At U.S. launch in September 2023, the iPhone 15 started at $799 and the iPhone 15 Pro at $999: a $200 difference between their base configurations. The Pro adds a 120Hz ProMotion display, an always-on screen, a telephoto camera, macro photography, a titanium frame, an Action button and faster USB data transfer. Both phones have a 6.1-inch display, Dynamic Island, USB-C and a 48MP main camera. Those launch prices are historical, not today’s price gap.
iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro at a glance
| Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR; Dynamic Island | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR; Dynamic Island; ProMotion up to 120Hz and Always-On display |
| Frame and control | Aluminum frame; Ring/Silent switch | Titanium frame; Action button |
| Chip and GPU | A16 Bionic; 5-core GPU | A17 Pro; 6-core GPU; hardware-accelerated ray tracing |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main and ultra-wide | 48MP main, ultra-wide and dedicated 12MP telephoto; macro photography |
| USB-C data | USB 2 | USB 3, up to 10Gb/s |
| Apple video playback estimate | Up to 20 hours | Up to 23 hours |
| Announced storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| U.S. launch starting price (2023) | $799 | $999 |
Feature and playback specifications are from Apple’s iPhone comparison page; launch capacities and prices are from Apple’s September 12, 2023 announcements for iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. Apple’s playback hours are manufacturer estimates, not independent test results. The USB 3 maximum applies to iPhone 15 Pro; reaching it requires a compatible cable and receiving device.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $405.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $410.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $414.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $438.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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What the Pro upgrade changes in everyday use
Smoother screen and always-visible information
Both models have the same 6.1-inch display size and Dynamic Island. The Pro’s ProMotion refresh rate adapts up to 120Hz, which can make scrolling and supported animations appear smoother. Its Always-On display can keep some information visible without waking the screen. Apple does not list either feature for the iPhone 15, so these are meaningful distinctions if they matter to how you use a phone—not a reason to assume every task will feel faster.
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Both phones have a 48MP main camera and an ultra-wide camera. The iPhone 15 Pro adds a dedicated 12MP telephoto camera and macro photography support. Choose the Pro if optical telephoto framing or the ability to focus closely for macro shots is important to your photos. The iPhone 15 still offers the shared main and ultra-wide cameras, but it does not have those Pro camera options.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Different controls and materials
The iPhone 15 has an aluminum frame and the traditional Ring/Silent switch. The 15 Pro uses a titanium frame and replaces that switch with an Action button. The button is a physical-control difference; its value depends on whether you want that control and how you use it.
Chip capabilities and USB transfers
The iPhone 15 uses A16 Bionic with a 5-core GPU; the 15 Pro uses A17 Pro with a 6-core GPU and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Those specifications distinguish the chips, but they do not by themselves establish a subjective speed advantage for a particular person’s apps.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Both phones connect over USB-C, but their data standards differ: the iPhone 15 supports USB 2, while the Pro supports USB 3 at up to 10Gb/s. The faster Pro transfer rate is relevant when moving large files by cable, and depends on using a compatible USB 3 cable and receiving device. Having a USB-C connector alone does not make the iPhone 15 a USB 3 device.
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Apple announced U.S. starting prices of $799 for the iPhone 15 and $999 for the iPhone 15 Pro in September 2023. Subtracting the two launch prices gives a $200 gap for the base configurations. The iPhone 15 was announced in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB capacities; the Pro also had a 1TB option. The $200 figure is not a current retail-price comparison, and it should not be applied to other countries or storage configurations.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Apple’s launch announcements establish those original U.S. prices, but do not establish current new, used or refurbished prices or stock. For a purchase now, check live listings in your market and compare the same storage capacity, condition, seller and carrier-lock status. Because both are 2023 models, also compare their actual local prices with newer iPhone models available to you before deciding which is better value. Apple’s broader iPhone comparison catalogue can help identify model specifications, but it is not a live retailer price listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you choose?
Choose iPhone 15 if
- You want a 6.1-inch iPhone with Dynamic Island, USB-C and a 48MP main camera.
- You do not need a 120Hz display, Always-On display, telephoto camera, macro photography or USB 3 data transfers.
- The current price you find makes it the better fit for your budget after checking equivalent storage and condition.
Choose iPhone 15 Pro if
- You will make use of ProMotion or the Always-On display.
- You want a dedicated telephoto camera or macro photography.
- You transfer large files over USB and have a compatible USB 3 cable and receiving device.
- The Action button, titanium frame or Pro chip capabilities are worth the price difference in the listing you are considering.
There is no universal present-day winner based on the original $200 gap: current prices vary by market, storage, seller and condition. Decide first which Pro features you will actually use, then compare like-for-like listings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Rank #4
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
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.
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