Here’s a detailed comparison of the entire iPhone 16 series against the iPhone 15 series, along with insights on the best and least favorable features for each model.
Display Size & Type
- iPhone 15 and 15 Pro: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- iPhone 15 Plus and Pro Max: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED and ProMotion OLED for Pro models
- iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: 6.2-inch ProMotion OLED
- iPhone 16 Plus and Pro Max: 6.8-inch ProMotion OLED
The Pro models in the iPhone 16 series continue with the high-quality ProMotion OLED displays, providing a smoother experience with 120Hz refresh rates. For regular and Plus models, however, the iPhone 16 series now features a ProMotion OLED, making even the non-Pro models significantly better.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 (limited to a standard OLED and 60Hz)
Resolution
- iPhone 15 Series: 2532 x 1170 for 6.1-inch models; 2778 x 1284 for 6.7-inch models
- iPhone 16 Series: Slightly improved resolutions of 2556 x 1179 and 2796 x 1290 on 6.2-inch and 6.8-inch displays, respectively
You may be interested in : Apple iPhone 16 Review
The iPhone 16 series provides minor upgrades in display resolution, leading to sharper visuals and more detailed images, especially for Pro and Pro Max models.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Least Favorable: iPhone 15
Refresh Rate
- iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: 60Hz
- iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models: 120Hz ProMotion
The shift to 120Hz refresh rates in all iPhone 16 models is a major advantage, making animations and interactions smoother.
Best: All iPhone 16 models
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
Processor
- iPhone 15 Series: A16 Bionic
- iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: A17 Bionic
- iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: A17 Pro
With the iPhone 16 Pro models introducing the A17 Pro, the lineup offers enhanced performance, optimized battery usage, and improved efficiency for demanding apps and games.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 and 15 Plus (still fast but no A17 boost)
RAM
- iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: 6GB
- iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: 8GB
- iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: 12GB
The iPhone 16 Pro models lead with 12GB RAM, allowing better multitasking capabilities and future-proofing. The jump from 6GB to 8GB in non-Pro models is also a noticeable improvement.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Least Favorable: iPhone 15
You may be interested in : Apple iPhone 15 Review
Storage Options
- iPhone 15 Series: Up to 1TB for Pro models, 512GB for standard models
- iPhone 16 Series: Similar to the iPhone 15, but 1TB is now an option for standard models as well
The iPhone 16 series’ storage flexibility across models offers more choices for users who need ample storage without going for Pro models.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro Max (maximum storage options and RAM)
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 (limited to 512GB in non-Pro models)
Main Camera
- iPhone 15 Series: 48MP + 12MP for standard models, with an additional 12MP telephoto on Pro models
- iPhone 16 Series: 64MP main sensor with a 12MP telephoto lens, and 12MP wide
The iPhone 16 series’ 64MP primary sensor brings clearer, brighter, and more detailed photos, making it a big step up for mobile photography enthusiasts.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 and 15 Plus (48MP sensor is still capable but lacks zoom capabilities)
Optical Zoom
- iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: 2x optical zoom
- iPhone 15 Pro: 3x optical zoom
- iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Series: Up to 5x optical zoom for Pro models
The Pro Max models in both series offer superior zoom capabilities, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max reaching up to 5x, ideal for capturing distant subjects with clarity.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
Front Camera
- Both Series: 12MP across all models
No changes in the front camera resolution or capabilities across the models; however, the iPhone 16 series may bring slight software improvements for better selfies and video calls.
Battery Capacity
- iPhone 15 Series: Around 3279 mAh for standard and 4323 mAh for Plus models
- iPhone 16 Series: Estimated at 3500 mAh and 4566 mAh for standard and Plus models, respectively
The iPhone 16 series provides a slight increase in battery capacity, particularly benefiting the Plus and Pro Max models.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 (though adequate, it lacks the endurance of newer models)
Video Playback Time
- iPhone 15 Series: Up to 29 hours for Pro Max, around 20 hours for standard models
- iPhone 16 Series: Extends playback time by a few hours for each model
The iPhone 16 series offers a slight improvement in playback time, making them the better choice for media consumption.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro Max
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 and 15 Plus
Fast Charging
- iPhone 15 Series: 20W fast charging (50% in 30 minutes)
- iPhone 16 Series: 25W fast charging (50% in 25 minutes)
The faster charging in the iPhone 16 series makes it more convenient for users who need quick top-ups throughout the day.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro Max (fastest charging + battery capacity)
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 Series (slower charging)
You may be interested in : iPhone 16 Pro Max Charging Speed: Everything You Need to Know
Design & Materials
- iPhone 15 Series: Aluminum for standard models, titanium for Pro models
- iPhone 16 Series: Titanium frame standard for all models
The switch to titanium across all models in the iPhone 16 series improves durability, making it more premium and sturdy.
Best: iPhone 16 Series (full titanium frame)
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 and 15 Plus (aluminum frame)
Weight
- iPhone 16 Series: Slightly lighter, especially with titanium used across all models
Although there’s a slight weight reduction, it’s not highly noticeable for most users.
Software
- iPhone 15 Series: iOS 17
- iPhone 16 Series: iOS 18
iOS 18 offers newer features, and while iPhone 15 models will support it, the 16 series will have some unique software capabilities aligned with its hardware upgrades.
Best: iPhone 16 Series
Least Favorable: iPhone 15 Series (supports iOS 18 but may not fully utilize it)
Additional Features
- Both Series: 5G, Dual SIM, eSIM, HDR
- iPhone 16 Pro Models: Adds Satellite SOS for emergency communication in remote areas
The Pro models in the iPhone 16 series stand out with the Satellite SOS feature, which can be lifesaving in certain situations.
Best: iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Least Favorable: iPhone 15
There’s a comparison of the entire iPhone 16 series versus the iPhone 15 series
| Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Screen Size & Type | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.1-inch ProMotion OLED | 6.7-inch ProMotion OLED | 6.2-inch ProMotion OLED | 6.8-inch ProMotion OLED | 6.2-inch ProMotion OLED | 6.8-inch ProMotion OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 (460 ppi) | 2778 x 1284 (458 ppi) | 2532 x 1170 (460 ppi) | 2778 x 1284 (458 ppi) | 2556 x 1179 (460 ppi) | 2796 x 1290 (458 ppi) | 2556 x 1179 (460 ppi) | 2796 x 1290 (458 ppi) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Processor | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A17 Bionic | A17 Bionic | A17 Pro | A17 Pro |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Main Camera | 48MP + 12MP wide lens | 48MP + 12MP wide lens | 48MP + 12MP + 12MP telephoto | 48MP + 12MP + 12MP telephoto | 64MP + 12MP + 12MP telephoto | 64MP + 12MP + 12MP telephoto | 64MP + 12MP + 12MP telephoto | 64MP + 12MP + 12MP telephoto |
| Optical Zoom | 2x | 2x | 3x | 5x | 3x | 3x | 5x | 5x |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3279 mAh (estimated) | 4323 mAh (estimated) | 3279 mAh (estimated) | 4323 mAh (estimated) | 3500 mAh (estimated) | 4566 mAh (estimated) | 3500 mAh (estimated) | 4566 mAh (estimated) |
| Video Playback Time | Up to 20 hours | Up to 26 hours | Up to 23 hours | Up to 29 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 26 hours | Up to 32 hours |
| Fast Charging | 20W (50% in 30 min) | 20W (50% in 30 min) | 25W (50% in 25 min) | 25W (50% in 25 min) | 25W (50% in 25 min) | 25W (50% in 25 min) | 25W (50% in 25 min) | 25W (50% in 25 min) |
| Build Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame | Titanium frame | Titanium frame | Titanium frame | Titanium frame | Titanium frame | Titanium frame |
| Weight | 173g | 201g | 188g | 221g | 168g | 198g | 185g | 218g |
| Operating System | iOS 17 | iOS 17 | iOS 17 | iOS 17 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Additional Features | 5G, Dual SIM, eSIM, HDR | 5G, Dual SIM, eSIM, HDR | Advanced Face ID, Lidar | Advanced Face ID, Lidar | Advanced Face ID | Advanced Face ID | Advanced Face ID, Lidar, Satellite SOS | Advanced Face ID, Lidar, Satellite SOS |
Summary
The iPhone 16 series brings noticeable improvements in design, speed, camera quality, and battery life over the iPhone 15 series. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are particularly advanced, featuring ProMotion screens, the A17 Pro chip, and titanium frames, making them the most powerful in the lineup. For users looking for premium features, the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max are the recommended choices, while the iPhone 15 series still provides robust performance for general use.
