Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone 17e

Our Verdict: The iPhone 15 has the clearer hardware case here, mainly through lower current deal pricing. It backs that up with 5,045 active deals, while the iPhone 17e counters with 4005mAh battery. Current active deals start around £320 for the iPhone 15, versus about £550 for the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 15 is the better fit for lower current deal pricing, while the iPhone 17e is easier to justify when your priorities lean toward the larger battery.

Over a full contract, the 15 5G works out around £547 all-in, about £109 less than the 17e.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
3.9
11 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
£20.50/mo (£10.00 upfront) £25.99/mo (£0.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£329.00 £565.00

Prices updated 17 July 2026

Apple iPhone 15 Apple iPhone 15 Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
3.9
11 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 £20.50/mo
£10.00 upfront
£25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
SIM-free £329.00 £565.00
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 15
Apple iPhone 15

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

1GB

Data

£20.50 per month, £10 upfront.

Apple iPhone 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

Soft Pink

25GB

Data

Exclusive Deal Details

£25.99 per month, with FREE phone.

Deal not available directly from Carphone Warehouse's website

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 £547.00 over the life of the deal from £20.50 per month with £10.00 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 £329.00.

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.