iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 3 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The iPhone 16 edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.
Value Score: iPhone 15 62 · iPhone 16 59 — methodology
The lifespan decider
When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.
Category by category
Both displays are effectively the same class.
The iPhone 16's Apple A18 is simply the faster chip.
Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.
3,561mAh vs 3,349mAh — the iPhone 16 lasts longer between charges.
The iPhone 16 is supported until Sep 2031 — 12 months longer than the iPhone 15.
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Full spec table
| Spec | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $430 | $699 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, Dynamic Island, up to 2000 nits peak | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, up to 2000 nits peak |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple A18 |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Battery | 3,349 mAh | 3,561 mAh |
| Charging | Wired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; MagSafe 15W wireless | Wired fast charge — 50% in ~30 min with 20W+ adapter; MagSafe wireless up to 25W |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 171 g | 170 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Supported until | Sep 2030 | Sep 2031 |
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.