iPhone 15 Plus vs 16 Plus – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 16 Plus & iPhone 15 Plus share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 16 Plus rather than the iPhone 15 Plus

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Plus

  • The iPhone 16 Plus features the A18 Bionic chip built on a 3nm process for faster performance and greater power efficiency during demanding tasks, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus uses the older A16 Bionic chip.
  • iPhone 16 Plus has 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM for smoother multitasking and better handling of future iOS updates, while the iPhone 15 Plus includes 6GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
  • It comes with a vertically aligned dual-camera system that enables spatial video recording for immersive playback on Vision Pro, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus uses a diagonal dual-camera system.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus includes a Camera Control button for quick access to camera functions and more precise shooting controls, while the iPhone 15 Plus does not include a dedicated camera button.
  • iPhone 16 Plus supports Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for faster wireless speeds and lower latency in streaming and gaming, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus supports older Wi-Fi 6.
  • It has a larger 4674mAh battery for longer video playback and extended daily usage, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus has a smaller 4383mAh battery.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus comes with a peak HDR 2000 nits brightness for better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight, while the iPhone 15 Plus has a lower peak HDR 1600 nits brightness.
  • iPhone 16 Plus supports Apple Intelligence features for advanced AI-powered writing, image, and productivity tools, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus does not support Apple Intelligence.

Maybe the iPhone 15 Plus price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 16 Plus. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 15 Plus
ProcessorA18 BionicA16 Bionic
CPU Cores6-core with higher clock speed6-core lower clock
GPU5-core next-gen GPU5-core previous-gen GPU
RAM8 GB LPDDR5X6 GB LPDDR5
Neural Engine16-core upgraded for Apple Intelligence16-core standard
Camera LayoutVertical dual-cameraDiagonal dual-camera
Camera FeaturesSpatial video recordingNo spatial video
Camera Control ButtonYesNo
Action ButtonYesNo
Battery Capacity~4674 mAh~4383 mAh
Video PlaybackUp to 27 hoursUp to 26 hours
Thermal ArchitectureImproved coolingStandard cooling
Connectivity Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
BluetoothBluetooth 5.4Bluetooth 5.3
AI FeaturesApple Intelligence supportedNot supported
USB-C SpeedUSB-C 3USB-C 2
Display Brightness (Peak HDR)2000 nits1600 nits
BezelsSlimmer bezelsThicker bezels
PriceCheck iPhone 16 Plus PriceCheck iPhone 15 Plus Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Technology: Both iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus feature the same 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with identical resolution and pixel density. This ensures sharp visuals, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios on both models.
  • Refresh Rate: Each phone retains a 60Hz refresh rate, meaning Apple still reserves ProMotion (120Hz) for the Pro models. Motion smoothness remains the same.
  • Durability: Both phones use Ceramic Shield front glass and a glass back with aluminum frame, offering similar protection and premium build quality.
  • Camera Hardware: Both models carry a 48MP wide sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. While the 16 Plus rearranges them vertically, the raw hardware resolution and core capability remain consistent.
  • Camera Features: Each phone supports Night Mode, Photonic Engine processing, and Cinematic Mode recording up to 4K HDR at 30fps, giving users comparable creative flexibility in low light and cinematic storytelling.
  • Video Recording: Both phones record 4K video at 24/25/30/60fps, ensuring identical baseline video quality for most shooting scenarios.
  • Front Camera & Face ID: Both share the 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, supporting Face ID for biometric security and selfies/video calls of the same quality.
  • Charging & Accessories: Both models integrate MagSafe wireless charging and support the MagSafe accessory ecosystem, such as wallets, battery packs, and chargers.
  • Emergency Features: Safety remains a priority with Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite included in both, providing peace of mind during emergencies.
  • Storage Options: Both phones ship with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage variants, so capacity choices are identical.
  • Software Ecosystem: Although the iPhone 16 Plus launches with iOS 18, the iPhone 15 Plus also receives the same update, meaning both share a consistent software experience.
  • 5G Connectivity: Both support 5G networks (Sub-6 GHz and mmWave), delivering similar high-speed mobile connectivity worldwide.
  • Water & Dust Resistance: Both devices are rated IP68, capable of withstanding immersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes, offering equal durability in wet conditions.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 15 Plus
Display Size6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Display Resolution2796 × 1290 pixels2796 × 1290 pixels
Refresh Rate60Hz standard60Hz standard
Ceramic ShieldCeramic Shield front glassCeramic Shield front glass
Back MaterialGlass back with aluminum frameGlass back with aluminum frame
Main Camera Resolution48MP wide sensor48MP wide sensor
Ultra-Wide Camera Resolution12MP ultra-wide12MP ultra-wide
Night ModeSupported on all camerasSupported on all cameras
Photonic EngineYesYes
Cinematic ModeUp to 4K HDR 30fpsUp to 4K HDR 30fps
Video Recording Quality4K at 24/25/30/60fps4K at 24/25/30/60fps
Front Camera12MP TrueDepth with autofocus12MP TrueDepth with autofocus
Face IDFace ID with TrueDepthFace ID with TrueDepth
MagSafeMagSafe wireless chargingMagSafe wireless charging
Emergency FeaturesCrash Detection, Emergency SOS via satelliteCrash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite
Storage Options128GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB
5G SupportYesYes
Water & Dust ResistanceIP68IP68
Price Check iPhone 16 Plus Price Check iPhone 15 Plus Price

FAQ

What is the display size of the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus?
Both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus come with a large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, making them ideal for users who prefer bigger screens for streaming, gaming, and productivity.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus have the same resolution?
Yes, both devices feature a resolution of 2796 × 1290 pixels, ensuring crisp details, vibrant colors, and sharp text quality for a premium visual experience.

Do both models have the same refresh rate?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are equipped with a 60Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth everyday performance but does not match the 120Hz ProMotion technology reserved for Pro models.

Are both devices protected with Ceramic Shield glass?
Yes, Apple has used Ceramic Shield glass on the front of both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus, enhancing durability and making them more resistant to scratches and accidental drops.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus share the same frame and build materials?
Yes, both smartphones use an aluminum frame with a glass back, giving them a premium look and feel while maintaining durability and lightweight construction.

Do both phones feature the same main rear camera resolution?
Yes, both models come with a 48MP wide main camera that captures highly detailed and sharp images, suitable for professional-grade photography in different lighting conditions.

Do they both have an ultra-wide camera?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are equipped with a 12MP ultra-wide camera, which allows users to capture wide landscape shots and group photos easily.

Is Night Mode available on both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus?
Yes, Night Mode is supported across cameras on both devices, enabling brighter and clearer photos in low-light conditions without excessive noise.

Do both phones support Cinematic Mode?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus support Cinematic Mode in up to 4K HDR at 30fps, allowing users to create professional-looking videos with depth-of-field effects.

Can both models record video in 4K resolution?
Yes, both models support 4K video recording at 24, 25, 30, and 60fps, giving users flexibility to shoot videos with high detail and smooth playback.

Do both devices use the same front camera system?
Yes, both models include a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, which provides clear selfies, smooth video calls, and supports Face ID functionality.

Is Face ID available on both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus?
Yes, Face ID is present on both devices, offering secure facial recognition technology for unlocking the phone, authorizing purchases, and accessing apps.

Are both iPhones compatible with MagSafe?
Yes, both devices support MagSafe wireless charging and accessories, enabling easy attachment of chargers, wallets, and battery packs.

Do both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus have emergency safety features?
Yes, Apple includes Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite in both models, allowing users to connect to emergency services even in areas without cellular coverage.

Are both devices water and dust resistant?
Yes, both smartphones have an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand being submerged in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes and are protected against dust ingress.

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