The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are two of the newest and most powerful smartphones on the market. Both models offer impressive technical features, great cameras and the high-quality design we have come to expect from Apple. But is it worth upgrading to the new iPhone 16, or does the iPhone 15 still offer everything you need? In this buying guide, we compare the most important features of the two iPhones to help you make an informed decision. Whether you value the camera, battery life, design or value for money - we will show you which model is best for you.
Technical Facts at a Glance
Technical facts of the iPhone 15
- display: 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR – sharp, colorful and ideal for videos and photos. The display adapts perfectly to the lighting conditions to offer you a pleasant viewing experience in any environment.
- camera: 48-megapixel main camera with night mode and portrait mode – perfect for sharp and detailed shots, whether during the day or at dusk. Additional ultra-wide-angle and telephoto cameras for creative flexibility.
- processor: A16 Bionic – powerful and efficient, ensures smooth performance when gaming and multitasking while preserving battery life.
- battery life: Up to 20 hours of video playback – enough for a full day of use.
- material: Aluminum and glass – high-quality and robust, offers a pleasant hand feel and ensures stability.
If you want to know more about the iPhone 15, read the here our buying guide through.
Technical facts of the iPhone 16
- display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR – like the iPhone 15, but with an adjustable refresh rate that ensures particularly smooth scrolling and better energy efficiency.
- camera: 48-megapixel main camera with improved sensor size and AI support - offers even better low-light photos and optimized image quality. New is the intelligent auto-focus, which reliably focuses on all faces in group shots.
- processor: A18 chip – faster and more efficient, perfect for demanding apps and games, as well as augmented reality experiences. The new chip also enables advanced AI functions.
- battery life: Up to 22 hours of video playback – the iPhone 16 offers slightly longer battery life compared to the iPhone 15.
- material: Titanium frame – lighter yet more stable, giving the iPhone 16 an even more elegant and robust design.
If you want to learn more about the iPhone 16, read here our buying guide through.
camera comparison
The cameras of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 differ mainly in the improved sensor size and the AI support of the iPhone 16. While the iPhone 15 already takes impressive photos in good lighting conditions, the iPhone 16 takes the quality to a new level, especially in low lighting conditions. The new autofocus also makes group shots even easier. For video recording, both models offer 4K and 8K support as well as excellent stabilization.So if you like taking photos and want to get the best out of every situation, the iPhone 16 is a good choice.
purchase recommendation according to user profile
photo and video lovers
The iPhone 16 is particularly good if you want to get the most out of your camera. The improved sensor size, intelligent autofocus and AI support make it easy to create great photos and videos. If you often shoot in low light conditions, you will clearly notice the difference compared to the iPhone 15's camera.
gamers and power users
The iPhone 16 is ideal for anyone who plays the latest games and expects stable performance. The A18 chip ensures smooth gaming and fast loading times while keeping the device cool. The iPhone 15 is also powerful, but the iPhone 16 offers even more performance, which is particularly noticeable in complex games and augmented reality applications.
Users who value value for money
The iPhone 15 remains an attractive option for those looking for a capable device at a more affordable price. It offers many of the great features of the iPhone 16 without breaking the bank. Especially if you don't necessarily need the latest features like improved autofocus or the titanium frame, the iPhone 15 is a solid choice.
Review - What the Tech YouTubers say
The Tech YouTuber Techmo tested the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 16 in his video and compared both models. We have summarized his results here.
The iPhone 16 brings few changes compared to the iPhone 15. Both devices have a similar design, but Apple returns to an older look on the iPhone 16, optimized for compatibility with Apple Vision Pro. A big difference is the new camera button on the iPhone 16, but its handling has been heavily criticized. It is poorly placed and hard to press, making it difficult to take photos.
There are some improvements to the camera, especially the ultra-wide-angle lens and the colors, which are less saturated than the iPhone 15. However, the differences are not so great that an upgrade would really be worthwhile for iPhone 15 owners.
Conclusion - Is the iPhone 16 worth the extra cost?
The additional cost for the iPhone 16 is noticeable, but is this additional financial outlay really worth it? For most users, this is rather questionable. The iPhone 16 offers improvements such as a titanium frame, the A18 chip and an optimized camera, but apart from that, you look in vain for groundbreaking innovations.
If you're a power user or hobbyist photographer, features like the A18 chip and improved camera features like the new night mode might be of interest to you. For the average user, however, they offer little advantage over the iPhone 15, which is already a very powerful and solid device. If you don't necessarily need the very latest technology, you'll be perfectly happy with the iPhone 15 - and save a decent amount of money in the process.
