives iOS updates, the A15 Bionic handles everything a non-power user throws at it, and prices have dropped to the point where it represents exceptional value as a budget-entry iPhone.

The case for a cheap refurbished iPhone starts here.

The 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max are worth serious consideration if you want a triple-lens camera system and ProMotion 120Hz at a lower price point than 14 or 15 Pro stock.

The 1TB variants of the 13 Pro are strong options for creators who need local storage for high-quality video.

The iPhone 13 mini is also not worth bothering with; the battery life is TERRIBLE.

Refurbished Picks: iPhone 13 Generation

Model	Storage	Colour	Link
iPhone 13	128GB	Midnight	View deal
iPhone 13	256GB	Blue	View deal
iPhone 13 Pro	128GB	Sierra Blue	View deal
iPhone 13 Pro	1TB	Alpine Green	View deal
iPhone 13 Pro Max	256GB	Graphite	View deal
iPhone 13 Pro Max	256GB	Sierra Blue	View deal

iPhone 12 Series: Sizes & Dimensions (2020)

Model	Screen	Dimensions	Weight	Chip	Main Camera	Battery Life (approx)
iPhone 12	6.1″ OLED	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm	164 g	A14 Bionic	12MP dual	17 hrs video
iPhone 12 Mini	5.4″ OLED	131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm	133 g	A14 Bionic	12MP dual	15 hrs video
iPhone 12 Pro	6.1″ OLED	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm	187 g	A14 Bionic	12MP triple + 2x optical	17 hrs video
iPhone 12 Pro Max	6.7″ OLED	160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm	226 g	A14 Bionic	12MP triple + 2.5x optical	20 hrs video

Important: The base iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini are not recommended for most buyers in 2025. iOS update longevity is running out, five-year-old lithium-ion batteries degrade significantly in real-world use, and the performance difference versus an iPhone 13 does not justify the marginal price saving. If you can stretch to an iPhone 13, do it. We only list the 12 Pro models below.

Refurbished Picks: iPhone 12 Pro Models Only

Model	Storage	Colour	Link
iPhone 12 Pro	256GB	Pacific Blue	View deal
iPhone 12 Pro	256GB	Gold	View deal
iPhone 12 Pro Max	256GB	Graphite	View deal
iPhone 12 Pro Max	128GB	Silver	View deal

Full iPhone Size Comparison: Every Model Side by Side

Model	Year	Screen	Dimensions	Weight
iPhone 17 Pro Max	2025	6.9″	163.4 × 78.0 × 8.75 mm	233 g
iPhone 16 Pro Max	2024	6.9″	163.07 × 77.72 × 8.13 mm	227 g
iPhone 17 Air	2025	6.5″	156.2 × 74.7 × 5.64 mm	165 g
iPhone 16 Plus	2024	6.7″	160.78 × 77.72 × 7.87 mm	199 g
iPhone 15 Plus	2023	6.7″	160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm	201 g
iPhone 15 Pro Max	2023	6.7″	159.9 × 76.7 × 8.25 mm	221 g
iPhone 14 Pro Max	2022	6.7″	160.7 × 77.6 × 7.85 mm	240 g
iPhone 14 Plus	2022	6.7″	160.8 × 78.1 × 7.8 mm	203 g
iPhone 13 Pro Max	2021	6.8″	160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm	240 g
iPhone 12 Pro Max	2020	6.7″	160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm	226 g
iPhone 17 Pro	2025	6.3″	150.0 × 71.9 × 8.75 mm	206 g
iPhone 16 Pro	2024	6.3″	149.61 × 71.37 × 8.13 mm	199 g
iPhone 17	2025	6.3″	149.6 × 71.5 × 7.95 mm	177 g
iPhone 16	2024	6.1″	147.57 × 71.63 × 7.87 mm	170 g
iPhone 15 Pro	2023	6.1″	146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm	187 g
iPhone 15	2023	6.1″	147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm	171 g
iPhone 14 Pro	2022	6.1″	147.46 × 71.45 × 7.85 mm	206 g
iPhone 14	2022	6.1″	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm	172 g
iPhone 13 Pro	2021	6.1″	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm	204 g
iPhone 13	2021	6.1″	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm	174 g
iPhone 12 Pro	2020	6.1″	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm	187 g
iPhone 12	2020	6.1″	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm	164 g
iPhone 16e	2025	6.1″	138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm	167 g
iPhone 13 Mini	2021	5.4″	131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm	141 g
iPhone 12 Mini	2020	5.4″	131.5 × 64.2 × 7.4 mm	133 g

Tech Tip: Notice how little the 6.1-inch iPhone chassis has changed since 2020. The iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 16 are less than 1mm apart in every dimension. This is why cases and muscle memory transfer almost perfectly between generations. It also underlines the core argument for going refurbished: the physical experience of holding a four-year-old iPhone is essentially identical to holding a new one.

The iPhone 16e: The Compact Refurbished Entry Point

The iPhone 16e launched in 2025 with a 6.1-inch OLED display, finally bringing the compact iPhone into the full-screen era. It uses the A16 Bionic chip, supports Apple Intelligence, and at 167g it is noticeably lighter than any Pro model.

It is already available refurbished at entry-level pricing, and the storage range is broader than most people realise.

Model	Storage	Colour	Link
iPhone 16e	128GB	Black	View deal
iPhone 16e	128GB	White	View deal
iPhone 16e	256GB	Black	View deal
iPhone 16e	256GB	White	View deal
iPhone 16e	512GB	Black	View deal

The 256GB variant is the one to buy here. Storage gets tight fast once you’re shooting photos and video regularly. For anyone who wants a lightweight, affordable iPhone that still has years of software support ahead of it, this is the entry point that actually makes sense.

Which Refurbished iPhone Size Should You Buy?

The right size comes down to three things: how you hold your phone, what you use it for, and your budget. Here’s the practical breakdown.

Best Size	Recommended Model	Why
6.1″	iPhone 15 128GB	Full OLED, manageable weight, Dynamic Island on all models from this gen
6.7″	iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB	Large display, titanium frame keeps it at 221g versus 240g on 14 Pro Max
6.7″ Pro Max	iPhone 15 Pro Max 512GB	ProRes, 5x optical zoom, 48MP main, large storage for high-quality mobile video
6.1″	iPhone 13 256GB	A15 Bionic, iOS updates into 2027, excellent value as a cheap refurbished iPhone
6.1″ slim chassis	iPhone 16e 256GB	Lightest modern iPhone at 167g, A16 chip, full-screen OLED, entry-level pricing
6.9″	iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB	Apple Intelligence, latest camera system, longest remaining iOS support window

iOS Update Longevity: The Argument That Seals It

This is where buying a refurbished Apple iPhone makes the most sense over any Android alternative. The iPhone 12, released in 2020, still receives iOS 18 updates in 2025.

An iPhone 13 bought refurbished today will likely receive software updates until 2027 or 2028. That’s a few more years of security patches, bug fixes, and feature additions from a device costing a fraction of its original retail price.

Android’s position is more complicated.

Google’s seven-year update promise for Pixel 8 and newer is impressive on paper.

In practice, Pixel hardware has historically encountered display issues, modem instability, and battery degradation before that software promise runs its course.

Apple’s iOS update support lifespan is both longer and more reliable in the real world.

If software security matters to you, especially for mobile banking, the iPhone’s Secure Enclave hardware and consistent update cadence are hard to argue against.

The silicon doesn’t degrade.

Apple doesn’t treat your four-year-old device as second class.

Have more questions about the buying process? Our refurbished phone FAQ hub covers grading standards, warranty expectations, and what to check before you buy.

How iPhone Sizes Compare to Android Flagships

Phone	Screen	Dimensions	Weight
iPhone 16 Pro Max	6.9″	163.07 × 77.72 × 8.13 mm	227 g
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra	6.9″	162.8 × 77.6 × 8.2 mm	218 g
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL	6.8″	162.8 × 76.6 × 8.5 mm	221 g
iPhone 15 Pro Max	6.7″	159.9 × 76.7 × 8.25 mm	221 g
Samsung Galaxy S25+	6.7″	158.4 × 75.8 × 7.3 mm	190 g

iPhone sizes now map almost exactly to flagship Android footprints.

The meaningful differences are not physical. They are software longevity, resale value, and long-term security support, and those three factors consistently favour iPhone in the refurbished market.

If Android is your preference, Google Pixel is the strongest refurbished argument on the Android side, specifically the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series for their seven-year update commitment.

Know Your Mobile Verdict

The best refurbished iPhone to buy right now is not necessarily the newest one. It’s the model that launched two generations ago in Pro Max configuration.

Those devices hit the second-hand market in large volumes as trade-ins when new flagships launch, and that supply pressure drives prices down 30 to 45% while the hardware remains fully capable.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max currently sits at that sweet spot: A17 Pro chip, ProRes video, 5x optical zoom, titanium frame, and a display that holds up against anything on the market in 2025.

For current pricing across iPhone, Pixel, and Samsung, check our latest refurbished phone deals.

Pro Tip: Always buy 256GB as a minimum. The jump from 128GB to 256GB costs very little at refurbished pricing and the headroom in day-to-day use is significant, especially if you keep photos and music on-device. If you’re buying a Pro Max for video work, go straight to 512GB and don’t look back.