Apple remains the top smartphone brand in the UK, and following the arrival of the iPhone 16, everyone is wondering the big question: “Should I upgrade from the iPhone 15, or should I cut costs and remain on the old model?”
In this detailed comparison, we will dissect the iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 based on design, performance, camera, battery life, features, and price—so that you can make the correct purchase decision in 2025.
1. Design & Build Quality Comparison
iPhone 15:
- Aluminum and glass design
- Dynamic Island (debuted on all iPhone 15 models)
- Coming in pastel colors
- Marginally thicker bezels than the iPhone 16
iPhone 16:
- Elegant design with thinner bezels and a more immersive screen
- New materials with improved scratch resistance and endurance
- Thinner and lighter than the iPhone 15
- Increased colour palette (with the addition of the new “Titan Grey” and “Arctic Blue”)
Verdict: If it matters to you that it looks more premium, more futuristic, and is lighter in hand, the iPhone 16 beats the 15.
2. Screen Comparison
iPhone 15:
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR screen
- 60Hz refresh rate (standard version)
- Bright, crisp, and perfect for daily use
iPhone 16:
- Marginally larger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR screen
- 120Hz refresh rate (ProMotion, now supported even on base models)
- Enhanced outdoor visibility with increased peak brightness
Verdict: The iPhone 16’s smoother screen and bigger screen make it a good option for gamers, content creators, and Netflix binge-watchers.
3. Performance Comparison
iPhone 15:
- A16 Bionic chip (previously utilized in iPhone 14 Pro variants)
- Easily manages multitasking, gaming, and video editing
iPhone 16:
- New A18 chip with improved AI processing and GPU performance
- Faster machine learning, better efficiency, and optimized for iOS 18
- Excellent for augmented reality (AR), mobile gaming, and camera features
Verdict: Power users and technology enthusiasts will love the speed and future-proof nature of the A18 chip on the iPhone 16.
4. Camera Improvements Comparison
iPhone 15:
- Dual camera setup (Main + Ultra-wide)
- 48MP primary sensor
- Night Mode and Photonic Engine deliver great results
- Does not have periscope zoom and advanced AI editing
iPhone 16:
- Enhanced 48MP primary sensor with better low-light capability
- New periscope telephoto lens (Pro models) for up to 6x optical zoom
- AI-enhanced photo enhancements such as Live Reframe and Auto Crop
- Improved front camera for selfies and FaceTime
Verdict: The iPhone 16 wins hands down for photographers and vloggers needing more flexibility and higher-quality zoom.
5. Battery Life & Charging Comparison
iPhone 15:
- All-day battery life (~20 hours video playback)
- USB-C charging added (20W)
- No significant charging speed updates
iPhone 16
- Enhanced battery life due to A18 chip
- Ever so slightly more battery life (~22 hours video playback)
- Upgraded charging rates (up to 30W USB-C on Pro models)
- Wireless charging in reverse (charge your AirPods or Apple Watch on the phone’s back)
Verdict: The iPhone 16 is more work- and travel-friendly with its longer battery and faster charging.
6. Software Experience
The two phones are both running iOS 18, which features:
- More advanced widgets
- Smarter Siri
- Photo albums created with AI
- Customization of lock screen
iPhone 16 Bonus Features:
- AI Personal Assistant (profound integration)
- AI-based grammar check, smart responses, and photo editing on-device
- Enhanced AR experiences and gaming capabilities
Verdict: Both get iOS 18 but the iPhone 16 unleashes the true power of Apple’s AI master plan.
7. Price in the UK (2025)
iPhone 15 (base model, 128GB):
- From £799
- Price can reduce to £699 or less in 2025 owing to newer models
iPhone 16 (base model, 128GB):
- From £899
- Pro versions begin at £1,199+
Verdict: If budget or value are concerns, the iPhone 15 is great performance at a cheaper price.
8. Who Should Buy the iPhone 15?
- Budget-conscious buyers
- First-time iPhone buyers
- Those who don’t require the new camera capabilities or high-refresh-rate screens
- Students or light users
The iPhone 15 is still a capable, high-end device and will be updated with software for at least the next 4–5 years.
9. Who Should Buy the iPhone 16?
- Power users, tech enthusiasts, or creators
- Gamers and AR app users
- All those who desire the newest design, speed, and camera features
- Professionals who double or triple utilize their phones every day
The iPhone 16 provides more longevity and exposure to innovative Apple features, particularly surrounding AI and imaging.
Conclusion:
If you are purchasing your first iPhone or need a decent, budget-friendly smartphone with excellent performance, the iPhone 15 is a good buy in 2025. If you desire the latest technology, an improved camera, future-proofing performance, and a smoother screen—then the iPhone 16 is worth the price.