iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 new
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Plus?
iPhone 15 vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 starts at £416.19, £171.81 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 3349 mAh.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Plus both run iOS and offer strong performance and good cameras, but they suit different users. The iPhone 15 has a smaller 6.1 inch screen and a 3349 mAh battery, making it lighter and more compact for everyday use. The iPhone 16 Plus features a larger 6.7 inch screen with higher resolution and a longer-lasting 4674 mAh battery, ideal if you want more screen space and longer battery life. The iPhone 16 Plus also has more RAM and a newer chipset, which helps with running multiple apps smoothly and handling more demanding tasks. Choose the iPhone 15 for portability and a simpler experience, or the iPhone 16 Plus for a bigger display and stronger multitasking.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software support, and device design. Battery capacity and physical size also differ, influencing how long each device can go between charges and how they feel in hand.
Battery Capacity and Life
The iPhone 15 has a 3349 mAh battery, which suits users who prefer a lighter phone and moderate battery life. The iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 4674 mAh battery, offering longer usage between charges. This is a good choice if you need more endurance for heavy daily use or extended screen time.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Performance depends on chipset power, RAM, and storage options. Both devices come with storage capacities up to 512GB, so your choice there can be based on how much space you need. The iPhone 16 Plus has a newer chipset and more RAM, which helps with multitasking and demanding apps.
Chipset and Speed
The iPhone 16 Plus features the Apple A18 (3 nm) chipset, which is the latest generation compared to the Apple A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15. This newer chipset can handle more intensive tasks and future software updates with ease, making it suitable for users who want smooth performance over time.
RAM and Multitasking
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Plus keeps more apps open in the background and supports smoother multitasking. The iPhone 15 has 6 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for everyday apps and general use, fitting users who do not regularly run many apps at once.
Storage Options
Both phones offer storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. You can choose the right capacity based on your needs for apps, photos, and files without compromise between the two.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen quality is important for viewing comfort and media enjoyment. Both devices use Super Retina XDR OLED screens with a 60 Hz refresh rate, but their size and resolution differ, affecting how much you see and how sharp images appear.
Screen Size and Experience
The iPhone 15 offers a 6.1 inch screen, which is more compact and easier to use one-handed. The iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 6.7 inch screen, providing a roomier display for watching videos, browsing, or reading. This suits users who want a more immersive viewing experience.
Resolution and Sharpness
The iPhone 16 Plus has a higher resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels compared to 1179 x 2556 pixels on the iPhone 15. This means images and text can appear sharper and more detailed on the iPhone 16 Plus, which benefits those who appreciate crisp visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras and front-facing capabilities. Both devices have the same megapixel counts, making them similar choices for photography and video calls.
Camera Quality
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Plus have a 48 megapixel main camera and a 12 megapixel front camera. This means both phones are well suited for capturing high-resolution photos and clear selfies.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Other practical details include connectivity, size, and weight. These affect how the phone fits in your hand or pocket, charger compatibility, and network use.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 is smaller and lighter, measuring 147.6 mm tall, 71.6 mm wide, and weighing 171 g. The iPhone 16 Plus is taller and wider at 160.9 mm by 77.8 mm, and heavier at 199 g. If you prefer a phone that feels lighter and more compact, the iPhone 15 fits better.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB-C connectors. This detail may affect data transfer speeds and accessory compatibility for some users.
Network and SIM Options
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G mobile networks. They each accept a physical SIM card plus eSIM, allowing flexible network options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £416.19, £171.81 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want a lighter build (171 g vs 199 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 3349 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 15 praise its condition, often noting it looks almost brand new even when bought in fair condition. Many mention the battery life lasting well and the phone working perfectly with clear cameras and a responsive screen. The size and ease of setup are appreciated, and buyers feel confident recommending the phone to others. The iPhone 15 is seen as a reliable choice for everyday use with good battery health and a compact form.
Feedback on the iPhone 16 Plus is more varied but includes many who find the phone looks and feels like new, with excellent battery life that can last twice as long as other phones. Some buyers highlight the larger screen and smooth performance. However, a few customers report issues with cosmetic condition or software updates needing extra steps. Despite this, many enjoy the phone's size and capabilities, finding it a strong choice for those wanting a bigger display and longer battery life.
Overall, the iPhone 15 suits buyers who want a lighter, more compact device with solid performance and battery life. The iPhone 16 Plus is better for those who prefer a larger screen, longer battery endurance, and enhanced multitasking ability.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
iPhone 15 vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 15 is cheaper refurbished, from £416.19 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 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 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Plus adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 3349 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £171.81 more (from £588 vs £416.19).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
