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iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16

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iPhone 15

Starting at

£416.19£699.00 new
See options

iPhone 16

Starting at

£577.65£699.00 new
See options
(417 reviews)
(451 reviews)

What's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16?

iPhone 15 vs 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 starts at £416.19, £161.46 less than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 is the newer model, released in 2024.

Refurbished from

£416.19£577.65

Chipset

Apple A16 BionicApple A18 (3 nm)

RAM

6 GB8 GB

Battery

3349 mAh3561 mAh

Weight

171 g170 g
  • Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16.
  • The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
  • The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 3349 mAh.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 specs

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 share a similar screen size, camera setup, and 5G connectivity, making both suitable for everyday use and multimedia. The iPhone 16 offers a larger battery and more RAM, which helps with smoother multitasking and longer battery life. Both phones are unlocked and come in the same storage options, so your choice depends on whether you prioritise performance and battery or a solid all-rounder at a lower price point.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 price

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 battery life and software updates

Durability matters for how long your phone keeps up with daily use. Battery size, software support, and physical design affect this.

Battery Capacity

The iPhone 16 has a 3561 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 15's 3349 mAh. This means the iPhone 16 is better suited for users who need longer battery life without frequent charging. The iPhone 15's battery is still ample for daily use but may require charging sooner under heavier use.

Operating System

The iPhone 15 runs iOS.

Battery

3349 mAh3561 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68IP68

OS at launch

N/AiOS 18

Software updates

Supported, up to iOS 27Supported, up to iOS 27

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20232024

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 performance

Performance affects how smoothly your phone handles apps and multitasking. The iPhone 16 has a newer chipset and more RAM, which suits users who want extra speed or keep many apps open simultaneously.

Chipset

The iPhone 16 features the Apple A18 chipset built on a 3 nm process, offering efficient and advanced processing power. The iPhone 15 uses the Apple A16 Bionic. Users who run demanding apps or want the most current chipset would find the iPhone 16 better suited.

RAM

With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 keeps more apps running smoothly in the background, ideal for multitasking or memory-heavy tasks. The iPhone 15 has 6 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for everyday use but less suited for heavy multitasking.

Storage Options

Both phones are available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. This matches a range of needs from basic to more storage-intensive use, so storage choice depends on your personal data and app requirements rather than model.

Chipset

Apple A16 BionicApple A18 (3 nm)

RAM

6 GB8 GB

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 screen

Screen quality influences your viewing experience, especially for video, photos, and reading. Both iPhones share the same screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and type, making them comparable in display quality.

Screen Size and Resolution

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 have a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1179 x 2556. This means both offer a sharp and bright display suitable for detailed visuals and comfortable daily use.

Refresh Rate

Each phone has a 60 Hz refresh rate. This standard rate delivers smooth scrolling and video playback suitable for most users.

Refresh rate

60 Hz60 Hz

Resolution

1179 x 25561179 x 2556

Screen size

6.1 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 camera

Camera performance is key for photography and video calls. Both models have identical camera megapixels on front and main cameras, making their photographic capabilities comparable.

Camera Resolution

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 each feature a 12 megapixel front camera and a 48 megapixel main camera. These high-resolution cameras suit users who want detailed photos and clear video calls without differences between models.

Camera type

N/ADual camera

Front camera

12 megapixels12 megapixels

Main camera

48 megapixels48 megapixels

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 size and design

Various practical features affect everyday convenience. Both phones match in size, weight, network support, and SIM options. Differences in connector type and slight weight changes may influence your choice.

Dimensions and Weight

Both phones share the same height of 147.6 mm, width of 71.6 mm, and depth of 7.8 mm. The iPhone 16 is slightly lighter at 170 g compared to the iPhone 15's 171 g. This small difference makes either phone comfortable to hold.

Network and SIM

Both devices support 5G networks and include a physical SIM plus eSIM. This ensures modern connectivity and flexible SIM options for both models.

Carrier Compatibility

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are unlocked, making them suitable for use with any compatible carrier without restrictions.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

7.8 mm7.8 mm

Height

147.6 mm147.6 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

22 September 202320 September 2024

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

171 g170 g

Width

71.6 mm71.6 mm

iPhone 15 or iPhone 16: which should you buy?

Buy the iPhone 15 if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £416.19, £161.46 less than the iPhone 16

Buy the iPhone 16 if

  • you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 3349 mAh)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the iPhone 15 appreciate its condition and battery life, often describing it as looking almost new even in fair condition. Many mention the screen quality, battery health ranging from 90% to near full, and smooth operation without issues. The camera and overall responsiveness receive positive notes, with several buyers recommending it to others. The phone suits buyers looking for a reliable device with good battery life and solid all-round performance.

Those who purchased the iPhone 16 highlight its excellent condition and full battery health, often at 100%. Many describe the phone as looking brand new and praise the smooth setup and use. The larger RAM and newer chipset are implied in improved performance and battery endurance during daily use. Users seeking the latest iOS version and a phone that feels like new find the iPhone 16 fitting. Some mention specific colours and storage sizes, noting satisfaction with the overall experience.

Both phones suit customers wanting a professionally refurbished iPhone with unlocked 5G and similar storage options. The iPhone 15 fits buyers wanting a dependable device with good battery life, while the iPhone 16 suits those prioritising performance, latest iOS, and longer battery endurance.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 FAQs

iPhone 15 vs 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.

The iPhone 15 is cheaper refurbished, from £416.19 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 16.

The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 3349 mAh.

Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.

The iPhone 15 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 16 is still supported and can run iOS 27.

The iPhone 16 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB) and a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 3349 mAh). Refurbished, it costs £161.46 more (from £577.65 vs £416.19).

Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.

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