Difference between iPhone 15 and iPhone 16

Choosing between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 can be difficult, especially when the models look so similar and have been released so quickly. To make your choice easier, we've made a clear comparison so you can easily see what the difference is between the iPhone 15 and 16. Compare iPhone 15 and iPhone 16

Compare iPhone 15 and 16

Now that the iPhone 16 is out, it might be worth taking a closer look at how it stacks up against the iPhone 15 – a model that’s still modern, but can now be bought used for a lower price. Comparing them will help you see what really sets the models apart, and whether it’s worth paying more for the latest or saving money on a phone that’s almost as good as the one you get from a used iPhone 15.

Design, screen and size

  • Both models have a 6,1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels. 
  • Both phones have an aluminum frame with a glass back and weigh almost the same – 170 grams (iPhone 15) vs 171 grams (iPhone 16).
  • The difference between the iPhone 15 and 16 is that only the latter model has a shortcut button and a camera slider for quick access.  

Cameras

  • Both phones are equipped with an advanced dual camera that has a resolution of 48 MP.
  • The difference between them is that the iPhone 16 has a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera that can take macro photos.
  • Both cameras have optical zoom up to 2x. 

RAM memory

  • The iPhone 15 has a slightly smaller RAM of 6GB, while the iPhone 16 has 8GB. This allows the latter model to store and manage more apps at the same time.

Storage space

  • Both iPhone 15 and 16 is available to buy with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB storage.

Battery

  • Both models have a built-in lithium-ion battery that supports fast charging.
  • The iPhone 15 can play video for 20 hours straight, while the iPhone 16 can handle up to 22 hours.
  • Both work with MagSafe accessories and have a USB-C port with support for USB 2. 

Price

  • The price difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 is fairly small, but the predecessor is usually slightly cheaper.  

Conclusion

There is little difference between the iPhone 15 and 16. What sets them apart is the RAM, camera and battery life. In terms of design, size and technical compatibility, the models are strikingly similar. So it is simply a matter of preference that determines which of the models suits you best – if you want a little more memory, a more advanced camera and slightly longer battery life, you should go for the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 15.

iPhone 15 iPhone 16
Release year: 2023 2024
Screen: 6,1” Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak)
1179 x 2556 pixels, 19,5:9 ratio (~461 ppi density)
Ceramic Shield glass
6,1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM)
1179 x 2556 pixels, 19,5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Ceramic shield glass (2024 gen)
Processor:

Apple A16 Bionic (4nm)
Hexacore(2x3,46 GHz Everest + 4x2,02 GHz Sawtooth)
Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Apple A18 (3nm)
Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
Apple GPU (5-core graphics) 

Remind: 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM
128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM
Rear camera:

48 MP, f/1,6, 26mm (wide), 1/1,56", 1,0µm, dual-pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS
12 MP, f/2,4, 13 mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Dual LED Dual Tone Flash, HDR (Photo/Panorama)
Video: 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), movie mode (4K@30fps), stereo sound recording.

 48MP, f/1,6, 26mm (wide), 1/1,56", 1,0µm, dual-pixel PDAF, sensor shift OIS
12 MP, f/2,2, 13 mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0,7 µm, dual-pixel PDAF
Dual LED Dual Tone Flash, HDR (Photo/Panorama)
Video: 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound recording.

Front camera:

12 MP, f/1,9, 23mm (wide), 1/3,6", PDAF. SL 3D, (depth/biometric sensor) HDR, movie mode (4K@30fps)
Video: 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS

12MP, f/1,9, 23mm (wide), 1/3,6", PDAF
SL 3D, (depth/biometric sensor)
HDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (spatial) sound, stereo sound recording.
Video:  4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS

Bacteria:

Li-Ion 3349 mAh, not removable
Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised)
15W wireless (MagSafe)
15W wireless (Qi2) - requires iOS 17.2 update
4,5W reverse wired

Li-Ion 3561 mAh, not removable
Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised)
25 W wireless (MagSafe)
15W wireless (Qi2)
4,5 W reverse wired

Other:

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual band, hotspot
Bluetooth 5.3
NFC
Nano-SIM and eSIM - International

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, hotspot
Bluetooth 5.3
NFC 
Nano SIM and eSIM

Measure: 14,76 cm x 7,16 cm x 0,78 cm 14,76 cm x 7,16 cm x 0,78 cm
Weight: 171 g 170 g