PhoneLifespan

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus

vs

It depends

Too close to call outright

These two are within 4 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The iPhone 15 edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.

Value Score: iPhone 15 62 · iPhone 15 Plus 66 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 $430
Safe to buy$8.41/mo
2023◆ Buy-by Sep 20282030
Apple iPhone 15 Plus $403
Safe to buy$7.88/mo
2023◆ Buy-by Sep 20282030

Category by category

Display
iPhone 15 50iPhone 15 Plus 50

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance
iPhone 15 80iPhone 15 Plus 80

Performance is a wash — same chip tier.

Camera
iPhone 15 62iPhone 15 Plus 62

Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.

Battery
iPhone 15 47iPhone 15 Plus 68

4,383mAh vs 3,349mAh — the iPhone 15 Plus lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity
iPhone 15 61iPhone 15 Plus 61

Both phones' support windows end around the same time.

Value
iPhone 15 62iPhone 15 Plus 66

Overall value goes to the iPhone 15 Plus at $7.88 per month of safe use.

Full spec table
SpeciPhone 15iPhone 15 Plus
Price (street)$430$403
Display6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, Dynamic Island, up to 2000 nits peak6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, up to 2000 nits peak
ChipsetApple A16 BionicApple A16 Bionic
RAM6GB6GB
Storage128GB/256GB/512GB128GB/256GB/512GB
Battery3,349 mAh4,383 mAh
ChargingWired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; MagSafe 15W wireless20W+ wired (50% in ~30 min), MagSafe 15W wireless, Qi 7.5W
Rear cameras48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide
Dimensions147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm
Weight171 g201 g
Water resistanceIP68IP68
Supported untilSep 2030Sep 2030

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