When people search for "the first iPhone," they're usually looking for two very different things. Some want to know about the original iPhone — the one Steve Jobs revealed in January 2007 and changed the industry with. Others are looking for something far more practical: which iPhone should I buy as my first iPhone right now? If you're buying your first iPhone — whether for yourself, a teenager, or a child — this guide covers what matters: which model is the best iPhone for a first phone, how to set it up, and what to do with the battery on your very first charge.
Here are the best iPhones for a first phone, depending on your situation:
- Best overall first iPhone: iPhone 15 — modern USB-C charging, a large bright display, and enough power to stay fast for years. The sweet spot between price and longevity, especially refurbished.
- Best budget first iPhone: iPhone SE (3rd generation) — the most affordable way into the Apple ecosystem. Compact, simple, and still fast enough for everything a first-time user needs.
- Best first iPhone for a teenager: iPhone 14 — looks and feels modern, tough enough for school life, and hits the right price at refurbished. No teenager will feel they're carrying something outdated.
- Best first iPhone for a child: iPhone 13 mini — small and light enough for little hands, with full parental controls built in. A practical choice that won't break the bank.
- Latest entry-level option: iPhone 16e — Apple's newest entry-level iPhone with a current-generation chip, USB-C, and Face ID. Check refurbished availability before buying new.
What Makes a Good First iPhone?
The biggest mistake people make when buying a first iPhone is treating it like a flagship purchase. Whether it's an iPhone for beginners or a first smartphone for someone who's never owned one, a first phone doesn't need the fastest chip or the most advanced camera. What it needs is reliability, enough performance to stay smooth through multiple years of iOS updates, and a price that doesn't make you anxious about drops and scratches.
The features that genuinely matter for a first smartphone come down to four things. Software support — Apple provides iOS updates for iPhones over multiple years, though the exact support period varies by model. Newer models like the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 are more likely to receive updates for longer than older devices. Storage — for most first-time buyers, 128GB is the more comfortable starting point. A 64GB model can still suit a light user, but it leaves far less room for photos, apps, and iOS updates. Durability — Ceramic Shield glass, available from iPhone 12 onwards, offers genuinely better drop protection. And simplicity — iOS has a consistent, guided interface that many first-time smartphone users find straightforward to learn.
Best First iPhone to Buy: Our Picks by Category
Best overall first iPhone: iPhone 15 — The sweet spot for most first-time buyers. It runs the same chip that powered the iPhone 14 Pro, charges with the same USB-C cable as your laptop, and has a bright 6.1-inch OLED display. With 128GB base storage, Dynamic Island, and Face ID, it covers everything a first-time user needs without any compromise. Refurbished pricing makes it especially compelling — modern enough to last, affordable enough to commit to.
Best budget first iPhone: iPhone SE (3rd generation) — If price is the biggest factor, the iPhone SE remains the most affordable way into Apple's ecosystem. Don't let the price fool you — the chip inside is the same one powering the iPhone 13, so everyday performance is entirely capable. The smaller 4.7-inch display with Touch ID feels simpler and more familiar, which some first-time users actually prefer. The trade-off is the older design, but for pure value it's hard to beat.
Best first iPhone for a teenager: If you're looking for a first phone for a teenager, the iPhone 14 hits the right balance. It looks and feels modern — no teenager will feel they're carrying something outdated — and it's durable enough with Ceramic Shield glass to survive the reality of school bags and sport. At refurbished prices, it's the middle ground between spending too much and getting something too old. Browse iPhones for teenagers at Remobile for a curated selection.
Best first iPhone for a child: If you're choosing a first phone for a child, the iPhone 13 mini's 5.4-inch display and lighter weight make it genuinely easier for smaller hands — something easy to overlook when you're used to a full-sized phone. Apple's Screen Time and parental controls work system-wide, so you can set app limits, content restrictions, and downtime schedules from the start. For a child, pair the phone with a protective case and configure Screen Time, purchase approval, and communication limits before handing it over. For iPhones for kids, Remobile offers graded devices at a price that reflects the reality of how children treat electronics.
Latest entry-level option: iPhone 16e — The iPhone 16e is Apple's newer entry-level iPhone — a strong choice for buyers who want USB-C, Face ID, and a current-generation chip at a lower price point. It runs the same chip as the standard iPhone 16 in a 6.1-inch OLED body. Check current refurbished availability at Remobile before choosing between this and a new device.
Why Refurbished Makes Sense for a First iPhone
A first iPhone is, by definition, going into the hands of someone who hasn't used one before — someone still learning, more likely to drop the device, and figuring out what they actually need. Spending full retail for that experience rarely makes financial sense. A professionally refurbished iPhone provides the same model-level iOS experience and core performance as a comparable new device, while cosmetic condition, battery health, included accessories, and repair history may vary by listing. A graded refurbished device from a seller like Remobile comes with a clear condition description, a defined warranty, and a returns process — so you know exactly what you're getting before you buy. For buyers with a limited budget, refurbished iPhones make newer generations far more accessible than buying new. Check Remobile's current listings for live prices and availability.
How to Set Up an iPhone for the First Time
If you've never owned an iPhone before, the new iPhone setup process is deliberately simple. When you turn the phone on, a "Hello" screen appears. From there, iOS walks you through every step: choosing your language, connecting to Wi-Fi, creating or signing into an Apple ID, and setting up iPhone for the first time with Face ID or Touch ID. Basic setup can take around 10 to 15 minutes, although transferring data, installing updates, or activating a SIM can take longer.
A few things worth doing during first-time iPhone setup that the process won't always emphasise: turn on Find My iPhone — critical if the phone is lost or stolen. Enable iCloud backup — it runs automatically overnight on Wi-Fi, so photos, messages, and settings are always recoverable. If you're setting up the phone for a child, configure Screen Time during setup rather than later — set app limits, content restrictions, and a parental passcode from the start. If the device is refurbished, confirm the previous owner's Apple ID has been removed — a properly graded device will always have this done, but worth verifying. And if you're switching from Android, Apple's Move to iOS app can transfer contacts, photos, and messages during setup.
Charging Your iPhone for the First Time: What You Need to Know
One of the most commonly searched questions about a new iPhone first charge is whether you need to fully charge it before first use. The short answer: no. iPhones use lithium-ion batteries that don't require a full charge-and-drain cycle — that was a requirement for older nickel-based batteries and has never applied to any iPhone. iPhones are normally shipped with some charge, and you can start using the device straight away. If you're charging your iPhone for the first time, just plug it in whenever convenient — a full charge before first use is not required.
For long-term battery health, keep it simple: avoid regularly draining to 0%, try to keep the battery between roughly 20% and 80% most of the time, and don't leave the phone charging at 100% in hot environments. Apple's built-in Optimized Battery Charging — on by default — learns your routine and slows charging past 80% until you need the phone, reducing long-term battery wear automatically.
First iPhone Comparison: Every Recommended Model at a Glance
| iPhone Model | Chip | Display | Unlock | Connector | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | A15 Bionic | 4.7″ LCD | Touch ID | Lightning | Lowest budget; compact size lovers |
| iPhone 13 mini | A15 Bionic | 5.4″ OLED | Face ID | Lightning | Children; small-hand users |
| iPhone 13 | A15 Bionic | 6.1″ OLED | Face ID | Lightning | Strong value; everyday use |
| iPhone 14 | A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) | 6.1″ OLED | Face ID | Lightning | Teenagers; mid-range balance |
| iPhone 15 | A16 Bionic | 6.1″ OLED | Face ID | USB-C | Best overall first iPhone pick |
| iPhone 16e | A18 | 6.1″ OLED | Face ID | USB-C | Current-gen chip; entry-level option |
| iPhone 16 | A18 (5-core GPU) | 6.1″ OLED | Face ID | USB-C | Future-proof; buyers who want current-gen |
Which First iPhone Should You Actually Buy?
If you want one answer to the question of the best iPhone for a first phone: the iPhone 15 refurbished. It's where price, performance, USB-C convenience, and software longevity all intersect. As a newer model, it's well positioned for continued iOS updates, and refurbished pricing puts it alongside much older models sold new. If budget is the priority, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is the entry point. For children, the iPhone 13 mini's compact size is a genuine advantage. For teenagers, the iPhone 14 strikes the right balance. And if you want the latest entry-level chip, the iPhone 16e is worth checking — refurbished or new.
FAQ: First iPhone
What was the first iPhone ever made?
The original iPhone was announced by Steve Jobs in January 2007 and went on sale in June 2007. It had a 3.5-inch display, a 2-megapixel camera, and no App Store — that came a year later with iPhone OS 2. If you're here looking for the best iPhone to buy as a first phone today rather than the history, the guide above covers every recommended model.
What is the best first iPhone to buy?
The iPhone 15 is the best overall first iPhone — USB-C charging, bright OLED display, 128GB base storage, at a competitive refurbished price. For tighter budgets, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is the cheapest entry into iOS. The iPhone 14 is an excellent mid-range pick for teenagers.
Do I need to fully charge my iPhone before using it for the first time?
No. iPhones use lithium-ion batteries that don't require a full charge before first use. iPhones are normally shipped with some charge, and you can start using the device straight away. The old advice about fully charging first applied to older nickel-based battery technology and has never been relevant to any iPhone.
How do I set up an iPhone for the first time?
Turn the phone on and follow the prompts: choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, create or sign into an Apple ID, and set up Face ID or Touch ID. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Enable Find My iPhone and iCloud backup during setup, and configure Screen Time if the phone is for a child.
Is a refurbished iPhone good enough as a first phone?
Yes — a professionally refurbished iPhone provides the same model-level iOS experience and core performance as a comparable new device. Cosmetic condition, battery health, and included accessories may vary by listing, but a graded device from a reputable seller comes with a defined warranty and clear condition information. For a first phone especially, refurbished makes practical sense: the device is going to someone still learning, and paying full retail for that period is unnecessary.
Which iPhone is best for a child's first phone?
The iPhone 13 mini — its 5.4-inch OLED display and lighter weight are easier for smaller hands. Apple's Screen Time parental controls work on every iPhone model for app limits, content restrictions, and communication controls. The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is another budget option with a smaller 4.7-inch LCD.
What storage size should I choose for a first iPhone?
For most first-time buyers, 128GB is the more comfortable starting point. A 64GB model can still work for a light user — someone mainly using calls, messaging, and web browsing — but it leaves less room for photos, apps, and iOS updates over time. 256GB is worthwhile if the user takes a lot of photos and videos.