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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteFor the late-2022 US lineup, the iPhone 14 Pro was the best all-around choice; the iPhone 13 was the better value for most people. Choose the iPhone 13 mini for a genuinely small OLED phone, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) for the lowest entry price and Touch ID, or the iPhone 14 Plus for a large screen and strong battery life without Pro pricing.
This is a historical buying guide, not a recommendation about what to buy new in 2026. The lineup changed when Apple introduced the iPhone 14 family in September 2022, and the prices below are US launch or Apple-listed prices from that year—not current used-market values.
Which iPhones were available in 2022?
The answer depends on when in the year you were shopping. Early in 2022, Apple’s range included the iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, alongside some older models depending on region and inventory. After the September launch, Apple’s principal lineup was the SE, 13 mini, 13, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max.
Apple announced the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus in September 2022. The iPhone 14 went on sale September 16; the 14 Plus followed on October 7. Apple’s launch announcement also specified that US iPhone 14 models use eSIM and have no physical SIM tray. The iPhone 14 Pro models arrived in the same launch period.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
“Best” here weighs price against display, camera, battery, size, performance and useful features—not processor speed alone. In ordinary everyday use, the main differences were often the screen, cameras, battery and price. Long-term software support was a consideration, but Apple had not published a fixed support-life guarantee for these models.
Best iPhones in 2022 at a glance
| Model | Best for | Screen | 2022 US price signal | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro | Best overall | 6.1-inch OLED with ProMotion | $999 at announcement | Premium price and heavier stainless-steel body |
| iPhone 13 | Best value for most people | 6.1-inch OLED | $799 on Apple’s March 2022 listing | No telephoto camera or ProMotion |
| iPhone 13 mini | Best small phone | 5.4-inch OLED | $699 on Apple’s March 2022 listing | Shorter battery life |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Lowest-cost new iPhone | 4.7-inch LCD | $429 at launch | Older screen design, one rear camera and weaker endurance |
| iPhone 14 Plus | Large-screen value | 6.7-inch OLED | $899 at launch | No ProMotion, telephoto camera or A16 chip |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | Premium large phone and battery | 6.7-inch OLED with ProMotion | $1,099 at announcement | Highest price, large size and weight |
| iPhone 13 Pro / Pro Max | Discounted older Pro option | 6.1 / 6.7-inch OLED with ProMotion | Not stated in the cited March 2022 listing | Apple discontinued these from its official lineup after the 14 Pro launch |
Prices are historical US figures, not current 2026 prices. Apple announced the SE at $429, the 14 and 14 Plus at $799 and $899, and the 14 Pro and Pro Max at $999 and $1,099, respectively. The iPhone 13 and 13 mini were listed at $799 and $699 in Apple’s March 2022 pricing communication. Storage, taxes, retailer discounts, trade-ins and carrier terms could change the amount a buyer actually paid. Apple’s SE announcement and its iPhone 13 pricing communication provide those dated figures.
Best overall: iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro made the strongest case as the best 2022 iPhone because its upgrades were more than a routine chip refresh. It introduced Dynamic Island in place of the traditional notch, an Always-On display, ProMotion’s high refresh rate, the A16 Bionic chip and a 48MP main camera. It also added Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. Apple announced US starting prices of $999 for the 14 Pro and $1,099 for the Pro Max, before trade-in; storage options were 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. See Apple’s Pro announcement.
Who should choose it
- Photographers and video users who will use the more capable camera system, high-resolution capture or advanced editing options.
- Gamers and heavy users who value the premium display and top-tier hardware.
- Buyers who want the Pro features in a more manageable size than the Pro Max.
Why it may not be the right buy
The 48MP camera and Pro display matter most to people who will use them. For messaging, browsing, streaming and everyday photography, an iPhone 13 or standard iPhone 14 could be sufficient. The stainless-steel construction also made the Pro heavier than the aluminum models.
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The iPhone 13 paired an A15 Bionic chip with a 6.1-inch OLED display, two rear cameras, 5G, Face ID and MagSafe. It also offered better battery life than the smaller 13 mini and SE. In 2022 it was a sensible balance for buyers who wanted a modern iPhone without paying Pro prices.
Rank #2
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
- 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Its value improved when a retailer priced it meaningfully below the iPhone 14. The standard 14 kept an A15-based platform rather than moving to A16, while adding camera and safety improvements. That makes the 13 a value recommendation, not a claim that it was always cheaper: actual prices varied with storage, retailer, carrier promotion and date.
When to pick it
- You want a 6.1-inch OLED phone with capable everyday cameras and good general performance.
- You do not need a telephoto camera, ProMotion or the Pro camera features.
- You can get it at a real discount compared with the iPhone 14.
Best small iPhone: iPhone 13 mini
The 13 mini combined a 5.4-inch OLED screen, A15 Bionic, dual cameras, 5G, Face ID and MagSafe in a much smaller, lighter body than the standard models. It was the right 2022 pick for buyers who wanted a genuinely compact phone without accepting the SE’s LCD and Home-button design. Apple did not introduce an iPhone 14 mini, leaving the 13 mini as the mini model in its 2022 lineup.
The trade-off is battery life: the compact body leaves less room for a battery, and heavy use can make a full day less dependable than with the standard iPhone 13 or Pro models. If you prize pocketability and one-handed use over endurance, that may be worthwhile.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBest budget iPhone: iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Apple announced the 2022 iPhone SE on March 8 and made it available March 18, starting at $429 in the US. It came with 64GB, 128GB or 256GB storage, an A15 Bionic chip, 5G, a 4.7-inch display, Touch ID, a physical Home button and IP67 water- and dust-resistance rating. Those specifications and launch details are in Apple’s SE announcement.
Its fast chip, compact shape and familiar controls made it appealing to buyers on a strict budget, people who specifically preferred Touch ID and users moving from an older Home-button iPhone. But the low price came with an older-feeling 4.7-inch LCD, large bezels, one rear camera, no Face ID and no MagSafe. Battery endurance was also a notable weakness; Tom’s Guide’s independent testing found it less competitive than the iPhone 13 while noting its strong performance and compact form. Read the Tom’s Guide iPhone SE review.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
The 64GB base model was the least expensive entry point, but could become limiting for people who keep many apps, games, photos or videos on their phone. The SE is the budget pick when cost, Touch ID or the familiar design outweigh screen and camera versatility.
Best large-screen value: iPhone 14 Plus
The iPhone 14 Plus gave buyers a 6.7-inch OLED display and strong battery life for less than the Pro Max. Its aluminum construction was lighter than the Pro Max’s stainless steel, and it used the A15 Bionic with a 5-core GPU. Apple’s 2022 US launch price was $899, compared with $1,099 for the 14 Pro Max. Its camera and safety updates included Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite; full launch details are in Apple’s iPhone 14 and 14 Plus announcement.
It is for someone who wants a large screen and long-lasting battery, not someone seeking the most complete feature set. Compared with the Pro Max, it lacks ProMotion, Always-On display, Dynamic Island, A16 Bionic, a telephoto camera, the 48MP main camera and Pro-oriented photo and video features. Its value therefore depended on the price gap from the Pro models.
Best premium battery and camera package: iPhone 14 Pro Max
The 14 Pro Max combined a 6.7-inch ProMotion display, Dynamic Island, Always-On display, A16 Bionic, 48MP main camera and telephoto camera. Its larger body also made it the strongest 2022 choice for people prioritizing battery capacity alongside the top-end display and camera package. Apple’s announced US starting price was $1,099 before trade-in.
Choose it for a large-screen phone used for demanding photography, video, gaming or media. It is expensive and heavy, and its size can make one-handed use difficult. If you want most of the Pro features in a smaller body, the 14 Pro is the more practical alternative.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Is the standard iPhone 14 worth more than the iPhone 13?
Not automatically. The standard iPhone 14 retained an A15-based platform, while the Pro models received A16. The 14 added useful camera improvements and safety features including Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite, but its design and everyday experience remained close to the 13. If those additions mattered to you or the price gap was small, the 14 made sense. If not, a discounted iPhone 13 was often the stronger value.
Emergency SOS via satellite was announced for the US and Canada beginning in November 2022 and was free for two years from activation under the original terms. It requires suitable outdoor conditions and is not a substitute for ordinary cellular service. Availability is governed by country and service terms; do not treat that 2022 offer as a present-day entitlement.
Should you consider an iPhone 13 Pro or 13 Pro Max?
Yes, if you found one at a meaningful discount or in good refurbished condition. The iPhone 13 Pro models offered ProMotion, a telephoto camera, stainless-steel construction and Pro camera features, so they could be a better fit than a standard iPhone 14 for someone who wanted those capabilities. Apple removed them from its official lineup after introducing the 14 Pro family; that does not mean every retailer stopped selling remaining inventory.
Compare the actual price, storage, battery condition and warranty against the newer alternative. A nominal discount is not worthwhile if a used phone has a degraded battery, uncertain parts history or no useful return protection.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose the right 2022 model
Start with size and battery needs
- For a compact OLED phone, choose the 13 mini and accept the battery compromise.
- For a balanced 6.1-inch size, look at the iPhone 13 or 14 Pro.
- For a big screen and endurance without Pro pricing, consider the 14 Plus.
- For the largest Pro display and camera package, consider the 14 Pro Max if its weight is acceptable.
Match the camera to what you shoot
The 13 and 14 offer dual-camera systems suited to ordinary photos, while the Pro models add a telephoto camera and more advanced options. The 14 Pro’s 48MP main camera is most useful for buyers who care about higher-resolution capture, cropping, RAW workflows or editing. Do not pay a Pro premium just for a specification you will not use.
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Choose storage for your habits
- 128GB: A practical baseline for many buyers.
- 256GB: Better for frequent video recording, large games or keeping a phone for years.
- 512GB or 1TB: Best reserved for serious video creators or people who want substantial local storage without frequent cleanup.
The SE’s 64GB starting configuration made it cheaper, but it was a less comfortable choice for storage-heavy use.
Compare the real price, not a headline monthly payment
Carrier promotions can reverse a simple price comparison. Before treating a phone as cheaper, check the total cost over the required contract period, the required plan, trade-in eligibility, whether credits arrive monthly, whether a new line is required and what happens to credits if you leave early. A promotional installment is not the same as an unconditional device discount.
Check SIM compatibility before buying
US iPhone 14 models are eSIM-only, without a physical SIM tray. That matters if you swap physical SIM cards, travel using local SIMs or plan to move the phone to a carrier that does not support eSIM. Confirm the specific model and carrier compatibility before purchase, especially for an imported or second-hand phone.
Buying a 2022 iPhone now: used and refurbished checks
In 2026, a “best iPhone in 2022” may mean the best 2022 model to buy used, rather than a new phone still sold by Apple. New old stock, manufacturer-refurbished, professionally refurbished and privately used devices are not interchangeable, and their prices and availability change. Apple’s refurbished iPhone store is one place to check, but do not assume it carries a particular older model.
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For marketplace listings, compare the exact device’s warranty, return window, condition description and battery disclosure. Before paying, verify:
- Battery health and whether the battery has been replaced.
- Activation Lock is off and the seller can erase and activate the phone.
- Carrier lock status and compatibility with your network; check IMEI status where available.
- Repair history and whether replacement parts are genuine or clearly disclosed.
- Warranty, return terms and the seller’s record.
- That water resistance should not be assumed on a used phone, particularly after age or repair.
For marketplace inventory, Apple lists its options at Amazon Renewed, Back Market and Swappa. Listings, warranties and prices vary; inspect the individual offer rather than relying on a marketplace-wide promise.
A refurbished 13 mini can be a compelling compact-phone find, but its battery limitation remains. The SE 3 can be a low-cost choice if its price is attractive and 64GB is enough. A 14 Pro can deliver a more modern Pro feature set, but only if battery condition, parts history and warranty justify the asking price. Compare old-model listings with current-generation phones at similar total prices before deciding.
Bottom line for the 2022 lineup
The iPhone 14 Pro was the best overall 2022 iPhone; the iPhone 13 was the most broadly sensible value. Pick by the compromise you can live with: the 13 mini trades endurance for compactness, the SE trades modern display and camera hardware for a lower entry price, the 14 Plus trades Pro features for a big screen and battery, and the Pro Max trades comfort and cost for the fullest premium package.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
