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iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16: In-Depth Comparison
Compare the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 to see if the new model is worth the extra cash
Compare two of Apple's most popular smartphones to see what they have in common, and which features stand out.
- Overall test score (members only)
- Bottom line
- Which? test lab verdict (members only)
- Similarities and differences
- Full test results (members only)
- Specifications
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16
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iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16: bottom line
Amy Axworthy, Which? mobile phones expert, says:
We like the iPhone 16's new Camera Control button, extra shooting modes, and its better processor, but Apple are clutching at straws if they think it's enough to immediately favour it over the 15. Even more, the headline announcement with the iPhone 16 series was Apple Intelligence (Apple's latest AI software). However, since the features will also be rolled out to the iPhone 15 series, the list of upgrades you get with the iPhone 16 is rather short.
The 16 is in no way a bad investment, but opting for the 15 will save you some money and you're unlikely to feel much of a difference.
Which? test lab verdict
Which? members can get the verdict from our lab results, and see our full test scores. Already a member? Log in here.
What's the main difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16?
Key similarities
- Both models feature a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2,556 x 1,179 pixels.
- Both phones come with a 48MP main camera with f/1.6 aperture, plus a 12MP ultra-wide camera.
- Both phones support 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording and 1080p slow-motion video recording at 240 fps, with similar video stabilisation features.
- Both designs include flat edges, aluminum frames, and Ceramic Shield glass, and are of a similar size and weight.
- Both are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Key differences
- The iPhone 16 features the A18 Bionic chip, promising better performance and efficiency than the iPhone 15's A16 chip.
- The iPhone 16 introduces macro photography and a faster ultra-wide camera, which claims to improve low-light shots.
- A new Camera Control button offers greater flexibility for the camera.
- The traditional mute switch has been replaced with a customisable Action Button, offering quick access to features like the camera or flashlight.
- The iPhone 16 has a slightly larger battery (3,561 mAh vs. 3,349 mAh).
Read our full lab-tested review of the iPhone 15, and the iPhone 16, and check prices below.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16: test results
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iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro: full specs
| iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 | |
| Current prices | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50009168 | SQUIRREL_TEXT_50016616 |
| Security* | ||
| Currently supported | Yes | - |
| Estimated security support expiry date | Sep-29 | Sep-30 |
| Estimated minimum remaining security support (years) | 5 | 5 |
| Brand update policy | Apple typically supports phones for a minimum of six years | Apple typically supports phones for a minimum of six years |
| Display |
* Currently supported – whether the phone is still supported with important security updates from the manufacturer. Estimated security support expiry date – our estimate for when this phone will no longer be supported, based on typical manufacturer and device-specific support periods. Estimated minimum remaining security support (years) – our estimate of the minimum time left before this phone stops receiving updates. Brand update policy – the brand's official update policy, or our knowledge of how long similar phones have been supported.
Why you can trust our mobile phones tests
Our reviews of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are different – we don't rate phones based on individual experience, but based on the ratings and results we receive from our independent lab, where phones are tested under identical conditions using cutting edge equipment, which means they're all directly comparable. We also purchase every phone we test ourselves, so you can trust that there is no bias in our scores.
- A Which? overall score is made up by testing various criteria, from key ratings such as battery life, camera performance, ease of use, audio quality and durability.
- Behind each of those ratings includes more than 40 individual tests and checks that are weighted differently. This means that the most important things, such as the quality of your pictures and videos, will more greatly impact the score than features such as how easy it is to use the phone’s music player.
- To keep things simple, the most important scores are shown as star ratings out of five on each phone’s Test Results page, as an easy-to-compare list of strengths and weaknesses, so you can quickly work out whether a model is right for you.
- For more, read our guide on how we test mobile phones.
At Which? we’re 100% editorially independent and work entirely on behalf of the consumers.
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