Differences Between Iphone 15 And 16: Should You Upgrade?
How important is it to know the differences between iPhone 15 and 16? Is the new always better?
As soon as Apple announces an upcoming new iPhone release, millions of customers already start thinking of a potential upgrade.
(Also read: iPhone Can Crash If These Four Characters Are Typed)
This post will let you make a better decision about whether you should save and stick to your previous iPhone model or upgrade to a better version, which is iPhone 16.
Differences between iPhone 15 and 16: Is it really better?
Apple has finally taken the wrap off its new market model of iPhone 16. The series lineup has some noteworthy hardware upgrades and improved cameras that might entice Apple’s loyal customers to drool over them.
Apple’s marketing might appear dodgy that instantly doesn’t reveal what the next model would be about. However, each feature is discussed in detail in the next sections here for you to decide whether you should be up for a grab or not!
1. Differences between iPhone 15 and 16 specs
Size
The size of the iPhone 16 is bigger than its previous series of iPhone 15. It has a 6.3-inch super retina display which is certainly bigger than the iPhone 15’s 6.1-inch super retina screen. However, that would certainly put a strain on the battery usage of the upgraded phone.
The same stands true for the iPhone 16 pro max, which has an even bigger phone screen; 6.9 inches with super retina feature. The iPhone 15 Pro Max had a 6.8-inch super retina screen last year. This year came with slightly taller and wider screens for both upgraded versions of the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 weighed 171g while the iPhone 16 weighs a little less, 170g. Both of them have OLED screens.
In the construction of iPhone 15 models, the basic glass sandwich and metal framing with filling were used. It comes with ceramic shield protection for the front glass and for better performance, an aerospace-grade aluminium in the centre.
In iPhone 16 models, nothing has apparently changed as the design is still pretty similar.
Iphone 15 and iPhone 16, both pro max versions, are available in the colours White Titanium, Black Titanium and Natural Titanium. It is noted that the iPhone 15 pro max is also available in a different colour: Blue Titanium.
Display
Since the screen size has become better, the resolution needs to be even better. The iPhone 16 pro max has a 2,868 x 1,320-pixel panel as compared to last year’s design, which had a 2,796 x 1,290-pixel display.
A new addition to the iPhone 16 pro max design is the ultra-thin bezels which give a sleek look to the new model. A higher screen-to-body ratio gives the picture of the screen a “popping out” look that gives the user an enhanced new-gen feel.
Specs
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has an A18 Pro processor, 8GB RAM, and 256 GB of storage. On the contrary, the iPhone 15 Pro Max had an A17 Pro processor, 8GB RAM, and 256 GB of storage.
The A18 has a 6-core CPU performance which is 30 per cent faster than the iPhone 15 and demonstrates better power-efficiency. Further, 30 per cent less power use is claimed by Apple which would not put load on the processor of the phone.
2. Differences between iPhone 15 and 16 camera
If you like to make videos and post them on social media regularly or you are a vlogger who needs to connect with followers on a daily basis, iPhone 16 could be the best bet. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a new “camera control” button. It is placed on the right side of the device.
The camera bump on the back of the iPhone 15 is no longer present in the iPhone 16. Rather, a diagonal separation for the cameras is given but with vertical alignment, to give a more bold and stylish look.
Some features of their cameras match and have not been boosted:
- Both have 48MP wide camera
- 12MP selfie camera
- 12MP telephoto with 5X optical zoom
The difference comes with the iPhone 16. Its pro max version has a 48MP ultrawide lens that has greater performance in low light. The iPhone 15 had a 12MP ultra-wide lens. It’s loud and clear that with iPhone 16, wide-angle pictures and landscape shots would be enhanced and more detailed, even in darker surroundings.
And as said earlier, if you are a vlogger, do not worry because the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 4K, 120Hz capture which is way better than the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 60HZ captures. The iPhone 16 has an autofocus feature in the front camera too.
3. Differences between iPhone 15 and 16 battery life
Battery life is the most questioned feature from customers’ side even if they are looking for one of the world’s best smartphone company’s upgrades. If you want 33 hours of video playback time, then iPhone 16 is the best choice.
Apple claims that the iPhone 16 has the longest battery life ever on this planet. However, some users have reported that its playback time lasts for 29 hours only.
Other reviewers texted it to be 14 hours and 53 minutes if they used TikTok continuously at 50 per cent of the screen brightness. It can beat a good deal out of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL as it has a running battery time of 18 hours and 50 minutes after a full battery charge.
The iPhone 15 is charged with a fast charging aspect using a USB-C cable. A 50 per cent charge is available within 30 minutes, with only 20-W charging power. In compassion, iPhone 16 variants take 45W during charging.
4. Differences between iPhone 15 and 16 price
In Ireland, the differences between iPhone 15 and 16 variants’ prices are as follows:
| iPhone 15 | From €549 |
| iPhone 15 pro max | From €879 |
| iPhone 16 | From €979 |
| iPhone 16 pro max | From €1,239 |
Some things DIDN’T change
For additional information to help you make an informed decision, some things are common in iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models. Their:
- 1,000 nit panel
- 2,000 nits peak brightness
- Ceramic shield display
- Dynamic island
- Always-on display
- Promotion (with a fresh rate of up to 129 Hz)
Which one should you buy? Ready for an upgrade yet?
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe… No!
Apple has always relied on “user experience” and is always on the quest to make it better each day. With that, it has been capitalising on its Artificial Intelligence wisely.
With new features in iPhone 16 like the Action button and Camera Control, Apple wants to interact with the users through their devices.
After knowing the differences between iPhone 15 and 16, if you are an AI-lover and need to get more productivity out of your phone with less time, then you should definitely upgrade. Its user assistant would help you in everyday tasks, especially in prioritising and communication.
Also, who doesn’t love a high-definition camera to click some photos of the famous stone circles in Ireland with picturesque landscapes at your back?
If you still gauge yourself to be a conservative chap, the iPhone 15 remains a chic choice. Almost all the intelligent features are the same with some minor upgrades in iPhone 16 versions. If you are good to go with a modest boost, then the iPhone 15 is for you.
