Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Apple iPhone 16
Our Verdict: There's only a year between the iPhone 15 Plus and the iPhone 16, so expect small changes rather than big ones. There's more battery in the 15 Plus 5G, 4383mAh to 3561mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the 15 Plus 5G has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1". The 16 is the lighter phone at 170g against 201g. The differences are small, so buy the 15 Plus 5G if it's cheaper; the 16 just gets software updates for longer.
The 16 is the cheaper one to own: around £689 over a typical contract, £156 less than the 15 Plus 5G.
12 reviews 4.2
12 reviews
Prices updated 22 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Apple iPhone 16
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.2 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 461 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,383 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 | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 201 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 |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.00 | £489.99 |
| Prices updated 22 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 16 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £689.16 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 460 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 Plus or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 16 use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 Plus or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 31g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 Plus and Apple iPhone 16 run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.