Best iPhone in 2025: Here’s Which Apple Phone You Should Buy

How CNET Tests iPhones: A Comprehensive Approach to Evaluation

When it comes to testing iPhones, CNET adopts a thorough and real-world approach to evaluate every aspect of the device. From its design and features to its performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value, no stone is left unturned. The process begins with an initial review, which is then updated periodically to reflect new iOS updates or comparisons with competing devices from brands like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. This ensures that the evaluation remains relevant and up-to-date, giving readers a clear understanding of how the iPhone stacks up in an ever-evolving market.

Photography: A Key Focus for iPhone Testing

Photography is one of the standout features of the iPhone, and CNET places a significant emphasis on testing its camera capabilities. The team takes pictures and videos of a wide range of subjects, capturing everything from landscapes to portraits, and tests the device in various lighting conditions. Special attention is paid to new camera modes, such as the 4K 120fps slow-motion video feature introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. This hands-on approach ensures that readers understand the iPhone’s photographic limits and strengths, whether they’re casual snapshots or professional-grade content creation.

Battery Life: Testing the iPhone’s Endurance

Battery life is another critical aspect of iPhone testing, and CNET employs a variety of methods to assess its endurance. The team evaluates how long the iPhone lasts during a typical day of use, which includes activities like browsing the web, using apps, and taking calls. Additionally, they conduct more focused tests, such as video calls, media streaming, and gaming, to see how the battery holds up under more intense usage. A video playback test is also performed, though this is not always included in the initial review and may be added later in an update. These tests provide a well-rounded view of the iPhone’s battery performance.

Performance Measuring: Smooth Operation and Speed

Performance is a key indicator of any smartphone’s quality, and CNET uses a combination of benchmarking apps and real-world experiences to evaluate the iPhone’s performance. The team pays close attention to how smooth the graphics and animations are, whether there’s any lag or stuttering, and how quickly the phone can switch between horizontal and vertical orientations. They also test how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo. Beyond these surface-level tests, CNET also engages in processor-heavy tasks like editing photos and videos, exporting videos, and playing games. These tests help determine if the newer iPhone models offer enough improvements to warrant an upgrade from older versions.

Features and Emergency Capabilities: What Sets the iPhone Apart

In addition to its core features, the iPhone often introduces innovative functionalities that set it apart from the competition. One such feature that has garnered significant attention is the Emergency SOS capability, which many consider one of the most important additions to any smartphone in recent years. CNET meticulously tests these features to understand their practicality, reliability, and impact on user safety. By evaluating both the hardware and software components, the team provides readers with a clear picture of what the iPhone has to offer and how it compares to other devices in the market.

Conclusion: How CNET Determines the iPhone’s Overall Value

Ultimately, CNET’s goal is to determine whether the iPhone offers enough value to justify its price tag. The team considers all the aspects tested, from photography and battery life to performance and unique features, to deliver a comprehensive verdict. By combining benchmark results with real-world experiences, CNET provides readers with an unbiased and detailed understanding of the iPhone’s strengths and weaknesses. This approach ensures that readers can make informed decisions about whether the iPhone is the right choice for their needs, preferences, and budget.