Apple iPhone 15vsApple iPhone 16
SETTLEDUpdated September 8, 2026
Apple iPhone 16 wins
Verdict
Apple iPhone 16 wins 3 of 5 categories — our overall pick
Apple iPhone 16 is the overall winner, taking 3 of 5 categories — camera is its standout. It costs USD 799 — USD 100 more than the Apple iPhone 15. Pay the premium if camera is your priority.
- Apple iPhone 16 takes Performance — led by ram (8 GB).
- Too close to call between Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 16.
- Apple iPhone 16 takes Camera — led by video quality (94 pts).
- Apple iPhone 16 takes Battery — led by battery (3,561 mAh).
- Apple iPhone 15 takes Price — led by price (699 USD).
Scores follow our published methodology · v2026.09
Scores follow our published methodology · v2026.09
In plain English
Choose Apple iPhone 15 if you want…
- Choose Apple iPhone 15 if you want a lower price — 699 USD vs 799 USD.
Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want…
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want a faster phone for apps and games — 1,400,000 pts vs 1,300,000 pts.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want more apps open at once — 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want better video quality — 94 pts vs 93 pts.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want a better camera — 142 pts vs 141 pts.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want longer battery life — 3,561 mAh vs 3,349 mAh.
At a glance
- Apple iPhone 15
- Apple iPhone 16
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Full record
Every spec, side by side — winners get a check and a proportional bar. Ties share the badge.
Performance score
Approximate benchmark score of the chipset — higher is faster for apps, games and AI.
Chipset
The processor inside — shown for reference, never decides a winner.
RAM
More RAM keeps more apps alive in the background.
Storage
Base onboard storage for photos, apps and media.
Screen size
Diagonal screen size — bigger is better for media, smaller is easier to hold.
Pixel density
Sharpness of the screen — above ~400 ppi looks crisp.
Refresh rate
How smooth scrolling and motion feel. 120 Hz is the modern standard.
Brightness
Peak brightness in sunlight — higher stays readable outdoors.
Main camera
Resolution of the primary rear camera — photo quality is judged by the Camera quality score, not megapixels.
Selfie camera
Resolution of the front camera.
Telephoto lens
A dedicated zoom lens for distant subjects without quality loss.
Video quality
Composite video rating — stabilisation, 4K/8K support and colour.
Camera quality
Composite camera quality from independent testing — how good the photos actually are.
Battery
Battery capacity — higher generally lasts longer.
Charging speed
Wired charging speed — higher refills faster.
Wireless charging
Whether the phone charges wirelessly.
Price
Typical MSRP in US dollars — lower is better value.
Which one should you buy?
Apple iPhone 15
Choose Apple iPhone 15 if price matters most. It costs USD 699, the lowest price in this group.
Apple iPhone 16
Choose Apple iPhone 16 if camera matters most — it wins the most categories overall. It costs USD 799.
Pros & cons
Apple iPhone 15
- Cheapest modern iPhone
- Dynamic Island + USB-C
- Solid 48 MP camera
- 60 Hz display
- A16 chip is aging
- Slow 20 W charging
Apple iPhone 16
- A18 speed
- Camera Control button
- Strong resale value
- 60 Hz display
- Slow 20 W charging
- No telephoto lens