Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Apple iPhone 16e
Our Verdict: There's only a year between the iPhone 15 Plus and the iPhone 16e, so expect small changes rather than big ones. The 15 Plus 5G has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1", and the 16e is the lighter phone at 167g against 201g. The differences are small, so buy the 15 Plus 5G if it's cheaper; the 16e just gets software updates for longer.
The 16e is the cheaper one to own: around £481 over a typical contract, £364 less than the 15 Plus 5G.
12 reviews 3.7
12 reviews
Prices updated 22 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Apple iPhone 16e
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
3.7 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 457 |
| 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 | 4,005 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 201 grams | 167 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 |
£14.99/mo
£99.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.00 | £359.00 |
| Prices updated 22 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 16e cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper on contract at £481.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £99.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 16e?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e'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 16e?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e?
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 16e?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16e comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 16e use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Apple iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 16e?
The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two: it's 34g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 16e?
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 16e run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.