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- Best overall: Apple iPhone 17 256GB Unlocked
- Best budget: Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Unlocked
- Best premium: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked
- Best for travel: Apple iPhone Air 256GB Unlocked
- Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup does not include an iPhone 17 Plus; the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro Max are large-screen alternatives.
- Apple iPhone 15 Plus offers a 6.7-inch display and remains a sensible pick for shoppers who want a familiar big-screen iPhone.
- Apple iPhone 17 adds a 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a newer chip, and a more compact body.
- Compare storage, screen size, camera needs, and battery priorities before choosing a Black Friday 2026 iPhone.
Apple did not release an iPhone 17 Plus, so there is no direct iPhone 17 Plus vs iPhone 15 Plus comparison for Black Friday 2026. Shoppers who want a newer large-screen iPhone can compare Apple iPhone Air or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max with Apple iPhone 15 Plus; shoppers open to a smaller display can consider Apple iPhone 17.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify the most useful iPhone choices for different needs. The shortlist covers large-screen value, pocket-friendly upgrades, premium cameras, and travel-ready designs. Start with the screen size and storage you want, then weigh the camera and chip differences. Black Friday shopping is a good time to compare the complete phone you want, not just its model name.
How We Picked
- Compared display size, refresh rate, chip generation, rear camera setup, and base storage using published product specifications.
- Reviewed owner feedback and expert reviews for recurring comments about battery life, camera use, screen experience, and everyday performance.
- Included current iPhone choices that address different needs, including large displays, compact builds, premium cameras, and value-focused upgrades.
- Prioritized clear comparisons with Apple iPhone 15 Plus because the iPhone 17 lineup has no Plus model.
- Selected unlocked storage configurations as practical starting points for shoppers comparing phones across retailers.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display | Chip | Rear camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 17 256GB Unlocked | Compact upgrade | 6.3-inch | A19 | 48MP main and 48MP ultra wide |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Unlocked | Premium compact cameras | 6.3-inch | A19 Pro | Three 48MP cameras |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked | Premium large-screen use | 6.9-inch | A19 Pro | Three 48MP cameras |
| Apple iPhone Air 256GB Unlocked | Slim large-screen design | 6.5-inch | A19 Pro | 48MP |
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Unlocked | Plus-size everyday use | 6.7-inch | A18 | 48MP main and 12MP ultra wide |
| Apple iPhone 16 128GB Unlocked | Smaller size and newer chip | 6.1-inch | A18 | 48MP main and 12MP ultra wide |
| Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Unlocked | Large-screen value | 6.7-inch | A16 Bionic | 48MP main and 12MP ultra wide |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Apple iPhone 17 256GB Unlocked
The Apple iPhone 17 256GB Unlocked is the best compact upgrade for shoppers who want a newer iPhone without a Plus-size body. The Apple iPhone 17 256GB Unlocked's 6.3-inch display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, giving scrolling and motion a smoother feel than the 60Hz screen on Apple iPhone 15 Plus.
Best for: A newer iPhone in a manageable size
- Display
- 6.3-inch
- Refresh rate
- Up to 120Hz
- Chip
- A19
- Rear cameras
- 48MP main and 48MP ultra wide
- Storage
- 256GB
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Newer A19 chip
- 256GB starting storage
- Smaller screen than Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Is the Apple iPhone 17 256GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Apple iPhone 17 256GB Unlocked is a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for shoppers who value a newer chip and a smoother 120Hz display more than a 6.7-inch screen. The Apple iPhone 17 256GB Unlocked's 256GB storage also gives everyday users useful room for photos and apps.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Apple iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Unlocked
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Unlocked is the best premium compact iPhone for shoppers who want advanced cameras in a smaller frame. The 6.3-inch display pairs with an A19 Pro chip and a triple 48MP rear camera system for a more flexible photography setup.
Best for: Premium cameras in a compact phone
- Display
- 6.3-inch
- Chip
- A19 Pro
- Rear cameras
- Three 48MP cameras
- Refresh rate
- Up to 120Hz
- Storage
- 256GB
- Three 48MP rear cameras
- Pro-tier A19 Pro chip
- High-refresh-rate display
- Smaller display than the Plus models
Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Apple iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Unlocked suits shoppers who want a premium camera system and powerful performance without carrying a large phone. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro 256GB Unlocked's 6.3-inch screen is smaller than Apple iPhone 15 Plus, so choose it for camera flexibility rather than maximum screen area.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked is the best premium large-screen choice for shoppers who want a big display and a versatile camera system. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked's 6.9-inch screen is larger than the 6.7-inch Apple iPhone 15 Plus display, and its A19 Pro chip supports demanding use.
Best for: A large display and premium cameras
- Display
- 6.9-inch
- Chip
- A19 Pro
- Rear cameras
- Three 48MP cameras
- Refresh rate
- Up to 120Hz
- Storage
- 256GB
- Largest screen in this lineup
- Triple 48MP rear camera system
- A19 Pro chip
- Large body is less pocket-friendly
Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB Unlocked is a fitting pick for shoppers who want a 6.9-inch screen, a premium camera array, and a current Pro chip. The larger build makes it less convenient for one-handed use than Apple iPhone 15 Plus.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Apple iPhone Air 256GB Unlocked
The Apple iPhone Air 256GB Unlocked is the best thin large-screen option for shoppers who put a lightweight-feeling design ahead of a multi-camera rear system. The Apple iPhone Air 256GB Unlocked's 6.5-inch display sits between the 6.3-inch Apple iPhone 17 and the 6.7-inch Apple iPhone 15 Plus.
Best for: A slim phone with a large display
- Display
- 6.5-inch
- Thickness
- 5.6mm
- Chip
- A19 Pro
- Rear camera
- 48MP
- Storage
- 256GB
- Slim 5.6mm design
- Large 6.5-inch display
- A19 Pro chip
- Single rear camera
Is the Apple iPhone Air 256GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Apple iPhone Air 256GB Unlocked is worth considering for shoppers who want a slim phone with a 6.5-inch screen and a newer chip. The Apple iPhone Air 256GB Unlocked's single 48MP rear camera is less flexible than the multi-camera systems on Apple iPhone 17 Pro models.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Unlocked
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Unlocked is the best straightforward large-screen alternative for shoppers who want a Plus-size iPhone without moving to a Pro model. The 6.7-inch display matches Apple iPhone 15 Plus in size, while the A18 chip brings a newer generation of performance.
Best for: A familiar Plus-size iPhone
- Display
- 6.7-inch
- Chip
- A18
- Rear cameras
- 48MP main and 12MP ultra wide
- Refresh rate
- 60Hz
- Storage
- 128GB
- Large 6.7-inch display
- A18 chip
- Dual rear cameras
- 60Hz refresh rate
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Unlocked is a good fit for shoppers who want a large 6.7-inch display and a newer chip than Apple iPhone 15 Plus. The display remains 60Hz, so shoppers who value smoother scrolling should compare it with Apple iPhone 17.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Apple iPhone 16 128GB Unlocked
The Apple iPhone 16 128GB Unlocked is the best value-focused current-size option for shoppers who prefer a smaller phone and want a newer chip than Apple iPhone 15 Plus. The Apple iPhone 16 128GB Unlocked's 6.1-inch display and A18 chip make it a practical everyday pick for calls, messaging, and photos.
Best for: A smaller phone with a newer chip
- Display
- 6.1-inch
- Chip
- A18
- Rear cameras
- 48MP main and 12MP ultra wide
- Refresh rate
- 60Hz
- Storage
- 128GB
- Compact 6.1-inch display
- A18 chip
- Dual rear cameras
- Smaller screen than either Plus model
Is the Apple iPhone 16 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Apple iPhone 16 128GB Unlocked is a sensible Black Friday 2026 choice for shoppers who want a compact iPhone with an A18 chip and dual rear cameras. Pick Apple iPhone 15 Plus instead when a 6.7-inch screen matters more than a smaller body.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Unlocked
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Unlocked is the best big-screen value pick for shoppers who want a 6.7-inch display and do not need the newest chip. The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Unlocked's A16 Bionic chip and 48MP main camera cover everyday use, while the large screen makes video and reading comfortable.
Best for: A large screen at a value-focused tier
- Display
- 6.7-inch
- Chip
- A16 Bionic
- Rear cameras
- 48MP main and 12MP ultra wide
- Refresh rate
- 60Hz
- Storage
- 128GB
- Large 6.7-inch display
- 48MP main camera
- USB-C connector
- Older A16 Bionic chip
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Unlocked remains a practical pick for shoppers who want a large screen, a 48MP main camera, and everyday iPhone features. Compare newer models if you need a newer chip, a smoother display, or more base storage.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Is there an iPhone 17 Plus to compare with iPhone 15 Plus?
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup has 4 models and does not include an iPhone 17 Plus. Shoppers looking for a large-screen replacement for Apple iPhone 15 Plus should compare Apple iPhone Air and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, while Apple iPhone 16 Plus retains the familiar 6.7-inch Plus format.
The closest fit depends on what you value most. Apple iPhone Air offers a 6.5-inch display in a slim design, while Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch screen and a Pro camera system. Apple iPhone 16 Plus matches Apple iPhone 15 Plus screen size, but adds the A18 chip. For a smaller phone with a higher refresh rate, Apple iPhone 17 is a different-size upgrade.
What is the biggest difference between iPhone 17 and iPhone 15 Plus?
Apple iPhone 17 has a 6.3-inch display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate, while Apple iPhone 15 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The newer model is better suited to shoppers who want a smaller phone and smoother scrolling; Apple iPhone 15 Plus better serves shoppers who value screen area.
The two phones also use different chips: A19 in Apple iPhone 17 and A16 Bionic in Apple iPhone 15 Plus. Apple iPhone 17 starts at 256GB storage in the configuration featured here, compared with 128GB for the featured Apple iPhone 15 Plus. Choose by your daily priorities: display size, storage needs, and how long you plan to keep the phone.
Which iPhone is best for a large screen?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the largest display in this guide at 6.9 inches, while Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 16 Plus each have a 6.7-inch display. Shoppers who want maximum screen area and a premium camera setup have a clear fit in Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.
A bigger screen is not automatically the best choice for every shopper. Apple iPhone Air measures 6.5 inches and has a notably slim 5.6mm design, while Apple iPhone 15 Plus keeps the familiar Plus-size experience. Consider how the phone feels in a pocket or bag, and whether you regularly watch video, read, or work with photos on your phone.
Which iPhone is best for photos and video?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max are the strongest camera picks in this guide, with three 48MP rear cameras each. Multiple rear cameras give shoppers more options for framing scenes, while the A19 Pro chip supports demanding photo and video use.
Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone 16 models are practical alternatives for everyday photography with dual rear cameras. Apple iPhone Air has a single 48MP rear camera, making it the simplest camera setup in this group. Apple iPhone 15 Plus also has a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultra wide camera. Choose a Pro model for the broadest camera flexibility, or a standard model for routine family and travel photos.
Should iPhone 15 Plus owners upgrade in 2026?
Apple iPhone 15 Plus owners should upgrade in 2026 when they want a newer chip, a different screen size, or a more advanced camera setup. Apple iPhone 17 adds a 120Hz display and A19 chip, while Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max brings a 6.9-inch screen and three 48MP rear cameras.
Shoppers happy with a 6.7-inch screen, a 48MP main camera, and the A16 Bionic experience can keep using Apple iPhone 15 Plus. Apple iPhone 16 Plus offers another step within the Plus format with an A18 chip. Before buying, check the storage capacity, carrier compatibility, condition, and included accessories for the specific listing.
Buying Guide
Choose your screen size first
Apple iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch display, and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max stretches to 6.9 inches. Apple iPhone 17 is 6.3 inches, while Apple iPhone Air is 6.5 inches. Pick the size that feels right for reading, video, and everyday carrying.
Match storage to your library
The configurations in this guide range from 128GB to 256GB. Choose 128GB for a lighter app and photo library, or 256GB for more local photos, videos, games, and downloads. Confirm the exact storage on the retailer listing before checkout.
Compare the camera setup
Apple iPhone 17 Pro models offer three 48MP rear cameras, while Apple iPhone Air uses a single 48MP rear camera. Apple iPhone 15 Plus combines a 48MP main camera with a 12MP ultra wide camera. Prioritize a multi-camera system if framing options matter.
Check the display refresh rate
Apple iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models support refresh rates up to 120Hz; Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 16 Plus use 60Hz displays. A higher refresh rate makes scrolling and supported motion look smoother. Compare this feature in person at a store when it is important to you.
Review the listing details
Confirm the exact model, storage, unlocked status, condition, return window, and included accessories before completing a Black Friday 2026 purchase. A retailer listing should name the full iPhone model, not only describe it as an iPhone Plus or iPhone Pro.
FAQ
Is there an iPhone 17 Plus?
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup does not include an iPhone 17 Plus. Shoppers who want a large display can compare Apple iPhone Air, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, and Apple iPhone 16 Plus. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the largest screen here at 6.9 inches.
Which is better, iPhone 17 or iPhone 15 Plus?
Apple iPhone 17 is better for shoppers who want a newer A19 chip, 256GB base storage in this guide, and a 120Hz display. Apple iPhone 15 Plus is better for shoppers who prioritize its larger 6.7-inch screen and familiar Plus-size body.
Is the iPhone 15 Plus still worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Apple iPhone 15 Plus remains worth considering for shoppers who want a large 6.7-inch screen and a capable 48MP main camera. Compare the specific phone’s storage, condition, and unlocked status, and choose a newer model when chip or display upgrades are priorities.
What is the closest iPhone 17 alternative to iPhone 15 Plus?
Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the closest screen-size alternative, with a 6.7-inch display and an A18 chip. Apple iPhone Air is a newer large-screen alternative with a 6.5-inch display, while Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a larger 6.9-inch screen.
Which iPhone has the best battery life?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the best battery-focused choice in this guide for shoppers seeking a large premium iPhone. Battery duration varies with settings, signal, apps, and use, so compare Apple’s published battery estimates with owner feedback and your own daily habits.
Should I buy an iPhone 15 Plus or iPhone 16 Plus?
Choose Apple iPhone 16 Plus for its A18 chip while keeping a 6.7-inch display. Choose Apple iPhone 15 Plus when its A16 Bionic chip and 48MP main camera meet your needs and the specific listing offers the better overall fit for your budget and storage.