PhoneLifespan

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus

vs

It depends

Too close to call outright

These two are within 1 point overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The iPhone 16 Plus edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.

Value Score: iPhone 15 Pro 63 · iPhone 16 Plus 64 methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro $620
Safe to buy$12.12/mo
2023◆ Buy-by Sep 20282030
Apple iPhone 16 Plus $650
Safe to buy$10.30/mo
2024◆ Buy-by Sep 20292031

Category by category

Display
iPhone 15 Pro 80iPhone 16 Plus 50

The iPhone 15 Pro's screen is the better one — 6.1-inch super retina xdr oled, 120hz promotion, always-on, dynamic island, up to 2000 nits peak.

Performance
iPhone 15 Pro 88iPhone 16 Plus 92

The iPhone 16 Plus's Apple A18 is simply the faster chip.

Camera
iPhone 15 Pro 74iPhone 16 Plus 62

The iPhone 15 Pro has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 2).

Battery
iPhone 15 Pro 45iPhone 16 Plus 73

4,674mAh vs 3,274mAh — the iPhone 16 Plus lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity
iPhone 15 Pro 61iPhone 16 Plus 75

The iPhone 16 Plus is supported until Sep 2031 — 12 months longer than the iPhone 15 Pro.

Value
iPhone 15 Pro 63iPhone 16 Plus 64

Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.

Full spec table
SpeciPhone 15 ProiPhone 16 Plus
Price (street)$620$650
Display6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On, Dynamic Island, up to 2000 nits peak6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, Dynamic Island, up to 2000 nits peak
ChipsetApple A17 ProApple A18
RAM8GB8GB
Storage128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB128GB/256GB/512GB
Battery3,274 mAh4,674 mAh
ChargingWired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; MagSafe 15W wirelessWired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; up to 25W MagSafe with 30W adapter
Rear cameras48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide
Dimensions146.6 × 70.6 × 8.25 mm160.9 × 77.8 × 7.80 mm
Weight187 g199 g
Water resistanceIP68IP68
Supported untilSep 2030Sep 2031

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.