10 Best iPhones to Watch Movies

Apart from being excellent smartphones, iPhones are trendsetters. Their remarkable display quality, formidable performance, and advanced camera setups keep them a step ahead of the competition. But which is the best iPhone to watch movies in 2023? 

IPhones are known for their innovative Retina displays, delivering an immersive cinematic experience. Nevertheless, with similar specifications across models, it can be challenging to pinpoint the best iPhone for watching movies. 

Let’s go through the available models and try to find out. 

Best iPhones to Watch Movies

Our review team was able to get their hands on all the available models in 2023. Mind you, some of them are officially discontinued by Apple to make way for the newer releases.

However, you may still find them at your local retailer or through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon or eBay. To compile this list, we’ve evaluated them based on five fundamental criteria: performance, pricing, display quality, battery life, and user feedback.

1. iPhone 15 Pro Max

Price – $1, 199

• CPU – Apple A-17 Pro chip
• Display – 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 120Hz
• Screen Resolution – 1290 x 2796 pixels, 460 ppi 
• Operating System – iOS 17
• RAM – 8GB
• Storage – 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Battery Life – Up to 14 hours (4441 mAh)
• Weight – 221 g

iPhone 15 Pro Max is the newly launched high-end smartphone in the market. It packs all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a premium flagship product. With a gorgeous display, ample storage, and turbo speakers – it’s the best iPhone to watch movies in 2023. 

The Display on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a 6.7-inch Super Retina OLED, which supports HRD10, Dolby Vision, and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. In terms of overall viewing experience, this is the best smartphone display on the market right now. The color reproduction is fantastic, and the blacks are too deep, making the videos look lively and punchy. 

The stereo speakers are not much improved from the predecessor. However, they are perfectly balanced and create a decent surround sound experience in the landscape mode. Overall, you will get a top-tier cinematic experience, like on no other smartphone. 

The battery inside the iPhone 15 Pro Max has also been revamped. On average, it will give you around 14-15 hours on a full charge. Remarkable, you can play up to 20 hours of videos (offline), meaning it’s a good option for those carrying their movie library inside their iPhones. 

PROS	CONS
✔ Top-notch performance with A17 ✔ Shap and bright display ✔ Decent battery performance ✔ Premium design and feel	✖ Boring home screen   ✖ The top model is very expensive  ✖ Lacks fast charging

Verdict – if you want the latest iPhone with all the top features, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the one for you. 

Rating – 9.5★

2. iPhone 14 Pro Max

Price – $999

• CPU – Apple A16 Bionic
• Display – 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina OLED, HDR10 and Dolby Vision, 120Hz
• Screen Resolution – 1290 x 2796 pixels, 460 ppi
• Operating System – iOS 16
• RAM – 6GB
• Storage – 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Battery Life – Up to 13 hours (4323 mAh)
• Weight – 240 g

Last year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max is still a solid performer in terms of processing speeds, display quality, and battery life. Although the device is pretty much the same as the newer version, 15 Pro Max, you can pick this one at a relatively low price. 

The display is the same 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support. It will seamlessly stream all your high-definition content from Netflix, HBO, and Prime, along with 4K YouTube videos. The display also has a high 120Hz refresh rate, which will make the experience more smooth and flowing without any stuttering or frame drops. At 1,000 nits, the display is among the brightest on the market, and you can use it under any lighting conditions. 

The sound quality is amazing and you won’t have any issues in watching movies without earphones. Bass and vocals are seamlessly balanced and generate an immersive audio-visual experience. 

The battery life is somewhat decent but not comparable to Android phones at all. On a single charge, you can expect up to 13 hours of usage time and 17-18 hours of continuous offline video playback. 

PROS	CONS
✔ Dynamic Island  ✔ Lightening-fast performance ✔ Extremely bright AMOLED display ✔ Powerful speakers	✖ No USB-C ✖ Slow charging speed ✖ Inconsistent battery performance

Verdict – Following the release of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can expect to find it offered at a reduced price on numerous e-commerce platforms.

Rating – 9.3★

3. iPhone 15 Pro

Price – $999

• CPU – Apple A17 Pro
• Display – 6.1-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision, 120Hz 
• Screen Resolution – 1179 x 2556 pixels, 461 ppi
• Operating System – iOS 17
• RAM – 8GB
• Storage – 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Battery Life – Up to 11 hours (3274 mAh)
• Weight – 187 g

The latest flagship model, iPhone 15 carries the same design fundamentals as its predecessor and takes it to the next level with the power of the Apple A17 Pro chip. It will give you the same performance and cinematic experience as the 15 Pro Max at a reduced cost.  

The gorgeous 6.1-inch Retina display, with 460 PPI and 1000 nits, is among the sharpest and brightest screens in 2023, certainly on a smartphone. But what makes it better is the deep blacks and accurate color representation. With HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, it elevates your high-definition content, delivering an unparalleled viewing experience for movies and videos.

The bottom-firing stereo speakers are very loud and punchy, carrying a decent level of detail. The bass is subtle, but the vocals are very clear, again, perfect for movies and music. 

Battery performance is not as good as the Pro model, but it does a decent job. On a single charge, it will last for up to 11 hours. We were able to stream 4 movies in a row and still had 18% of the battery left. 

PROS	CONS
✔ Strong and lightweight design ✔ Powerful performance with A17✔ Sharp and bright Retina display ✔ Decent battery life	✖ No fast charging ✖ High starting price ✖ Not a huge upgrade

Verdict – if you want to save a couple of 100 bucks on the Pro model, you can get it. But the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a better option. 

Rating – 9.1★

4. iPhone 14 Pro

Price – $899

• CPU – Apple A16 Bionic
• Display – 6.1-inch LTPO Super Retina with 120 Hz, HDR10, and Dolby Vision
• Screen Resolution – 1179 x 2556 pixels, 460 ppi
• Operating System – iOS 16
• RAM – 6GB
• Storage – 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Battery Life – Up to 10 hours (3200 mAh)
• Weight – 206 g

The last year’s iPhone 14 Pro can still outperform the majority of the flagships from 2023. Also, after the launch of the new iPhones, it’s available at a very competitive price, as low as $899, making it a lucrative deal for many.  

It features the same beautiful 6.1-inch LTPO Super Retina with a refresh rate of 120Hz. With the support of HDR10 and Dolby Vision, the viewing experience is pretty much identical to the newer models. The high-definition (4K) movies look stunning, with punchy colors and high-contrast blacks. The screen also supports TrueTone technology and the 1000 nits brightness world ad cherry on top. 

The sound is not much to talk about. It’s loud and packs enough punch and clarity. The hybrid speaker system includes dual bottom-firing speakers with the earpiece working as a second channel. In the landscape mode, you will get a good surround sound experience. 

The iPhone 14 Pro falls short in the battery aspect, as its 3200 mAh battery only provides a 10-hour runtime with regular usage. If you’re indulging in an OTT binge-watching session, you can comfortably watch 3-4 movies consecutively before needing to recharge.

PROS	CONS
✔ 120 Hz refresh rate display ✔ very bright screen (1000 nits) ✔ Always-on display ✔ Crystal clear sound	✖ Average battery life ✖ No USB-C ✖ Very slow to charge

Verdict – It’s a cost-effective option without compromising on display size and quality. But the battery life might disappoint you. 

Rating – 8.8★

5. iPhone 14

Price – $699

• CPU – Apple A15 Bionic
• Display – 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR and Dolby Vision
• Screen Resolution – 1170 x 2532 pixels, 460 ppi
• Operating System – iOS 16
• RAM – 6GB
• Storage – 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• Battery Life – Up to 10 hours (3279 mAh)
• Weight – 172 g

The iPhone 14 is essentially the same as the iPhone 13. However, it’s the subtle internal enhancements that position it as one of the top smartphones on the market. At $699, it’s a leading option for movie enthusiasts in 2023 among all iPhone models.

Apart from a lower refresh rate (60Hz), the display is the same as the Pro model. It’s a Super Retina XDR OLED panel with a pixel density of 460 PPI, delivering exceptional clarity and intricate details. The phone also holds all the essential DRM certifications, enabling third-party services like Netflix and YouTube to run HDR streams. With a peak brightness of nearly 900 nits, it’s quite usable in outdoor conditions as well. 

The speaker setup in iPhone 14 is inspired by the previous model, with one bottom-firing speaker and the other hiding behind the notch. The speakers also support Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio, generating nice bass, balanced mid-tones, and crystal clear high notes.

The 3279 mAh battery does enough to get you through the day with basic web browsing, streaming, and multitasking. You can enjoy approximately 18 hours of offline playback and up to 7 hours of continuous online streaming.

PROS	CONS
✔ Lightweight and sturdy design ✔ Shap display with high PPI ✔ Fast A15 Bionic chip ✔ Relatively affordable price	✖ Low refresh rate (60Hz) ✖ E-Sim is not very convenient ✖ Slightly outdated CPU

Verdict – If you can look beyond the low refresh rate, the iPhone 14 is the best iPhone to watch movies under $700. 

Rating – 8.4★

6. iPhone 15

Price – $799

• CPU – Apple A16 Bionic
• Display – 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR10, Dolby Vision,
• Screen Resolution – 1179 x 2556 pixels, 461 ppi
• Operating System – iOS 17
• RAM – 6GB
• Storage – 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• Battery Life – Up to 11 hours (3349 mAh)
• Weight – 171 g

Launched in September 2023, the iPhone 15 is the base model of the latest iPhone series. While performance-wise it closely matches with iPhone 14 Pro, it features a slightly bigger battery while still being lighter than the Pro model. But is it the best iPhone to watch movies?

Frankly, there is no difference in the display of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14, apart from the refresh rate. The display of the iPhone 15 is still a 60Hz Super Retina XDR that looks as stunning as on the other recently launched iPhones but lacks the smoothness of 120Hz. However, the color representation is accurate, thanks to TrueTone technology, and OLED does a great job of highlighting colors by producing high-contrast blacks. 

Speakers are not much to talk about. It carries a similar set of speakers as previous models, one at the bottom and the other hiding behind the Dynamic Island, also working as an earpiece. The sound is crystal clear, with a great blend of bass and treble. 

The 3349 mAh battery does a decent job and will give you nearly a whole day on a full charge. 

PROS	CONS
✔ USB-C port ✔ Lightweight and compact design ✔ Crisp and bright OLED display ✔ Dynamic island	✖ Can get uncomfortably hot ✖ Lacks always-on display ✖ Low refresh rate display

Verdict – If you want the latest and the best iPhone to watch movies at $799, the iPhone 15 is an excellent choice. Just be aware that it can become excessively warm when streaming HD content.

Rating – 8.5★

7. iPhone 13

Price – $729

• CPU – Apple A15 Bionic
• Display – 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
• Screen Resolution – 1170 x 2532 pixels, 460 ppi
• Operating System – iOS 15, upgradable to iOS 17
• RAM – 4GB
• Storage – 126GB, 256GB, 512GB
• Battery Life – Up to 11 hours (3240 mAh)
• Weight – 174 g

Despite being a 2-year-old model, the iPhone 13 remains a top-performing smartphone in 2023. It shares the same display and processor as the iPhone 14 and is currently offered at a highly appealing price point.

iPhone 13 has the same gorgeous 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED pearl with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. Although the 120Hz ProMotion is missing, the display still scores remarkably well in terms of color reproduction, clarity, and sharpness. The screen does a fantastic job of maintaining the same color accuracy across all brightness levels, something that very few smartphones offer. The TrueTone adjustment is also there to keep the colors as natural as possible. 

It features the same speaker set as the iPhone 12 series, one behind the notch and the other next to the lightening port. The output is exceptional, with thumpy bass, balanced high notes, and pleasant mid-tones. 

The iPhone 13 battery gives a respectable 11 hours of usage time under normal usage (web browsing, multitasking, gaming). Apple promises up to 16 hours of offline video playback and 7 hours of continuous online streaming. 

PROS	CONS
✔ Decent battery life ✔ Sharp and bright Retina display ✔ Same performance as iPhone 14 ✔ An affordable flagship	✖ Outdated notch  ✖ No fast charging ✖ Lower refresh rate display

Verdict – If you can live with an outdated notch and 60Hz refresh rate, the iPhone 13 is a perfect pick at $729. 

Rating – 8.0★

8. iPhone 13 Mini

Price – $729

• CPU – Apple A15 Bionic
• Display – 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
• Screen Resolution – 1080 x 2340 pixels, 476 ppi
• Operating System – iOS 15, upgradable to iOS 17
• RAM – 4GB
• Storage – 126GB, 256GB, 512GB
• Battery Life – Up to 9 hours (2438 mAh)
• Weight – 141 g

If you are a fan of smaller and lighter iPhones, the iPhone 13 Mini stands as a good alternative. Although the model has been officially discontinued by Apple, you can still grab one from numerous e-commerce platforms at a highly attractive price. 

It features a compact 5.4-inch Super Retina OLED panel with all the features you would find on an iPhone 14. It supports HDR and Dolby Vision, making it a perfect screen to watch high-definition content from Netflix and HBO. You will miss the 120Hz refresh rate, but the pixel density is higher than even the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

It’s a good trade-off, considering it’s nearly half the price. Nevertheless, it provides an enjoyable movie-watching experience and is comfortable to hold due to its compact size and lightweight design. 

It has the same speakers as the iPhone 13, supporting spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. You can hear rich bass, sparkly high notes, and clear vocals. Overall, a perfectly balanced sound output. 

The battery backup is not excellent, lasting for approximately 10 hours. However, you will get nearly 14 hours of continuous playback time. 

PROS	CONS
✔ Same performance as iPhone 13 ✔ Lightweight and compact  ✔ Sharper display with higher PPI ✔ very bright and colorful screen	✖ Disappointing battery life ✖ Old-style notch ✖ Low refresh rate

Verdict – Get it for its compact size, power-packed performance, and incredibly sharp display. Otherwise, for a similar price, the iPhone 13 is a superior choice. 

Rating – 7.9★

9. iPhone 13 Pro Max

Price – $1,099

• CPU – Apple A15 Bionic
• Display – 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR10, Dolby Vision, 120Hz
• Screen Resolution – 1284 x 2778 pixels, 458 ppi 
• Operating System – iOS 15, upgradable to iOS 17
• RAM – 6GB
• Storage –  128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Battery Life – Up to 13 hours (4352 mAh)
• Weight – 240 g

Although the iPhone 13 Pro Max can be difficult to get in 2023, it remains a superior option when compared to the iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, provided you can make a slight compromise on performance. Rest assured, your movie-watching experience will be excellent as ever. 

It boasts the same 6.7-inch Retina XDR OLED display found in the iPhone 14 Pro, featuring ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate. There is HDR10 and Dolby Vision support as well. However, the peak brightness is slightly lower. Nevertheless, the screen maintains exceptional color accuracy, punchiness, and black levels at varying brightness levels, giving you an out-of-the-world movie-watching experience. 

There is a usual speaker setup similar to the one found on all iPhone models. The main speaker is located at the bottom, and the other one doubles as an earpiece behind the notch. While in the landscape, the phone smartly shifts the balance to give you a truly surround sound experience. 

The 13 Pro Max has excellent battery life, the highest we’ve noticed across iPhones. You get up to 14 hours of usage, while a remarkable 24 hours of video playback time. 

PROS	CONS
✔ Smooth 120Hz screen  ✔ Good battery life ✔ Top-tier performance with A15 ✔ Lour and crisp speakers	✖ Very heavy  ✖ Slow to charge  ✖ Not for one-handed use

Verdict – If you can look beyond the old-style notch, you can enjoy watching movies on a huge 120Hz display at a reduced price of $1,099. 

Rating – 8.3★

10. iPhone 12 Mini

Price – $629

• CPU – Apple A14 Bionic
• Display – 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Screen Resolution – 1080 x 2340 pixels, 476 ppi 
• Operating System – iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 17
• RAM – 4GB
• Storage –  64GB, 128GB, 256GB
• Battery Life – Up to 8 hours (2227 mAh)
• Weight – 135 g

The last recommendation is the iPhone 12 Mini, a high-performance compact smartphone that will undoubtedly appeal to individuals seeking a smaller iPhone to watch movies and TV shows without hurting their pockets. 

It has an identical display to the iPhone 13 Mini – a gorgeous 5.4-inch Retina XDR OLED with an impressive 476 PPI resolution, the highest ever seen on an iPhone. While the large notch might be a distraction, the screen itself is fantastic for enjoying HD movies and 4K videos.

It offers TrueTone adjustment, as well as support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, making it a well-rounded package. With a peak brightness of 1200 nits, it’s suitable for outdoor use.

iPhone 12 Mini has the same standard stereo speakers as the 13 and 14 series. However, the output is not the greatest. Seems like the small speaker size doesn’t perform as well as the ones on other models. The loudness is good, but details are missing. The bass is very weak, and the vocals could be better. 

The battery is nothing to brag about. The 2227 mAh battery will barely survive the day. On average, it clocks up to 8 hours and up to 12 hours of video playback. 

PROS	CONS
✔ Compact but premium build ✔ Lightweight  ✔ Crispy OLED display  ✔ Reasonably priced	✖ Mediocre battery life ✖ Comes without charger ✖ Smaller storage capacities

Verdict – Buy only if you have strict budget constraints. But be mindful of terrible battery performance. 

Rating – 7.5★

Frequently asked questions:

Final Word:

In this guide, I’ve compiled a list of the top iPhone models available in 2023 that are ideal for watching movies and tackling various productive tasks. Some models might be harder to get than others. Check online stores as well as your local vendors to find the best deal possible.