iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 new
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 17?
iPhone 15 vs 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 starts at £416.19, £297.15 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17.
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 3349 mAh.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 specs
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 17 are both unlocked iPhones running iOS with 5G support and USB-C connectors, but they cater to different needs. The iPhone 15 is suited for everyday use with a 6.1 inch screen, 6 GB of RAM, and a reliable battery. The iPhone 17 offers a larger 6.3 inch display with a higher refresh rate and more RAM, making it a better fit if you want smoother visuals and more multitasking ability. The iPhone 17 also has a bigger battery and a sharper front camera for clearer selfies, while both share the same main camera resolution. Storage options differ slightly, with the iPhone 15 available in a wider range of sizes. Choose the iPhone 15 if you want a capable phone with flexible storage choices. Pick the iPhone 17 if you prioritise screen quality and front camera detail.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 price
Colour
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and physical attributes that affect daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 has a 3349 mAh battery, which suits typical daily use well and has received praise for its lasting power. The iPhone 17 features a larger 3692 mAh battery, which means it can support longer use between charges, making it a good choice if you often use your phone heavily or away from charging points.
Physical Size And Weight
The iPhone 15 measures 147.6 mm in height, 71.6 mm in width, and weighs 171 g. The iPhone 17 is slightly taller at 149.6 mm, a fraction narrower at 71.5 mm, and heavier at 177 g. These small differences affect how each phone feels in hand and pocket, with the iPhone 17 offering a marginally larger presence.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 performance
Performance depends on processing power, memory, and storage options. The two iPhones use different chipsets and RAM capacities, which influences how they handle apps and multitasking.
Chipset And Speed
The iPhone 15 runs on the Apple A16 Bionic processor, providing solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The iPhone 17 comes with the Apple A19 chipset, offering more processing power that benefits users running demanding apps or multitasking.
Memory And Storage
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 keeps apps running smoothly for regular use. The iPhone 17 increases this to 8 GB, which helps keep more apps open and running without slowing down. Storage options for the iPhone 15 include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, giving a wider choice. The iPhone 17 is available in 256GB and 512GB, focusing on higher storage sizes.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 screen
Screen quality impacts your viewing experience for videos, photos, and everyday use. Both phones have Super Retina displays but differ in refresh rate, size, and resolution.
Refresh Rate And Smoothness
The iPhone 15 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth scrolling and video playback. The iPhone 17 doubles this to 120 Hz, delivering smoother animations and responsiveness, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content.
Screen Size And Resolution
The iPhone 15's 6.1 inch screen offers a 1179 by 2556 resolution, providing sharp and clear visuals on a compact display. The iPhone 17's screen measures 6.3 inches with a resolution of 2622 by 1206 pixels, offering a slightly larger and differently shaped canvas that suits those who want more room for video or multitasking.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing technology, which affect photography and video calls. Both phones share the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera detail.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 15 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which is good for clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 17 increases this to 18 megapixels, making it better suited for sharper selfies and more detailed video chat images.
Main Camera
Both models feature a 48 megapixel main camera, offering high detail for photos and videos. This makes either phone capable of capturing quality images in a variety of lighting conditions.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 size and design
Miscellaneous specs include connectivity, dimensions, and design features that affect everyday handling and compatibility.
Carrier And Network Support
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 17 are unlocked and support 5G networks, giving you flexibility in choosing your mobile provider and access to faster data speeds where available.
SIM Options
Each phone supports a physical SIM card alongside an eSIM, which allows you to use two phone numbers or plans at once. This suits users who want to separate work and personal calls or travel internationally.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB-C connectors, making charging and data transfer compatible with common cables and accessories.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 15 is 7.8 mm deep and weighs 171 g, while the iPhone 17 is slightly thicker at 8 mm and weighs 177 g. These subtle differences may affect pocket fit and hand comfort depending on your preference.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 or iPhone 17: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £416.19, £297.15 less than the iPhone 17
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (171 g vs 177 g)
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 3349 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 15 looks like new even in fair condition, with many noting the battery lasts well and the phone performs smoothly. The screen and cameras work well, with several users highlighting excellent value and condition that exceeded their expectations. Setup and data transfer are described as easy, and many appreciate the phone's responsiveness and overall quality. The consistent praise for battery health and physical condition makes the iPhone 15 a dependable choice for everyday use.
Reviews for the iPhone 17 show customers impressed by its near-new condition and perfect battery health. Users find the phone smooth and fast, fitting well with their needs for a premium device. The larger screen and sharp front camera have pleased those upgrading from older models. Some customers mention easy setup with minor adjustments for regional settings. Despite a couple of negative experiences unrelated to the device itself, the majority praise the iPhone 17 for its quality and value as a refurbished phone.
Overall, the iPhone 15 is well suited to buyers looking for a capable phone with reliable battery life and flexible storage. The iPhone 17 appeals to those who want a larger, smoother screen and more memory for multitasking along with a sharper front camera for detailed selfies.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 FAQs
iPhone 15 vs 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 15 is cheaper refurbished, from £416.19 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 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 17 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 3349 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £297.15 more (from £713.34 vs £416.19).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17 in 256GB and 512GB.
