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Once again, we have reached the time of year when Apple unveils its new range of iPhones. Predictably, the new iPhone 16 comes with a series of incremental updates, such as a better camera, battery, and a tougher display than last year.
The iPhone 16 launch event was less about devices and more about how Apple Intelligence will be integrated into iOS 18.
So, do you really need to upgrade if you own the iPhone 15?
In this article, we provide a detailed iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 comparison to help you decide whether you’re ready to buy a new AI-powered Apple smartphone.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone 16 sees incremental spec upgrades to the A18 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 25W MagSafe wireless charging.
- The iPhone 16 introduces a camera control button and an action button.
- iPhone 16 sees a return to the pill-shaped vertical camera arrangement to deliver spatial video.
- Apple Intelligence is only available on iPhone 16.
- Many AI features are not due until 2025.
- Show Full Guide
Introduction to the Contenders: iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16
Last year, the iPhone 15 significantly improved over 2023’s iPhone 14. A redesign to include a dynamic Island, a 48-megapixel camera, and a USB-C port made it a worthy upgrade. But the iPhone 16 sees a return to incremental updates.
There is a new button on the iPhone 16, which is generating a buzz online. But is that enough to justify an expensive upgrade? It’s time for these devices to go head to head.
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16 Specs
The iPhone 15 vs. 16 specs are remarkably similar. However, a faster A18 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and improved wireless charging give the iPhone 16 a slight edge.
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch screen | 6.1-inch screen |
| Chipset | Faster A18 Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic chipset |
| RAM | 8GB RAM | 6GB RAM |
| AI Support | Support for Apple Intelligence | No support for Apple Intelligence |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Main Camera | 48MP Fusion main camera | 48MP main camera |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP ultra-wide camera with Macro support | 12MP ultra-wide camera |
| Battery Life | 22 hours of video playback | 20 hours of video playback |
| Wired Charging | 20W | 20W |
| MagSafe Charging | 25W | 15W |
| Colors | Ultra Marine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black | Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, and Black |
| Mute Switch/Action Button | The mute switch was replaced with an action button. New camera control. | Mute switch |
iPhone 15 vs. 16: Which Is Better?
From a technical standpoint, the iPhone 16 changes and additions make it stronger due to the two new buttons, faster wireless charging, camera macro capabilities, and Apple Intelligence features. But this only makes it a worthy upgrade if you plan to make the most of these new features.
It’s also worth highlighting that Apple Intelligence is a work in progress, and it will probably take at least 12 months before we notice a real benefit.
Still, the newest iPhone takes the first round with a series of slight improvements, but it’s much closer than you might think.
Design & Display
What will the iPhone 16 look like? From a distance, very little has changed, and both models remain the same size. But, on closer inspection, the iPhone 16 has also replaced the old mute switch to make way for new Action and Camera Control buttons.
If you turn the phone around, there is also a return to the pill-shaped vertical camera arrangement you might remember from previous devices like the iPhone X to deliver spatial video.
Finally, if colors are important to you, the new iPhone 16 comes in new colors: Ultra Marine, Teal, and Pink.
Although it’s not a complete overhaul, there are enough changes to warrant the iPhone 16 securing another victory.
Performance & Software
Winner: Tie
Only the two iPhone 15 Pro models will support the new Apple intelligence that everyone is talking about. This means that owners of the iPhone 15 base model will miss out on Apple’s foray into AI.
However, the main differentiator, Apple Intelligence, is currently unavailable on the iPhone 16.
It’s unfinished and will be rolled out gradually over the next 12 months, which prevents the iPhone 16 from securing what should have been an easy victory.
Both phones remain neck and neck until we see more proof that Apple Intelligence delivers on its future promises.
Camera
Winner: iPhone 16
Although both phones share a 48MP Fusion primary camera, the iPhone sneaks ahead with a 12MP ultra-wide camera with Macro support.
The highly anticipated new camera control button allows users to focus with a slight press and only take the photo when the button is pushed down completely.
With Macro support and a new dedicated camera control button, the iPhone 16 easily wins this face-off.
Audio Quality
Winner: Tie
There is very little to report on in terms of audio quality. Despite the announcements of slight or gradual improvements, there is no significant changes between the iPhone 15 and 16.
Battery & Charging
Winner: iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 improves MagSafe wireless charging from 15W to 25W. The iPhone 16 battery also supports 22 hours of video playback compared to 20 on the iPhone 15.
In real terms, these are only incremental improvements, but enough to make it marginally better.
Therefore, the iPhone 16 secures a very close victory with slight improvements.
Price
Winner: iPhone 15
| Model | iPhone 15 Prices | iPhone 16 Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Base Model | $699 | $799 |
| Plus Model | $799 | $899 |
| Pro Model | $999 | $999 |
| Pro Max Model | $1,199 | $1,199 |
The starting price for the base iPhone 16 model comes at $799 for two new buttons and access to AI features that are not ready yet. This is $100 higher than the price of the iPhone 15, which costs $699.
However, with the launch of the iPhone 16, the price of the iPhone 15 lineup will drop, which makes the previous model more attractive for cost-sensitive users.
iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus
Winner: iPhone 16 Plus
What about other iPhone models? Let’s go deeper, comparing iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus.
iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus Specs
| Feature | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 15 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch screen | 6.7-inch screen |
| Chipset | A18 Chipset | A16 Chipset |
| RAM | 8GB RAM | 6GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Camera Control | New Camera Control button | No Camera Control button |
| AI Support | Support for Apple Intelligence | No support for Apple Intelligence |
| Battery | 27 hours of playback | 20 hours of playback |
| Main Camera | 48MP Fusion | 48MP |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Charging | 25W Wired and 25W MagSafe | 25W Wired and 25W MagSafe |
| Colors | Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black | Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue. and Black |
iPhone 16 Plus wins if you are in the market for a new phone. However, the iPhone 15 Plus owners will only find a few reasons to fork out $899 for a slight upgrade.
iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro
Winner: Tie
iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Specs
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch screen | 6.1-inch screen |
| Chipset | A18 Chipset | A17 Chipset |
| RAM | 8GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Camera Control | New Camera Control button | No Camera Control button |
| AI Support | Support for Apple Intelligence | Support for Apple Intelligence |
| Battery | 27 hours of playback | 20 hours of playback |
| Main Camera | 48MP Fusion | 48MP |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP 5X telephoto | 12MP 3X telephoto |
| Charging | 20W Wired and 25W MagSafe | 20W Wired and 15W MagSafe |
| Color | Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Desert Titanium | Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Blue Titanium |
There is no winner here. The iPhone 16 Pro adds some nice perks for photographers and techies wanting to get hands-on with Apple’s AI-accelerated Visual Intelligence system when it eventually launches. But there are not many other reasons to upgrade.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max
Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max Specs
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch screen | 6.7-inch screen |
| Chipset | A18 Chipset | A17 Chipset |
| RAM | 8GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Camera Control | New Camera Control button | No Camera Control button |
| AI Support | Support for Apple Intelligence | Support for Apple Intelligence |
| Battery | 32 hours of playback | 29 hours of playback |
| Main Camera | 48MP Fusion | 48MP main camera |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP ultra | 12MP ultra |
| Front Camera | 12MP 5X telephoto | 12MP 5X zoom |
| Charging | 40W Wired and 20W MagSafe | 25W Wired and15W MagSafe |
| Color | Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Desert Titanium | Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Blue Titanium |
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is designed to be bigger and better than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Although it has just about succeeded, existing owners might wait for the iPhone 17, when big changes will come.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Should You Upgrade?
Before rushing in and hitting the pre-order button or signing up for a 2-3 year contract after another carefully choreographed keynote delivering FOMO, take a pause. The iPhone 16 series provides an incremental update, and the launch event was more about Apple Intelligence than the device itself.
It’s quite telling that there is more excitement on rumors that Apple is working on redefining its flagship smartphone experience with the iPhone 17 Slim next year. It’s also worth highlighting that although ChatGPT integration is expected by the end of the year, the AI-enhanced Siri is not due until 2025.
With this in mind, waiting a little longer before upgrading also makes sense. You might consider spending $99 on Apple’s battery replacement program rather than spending $799 on a new Apple iPhone 16.
The Bottom Line
The main differentiator between the iPhone 15 and 16 is the addition of a camera and action button, along with access to Apple Intelligence. Whether that is enough to make you upgrade will depend on whether you want or need these shiny new features.
When Apple’s AI fully integrates and delivers on its future promises, it will be time for the iPhone 17. So, you might sit this out and treat yourself to an upgrade next year.
