Which iPhone to Buy in Ghana in 2027: Every Model Compared

For most people in Ghana, the best iPhone to buy in 2027 is an iPhone 15 or newer: it has USB-C charging, a 48MP main camera, a battery Apple rates for 1,000 charge cycles, and years of iOS updates ahead. If you want the best camera and screen, choose a Pro model from the iPhone 15 Pro onwards. If your budget is tight, a UK used iPhone 13 or 14 with healthy battery is the sweet spot. Avoid anything older than the iPhone 11, which iOS 26 no longer supports, and treat the iPhone 11 and 12 as short-term buys. This guide compares every model you are likely to see in Ghana and matches them to the kind of buyer each suits.

Updated October 2026. This guide covers the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 17 range released in 2025. Apple releases new iPhones every September, and newer models follow the same patterns described here.

The quick answer

How long will each iPhone keep getting updates?

Apple does not publish fixed support dates, but it has a long record of supporting iPhones for many years. iOS 26, released in September 2025, runs on the iPhone 11 and newer and dropped the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. Each year Apple may drop the oldest models from new iOS versions, though they usually keep receiving security fixes for a while longer.

For a buyer in 2027, the rule of thumb is simple: the newer the model, the longer it will stay current. The iPhone 11 is the oldest model iOS 26 supports, so it is the most likely to lose new iOS versions next. An iPhone 15 or newer has years left.

Every model, compared for 2027

iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max

Apple's 2025 Pro models: the A19 Pro chip, the most capable cameras including a 48MP telephoto, a bright 120Hz ProMotion screen, and the longest software runway. Best for content creators, photographers, business owners who sell through photos and anyone who keeps a phone for five years or more. See the iPhone 17 Pro Max guide and iPhone 17 Pro guide.

iPhone Air

Apple's thinnest iPhone, with a large 6.5-inch screen and the A19 Pro chip. It has a single rear camera and uses eSIM only: there is no SIM tray. Check that your network supports eSIM before choosing it. It suits buyers who value a light, thin phone over battery size and camera range. See the iPhone Air guide.

iPhone 17

The standard model gained a 120Hz ProMotion screen, which earlier non-Pro iPhones lacked, and starts at 256GB of storage. A strong choice for most people buying new. See the iPhone 17 guide.

iPhone 16, 16 Plus and 16e

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus run Apple Intelligence and have the Camera Control button. The iPhone 16e is a simpler model with a single rear camera, aimed at buyers who want a new iPhone for less. All three have years of support ahead. See the iPhone 16 guide.

iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max

Excellent cameras, 120Hz screens and Apple Intelligence. As UK used phones in 2027 they offer near-flagship performance for less than a new Pro. See the iPhone 16 Pro Max guide.

iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max

The first iPhones with USB-C, the first with Dynamic Island on the standard model, and the first with a 48MP main camera on the standard model. Apple rates the iPhone 15 and newer batteries to keep about 80% capacity at 1,000 cycles, double the rating of older models. The 15 Pro and Pro Max also run Apple Intelligence. In 2027 the iPhone 15 range is the value sweet spot for buyers who want years of support. See the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max guides.

iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max

The 14 Pro and Pro Max introduced Dynamic Island and a 48MP main camera; the standard 14 is very similar to the 13. Still good phones in 2027, with Lightning charging. See the iPhone 14 Pro Max guide.

iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 13 is one of the best value iPhones to buy used: strong battery life for its size, a good camera and years of updates left. The 13 Pro and Pro Max have 120Hz ProMotion screens and a telephoto camera. See the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max guides.

iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max

The first iPhones with 5G, MagSafe and an OLED screen on every model. Fine for calls, WhatsApp and social media in 2027, but closer to the end of its runway. Buy one only with healthy battery and at a price that reflects its age. See the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max guides.

iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max

The oldest iPhones that run iOS 26. The iPhone 11 has an LCD screen and is the most likely model to lose new iOS versions next. Good as a first phone for a child or a backup phone, not as a phone to rely on for years. See the iPhone 11 guide.

A worked example: iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 15?

Yaw can afford either a UK used iPhone 12 Pro Max or a UK used iPhone 15 at a similar price. The 12 Pro Max has a bigger screen and a telephoto camera. The iPhone 15 has a newer chip, USB-C charging, a 48MP main camera, Dynamic Island, a battery rated for twice as many charge cycles, and three more years of support ahead.

If Yaw keeps phones for three years or more, the iPhone 15 is the better buy. If he wants the big screen and zoom camera for one or two years, the 12 Pro Max makes sense. Either way, he should check battery health: at 80% the 12 Pro Max will need a battery soon.

What to check before buying any used iPhone

1. Activation Lock is off and the previous owner's Apple ID is signed out.
2. Battery health in Settings, Battery. 85% or higher is healthy.
3. Not network locked. Insert your SIM and make a call.
4. Parts and service history in Settings, General, About. On recent models and iOS versions, replaced or unknown parts are listed there.
5. Face ID or Touch ID works.
6. Not reported stolen. Read how to check if an iPhone is stolen and how to know if an iPhone is original.

At MachineWura every pre-owned device passes a 30-point inspection with at least 85% battery health before it is listed.

Frequently asked questions

Which iPhone is best to buy in 2027?

For most people, an iPhone 15 or newer. For the best camera, a Pro model from the iPhone 15 Pro onwards. For value, a UK used iPhone 13 or 14.

Is the iPhone 11 still worth buying in 2027?

Only as a short-term or backup phone. It is the oldest model iOS 26 supports and the most likely to lose new iOS versions next.

Is the iPhone 13 still good in 2027?

Yes. It has good battery life, a good camera and years of updates left, which makes it one of the best value used iPhones.

Which iPhones support Apple Intelligence?

The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 range including the 16e, and the iPhone 17 range including the iPhone Air.

Does the iPhone Air have a SIM card slot?

No. The iPhone Air uses eSIM only, so check that your network supports eSIM before you buy it.

Can I trade in my old iPhone?

Yes. At MachineWura you can trade in your current phone and pay the difference. Each device is valued individually. See the trade-in page.

Choosing an iPhone? Ask us on WhatsApp on 0550 314 351, or browse phones on MachineWura.