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iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17e

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iPhone 15

Starting at

£416.19£699.00 new
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iPhone 17e

Starting at

£603.69
See options
(417 reviews)
(14 reviews)

What's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 17e?

iPhone 15 vs 17e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 starts at £416.19, £187.50 less than the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 17e is the newer model, released in 2026.

Refurbished from

£416.19£603.69

Chipset

Apple A16 BionicApple A19

RAM

6 GB8 GB

Battery

3349 mAh4005 mAh

Weight

171 g170 g
  • Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17e.
  • The iPhone 17e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
  • The iPhone 17e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 3349 mAh.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17e specs

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 17e share many features, including the same screen size, camera resolutions, and iOS operating system. The iPhone 17e offers a larger battery and more RAM, which suits users who want longer battery life and smoother multitasking. It also has a newer chipset that can handle more demanding apps. The iPhone 15 comes with more storage options starting at 128GB, which could work well for those who want a lower capacity choice. Overall, the iPhone 15 is a solid everyday device, while the iPhone 17e is better suited to users looking for extra power and battery endurance.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17e price

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17e battery life and software updates

Battery life and software updates are key durability factors.

Battery Capacity

The iPhone 15 has a 3349 mAh battery, which suits typical daily use and moderate screen time. The iPhone 17e offers a larger 4005 mAh battery, making it better for users who need longer usage between charges or who use their phone heavily throughout the day.

Operating System Compatibility

This ensures a current user interface and access to new features for both devices.

Battery

3349 mAh4005 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68IP68

Software updates

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

Wireless charging

YesYes

Year of release

20232026

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17e performance

Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage. The two devices have different chipsets and RAM amounts, plus varying storage options in stock.

Chipset and Processing Power

The iPhone 15 runs on the Apple A16 Bionic chipset, which handles everyday apps and tasks effectively. The iPhone 17e uses the Apple A19 chipset, offering more processing power suitable for demanding applications or users who multitask frequently.

RAM Capacity

With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 supports smooth operation for most daily tasks. The iPhone 17e has 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open and running smoothly, ideal for power users or those who switch between apps often.

Storage Options

The iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, offering flexibility for different storage needs. The iPhone 17e comes in 256GB and 512GB, focusing on higher storage capacities for users who need more space for apps, photos, or media.

Chipset

Apple A16 BionicApple A19

RAM

6 GB8 GB

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17e screen

Screen quality matters for watching video, gaming, and daily use. Both phones share the same screen size, type, and refresh rate but have different resolutions.

Screen Resolution

The iPhone 15 has a resolution of 1179 by 2556, while the iPhone 17e has 2532 by 1170. Both are Super Retina XDR OLED screens with 60 Hz refresh rates and the same 6.1 inch size. These differences mean both offer sharp, vibrant displays, but the resolution layout varies, which might affect how content is shown on the screen.

Refresh rate

60 Hz60 Hz

Resolution

1179 x 25562532 x 1170

Screen size

6.1 inch6.1 inch

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17e camera

Camera quality and front-facing features are important for photos and video calls. Both phones share the same megapixel counts for cameras.

Camera Resolution

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 17e have a 48 megapixel main camera and a 12 megapixel front camera. This means both deliver detailed photos and clear selfies, suitable for everyday photography and video calls.

Front camera

12 megapixels12 megapixels

Main camera

48 megapixels48 megapixels

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17e size and design

Other differences include physical dimensions, connectors, and network compatibility. These details affect usability and device handling.

Dimensions and Weight

Both phones have very similar sizes with a 6.1 inch screen and identical depth at 7.8 mm. The iPhone 15 measures 147.6 mm in height and 71.6 mm in width, weighing 171 g. The iPhone 17e is slightly shorter and narrower at 146.7 mm tall and 71.5 mm wide, and it weighs 169 g. These small differences mean the iPhone 17e is marginally lighter and a bit more compact.

Network and SIM Compatibility

Both phones support 5G mobile networks and accept a physical SIM plus eSIM. They are also unlocked, offering flexibility to use with different carriers.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

7.8 mm7.8 mm

Height

147.6 mm146.7 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

22 September 202311 March 2026

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

171 g170 g

Width

71.6 mm71.5 mm

iPhone 15 or iPhone 17e: which should you buy?

Buy the iPhone 15 if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £416.19, £187.50 less than the iPhone 17e

Buy the iPhone 17e if

  • you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 3349 mAh)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the iPhone 15 report it looks like new even in fair condition, with many praising the battery life and overall performance. They find the screen and camera work well for everyday use and appreciate that the phone feels responsive and easy to set up. Several users mention the battery health remaining high and the device having no visible marks or scratches, making it feel like a new phone. The iPhone 15 receives consistent praise for reliability and condition across various grades.

Those with the iPhone 17e say the phone works well and feels like a brand new device. Battery life is often noted as excellent, with some customers having a full 100 percent lifespan. The device's size is described as comfortable, and setup is easy. A few customers mention minor screen concerns, but most highlight good condition and fair pricing. The iPhone 17e is viewed as a high-quality device suitable for daily use.

Both phones suit buyers looking for refurbished devices that perform reliably and look good. The iPhone 15 appeals to those who want a variety of storage options and a well-rounded device. The iPhone 17e fits users who prefer more RAM, a larger battery, and slightly lighter and more compact dimensions.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17e FAQs

iPhone 15 vs 17e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 17e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.

The iPhone 15 is cheaper refurbished, from £416.19 compared with £603.69 for the iPhone 17e.

The iPhone 17e 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 17e is still supported and can run iOS 27.

The iPhone 17e adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB) and a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 3349 mAh). Refurbished, it costs £187.50 more (from £603.69 vs £416.19).

Refurbished, the iPhone 15 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17e in 256GB and 512GB.

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