The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 came out one year apart and, while they have a few major differences, most of their differences are subtle. That can make figuring out whether to buy an iPhone 15 or 16 tricky. This article compares iPhone 16 vs. 15 to help you understand their features and differences so you can buy the one that’s right for you.
This article only looks at the base and Plus models of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16. It does not cover the Pro or Pro Max versions.
For features like battery, cameras, and safety features, many aspects of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are identical. Still, they have three major areas of difference to pay attention to.
Firstly, every model of the iPhone 16 series can run Apple’s AI platform, Apple Intelligence. To use it with an iPhone 15, you’ll need one of the Pro models, which have the A17 Pro chip. The basic iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic isn’t powerful enough to use these features.
Secondly, while both models’ cameras are nearly identical, only the 16 series can capture ultra-close-up Marco, and Apple Vision Pro-compatible Spatial photo and videos. The 16 also adds the Camera Control button for enhanced control when taking photos and videos.
And lastly, each model of the iPhone 16 costs $100 more when compared to the equivalent iPhone 15 option.
Cameras: Seeing double
The iPhone 15 has a 48-megapixel wide and 12-megapixel ultra wide camera, while the iPhone 16 has a 48-megapixel wide camera and a new 12-megapixel ultra wide camera. Despite the similar megapixel count between the two phones, the ultra wide camera on the iPhone 16 can take in more light, has a wider aperture and features autofocus for macro shots great for those who let the camera “eat” first.
Both phones have a 12-megapixel front-facing camera and can shoot 4K video. The main difference is the iPhone 16 can shoot 1080p spatial video at 30 frames per second, (hence the vertical stacking of the cameras on this year’s iPhone 16 and 16 Plus).
Displays, size and weight
Apple implemented more modest tweaks when it comes to displays. The iPhone 15 and 16 both have 6.1-inch OLED displays with a 60Hz refresh rate, though the iPhone 16 doubles the 15’s peak brightness, reaching 2,000 nits. Both have a 460ppi pixel density.
The iPhone 15 and 16 are the same size, with a height of 5.81 inches, width of 2.82 inches and a 0.31-inch thickness. They weigh just about the same: the iPhone 16 is 170g (6 ounces), while the iPhone 15 is 171g (6.02 ounces).
The iPhone 16 comes in black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine. The iPhone 15 comes in black, green, yellow, pink and blue.
Both phones feature Dynamic Island, and use Face ID or a passcode to unlock (no fingerprint scanner).
Battery, processors and software
Apple doesn’t disclose its battery capacity but says the iPhone 16 has up to 22 hours of video playback (18 hours streamed). The iPhone 15, meanwhile, has up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed). Both feature USB-C charging.
The iPhone 16 supports MagSafe wireless charging up to 25 watts with a 30-watt adapter or higher, while the iPhone 15’s MagSafe charging reaches 15 watts. They also each support Qi2 charging, up to 15 watts.
The iPhone 16 sports the new A18 chip, while the iPhone 15 has the A16 Bionic chip. The iPhone 16 has iOS 18 out of the box, and though the iPhone 15 features last year’s iOS 17, it’s eligible for the new operating system.
In conclusion, While the differences between the two phones aren’t that significant, we strongly recommend buying the iPhone 16 For just $100 more, you get a newer, faster processor, Apple Intelligence, the Camera Control button, and a slightly lighter phone.
These differences may not seem like a lot, but neither is $100 when buying a smartphone. It’s always best to buy the highest-specced phone you can afford, and you’ll be glad you spent the extra money to get the speed and AI features.
