If you’re considering a new iPhone, it can be difficult to decide whether or not to buy the latest release, and to know if the upgrades are worth the generally more expensive price.
In this guide, we take a look at the iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 15 series to help you determine which phone is going to be the best option for your needs — and what the differences are between each device.
On this page:
- iPhone 15 vs 16 features and specs
- iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 price
- iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 design
- iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 colours
- iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 display and size
- iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 cameras
- iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 battery and charging
- iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 storage, processor and features
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 — the verdict
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iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 features and specs
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15, iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 15 Plus: Quick comparison
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 15 Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $1,399 | From $1,499 | From $1,599 | From $1,649 |
| Screen size | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display |
| Battery | Up to 22 hours video playback, MagSafe and QI wireless charging | Up to 20 hours video playback, MagSafe and QI wireless charging | Up to 27 hours video playback, MagSafe and QI wireless charging | Up to 26 hours video playback, MagSafe and QI wireless charging |
| Chipset | A18 Bionic Chip | A16 Bionic Chip | A18 Bionic Chip | A16 Bionic Chip |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear camera | Dual 48-megapixel Fusion and 12-megapixel telephoto cameras | Dual 48-megapixel wide angle and 12-megapixel ultra-wide cameras | Dual 48-megapixel Fusion and 12-megapixel telephoto cameras | Dual 48-megapixel wide angle and 12-megapixel ultra-wide cameras |
| Front camera | 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera | 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera | 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera | 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera |
| Operating system | iOS 18 | iOS 17 | iOS 18 | iOS 17 |
| Colours | Black, Ultramarine, Teal, White, Pink | Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink | Black, Ultramarine, Teal, White, Pink | Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink |
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Quick comparison
| iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $1,799 | From $1,849 | From $2,149 | From $2,199 |
| Screen size | 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion and Always-On display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion and Always-On display | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion and Always-On display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion and Always-On display |
| Battery | Up to 27 hours video playback, MagSafe and QI wireless charging | Up to 23 hours video playback, MagSafe and QI wireless charging | Up to 33 hours video playback, MagSafe and QI wireless charging | Up to 29 hours video playback, MagSafe and QI wireless charging |
| Chipset | A18 Pro Bionic Chip | A17 Pro Bionic Chip | A18 Pro Bionic Chip | A17 Pro Bionic Chip |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear camera | Triple 48-megapixel main, 48-megapixel ultra-wide and 12-megapixel telephoto cameras | Triple 48-megapixel main, 12-megapixel ultra-wide and 12-megapixel telephoto cameras | Triple 48-megapixel main, 48-megapixel ultra-wide and 12-megapixel telephoto cameras | Triple 48-megapixel main, 12-megapixel ultra-wide and 12-megapixel telephoto cameras |
| Front camera | 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera | 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera | 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera | 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera |
| Operating system | iOS 18 | iOS 17 | iOS 18 | iOS 17 |
| Colours | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium | Black Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium | Black Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium |
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 price
Choosing the right iPhone can often come down to the price of the device. If you’re willing to compromise on features, older iPhones can sometimes be cheaper than the newest releases. However, the iPhone 16 series is actually cheaper at launch when compared to the iPhone 15 series’ launch pricing in 2023.
This doesn’t mean that the iPhone 15 series is still more expensive today, as these older devices may now be offered for discounted prices from retailers. The below comparisons will use the RRP of the devices at launch. It’s still worth shopping around to find the best price for your chosen device.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 price
iPhone 15:
- 128GB: $1,499 AUD
- 256GB: $1,699 AUD
- 512GB: $2,049 AUD
iPhone 16:
- 128GB: $1,399 AUD
- 256GB: $1,599 AUD
- 512GB: $1,949 AUD
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Plus price
iPhone 15 Plus:
- 128GB: $1,649 AUD
- 256GB: $1,849 AUD
- 512GB: $2,199 AUD
iPhone 16 Plus:
- 128GB: $1,599 AUD
- 256GB: $1,799 AUD
- 512GB: $2,149 AUD
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro price
iPhone 15 Pro:
- 128GB: $1,849 AUD
- 256GB: $2,049 AUD
- 512GB: $2,399 AUD
- 1TB: $2,749 AUD
iPhone 16 Pro:
- 128GB: $1,799 AUD
- 256GB: $1,999 AUD
- 512GB: $2,349 AUD
- 1TB: $2,699 AUD
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max price
iPhone 15 Pro Max:
- 256GB: $2,199 AUD
- 512GB: $2,549 AUD
- 1TB: $2,899 AUD
iPhone 16 Pro Max:
- 256GB: $2,149 AUD
- 512GB: $2,499 AUD
- 1TB: $2,849 AUD
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 design
Apple traditionally keeps its design very similar year-on-year. However, this time around Apple has made some changes to the iPhone 16 design across the board when compared to the iPhone 15 series.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus both feature a new camera layout on the back with the cameras now stacked vertically, rather than diagonally like the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus also now include the Action Button rather than the ring/silent toggle switch included on the 15 and 15 Plus.
All iPhone 16 phones also include a new side-mounted Camera Control button, which is placed under the power/lock button.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 colours
The iPhone 16 colours are different to what Apple used for the iPhone 15 series.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are available in Black, White, Pink, Ultramarine and Teal. These are more vibrant than the pastel shades available for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, which include Black, Blue, Green, Yellow and Pink.
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are available in titanium with a simple range of colours — Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium and Desert Titanium. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium and Blue Titanium.
Compare iPhone 16 plans
If you want to pick up your iPhone 16 device on a plan, you can compare iPhone 16 plans in the below table.
The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 16 plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 16 Plus plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 16 Pro plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table compares a selection of 24-month 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 display and size
Apple has made some changes to the size and display of the iPhone 16 series compared to the iPhone 15. The iPhone 16 includes a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, which is the same as the iPhone 15, while the iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR display — the same as the iPhone 15 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Pro now has a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR Always-On display and measures 149.6mm in height and 71.5mm in width, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro which has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Always-On display and measures 146.6mm in height and 70.6mm in width.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR Always-On display and measures 163mm in height and 77.6mm in width, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR Always-On display and measures 159.9mm in height and 76.7mm in width.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 cameras
Apple has upgraded the iPhone 16 cameras compared to what is on offer with the iPhone 15 range, which is especially notable with the inclusion of the all-new Camera Control button.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus both feature a 12-megapixel (MP) TrueDepth front-facing camera, the same front camera as the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus include a dual rear-camera setup with 48MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide cameras. However the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus offer an advanced dual rear-camera setup. This includes a 48MP Fusion camera for better quality and faster photo taking, along with a 12MP ultra-wide camera and the inclusion of macro photography — a first for the iPhone base models.
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max include the same 12MP TrueDepth front-facing camera, but feature upgraded rear cameras. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max include a 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide and 12MP telephoto triple rear camera setup. In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max include a 48MP Fusion, 48MP ultra-wide and 12MP telephoto triple rear camera setup, with anti-reflective lens coating.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 battery and charging
The iPhone 15’s battery life includes up to 20 hours of video playback on a full charge, while the iPhone 15 Plus includes up to 26 hours of video playback. The iPhone 15 Pro includes up to 23 hours of video playback while the iPhone 15 Pro Max includes the biggest battery of the series, with up to 29 hours of video playback
Apple has included a larger battery capacity for the iPhone 16 series. The iPhone 16 includes up to 22 hours of video playback while the iPhone 16 Plus has up to 27 hours of video playback. The iPhone 16 Pro includes up to 27 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max includes up to 33 hours of video playback.
All phones in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 lineups include MagSafe and QI wireless charging, while the iPhone 16 series also supports up to 25W of wireless fast charging.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 storage, processor and features
Apple has upgraded the processor for the whole iPhone 16 range. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature Apple’s latest A18 Bionic chip, which is a big jump up from the A16 Bionic chip included in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max feature the A18 Pro Bionic chip, which Apple touts as being up to 20% faster than the A17 Pro Bionic chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
One big difference between the iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 15 series is Apple’s AI capabilities via Apple Intelligence. While this feature will be available to the whole iPhone 16 range, you’ll also be able to access it on iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, but not the 15 or 15 Plus.
All iPhone 15 and 16 devices now include USB-C connectivity, rather than the Lightning connection used with iPhone 14 devices and older. Devices from both ranges also include Apple’s Dynamic Island widget.
The iPhone 16 series comes in the same storage sizes as its predecessors. The iPhone 15, 15 Plus, iPhone 16 and 16 Plus all come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage sizes. The iPhone 16 Pro and 15 Pro come in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage sizes, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max come in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options.
Should I buy iPhone 15 or 16 — the verdict
If you’ve been wondering whether you should buy iPhone 16 vs 15, whether you should go with iPhone 15 Pro vs 16 Pro, or any device in these ranges, the choice may come down to features and budget.
While the iPhone 16 series includes more features than the 15 series, Apple’s launch RRP for the 16 range is cheaper. However, that doesn’t mean that the iPhone 16 devices are actually cheaper right now — it’s likely that iPhone 15 prices from retailers have dropped since launch, especially with the 2024 models hitting the market.
Aside from price, the iPhone 16 range includes some big upgrades that may be tempting. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus include the Action button, along with a faster processor in the A18 Bionic. All phones in the 16 range include the new side-mounted Camera Control button, along with upgraded cameras across the board and better battery life.
But despite the enhancements available with the iPhone 16 series, the iPhone 15 family still has some great features and specs. If you opt for the iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max, you’ll also be able to access Apple Intelligence with software updates from October 2024.
Consider which features are important to you in a device, along with your budget, to decide which phone is right for you. Keep in mind that with the iPhone 16 series available, stock of the iPhone 15 lineup may be more limited.
Related: iPhone 14 vs 15 buying guide
Compare SIM-only iPhone 16 plans
If you’re buy your iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 device outright, you will need to pair with a SIM-only plan. You can compare a range of 5G-ready plans below.
The following table shows a selection of published postpaid SIM plans with 5G access on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of published prepaid SIM plans with 5G access on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
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