Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone 16: specs comparison
How the Apple iPhone 15 (2023 phone) and the Apple iPhone 16 (2024 phone) differ, worked out only from the values on each maker’s official spec page. No prices, ratings or benchmark scores.
Key differences
- Apple iPhone 16 is the newer model: it launched in 2024, Apple iPhone 15 in 2023.
- Apple iPhone 16 uses a newer chip from the same family: A18 vs A16 Bionic.
- Apple iPhone 16 is rated for longer video playback: up to 22 hours vs 20 hours for Apple iPhone 15.
- Apple iPhone 15 offers more storage: up to 512 GB vs 128 GB.
In common: both list a 6.1-inch screen.
Who should pick which
- Pick the Apple iPhone 15 if you want more storage (up to 512 GB).
- Pick the Apple iPhone 16 if you want the newer model (2024), the newer A18 and longer rated video playback (22 hours).
Full specifications side by side
| Spec | Apple iPhone 15 | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | 2023 | 2024 |
| Display | 6.1-inch all-screen OLED, 2556 x 1179 at 460 ppi, 1,000 nits max (typical), 1,600 nits peak (HDR), 2,000 nits peak (outdoor) | 6.1-inch (15.54 cm) Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556 x 1179 at 460 ppi |
| Processor | A16 Bionic chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine | A18 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | 128 GB |
| Rear camera | 48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6) + 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) + 12MP 2x Telephoto (52 mm, f/1.6) | 48MP Fusion Main (26 mm, f/1.6) + 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2); 12MP 2x Telephoto via Main |
| Front camera | 12MP TrueDepth camera (f/1.9, autofocus) | 12MP TrueDepth camera (f/1.9) |
| Battery | Video playback: up to 20 hours | Up to 22 hours video playback (up to 18 hours streamed) |
| Charging | Fast-charge capable: up to 50% in around 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | Up to 50% in 30 min with 20W adapter (USB-C); MagSafe and Qi2 wireless up to 25W |
| Operating system | iOS 18 | iOS |
| Weight | 171 g | 170 g |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm |
| 5G | 5G (sub-6 GHz) with 4x4 MIMO | Yes, 5G (sub-6 GHz) with 4x4 MIMO |
| SIM | Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support | Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
| Source | Official specs · checked 2026-10-28 | Official specs · checked 2026-10-27 |
Questions
What is the difference between Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 16?
Apple iPhone 16 is the newer model: it launched in 2024, Apple iPhone 15 in 2023. Apple iPhone 16 uses a newer chip from the same family: A18 vs A16 Bionic. Apple iPhone 16 is rated for longer video playback: up to 22 hours vs 20 hours for Apple iPhone 15.
Which is newer, Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 16?
Apple iPhone 16 is the newer model: it launched in 2024, Apple iPhone 15 in 2023.
Which has the better battery life, Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 16?
Apple iPhone 16 is rated for longer video playback: up to 22 hours vs 20 hours for Apple iPhone 15.
Every difference above is calculated from the two spec tables, which are copied from Apple’s official pages. A spec that only one page states is not compared. Variants and options differ by region, so confirm on the official page before you buy. Spotted a difference? Report a correction.