However, the iPhone 15 is a great smartphone in its own right. This comparison highlights the main differences between these two models. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or deciding between these two iPhones, this analysis will help you understand what’s different between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 15 and whether these differences justify the price difference.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Design
The iPhone 16 retains the size and design of its previous model, including a 6.1-inch form factor, aluminum frame, and matte glass back. However, Apple has made some notable changes. The iPhone 16 has returned to the vertical camera arrangement reminiscent of the older models. This change supports the new 3D Spatial Video Format.
Two important additional features are the action button on the left, which replaces the ring/silent switch, and the camera control button on the right. The camera control acts as a customizable shutter key and trackpad for various camera functions.
The iPhone 16 features advanced Ceramic Shield cover glass, which Apple claims is 50% stronger than the first generation and twice as strong as any other smartphone glass.
While these changes refresh the design, the iPhone 16 retains the familiar look and feel of its predecessor, including USB-C connectivity and IP68 water/dust protection.
Apple has also introduced new ultramarine and teal colour options alongside pink, white, and black.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Display
The display specs on the iPhone 16 are largely unchanged from the iPhone 15. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a full-HD+ resolution and a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. However, there is one notable improvement: the minimum brightness has been reduced to 1 nit (down from 2 nits), which is beneficial for nighttime use.
Unfortunately, the refresh rate remains at 60Hz despite the expected upgrade to 120Hz. The lack of a 120Hz ProMotion display on the base iPhone 16 model remains a disappointment for many, as this feature is reserved for the Pro models.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Display
The new Apple iPhone 16 will see a significant upgrade in processing power. A18 chipBuilt on second-generation 3nm technology. The 6-core CPU is up to 30% faster than the A16 Bionic, with improved power efficiency. The 5-core GPU is up to 40% faster and 35% more efficient than the A16 Bionic. An advanced 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for AI tasks.
The A18 is specifically designed with AI optimization, reflecting Apple’s increasing focus on artificial intelligence capabilities. Therefore, the iPhone 16 will support Apple Intelligence, while the iPhone 15 does not.
The RAM has been increased to 8GB from 6GB on the iPhone 15. Storage options remain the same at 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Camera
While the camera upgrade is less dramatic than last year, the iPhone 16 features a number of improvements. The main camera retains the 48MP sensor with an f/1.6 aperture and 2x zoom via sensor crop. The ultra-wide camera retains the 12MP sensor but now has an improved f/2.2 aperture (versus f/2.4 on the iPhone 15). One notable addition is support for macro photography, which was previously exclusive to the Pro models.
The new Camera Control button enables quick access and precise control over various camera functions. Software enhancements include advanced photographic styles and potential AI-powered editing features. iPhone 16 also supports spatial video and spatial photos designed for immersive viewing on AR/VR headsets such as the Apple Vision Pro.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Battery and charging
The iPhone 16 features some improvements in battery life and charging capability. Apple claims it offers 22 hours of video playback, compared to 20 hours on the iPhone 15. The battery capacity is rumoured to be 3,561mAh, up 6% from the iPhone 15’s 3,349mAh.
Wireless charging has been upgraded to 25W MagSafe charging, up from 15W on the previous model. However, wired charging remains at 20W, unchanged from the iPhone 15. The iPhone 16 also adds support for the Qi2 wireless charging standard. The slight increase in battery capacity, coupled with the more efficient A18 chip, should translate to a noticeable improvement in daily use.
Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Price in India
Talking about the price, the 128GB model of iPhone 16 is priced at Rs 79,900, the 256GB model is priced at Rs 89,900 and the 512GB model is priced at Rs 1,09,900. At the same time, the price of iPhone 15 has been reduced and now its price starts at Rs 69,900.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Is it worth upgrading to the latest iPhone model
Choosing between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 ultimately depends on your personal needs and budget. The iPhone 16 has notable improvements with a more powerful A18 chip, improved AI capabilities, better camera features including macro photography, slightly better battery life, and faster MagSafe charging. It also includes a new action button and camera control for added functionality.
However, these upgrades come at a higher price, starting at Rs 79,900 for the base model. The iPhone 15, despite lacking these latest features, remains a highly capable device with its A16 Bionic chip, excellent camera system, and solid performance. It is now available at a lower price, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money.
