Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone 17e

Our Verdict: Comparing Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 17e, the choice mostly comes down to battery size versus simplicity. The 17e gives you a larger 4,005 mAh battery, while the 15 is more appealing for a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display at 461 PPI, a 48MP rear camera, and a 12MP front camera. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Choose the 17e for battery size; choose the 15 if simplicity matters more.

Over a full contract, the 15 5G works out around £532 all-in, about £200 less than the 17e.

Release Date
22 September 2023 11 March 2026
Expert Rating
4.1
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.1"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1179 x 2556 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch
461 457
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Apple A19 (3 nm)
Battery
3,349 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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/6
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight
171 grams 169 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) £11.95/mo (£475.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£290.00 £529.99
Apple iPhone 15 Apple iPhone 15 Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e
Release Date 22 September 2023 11 March 2026
Expert Rating 4.1
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.1"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1179 x 2556 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch 461 457
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Apple A19 (3 nm)
Battery 3,349 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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/6
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight 171 grams 169 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
£11.95/mo
£475.00 upfront
SIM-free £290.00 £529.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 15
Apple iPhone 15

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£14.99 a month, £139 upfront.

Monthly payment will increase to £16.79 on 1 April 2027. Then to £18.59 on 1 April 2028.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Apple iPhone 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

White

15GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£11.95 a month, £475 upfront.

No mid-contract price increases.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 17e cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 15 is cheaper on contract at £531.96 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 17e?

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 17e?

The Apple iPhone 15 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e?

The Apple iPhone 15 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £290.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17e comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 17e use?

The Apple iPhone 15 is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Apple iPhone 17e uses the Apple A19 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 17e?

They weigh about the same (171 grams vs 169 grams), both are similar in overall footprint.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 17e?

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 17e run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.