iPhone 15 vs. 16: What’s the Difference?

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 came out one year apart and, while they have a few major differences, most of their differences are subtle. That can make figuring out whether to buy an iPhone 15 or 16 tricky. This article compares iPhone 16 vs. 15 to help you understand their features and differences so you can buy the one that’s right for you.

Overall Findings

For features like battery, cameras, and safety features, many aspects of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are identical. Still, they have three major areas of difference to pay attention to.

First, every model of the iPhone 16 series can run Apple’s AI platform, Apple Intelligence. To use it with an iPhone 15, you’ll need one of the Pro models, which have the A17 Pro chip. The basic iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic isn’t powerful enough to use these features.

Second, while both models’ cameras are nearly identical, only the 16 series can capture ultra-close-up Marco, and Apple Vision Pro-compatible Spatial photo and videos. The 16 also adds the Camera Control button for enhanced control when taking photos and videos.

Lastly, each model of the iPhone 16 costs $100 more when compared to the equivalent iPhone 15 option.

Screen: Identical, Beautiful Displays

The screens on the iPhone 15/16 and iPhone 15 Plus/16 Plus are virtually identical, which is good news because they’re great-looking, high-performance displays. Both entry-level models use 6.1-inch screens, while both Plus models offer 6.7 inches. All of the screens are Super Retina HDR displays, which offer crisp, clear images, natural True Tone color, and the Dynamic Island.

The only notable difference between them is that the iPhone 16 series’ screens can drop to 1 nit brightness, which is great for always-on and StandBy mode usage. Otherwise, there’s no difference between the models’ screens.

Camera: Top-Notch, Nearly Identical Setups

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series have two cameras—one user-facing, one back-facing—that can capture super-high-resolution photos and 4K HD video. With still photos up to 48 megapixels, optical zoom, Night Mode, flash, and Portrait Lighting effects, the average person will find every camera feature they need with either phone.

The iPhone 15 and 16 can also capture 4K HD video at up to 60 frames/second and 1080p HD slo-mo video at up to 240 frames/second. They also offer optical image stabilization, cinematic depth-of-field effects, and Night Mode. Hollywood filmmakers shoot feature films on Pro iPhone models; your home videos will look spectacular with either phone.

The only real difference is that the iPhone 16 packs in some cutting-edge features that the 15 lacks: spatial photos and videos for use on the Apple Vision Pro headset, macro photo, and video for ultra-detailed ultra-closeups, and brand new Portrait Lighting effects.

Size and Weight: The iPhone 16 Is Slightly Lighter

When it comes to size and weight, the iPhone 15 and 16 series are so close to identical as to be almost indistinguishable. In terms of size, the iPhone 15 and 16 base models, and the 15 Plus and 16 Plus, are exactly the same height, weight, and thickness.

Both iPhone 16 models are slightly lighter than the equivalent iPhone 15: the base is 0.06 ounces lighter, while the Plus is 0.02 ounces lighter. Those differences are small enough that most people aren’t likely to notice them.

Internals: iPhone 16 Is Faster

When it comes to the important but hard-to-see internals of the phones, the iPhone 16 series distinguishes itself. The 16 uses Apple’s latest smartphone chip, the A18, which delivers top-notch performance for basic tasks and image- and AI-centric processing. Some benchmark tests find that the A18 is about 15-25% faster than the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip, depending on the task.

The 16 series also offers the Camera Control button, which the 15 series lacks. This new option provides a set of controls and interface options for taking photos and videos. It’s probably not essential for most users, but it’s useful and fun.

Otherwise, both iPhones offer roughly identical battery life, the same storage options, and similar fast-charging options.

Other Features: Apple Intelligence Sets iPhone 16 Apart

When comparing the other features and details of the two phones, only one thing really stands out: only the iPhone 16 can run Apple Intelligence.

Apple’s AI platform, which adds time-saving and jaw-dropping features to the most commonly used Apple apps, needs the A18 chip (or newer) to run and only the iPhone 16 has it. AI is only going to get more important to our computing lives, so it doesn’t make sense to buy a phone that can’t use it.

Final Verdict: Spent the Extra $100 for iPhone 16

While the differences between the two phones aren’t that significant, we strongly recommend buying the iPhone 16. For just $100 more, you get a newer, faster processor, Apple Intelligence, the Camera Control button, and a slightly lighter phone.

These differences may not seem like a lot, but neither is $100 when buying a smartphone. It’s always best to buy the highest-specced phone you can afford, and you’ll be glad you spent the extra money to get the speed and AI features.

Where to Buy

Buy the iPhone 16:

Buy the iPhone 15:

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16: Side-by-Side Comparison

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