iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Plus
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 2 points 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 62 · 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.
Category by category
Both displays are effectively the same class.
The iPhone 16 Plus's Apple A18 is simply the faster chip.
Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.
4,674mAh vs 3,349mAh — the iPhone 16 Plus lasts longer between charges.
The iPhone 16 Plus 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 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $430 | $650 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, Dynamic Island, up to 2000 nits peak | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, Dynamic Island, 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 | 4,674 mAh |
| Charging | Wired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; MagSafe 15W wireless | Wired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; up to 25W MagSafe with 30W adapter |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.80 mm |
| Weight | 171 g | 199 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.