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

iPhone 16 Plus & iPhone 15 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

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Plus

  • The iPhone 16 Plus features the A18 Bionic processor for faster performance, enhanced energy efficiency, and smoother handling of demanding apps, while the iPhone 15 uses the older A16 Bionic chip.
  • iPhone 16 Plus has 8 GB of RAM for improved multitasking and better support for future iOS updates, whereas the iPhone 15 includes 6 GB of RAM.
  • It supports Apple Intelligence with on-device AI functions for smarter text generation, prioritization, and image editing, while the iPhone 15 does not support Apple Intelligence.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus comes with a dedicated Camera Control button for easier photo and video capture with quick mode switching, whereas the iPhone 15 lacks any specialized camera button.
  • iPhone 16 Plus includes an ultrawide camera with autofocus and macro capability for detailed close-up photography, while the iPhone 15 uses a fixed-focus ultrawide camera without macro support.
  • It features a larger 6.7-inch OLED display for a more immersive viewing experience and better visibility when multitasking, compared to the iPhone 15’s smaller 6.1-inch OLED display.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus has a larger battery capacity for up to 27 hours of video playback and longer usage during travel or heavy daily activity, while the iPhone 15 has a smaller battery with shorter runtime.
  • iPhone 16 Plus supports Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless speeds and lower latency in high-bandwidth tasks such as cloud gaming or 4K streaming, whereas the iPhone 15 supports the older Wi-Fi 6 standard.

Maybe the iPhone 15 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
Chipset / ProcessorA18 BionicA16 Bionic
RAM8 GB~6 GB
AI CapabilitiesApple Intelligence (beta) + Visual Intelligence supportNo Apple Intelligence or Visual Intelligence
Neural Engine performanceDoubled ML task speedStandard
Wireless StandardWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
Network / ConnectivityThread networking supportNo Thread support
Camera — UltrawideAutofocus + macro photographyFixed-focus ultrawide, no macro
Camera — Spatial MediaSupports spatial photos and videoNo spatial capture support
Camera Control ButtonPresentNot present
Action ButtonPresentMute switch only
Thermal DesignImproved logic board layout and recycled-aluminum heat dissipationStandard thermal design
Minimum Display BrightnessAs low as 1 nitNo documented minimum brightness
Battery Capacity (approx.)~4674 mAh~4383 mAh
Video Playback (battery)Up to ~27 hoursLower value
Audio Playback (battery)Up to ~100 hoursLower value
Wireless Charging (MagSafe)Faster 25 W MagSafe supportedStandard MagSafe
Display Durability2nd-gen Ceramic Shield1st-gen Ceramic Shield
Rear Camera Island DesignVertical, pill-shaped layoutDiagonal dual-lens in square island
Color OptionsDeeper tones: ultramarine, teal, etc.Lighter pastel shades
USB-C Speed / InterfaceUSB 2.0-level speeds with A18USB 2.0-level speeds
Dynamic IslandYesYes
Size & WeightLarger footprint, heavierSmaller and lighter
PriceCheck iPhone 16 Plus PriceCheck iPhone 15 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • OLED Display: Both models feature OLED screens, delivering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast ratios—making everything from streaming to gaming look rich and immersive.
  • Dynamic Island: Both carry the Dynamic Island interface, seamlessly blending notifications and interactive alerts into a clever, animated cutout area—enhancing usability without cluttering the display.
  • USB-C Port: Apple’s transition to USB-C is consistent across both: a single, versatile connector for charging, fast data transfer, and accessory compatibility—bringing ecosystem coherence.
  • Ceramic Shield Front Glass: Both devices use Apple’s Ceramic Shield for enhanced drop and scratch resistance—built with nano-ceramic crystals embedded in toughened glass to improve durability.
  • IP68 Water Resistance: Built to last through spills, submersion, and dust exposure, both phones are certified to survive water depths up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes—ideal for everyday resilience.
  • Emergency SOS via Satellite: In case of emergencies with no cellular signal, both phones can connect to satellite networks to send SOS messages—offering peace of mind for off-grid adventures.
  • MagSafe Compatibility: They both support Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem, enabling magnetic alignment for reliable wireless charging and easy attachment of accessories like wallets and mounts.
  • Stereo Speakers: Both phones deliver true stereo sound with dual speakers placed at top and bottom, offering immersive audio for media playback and hands-free calls.
  • eSIM Support: Apple’s eSIM technology is present on both, allowing for flexible and streamlined mobile service setup—no physical SIM tray necessary.
  • Face ID Biometric Unlock: Both models utilize Face ID for secure, convenient unlocking and authentication—leveraging front-facing TrueDepth camera capabilities.
  • 5G Connectivity: Built-in 5G allows both to tap into the fastest mobile data networks available, for smoother streaming, faster downloads, and enhanced performance on the go.
  • NFC Support (Apple Pay etc.): Both support NFC, enabling functions like Apple Pay payments, pairing with accessories, and reading compatible RFID tags—enhancing convenience.
  • Wireless Charging: MagSafe or Qi-compatible wireless chargers work seamlessly with either device—no need for cables when topping off battery life.
  • Bluetooth (Latest Version): Both phones include the latest Bluetooth standard that was current at the time of their release, ensuring broad compatibility with audio devices, fitness trackers, and more.
  • iOS Compatibility: Both models can run the latest version of iOS, benefiting from the same operating system features, updates, and ecosystem-learning advantages—ensuring long-term usability.
  • ProRAW and ProRes Support: Both support Apple’s advanced photo and video formats (on models that support it), enabling greater creative control over high-resolution content and post-production workflows.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 15
OLED DisplayYesYes
Dynamic IslandYesYes
USB-C PortYesYes
Ceramic Shield Front GlassYesYes
IP68 Water ResistanceYesYes
Emergency SOS via SatelliteYesYes
MagSafe CompatibilityYesYes
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
eSIM SupportYesYes
Face ID Biometric UnlockYesYes
5G ConnectivityYesYes
NFC Support (Apple Pay etc.)YesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Bluetooth (latest version)YesYes
iOS CompatibilityRuns latest iOSRuns latest iOS
ProRAW and ProRes SupportYesYes
Price Check iPhone 16 Plus Price Check iPhone 15 Price

FAQ

Is the iPhone 16 Plus faster than the iPhone 15?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus is equipped with the newer A18 Bionic chip, which delivers faster CPU and GPU performance compared to the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic. This results in smoother multitasking, improved gaming experiences, and better handling of demanding apps.

Do both models support Dynamic Island?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Plus and the iPhone 15 come with Apple’s Dynamic Island, which integrates notifications and live activities into a fluid interactive cutout at the top of the screen.

What are the main camera differences between iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15?
The iPhone 16 Plus introduces a vertical pill-shaped camera layout with improved ultrawide autofocus, macro support, and a dedicated Camera Control button. The iPhone 15 retains a diagonal dual-lens design with a fixed-focus ultrawide.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus have better battery life?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus has a larger battery capacity, supporting up to 27 hours of video playback compared to the iPhone 15’s shorter endurance. This makes it more reliable for heavy daily use.

Are both phones water and dust resistant?
Yes, both models are rated IP68, meaning they can withstand being submerged in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, along with strong protection against dust.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 use USB-C charging?
Yes, both phones feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, making them compatible with a wide range of modern accessories and chargers.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus have more RAM than the iPhone 15?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus is built with 8 GB of RAM, whereas the iPhone 15 includes around 6 GB, giving the newer model an advantage in multitasking and future-proofing.

Can both models use MagSafe accessories?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 support MagSafe technology, allowing for magnetic alignment with chargers, wallets, stands, and other compatible accessories.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 run the same iOS version?
Yes, both devices are compatible with the latest version of iOS, ensuring they share the same features, security updates, and app ecosystem.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus support Apple Intelligence features?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus includes Apple Intelligence and Visual Intelligence features, while the iPhone 15 does not support these AI-driven functions due to hardware limitations.

Do both phones support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both devices include 5G radios for high-speed mobile data, enabling fast downloads, smooth video streaming, and responsive online gaming.

Is the display technology the same on both models?
Yes, both models use OLED technology for their displays, providing high contrast, deep blacks, and vivid colors, although the iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch panel compared to the iPhone 15’s 6.1-inch screen.

Do both iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 support Face ID?
Yes, both rely on Apple’s Face ID biometric system for secure unlocking, app authentication, and Apple Pay transactions using the TrueDepth front camera.

Are the color options different between the two models?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus introduces deeper tones such as ultramarine and teal, while the iPhone 15 was released in lighter pastel shades like pink and blue.

Which one is better for long-term use, the iPhone 16 Plus or the iPhone 15?
The iPhone 16 Plus is better for long-term use thanks to its faster A18 processor, extra RAM, stronger battery life, and AI features that extend its relevance, while the iPhone 15 is still capable but may feel dated sooner as future software and AI functions demand more processing power.

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