Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Apple iPhone 17e
Our Verdict: The iPhone 15 Plus and the iPhone 17e are two years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 15 Plus 5G has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1", and the 17e is the lighter phone at 169g against 201g. If you're on the 15 Plus 5G, the 17e is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Over a full contract, the 17e works out around £656 all-in, about £189 less than the 15 Plus 5G.
12 reviews 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Apple iPhone 17e
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
3.9 11 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 A19 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,383 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 | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 201 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 |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.00 | £565.00 |
| Prices updated 17 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 17e cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper on contract at £656.16 over the life of the deal from £25.99 per month with £0.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 17e?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e'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 17e?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 Plus or Apple iPhone 17e?
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 17e?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17e comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 17e use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 Plus or Apple iPhone 17e?
The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 32g lighter at 169 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 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 Plus and Apple iPhone 17e run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.