iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone Air
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at
£439.65£799.00 new
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone Air?
iPhone 15 Plus vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Plus starts at £439.65, £247.65 less than the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air.
- The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone Air specs
The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone Air offer different strengths suited to different users. The iPhone 15 Plus features a larger 6.7 inch screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate, making it good for watching video with a spacious display. It has 6 GB of RAM and physical SIM plus eSIM options, suiting those who prefer a traditional SIM slot. The iPhone Air has a 6.5 inch screen with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate, which benefits smoother scrolling and animations. With 12 GB of RAM and eSIM only, it suits users wanting more multitasking power in a lighter, slimmer phone. The Air also offers larger storage options up to 1 TB. Choose the 15 Plus if you want a bigger screen and physical SIM support, and the Air for faster screen responsiveness and more memory for apps.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone Air price
Colour
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone Air battery life and software updates
Both are unlocked, giving you flexibility in carrier choice.
Software Updates
This means you get current features and security patches regardless of which device you choose.
Physical Design
Both the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone Air are not foldable. Both are unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible network without restrictions.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone Air performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone Air screen
Screen experience differs between the two iPhones in size and refresh rate. These affect how much you see and how smooth interactions feel.
Screen Size
The iPhone 15 Plus has a larger 6.7 inch display, ideal for watching videos or reading with more room on screen. The iPhone Air uses a slightly smaller 6.5 inch screen that still offers ample viewing space but fits a bit more comfortably in one hand.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone Air features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means scrolling and animations appear smoother compared to the 60 Hz rate on the iPhone 15 Plus. This benefits users who value fluid motion in apps and games.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone 15 Plus has a resolution of 1290 by 2796 pixels on a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone Air offers 2736 by 1260 pixels on a Super Retina XDR screen. Both deliver sharp images, but the 15 Plus's screen is slightly taller and narrower in shape.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone Air camera
Camera performance is similar for main photography, but there are differences in the front camera that affect selfies and video calls.
Main Camera
Both devices use a 48 megapixel main camera, so photo detail and quality are comparable for everyday photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone Air has an 18 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video chats than the 12 megapixel front camera on the iPhone 15 Plus. This suits users who prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone Air size and design
Other differences include size, weight, RAM, SIM support, and storage options. These affect handling, multitasking, and how you connect your phone.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 Plus measures 160.9 mm tall, 77.8 mm wide, and 7.8 mm deep, weighing 201 g. The iPhone Air is smaller and lighter at 156.2 mm tall, 74.7 mm wide, 5.6 mm deep, and 165 g. The Air fits more easily in pockets or smaller hands.
RAM and Multitasking
The iPhone Air has 12 GB of RAM, doubling the 6 GB in the iPhone 15 Plus. More RAM helps with running multiple apps simultaneously and keeping them active in the background, which benefits power users.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 15 Plus supports both a physical SIM card and eSIM, giving you flexibility if you prefer a traditional SIM. The iPhone Air uses eSIM only, which is suited to users comfortable with digital SIM management.
Storage Choices
The iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB capacities. The iPhone Air starts at 256 GB and goes up to 1 TB, offering more space if you store lots of apps, photos, or media.
Connector and Network
Both phones use USB-C connectors and support 5G networks, giving you fast data and charging options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Plus or iPhone Air: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £439.65, £247.65 less than the iPhone Air
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 15 Plus appreciate its large, clear screen which helps when reading or watching content, especially if you wear glasses. Many mention the smooth performance and good battery life, with some noting quick data transfers and the benefit of USB-C charging. The physical SIM slot is valued by those who prefer it, and overall customers say the phone looks like new and works reliably. The weight and size are noticeable but suit those who want a bigger device.
Users of the iPhone Air highlight its premium condition and excellent battery health, with many pleased by how light and slim the phone feels. The higher RAM and screen refresh rate contribute to a smooth experience for multitasking and everyday use. The front camera quality receives positive remarks, especially for selfies. Some customers find cases for the Air that keep it slim, matching its design focus. The eSIM-only setup suits those comfortable managing digital SIMs.
Both phones have strong customer satisfaction for quality and condition. The iPhone 15 Plus is well suited to those wanting a larger display and physical SIM support, while the iPhone Air appeals to users who want a lighter phone with more memory and a higher refresh rate screen.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone Air FAQs
iPhone 15 Plus vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £439.65 compared with £687.30 for the iPhone Air.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone Air is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone Air adds more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB), a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz) and a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £247.65 more (from £687.30 vs £439.65).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone Air in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
