Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone 16
The 15 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £521 over a typical contract, £168 less than the 16.
12 reviews 4.2
12 reviews
Prices updated 22 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15
|
Apple iPhone 16
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.2 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 461 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 3,349 mAh | 3,561 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 171 grams | 170 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts |
£14.99/mo
£139.00 upfront |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £309.00 | £489.99 |
| Prices updated 22 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 16 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 15 is cheaper on contract at £521.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £139.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 16?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 461 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 15 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 15 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £309.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 16 use?
The Apple iPhone 15 is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Apple iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 16?
They weigh about the same (171 grams vs 170 grams), both are similar in overall footprint.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 16?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 16 run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.