The debate of iPhone 15 vs 16 and iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max is still going on, even after 6 months. Today, I will try to help you by giving insights on the base models.
Compared to the iPhone 15, the AI features in the iPhone 16 feel like a bigger leap than usual. However, the iPhone 15 is still great (believe me, I am using it).
So, what exactly has changed, and which one should you go for in 2025? To help you decide, let’s compare ‘iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16’, on various aspects like design, performance, battery, AI, pricing, and more.
If you are trying to decide between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, this guide covers all the key features in detail. But if you are in a hurry, you can quickly glance at the comparison table below to see the iPhone 16 vs 15 big differences.
| Specification | iPhone 15  | iPhone 16 |
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display |
| Apple Intelligence | No | Yes |
| Chip | A16 Bionic chip6-core CPU5-core GPU16-core Neural Engine | A18 chip6-core CPU5-core GPU16-core Neural Engine |
| Camera Control | No | Easier and faster access with Camera Control Button |
| Camera System | 48MP Main | 48MP Fusion |
| Ultra Wide | 12 MP Ultra Wide | |
| Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | |
| – | Macro Photography | |
| Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60fps | Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60fps | |
| – | Spatial photos and videos | |
| – | Visual intelligence, to learn about your surroundings | |
| Optical Zoom | .5x, 1x, 2x | .5x, 1x, 2x |
| Dynamic Island | Yes | Yes |
| SOS | Emergency SOS via Satellite | Emergency SOS via Satellite |
| Crash Detection | Crash Detection | |
| Playback | Up to 20 hours of video playback | Up to 22 hours of video playback |
| USB-C | Supports USB 2 | Supports USB 2 |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| 5G | Superfast 5G | Superfast 5G |
| Ceramic Shield | Ceramic Shield is tougher than any smartphone glass | Latest-generation Ceramic Shield front is tougher than any smartphone glass |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant to a depth of 6 metres for up to 30 minutes | Water-resistant to a depth of 6 metres for up to 30 minutes |
| Capacity | 128GB | 128GB |
| 256GB | 256GB | |
| 512GB | 512GB | |
| MagSafe Charging | MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W with 20W adapter or higher | MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher |
| Weight | 171 grams (6.02 ounces) | 170 grams (6.00 ounces) |
| Apple Pay | Pay with your phone | Pay with your phone |
| Send or receive money via iMessage | Send or receive money via iMessage | |
| Pay using the Express Transit | Pay using the Express Transit | |
| Fast-charge Capability | Up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter | Up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter |
| Sensors | Barometer | Barometer |
| Dual ambient light sensors | Dual ambient light sensors | |
| Proximity sensor | Proximity sensor | |
| High-dynamic-range gyro & High-g accelerometer | High-dynamic-range gyro & High-g accelerometer | |
| SIM Card | Dual eSIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) | Dual eSIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Supports USB 2 (up to 10Gb/s) | Supports USB 2 (up to 10Gb/s) |
Also Read: iPhone 17 Release Date 2025: Everything You Need to Know and What to Expect From the New Model
At first glance, the iPhone 15 and 16 look quite alike, but there are a few noticeable differences. The main one is the camera layout. While the older model has its camera placed diagonally in a square-shaped bump, the new model has a vertical setup in a pill-shaped design.
If we talk about the color options, the iPhone 15 comes in lighter pastel shades like blue, pink, yellow, green, and black. The iPhone 16 offers deeper tones like ultramarine, pink, black, white, and teal.
Both devices have the Dynamic Island feature. However, the iPhone 15 is deprived of a new action button and a dedicated camera control button. Plus, both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 are water-resistant to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.
Now, let’s compare the display of the iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16. Both iPhones have the same screen sizes — 6.1 inches for the basic model and 6.7 inches for the plus variant. Both use OLED displays, so colors look rich and blacks appear deep.
The resolution and 60hz refresh rate also remain unchanged. Plus, both devices still don’t have the always-on display features of the pro versions.
What’s good and new is that the iPhone 16 can now dim the screen brightness down to 1 nit. This feature is great for using your phone in the dark without disturbing others. Furthermore, Apple claims that the front glass now uses an upgraded ceramic shield, making it tougher than before.
The iPhone 16 brings notable performance upgrades over the iPhone 15, thanks to its new A18 Chip. It features a similar structure to its predecessor but with faster speeds and better efficiency.
According to Apple, the A18 delivers up to 30% faster CPU and 40% faster GPU performance, along with support for advanced features for gamers and content creators. The new variant also has 8 GB RAM, up from 6GB in the iPhone 15, enabling it to support Apple Intelligence.
Both phones run iOS 18 and will receive software updates for around 5 years. Until 2028 for the iPhone 15 and 2029 for the iPhone 16.
As I mentioned earlier, the biggest visual change in the new base variant is the vertically stacked rear cameras. Unlike the usual diagonal setup.
Both phones have a 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide camera, but the iPhone 16’s ultrawide lens performs better in low light. Plus it has a wide aperture and supports autofocus for close-up or macro shots.
Let’s talk about the front cameras because you know selfies are important. The front cameras are the same – 12MP with 4K video support. However, the iPhone 16 also records 1080 spatial videos at 30fps, which is the reason for the cameras being vertically aligned.
Apple does not reveal exact battery sizes or charging speeds, but we do know that in the battle of the iPhone 15 vs 16 battery life, the new model lasts a bit longer. It offers you about 22 hours of video playback compared to 20 hours on the 15.
As per the reports, the iPhone 16 has a slightly larger battery (3,561mAh vs 3,349mAh). Since both phones are the same size, the extra battery life likely comes from battery power efficiency and internal upgrades.
Furthermore, the iPhone 16 may support faster charging (possibly up to 45W), but Apple only recommends using a 30W adapter. It also supports MagSafe charging at 30W or more, and Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W.
If we compare iPhone 16 vs 15, the older iPhone supports 20W or higher adapters, 15W MagSafe, and the same 7.5 Qi wireless charging.
Apple’s new AI system, called Apple Intelligence, is available on the iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 pro models, not on the regular iPhone 15 or 15 Plus.
While the iPhone 15 still handles everyday tasks, games, and media smoothly, it won’t support Apple Intelligence due to its lower RAM. Apple has positioned the iPhone 16 as its first device built specifically for AI features, making it a better pick for future-proofing.
So far, my overall reaction to the AI features is mixed. Siri has gained new abilities, like sending photos using just your voice. You can also summarize texts, emails, and web pages. However, Apple Intelligence is still evolving.
The current version feels a bit basic, but Apple has plans to add more features in future updates. At this stage, I don’t think it should be a strong reason to upgrade to iPhone 16. One good option can be to go for an affordable iPhone16e if Apple Intelligence is non-negotiable for you.
Also Read: Free iPhone Government Phone: What is this Program and How to Apply for It?
Price Comparison
| Model | iPhone 15 Price | iPhone 16 Price |
| 128GB | $699 / £699 / AU$1,249 | $799 / £799 / AU$1,399 |
| 256GB | $799 / £799 / AU$1,449 | $899 / £899 / AU$1,599 |
| 512GB | $999 / £999 / AU$1,799 | $1,099 / £1,099 / AU$1,949 |
The pricing is in line with expectations and matches competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S series. The best part is that there is no price hike compared to the launch price of the iPhone 15. The base price in Australia is AU$100 lower than last year.
The iPhone 15 is on sale with a discount, and you might find even better deals from third-party sellers like Walmart.
While comparing the iPhone 15 vs 16, I found that the iPhone 16 is the better pick. For just $100 more, you get a faster processor, Apple Intelligence, a new camera control, and slightly better battery life.
However, if you get additional discounts on the iPhone 15 or you already have one (like me) and the extra features do not feel important, you should stick with the iPhone 15 in 2025. But if the budget is not a factor for you, the iPhone 16 is the smarter choice for long-term value.
Share this blog with those who are still stuck on deciding their next iPhone.
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Ans: Both iPhones offer phenomenal features and would be a great choice in 2025. But if you want all the latest tech, then you should go with the iPhone 16 Pro.
Ans: No, both iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus have the same 6.7 Super Retina XDR OLED display with similar resolutions and refresh rates.
Ans: Yes, both 16 Plus and 15 Pro Max have the same 6.7-inch display.
Ans: No, iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus does not support Apple Intelligence. It is only supported by the pro models of the 15 series.
Ans: As of now, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the best camera system among the entire lineup of iPhones.
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