The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 16 Plus share a 6.7-inch OLED display, USB-C, and a two-camera design. The 16 Plus adds an A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support, Camera Control, and macro photography; Apple’s video-playback estimate is one hour higher. In an Apple US refurbished listing observed in 2026, the same 128GB capacity was listed for $749 on the 16 Plus and $659 on the 15 Plus—a $90 snapshot difference, not a general new-phone price gap.
At a glance: what changes between the two Plus models?
| Feature | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 16 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 2023 | 2024 |
| Chip | A16 Bionic | A18 |
| Display | 6.7-inch-class Super Retina XDR OLED; 2796 × 1290 pixels, 460 ppi | 6.7-inch-class Super Retina XDR OLED; 2796 × 1290 pixels, 460 ppi |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main and 12MP ultra-wide | 48MP main and newer ultra-wide with macro photography capability |
| Camera Control | Not listed for this model | Listed by Apple |
| Apple Intelligence | Not listed as supported | Listed by Apple; availability depends on software, language, and region |
| Apple video playback estimate | Up to 26 hours | Up to 27 hours |
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.80 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.80 mm |
| Weight | 201 g | 199 g |
| Capacities listed by Apple | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Apple’s specifications show that the screen dimensions and resolution are the same, while the 16 Plus has newer processing hardware and camera features. The figures and feature listings come from Apple’s iPhone 15 Plus specifications and Apple’s comparison page.
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Display, size and everyday handling
Neither model offers a larger display than the other: both are listed with a 6.7-inch-class Super Retina XDR OLED screen at 2796 by 1290 pixels and 460 pixels per inch. For someone choosing between them mainly for screen size or resolution, Apple’s listed specifications are effectively matched.
The listed height, width and thickness are also identical. The 16 Plus weighs 199 grams versus 201 grams for the 15 Plus, a two-gram difference that is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers. Both use USB-C and support MagSafe. Check case packaging or the manufacturer’s fit listing for the exact Plus generation rather than assuming a case for one model fits the other.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 4674mAh Battery
- 128GB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Chip, Apple Intelligence and useful lifespan
What the A18 changes
The 15 Plus uses Apple’s A16 Bionic chip; the 16 Plus uses A18. That establishes a newer chip generation in the 16 Plus, but the available specifications do not establish a quantified real-world speed advantage. There is no basis here for claiming a particular app will launch faster or that one model lasts a specific number of years longer.
Apple Intelligence eligibility
Apple lists Apple Intelligence for the iPhone 16 Plus, but not for the iPhone 15 Plus. The feature’s availability can depend on software version, language, and region, so check Apple’s current requirements for where and how you intend to use it. The 16 Plus is the clear choice if Apple Intelligence eligibility is important; do not assume the 15 Plus gains eligibility simply because both phones receive software updates.
Rank #2
- The larger 6.9-inch display enhances productivity and media consumption, giving extra room for multitasking, side-by-side apps, and immersive viewing without feeling unwieldy in hand.
- Camera improvements focus on ultra-wide performance, capturing more detail at the edges of the frame and reducing distortion, making landscape shots, group photos, and architecture photography cleaner.
- Refined gesture controls and haptic feedback make interactions feel more precise, so scrolling, tapping, or switching between apps is smoother and more satisfying compared to previous Plus models.
- Audio enhancements optimize speaker output for spatial awareness, delivering clearer separation between instruments and voices in music, video playback, and FaceTime calls without relying on headphones.
- Durable yet lightweight materials balance heft and portability, with a subtly textured back and reinforced edges that improve grip while maintaining the premium appearance expected from the Plus series.
Camera differences: controls and macro capability
Both phones have a 48MP main camera and an ultra-wide camera. Apple lists Camera Control and macro photography capability through the newer ultra-wide camera on the 16 Plus. Those are concrete additions for people who want a dedicated camera-control interaction or close-up shooting.
Camera specifications alone do not prove that one phone produces better photos in every scene. The comparison supports the feature differences, but not an independent image-quality verdict. If photo quality is the deciding factor, consider independent camera tests of the exact models rather than treating megapixel counts or feature lists as a complete result.
Rank #3
- 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 4674mAh Battery
- 128GB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Battery estimates and charging
Apple rates video playback at up to 26 hours for the iPhone 15 Plus and up to 27 hours for the iPhone 16 Plus. These are manufacturer estimates, not independent test results or a guarantee of everyday screen-on time. Usage, settings, network conditions, battery age, and other factors affect actual endurance. The one-hour difference in Apple’s stated estimate is modest, so it should not by itself determine the purchase.
Both generations use USB-C and support MagSafe. Apple’s cited comparison does not establish a different charging advantage that would justify choosing one model on that basis.
Rank #4
- 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 4674mAh Battery
- 256GB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Price difference: compare the same condition and capacity
An Apple Store US refurbished listing observed in 2026 showed the 128GB iPhone 15 Plus at $659 and the 128GB iPhone 16 Plus at $749. Subtracting those listed prices gives a $90 difference. This is a dated refurbished-price snapshot, not a market-wide statistic or a comparison of new retail prices. The listing and its availability can change: Apple’s US refurbished iPhone listing.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor a fair quote comparison, match storage, condition, warranty, carrier-lock status and region. A refurbished 15 Plus price should not be compared with a new 16 Plus price as though the difference were caused only by the model. Apple’s listing showed other capacities at different prices, and the snapshot does not establish current prices in other markets.
Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
Which iPhone Plus should you choose?
Choose the iPhone 16 Plus if
- You want Apple Intelligence eligibility on a model Apple lists as supported, subject to the feature’s software, language and region requirements.
- You value Camera Control or the newer ultra-wide camera’s macro photography capability.
- You prefer the newer A18 generation and consider those additions worth the price premium in a like-for-like offer.
Consider the iPhone 15 Plus if
- The shared large OLED display, USB-C and two-camera layout meet your needs.
- You do not need the 16 Plus’s listed AI eligibility, Camera Control or macro capability.
- You can find it materially cheaper than a 16 Plus with comparable storage, condition, warranty and carrier status.
For either model, verify the live listing and return or warranty terms before buying; the observed refurbished prices do not establish what is currently available.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
