iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15
An honest, side-by-side look at the iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 decision — specs, camera, battery and refurbished price — so you can buy the right one with confidence.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 look almost identical and share the same 6.1-inch screen, so the real question is whether one year of upgrades justifies the price gap. On the refurbished market it rarely does — and that is exactly where the smart money goes.
The 16 brings the faster A18 chip, a new Camera Control button and Apple Intelligence support. The 15 answers with the same 48MP main camera, the same Dynamic Island and USB-C, for meaningfully less money.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: specs side by side
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2024 | 2023 |
| Display | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz |
| Chip | A18 | A16 Bionic |
| Camera | 48MP fusion + 12MP ultrawide | 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide |
| Battery | Up to 22h video | Up to 20h video |
| Standout | Camera Control, Action button, Apple Intelligence | Dynamic Island, USB-C, 2× optical zoom |
| Refurbished from | £500 | £390 |
The verdict
The iPhone 16 is the better phone on paper — faster silicon, longer battery, and it is Apple's headline device for on-device AI. But the iPhone 15 does 90% of the same job: identical screen size, the same 48MP camera system and the same USB-C port, for a lower refurbished price.
Unless you specifically want Apple Intelligence or the Camera Control button, the 15 is the value pick and the 16 is the future-proofing pick.
Buy the iPhone 16 if…
You want the longest software runway, Apple Intelligence, and the newest camera controls — and you keep phones four-plus years.
Shop refurbished iPhone 16Buy the iPhone 15 if…
You want the best price on a modern, USB-C, 48MP iPhone and are happy one generation back. This is the value sweet spot.
Shop refurbished iPhone 15Common questions
Is the iPhone 16 worth it over the iPhone 15?+
For most people, no — the iPhone 15 shares the same screen and 48MP main camera for less. Choose the 16 only if Apple Intelligence, the faster A18 chip or the new Camera Control button genuinely matter to you.
Do the iPhone 16 and 15 use the same charger?+
Yes. Both use USB-C, so any USB-C cable and charger works with either phone — and with recent iPads and MacBooks too.