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

iPhone 15 Plus & iPhone 16 Pro 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 Pro rather than the iPhone 15 Plus. 

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Pro

  • The iPhone 16 Pro has the A18 Pro chip with 8 GB RAM for faster performance, smoother multitasking, and full Apple Intelligence support, while the iPhone 15 Plus uses the older A16 Bionic chip with 6 GB RAM.
  • iPhone 16 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 120 Hz ProMotion and always-on mode for smoother visuals and glanceable information, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus includes a larger 6.7-inch OLED display limited to 60 Hz and lacks always-on support.
  • It includes a triple rear camera system with a 5× telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner for versatile photography and enhanced depth sensing, while the iPhone 15 Plus has only a dual rear camera system without telephoto or LiDAR.
  • The iPhone 16 Pro supports USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 at 10 Gb/s for significantly faster data transfers and external storage compatibility, while the iPhone 15 Plus uses USB-C 2.0 limited to 480 Mb/s speeds.
  • iPhone 16 Pro has Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for faster wireless speeds and lower latency for seamless streaming or gaming, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus supports the older Wi-Fi 6 standard.
  • It comes with both an Action Button and a new Camera Control button for customizable shortcuts and precise photo or video adjustments, while the iPhone 15 Plus retains the traditional mute switch and lacks Camera Control.
  • The iPhone 16 Pro uses a titanium frame to achieve a lighter yet more durable build that improves portability and resistance to wear, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus relies on an aluminum frame.
  • iPhone 16 Pro records 4K video at up to 120 fps for smoother slow-motion and professional-grade content creation, while the iPhone 15 Plus records 4K video only up to 60 fps.

Maybe the iPhone 15 Plus price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 16 Pro. 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 ProiPhone 15 Plus
ChipsetA18 ProA16 Bionic
RAM8 GB6 GB
Display Size6.3-inch6.7-inch
Display Refresh Rate120 Hz ProMotion60 Hz
Display FeaturesAlways-On, HDR Brightness up to 2000 nitsNo Always-On, HDR Brightness up to 1600 nits
Build MaterialTitanium frameAluminum frame
Rear CamerasTriple camera with 5× telephoto + LiDARDual camera without telephoto or LiDAR
Video Recording4K up to 120 fps4K up to 60 fps
Main Camera Zoom5× optical zoom2× digital zoom crop
AI FeaturesFull Apple Intelligence supportNo Apple Intelligence support
USB-C PortUSB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gb/s)USB-C 2.0 (480 Mb/s)
Wireless ConnectivityWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
ButtonsAction Button + Camera Control ButtonStandard Mute Switch (no Camera Control)
WeightLighter with titanium designHeavier due to aluminum frame
Thermal DesignAdvanced thermal system for sustained performanceStandard thermal management
Gaming PerformanceConsole-level ray tracing and smoother gameplayLimited ray tracing performance
PriceCheck iPhone 16 Pro PriceCheck iPhone 15 Plus Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System: Both iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus run on iOS 18, ensuring consistent software features, regular updates, and a familiar user experience across both devices.
  • Main Camera: Both devices feature a 48 MP wide main sensor, allowing for sharp, detailed photos in bright conditions as well as improved low-light performance.
  • Ultra-Wide Camera: Each model includes a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, making it easy to capture expansive landscapes, group shots, and architectural photos with a broader field of view.
  • Front Camera: Both iPhones use a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera, supporting high-quality selfies, FaceTime calls, and cinematic video recording with accurate skin tones.
  • Display Type: Both devices feature a Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and energy-efficient performance for an immersive viewing experience.
  • Resolution: Each phone shares a 2796 × 1290 resolution, producing sharp visuals and crisp text clarity suitable for web browsing, media, and gaming.
  • Contrast Ratio: Both displays maintain a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring true black levels and excellent differentiation between dark and bright scenes.
  • HDR Support: Both models support HDR10 and Dolby Vision playback, allowing users to enjoy HDR movies and TV shows with greater brightness, contrast, and realism.
  • Biometrics: Each device uses Face ID facial recognition, providing secure authentication and seamless login to apps, payments, and the lock screen.
  • Audio Playback: Both support Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, creating a surround-sound experience for music, movies, and supported apps.
  • Charging Method: Each iPhone is compatible with USB-C wired charging as well as MagSafe wireless charging, giving users flexible power options.
  • Water Resistance: Both models are IP68 rated, meaning they can withstand dust exposure and submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 16 ProiPhone 15 Plus
Operating SystemiOS 18iOS 18
Main Camera48 MP wide sensor48 MP wide sensor
Ultra-Wide Camera12 MP ultra-wide12 MP ultra-wide
Front Camera12 MP TrueDepth12 MP TrueDepth
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Resolution2796 × 1290 pixels2796 × 1290 pixels
Contrast Ratio2,000,000:12,000,000:1
HDR SupportHDR10 and Dolby VisionHDR10 and Dolby Vision
BiometricsFace IDFace ID
Audio PlaybackSpatial Audio with Dolby AtmosSpatial Audio with Dolby Atmos
Charging MethodUSB-C + MagSafe wirelessUSB-C + MagSafe wireless
Water ResistanceIP68 dust and water resistantIP68 dust and water resistant
5G Connectivity5G SA/NSA supported5G SA/NSA supported
Dual SIM OptionNano SIM + eSIM / Dual eSIMNano SIM + eSIM / Dual eSIM
Price Check iPhone 16 Pro Price Check iPhone 15 Plus Price

FAQ

Does the iPhone 16 Pro have a better processor than the iPhone 15 Plus?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the A18 Pro chip with 8 GB of RAM, making it faster and more efficient, while the iPhone 15 Plus runs on the older A16 Bionic with 6 GB of RAM.

Is there a difference in display quality between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus?
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch OLED display with ProMotion 120 Hz refresh rate and always-on technology, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch OLED display limited to 60 Hz and no always-on mode.

Do both iPhones support Apple Intelligence AI features?
No, only the iPhone 16 Pro supports Apple Intelligence due to its advanced A18 Pro processor and higher RAM capacity, while the iPhone 15 Plus does not support these AI functions.

How do the cameras differ between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus?
The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a triple-lens system including a 5× telephoto zoom and LiDAR scanner, while the iPhone 15 Plus has a dual-lens setup without telephoto and LiDAR.

Which iPhone has faster USB-C transfer speeds?
The iPhone 16 Pro features USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with speeds up to 10 Gb/s, while the iPhone 15 Plus is limited to USB-C 2.0 with slower 480 Mb/s transfer rates.

Is there a difference in wireless connectivity between the two models?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro supports Wi-Fi 7 for faster and more reliable wireless performance, while the iPhone 15 Plus only supports Wi-Fi 6.

Do both models use Face ID for security?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus rely on Face ID facial recognition for secure authentication and payments.

Which iPhone is lighter to carry?
The iPhone 16 Pro is lighter due to its titanium frame, while the iPhone 15 Plus is slightly heavier as it is built with an aluminum frame.

Do both models support MagSafe charging?
Yes, both iPhones support MagSafe magnetic wireless charging as well as USB-C wired charging for convenience.

Are the batteries the same between iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus?
No, the iPhone 16 Pro uses a more efficient A18 Pro processor and thermal design for better battery optimization, while the iPhone 15 Plus has a larger raw battery capacity of about 4383 mAh but less efficiency.

Do both models support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Plus support 5G networks, including standalone and non-standalone modes, for high-speed mobile internet.

Is there a difference in video recording capabilities?
The iPhone 16 Pro supports 4K video at up to 120 fps with advanced cinematic features, while the iPhone 15 Plus is limited to 4K at 60 fps.

Do both models have an Action Button?
No, the iPhone 16 Pro has both an Action Button and a new Camera Control button, while the iPhone 15 Plus retains the traditional mute switch and does not include Camera Control.

Are both devices water and dust resistant?
Yes, both iPhones carry an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand dust and submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

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