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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For most buyers, the iPhone 16 is the better choice if its price premium is reasonable. It adds Apple Intelligence compatibility, Camera Control, macro photography and a newer A18 chip. The iPhone 15 remains a sensible value pick if it costs substantially less and you do not need those features. The displays are nearly identical, and both phones have a 48MP main camera and USB-C.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 at a glance
| What matters | iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 2556 × 1179 pixels, 460 ppi | 6.1-inch OLED, 2556 × 1179 pixels, 460 ppi |
| Chip | A18 | A16 Bionic |
| Apple Intelligence | Compatible; feature, language and regional availability varies | Not a compatible model |
| Main camera | 48MP Fusion, with a 2x option enabled by the main camera | 48MP main camera |
| Camera additions | Camera Control, macro photography and Photographic Styles 2 | No Camera Control or macro photography listed in Apple’s comparison |
| Apple video playback estimate | Up to 22 hours; streamed video up to 18 hours | Up to 20 hours; streamed video up to 16 hours |
| Connector and wireless charging | USB-C; Apple’s comparison lists MagSafe charging up to 22W under its stated adapter conditions | USB-C; Apple’s comparison lists MagSafe charging up to 15W |
Specifications are from Apple’s iPhone 16 specifications, iPhone 15 technical specifications and iPhone comparison page. The comparison page is localized for Turkey; check the equivalent details for your market before relying on regional charging information.
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What is different between iPhone 15 and iPhone 16?
Display: no size or resolution advantage
Both standard models have a 6.1-inch OLED display with 2556-by-1179 resolution and 460 pixels per inch. The iPhone 16 is not larger or sharper, and it does not have the high refresh rate found on Pro models. If screen size and resolution are your main reasons to upgrade, these two phones offer no meaningful specification difference.
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Chip and Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 16 uses Apple’s A18 chip, while the iPhone 15 uses the A16 Bionic. The most consequential distinction for many buyers is compatibility: Apple lists the iPhone 16 as supporting Apple Intelligence, but the iPhone 15 is not included as a compatible model. That is a model-compatibility difference, not a promise that every AI feature works everywhere. Apple’s iOS 26 feature overview notes that feature availability can depend on language and region.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh 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, Sprint., Etc.
Camera: added controls and close-up capability
Both phones have a 48MP main camera, so the upgrade is not simply a jump in main-camera megapixels. The iPhone 16 adds Camera Control, macro photography and Photographic Styles 2. Its 2x camera option is enabled by the main camera; it is not a separate dedicated telephoto lens. These features make the newer model more versatile on paper, but the available specifications do not establish a measured overall image-quality advantage.
Battery and charging
Apple’s 2024 iPhone 16 specifications rate it for up to 22 hours of video playback and up to 18 hours of streamed video playback. Apple’s 2023 iPhone 15 specifications give estimates of up to 20 hours and up to 16 hours, respectively. These are manufacturer maximum playback estimates, not independent real-world battery test results or guaranteed everyday runtimes.
Rank #2
- 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.
Both phones use USB-C, so compatible cables and accessories can carry over. Apple’s comparison lists different maximum MagSafe charging rates—up to 22W for iPhone 16 and up to 15W for iPhone 15 under the stated adapter conditions. A power adapter may be sold separately; if you already own a compatible one, a new purchase may not be necessary.
Which iPhone should you buy?
Choose iPhone 16 if you want the newer features
- You expect to use Apple Intelligence features that are available for your language and region.
- Camera Control, macro photography or Photographic Styles 2 would be useful to you.
- You want the newer A18 chip and prefer Apple’s higher stated playback estimates.
- The price difference over an equivalent iPhone 15 is small enough to justify those additions.
Choose iPhone 15 if the savings matter more
- You mainly want a 6.1-inch OLED iPhone with a 48MP main camera and USB-C.
- You do not need Apple Intelligence compatibility, Camera Control or macro photography.
- The iPhone 15 is substantially cheaper and its condition, seller and warranty are acceptable.
How to compare the price fairly
There is no single current price that establishes which model is the better deal across markets. Compare offers for the same storage capacity and device condition, and account for carrier lock, warranty and included accessories. A lower price on a used or carrier-locked phone is not directly comparable to a new, unlocked device. Prefer the iPhone 16 when its premium buys features you will use; otherwise, a meaningfully discounted iPhone 15 can be the better value.
Quick Recap
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 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #4
- 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.
Rank #3
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- 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.
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.
