iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16e
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 new
iPhone 16e
Starting at
£478.75£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16e?
iPhone 15 vs 16e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 starts at £416.19, £62.56 less than the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16e.
- The iPhone 16e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 16e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 3349 mAh.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16e specs
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16e share the same screen size and general design, but they differ in performance, battery capacity, and camera technology. The iPhone 16e offers more RAM and a newer chipset, making it better suited for users who want extra speed and smooth multitasking. Its larger battery supports longer daily use. The iPhone 15 provides a higher screen resolution, which benefits those who prioritise sharper display detail. Both phones run iOS and support 5G with unlocked networks. Choose the iPhone 15 if you value a slightly sharper screen and a reliable, responsive device. Opt for the iPhone 16e if you want more memory, a bigger battery, and a newer chipset for enhanced performance over extended use.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16e price
Colour
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16e battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, operating system, and physical design. These influence how long the phone can run and basic device experience.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16e has a larger 4005 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer battery life between charges. The iPhone 15 has a 3349 mAh battery, which supports a full day of typical use but may require more frequent charging for heavy users. If you often use your phone for extended periods without access to charging, the iPhone 16e's battery might be a better fit.
Operating System
Both devices run on iOS, providing the same software ecosystem and user experience. This means app compatibility and iOS features will be consistent across both models.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16e performance
Performance is driven by chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Chipset Generation
The iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 chipset built on a 3 nm process, which is newer than the iPhone 15's Apple A16 Bionic. This newer chipset is tailored for faster processing and better energy efficiency, suiting users who regularly run demanding apps or want the latest processing technology.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16e keeps more apps open simultaneously and handles multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 15 has 6 GB RAM, which is still well suited to everyday use but might be less comfortable for power users who switch frequently between apps.
Storage Options
Both devices offer the same storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. This lets you choose the amount of space you need for apps, photos, and files without compromise.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16e screen
Screen quality is about resolution, size, and technology. These affect how clear images look and how much space you have for viewing content.
Resolution and Detail
The iPhone 15 features a resolution of 1179 x 2556, which provides a slightly higher pixel count than the iPhone 16e's 2532 x 1170 resolution. This makes the iPhone 15 better suited for users who prioritise sharper and more detailed visuals, such as reading small text or viewing high-resolution photos.
Screen Size and Type
Both phones have a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen, delivering bright, vibrant colours and deep blacks. The identical screen size means they offer the same amount of display area, fitting comfortably in hand and pocket.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16e camera
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16e size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, network compatibility, and connectors, which shape everyday usability and convenience.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 16e is slightly smaller and lighter at 146.7 mm height and 167 g weight compared to the iPhone 15's 147.6 mm height and 171 g weight. This difference suits users who prefer a marginally more compact and lighter device for easier handling.
Network and SIM Options
Both models support 5G networks and come unlocked, allowing you to use them with any compatible carrier. Each phone accepts a physical SIM card along with eSIM, offering flexible options for mobile connectivity.
Connector Type
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16e use USB-C connectors. This standard port supports fast charging and easy connection to a wide range of accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 or iPhone 16e: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £416.19, £62.56 less than the iPhone 16e
Buy the iPhone 16e if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 3349 mAh)
- you want a lighter build (167 g vs 171 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 15 looks and feels almost brand new even in fair condition. Many praise its battery life, which lasts well throughout the day, and the screen quality that meets their expectations. The device is described as responsive, with clear pictures and no visible wear. Users find setup and data transfer straightforward, and the overall experience reliable. Some mention the phone's good battery health and recommend it for those seeking a dependable device with solid performance.
The iPhone 16e is noted for looking and working like new, with several customers highlighting the smooth data transfer from older iPhones. Users appreciate the larger battery life and improved speed, mentioning that the phone runs apps well and the camera quality is good. Some customers find the eSIM setup easy, while a few experienced minor issues with international models and data transfer instructions. Overall, the device suits users upgrading from earlier iPhones who want a powerful and well-conditioned phone.
Both phones suit buyers who prioritise condition and performance. The iPhone 15 appeals to those who want a sharp display and reliable battery life for everyday use. The iPhone 16e fits buyers looking for enhanced speed, more memory, and longer battery life with a slightly lighter and more compact design.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16e FAQs
iPhone 15 vs 16e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 15 is cheaper refurbished, from £416.19 compared with £478.75 for the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 16e has a bigger battery: 4005 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 16e is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16e adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 3349 mAh) and a lighter build (167 g vs 171 g). Refurbished, it costs £62.56 more (from £478.75 vs £416.19).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
