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That can make figuring out whether to buy an iPhone 15 or 16 tricky.
This article only looks at the base and Plus models of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16.
It does not cover the Pro or Pro Max versions.
Overall Findings
Price: $699 - $1,099.
Processor: A16 Bionic.
Camera Control Button: No.
Apple Intelligence: Pro models.
Satellite Safety Features: Yes.
Photo and Video: up to 48 megapixel and 4K HD.
Battery Life: 80-100 hours audio playback.
Weight: 6.02 - 7.09 ounces.
Price: $799 - $1,199.
Camera Control Button: Yes.
Apple Intelligence: All models.
Photo and Video: up to 48 megapixel and 4K HD; Spatial and Macro.
Weight: 6.0 - 7.03 ounces.
Still, they have three major areas of difference to pay attention to.
First, every model of the iPhone 16 series can run Apple’s AI platform,Apple Intelligence.
The basic iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic isn’t powerful enough to use these features.
The 16 also adds the Camera Control button for enhanced control when taking photos and videos.
iPhone 15: 6.1"; HDR; Retina Display; Dynamic Island; True Tone color.
iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7"; HDR; Retina Display; Dynamic Island; True Tone color.
iPhone 16: 6.1"; HDR; Retina Display; Dynamic Island; True Tone color.
Both entry-level models use 6.1-inch screens, while both Plus models offer 6.7 inches.
Otherwise, there’s no difference between the models' screens.
Macro and Spatial Photography: No.
Portrait Lighting: Yes.
Spatial Video Capture: No.
Macro and Spatial Photography: Yes.
Spatial Video Capture: Yes.
They also offer optical image stabilization, cinematic depth-of-field effects, and Night Mode.
Hollywood filmmakers shoot feature films on Pro iPhone models; your home videos will look spectacular with either phone.
iPhone 16 Plus Weight: 7.03 ounces.
iPhone 16 Size: 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31".
Those differences are small enough that most people aren’t likely to notice them.
Internals: iPhone 16 Is Faster
Charging Speed: Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes.
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
Charging Speed: Up to 50% charge in 30-35 minutes.
When it comes to the important but hard-to-see internals of the phones, the iPhone 16 series distinguishes itself.
The 16 series also offers theCamera Controlbutton, which the 15 series lacks.
This new option provides a set of controls and interface options for taking photos and videos.
It’s probably not essential for most users, but it’s useful and fun.
Otherwise, both iPhones offer roughly identical battery life, the same storage options, and similar fast-charging options.
Other Features: Apple Intelligence Sets iPhone 16 Apart
Colors: 5.
Safety Features: Emergency satellite calls and messages; Crash Detection; Roadside assistance.
Networking: 5G; Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth.
USB C: USB 2.
Apple Intelligence: No.
Networking: 5G; Wi-Fi 7; Bluetooth.
Apple Intelligence: Yes.
These differences may not seem like a lot, but neither is $100 when buying a smartphone.
