Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone 16
The Verdict
Both devices maintain Apple's $799 entry price point with nearly identical dimensions and 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR displays. Camera systems are functionally equivalent with matching 48MP main sensors and 12MP ultrawide lenses. iPhone 16 pulls ahead with meaningful upgrades: the A18 chipset provides better performance efficiency than A16 Bionic, 8GB RAM versus 6GB enables smoother multitasking, and the larger 3561mAh battery (versus 3349mAh) delivers noticeably longer endurance. Wireless charging jumps from 15W to 25W MagSafe for faster top-ups, while Wi-Fi 7 support future-proofs connectivity. iOS 18 brings Apple Intelligence features exclusive to iPhone 16. These incremental improvements justify choosing the newer model, though iPhone 15 remains capable if budget constraints matter most.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 if…
- →Dynamic Island brought to base model
- →48 MP main camera upgrade
- →Switched to USB-C port
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 if…
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- →New Camera Control button
- →Compact and lightweight design
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 15
Pros
- Dynamic Island brought to base model
- 48 MP main camera upgrade
- Switched to USB-C port
- Strong A16 Bionic performance
- Comfortable lightweight design
Cons
- Stuck at 60Hz refresh rate
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
Apple iPhone 16
Pros
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- New Camera Control button
- Compact and lightweight design
- Improved 48 MP main camera
- Strong battery life for its size
Cons
- Still 60Hz display in 2024
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto lens
- No always-on display
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 15 | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 17 | iOS 18 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 171 g | 170 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3349 mAh | 3561 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 25W MagSafe |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Apple GPU (5-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple A18 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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