What is the major difference between both iPhone flagship mobile phones? Apple’s iPhone lineup continues to evolve, with the iPhone 16 bringing several new features and improvements over its predecessor, the iPhone 15. If you’re considering an upgrade or simply curious about the differences, this detailed comparison will help you understand what each model offers.
Design and Build
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 maintain Apple’s signature sleek design, but there are subtle differences:
- iPhone 15: Features a durable aluminum frame with a Ceramic Shield front and color-infused glass back. It comes in a variety of colors, including Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Pink, and Product Red.
- iPhone 16: Retains the same build quality but introduces new color options and a slightly updated rear camera layout. It also includes the new physical Camera Control button and the Action button, previously exclusive to Pro models.
Display
The display technology remains largely the same between the two models:
- iPhone 15: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels, 460 ppi, and a maximum brightness of 2000 nits outdoors1.
- iPhone 16: Similar display specifications, but with minor improvements in color accuracy and brightness consistency.
Performance
Performance is one of the key areas where the iPhone 16 outshines the iPhone 15:
- iPhone 15: Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which offers excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- iPhone 16: Equipped with the new A18 chip, providing a significant boost in processing power and energy efficiency. This makes the iPhone 16 more capable of handling intensive applications and multitasking.
Camera System
The camera systems on both models are impressive, but the iPhone 16 introduces some enhancements:
- iPhone 15: Dual-camera setup with a 48 MP main sensor and a 12 MP ultra-wide lens. It supports features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 4.
- iPhone 16: Similar dual-camera system but with improved sensors and image processing capabilities. The new Camera Control button allows for more precise adjustments, and the Night mode has been further enhanced for better low-light performance.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the iPhone 16 shows improvement:
- iPhone 15: Offers all-day battery life with typical usage, thanks to the efficiency of the A16 Bionic chip.
- iPhone 16: Benefits from the more efficient A18 chip, providing slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions.
Software and Features
Both models run on iOS, but the iPhone 16 comes with some exclusive features:
- iPhone 15: Runs on iOS 17, offering a smooth and intuitive user experience with features like Focus modes, Live Text, and enhanced privacy settings.
- iPhone 16: Ships with iOS 18, introducing Apple Intelligence, a suite of generative AI capabilities. These features are designed to enhance productivity and personalization, although some are still rolling out.
Connectivity
The iPhone 16 also brings updates in connectivity:
- iPhone 15: Supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
- iPhone 16: Upgrades to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, along with the new USB-C port for faster data transfer and charging.
Price and Storage Options
Pricing and storage options vary slightly between the two models:
- iPhone 15: Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, starting at $799 or INR69,990.
- iPhone 16: Offers the same storage options but starts at a slightly higher price point of $849 or 79,900 due to the new features and improvements.
Choosing between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16? The iPhone 16 offers incremental upgrades that make a significant difference in everyday use.