We compared Apple's iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 head-to-head
One of the main questions I get asked by people wondering if they should upgrade their iPhones is whether the new one is all that different from the previous iteration.
To be clear, you definitely shouldn’t consider an upgrade if your current handset is from last year or the year before. These phones are made to last multiple years – probably around three or four if you look after them well by putting them in good case (we have an article on the best iPhone 15 cases and one on the top iPhone 16 cases is coming soon).
That said, you may be upgrading from an older phone and considering picking last year’s iPhone 15 instead of the new 16. That’s not a bad idea given how many features the models share and the fact the iPhone 15 is now £100 cheaper than the iPhone 16.
When I compare the iPhone 15 to the iPhone 16, while they’re similar, Apple has made some subtle yet meaningful upgrades in its latest model. Yes, both phones may share a lot of the same core features, but the iPhone 16 brings some enhancements that make it worth considering, especially if you’re looking to upgrade from an older model or you’re particularly interested in Apple Intelligence.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Design
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 have a similar look, but there are differences in the design.
The most obvious change is the new vertical rear camera layout, replacing the diagonal arrangement on the iPhone 15. This isn’t just a visual tweak. The new camera system supports “spatial” photos and videos, which are designed to work with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. So, if you’re interested in capturing content for future immersive experiences, the iPhone 16 is the one to pick.
They're otherwise very similar to hold, with both using a USB-C port for charging and data transfers, and they're almost the same weight – the iPhone 16 is 170g, while the iPhone 15 is 171g.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Colours
Apple has added bolder colours to the iPhone 16 lineup, including new options like Ultramarine and Teal, and it has brought White back to the range too. The available iPhone 16 colours are Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 colours are slightly more muted pastel shades available in Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue and Black.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Camera Control
Alongside the Apple Intelligence (AI) features, the new physical “Camera Control” button is potentially the feature of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro that has grabbed the most headlines. It’s a flush button on the right-hand side of the phone (below the side button) that you use for quickly launching the camera app and as a shutter button when you take a photo.
It also has extra features packed into it – with a half-press, double half-press and swipes across the button, you can use it to access various controls like zoom, Photographic Styles, tone controls and portrait mode depth. This can be a little bit fiddly to use, but it’s great for quickly launching the camera and using it one-handed.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Action button
One of the most talked-about new features on the iPhone 16 is the addition of the “Action Button” to replace the traditional mute switch. This button can be customised for various tasks, such as launching the camera or enabling Do Not Disturb mode.
I find it essential after using it for the past year on the iPhone 15 Pro. Yes, it’s a small change, but it gives users a bit more flexibility in how they use their phone, and it's something the iPhone 15 lacks.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Cameras
In terms of cameras, the iPhone 16 brings some enhancements over the iPhone 15, though both models feature a 48MP main camera and a 2x zoom within that main sensor. The iPhone 16 also now has autofocus on its ultra-wide lens, enabling macro close-up photography. And the iPhone 16’s new spatial video and photo may matter to you if you ever want to use the Apple Vision Pro. The iPhone 16 does also have access to Apple’s newest Photographic Styles for customising the look of your photos, which is a feature I found really helpful during testing.
For everyday photography and videos, though, you’re not going to see a massive difference between the two. They’re both excellent cameras that perform very well. And, of course, if you’re upgrading from an older model, either phone will feel like a significant improvement in terms of photo quality and camera features.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Display
The display sizes remain the same between the two models, with the iPhone 16 keeping the 6.1-inch screen size of the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 16 Plus matching the 6.7-inch size of the iPhone 15 Plus. The screens have the same resolution and are both OLED panels for vibrant colours and deep blacks. They both have a 60Hz refresh rate and don’t have always-on capabilities (which is the difference between them and the Pro models).
While they do have the same maximum brightness, Apple has dropped the minimum brightness of the screen to as low as 1 nit, which makes it much darker if you ever want to use your phone in the morning or late at night without waking up your partner. Finally, the new models feature a second-generation Ceramic Shield material, which is meant to be tougher than the glass in the previous phone.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 is powered by the A18 chip, which provides a noticeable performance boost over the A16 chip in the iPhone 15.
While both are fast and efficient, the A18 chip enhances AI-driven tasks and power efficiency, meaning the iPhone 16 will handle more demanding apps and processes with ease, and you may see a slight improvement in battery life as well.
The A18 is a very advanced and fast chip, and while the pro iPhone has an A18 Pro, in real-world performance there isn’t going to be a big difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Apple Intelligence
When they launch in the UK in December, the new Apple Intelligence (AI) features will be available only on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, which means they’re not going to be an option you can use on the standard iPhone 15 from last year.
The new AI features will enable on-device and cloud-based writing tools, image generation, custom emoji, notification summarisation, email organisation and more. But, it’s worth remembering that Apple is releasing the features gradually over the next year, so it might be some time until all the promised capabilities arrive for the compatible devices.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Battery life
The iPhone 16 offers some improvements here. While it’s not a massive leap forward, you’ll likely notice that the iPhone 16 lasts a little bit longer throughout the day compared to the iPhone 15. And, unsurprisingly, when you compare the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the larger model gets more battery life.
According to Apple's tests, the iPhone 15 lasts for about two hours longer during video playback, while the iPhone 15 Plus gets an extra hour over its predecessor.
One thing worth noting is that while both phones have the same wired charging speeds, the new iPhone 16 is much faster to recharge over MagSafe with the newest version of Apple’s wireless charging puck.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Verdict
In conclusion, if you’re deciding between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, it comes down to how much the handful of new features matter to you. The iPhone 16 has a better chip, upcoming AI extras, improved battery life, and new camera capabilities, as well as the convenience of the Camera Control and Action Button.
But if you’re already happy with the features on offer from your current phone (or what’s included in the more affordable iPhone 15) and these changes don’t feel essential to the way you use a smartphone, I don’t think there’s a pressing need to upgrade just yet.
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