iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16e
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at
£439.65£799.00 new
iPhone 16e
Starting at
£478.75£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 16e?
iPhone 15 Plus vs 16e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Plus starts at £439.65, £39.10 less than the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16e.
- The iPhone 16e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 4005 mAh.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16e specs
The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 16e differ mainly in size, performance, and battery capacity. The iPhone 15 Plus has a larger 6.7 inch screen and a bigger 4383 mAh battery, making it suitable for users who prefer a roomy display and longer battery life. The iPhone 16e is smaller with a 6.1 inch screen and a 4005 mAh battery, fitting those who want a more compact phone. Performance-wise, the iPhone 16e offers a newer Apple A18 chip and 8 GB of RAM, suited for users who prioritise faster processing and smoother multitasking. Both share iOS and key features like USB-C and 5G support, fitting a range of everyday needs.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16e price
Colour
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16e battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, operating system, and design features. Both iPhones run iOS and are not foldable. Battery capacity differs, which affects daily use and charging habits.
Battery Capacity And Usage
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 4383 mAh battery, offering more capacity for longer usage between charges. This suits users who need extended battery life for heavy daily use. The iPhone 16e has a 4005 mAh battery, which is still ample but may require more frequent charging for power users.
Operating System
Both models run iOS, providing the same software environment and app compatibility. This means the choice does not affect the operating system experience.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16e performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 16e is equipped with a newer chipset and more RAM, influencing speed and multitasking. Both offer the same storage options.
Chipset And Processing Power
The iPhone 15 Plus runs on the Apple A16 Bionic chip built on a 4 nm process, while the iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 chip on a 3 nm process. The iPhone 16e is likely to be faster and more efficient, fitting users who want improved processing for apps and tasks.
Memory For Multitasking
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16e keeps more apps and processes active smoothly. The iPhone 15 Plus has 6 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for everyday use but may be less comfortable for heavy multitasking.
Storage Options
Both devices come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes. This allows buyers to choose the capacity that fits their media, apps, and files needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16e screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and portability. Both devices have OLED displays but differ in size and resolution, which changes how content appears and how easy each phone is to handle.
Screen Size And Comfort
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7 inch screen, offering a larger viewing area suitable for watching videos and reading with less eye strain. The iPhone 16e has a smaller 6.1 inch screen, which makes it more pocket-friendly and easier to use one-handed.
Resolution And Detail
The iPhone 15 Plus features a resolution of 1290 x 2796, giving a tall and detailed display. The iPhone 16e has a 2532 x 1170 resolution, which is sharper horizontally but on a smaller screen. The choice depends on whether you prefer a bigger or more compact display.
Display Technology
Both phones use Super Retina XDR OLED technology. This ensures rich colours and deep contrast for all users, regardless of screen size.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16e camera
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16e size and design
Other features include physical dimensions, network compatibility, and connectivity. These affect handling, carrier use, and accessory compatibility.
Size And Weight
The iPhone 15 Plus measures 160.9 mm in height, 77.8 mm in width, and weighs 201 g, making it larger and heavier for those who prefer a substantial device. The iPhone 16e is more compact at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and weighs 167 g, fitting those who want a lighter, easier to hold phone.
Carrier And SIM Options
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, with physical SIM and eSIM capabilities. This provides flexible options for network use in the UK.
Connector Type
Each device uses a USB-C connector, standardising charging and data transfer with compatible cables and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Plus or iPhone 16e: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £439.65, £39.10 less than the iPhone 16e
- you want a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 4005 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 16e if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a lighter build (167 g vs 201 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 15 Plus appreciate its large screen, smooth performance, and good battery life. Many mention the phone looks and feels like new, with some highlighting the switch to USB-C as a plus. The size and weight suit those who do not mind a bigger device and enjoy a spacious display for video and reading. Battery life lasting about 24 hours is noted, and customers report quick data transfer and reliable operation.
Buyers of the iPhone 16e praise its like-new condition and excellent performance with the Apple A18 chip and 8 GB RAM. The smaller, lighter device fits well in the hand and pocket. Battery health and camera quality receive positive comments. Some mention smooth data transfers from iPhones with physical SIM cards, while a few highlight the convenience of eSIM. The iPhone 16e is valued for offering a newer chipset and compact design without compromising key features.
Both phones suit different needs: the iPhone 15 Plus is ideal for those who want a larger screen and longer battery, while the iPhone 16e is better for users who prefer a smaller device with more processing power and memory for multitasking.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16e FAQs
iPhone 15 Plus vs 16e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £439.65 compared with £478.75 for the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 4005 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 16e is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16e adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB) and a lighter build (167 g vs 201 g). Refurbished, it costs £39.10 more (from £478.75 vs £439.65).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
