iPhone 15 vs 16: Why older is sometimes better
Need a new iPhone? Then you're faced with a choice: the iPhone 15 or the brand-new 16. The 16 has better specs . Faster chip. Longer battery life. Better camera. A logical choice, you might think.
But here's the thing: for most people, the iPhone 15 is actually the smarter buy . Not because it's cheaper (although that's true too), but because the difference in daily use is virtually unnoticeable. That A17 chip? Great for benchmarks, but your WhatsApp doesn't open any faster. That 120Hz screen? Fine, but does it really make scrolling through Instagram any smoother?
The money you save is better spent on good AirPods or useful accessories . Because that does make a difference in how you use your phone. Unless you're a filmmaker. Or a hardcore gamer. In that case, this story is different.
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The reality behind the specs
On paper, the iPhone 16 wins hands down. The A17 Pro chip is about 10% faster than the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15. The new model features Dynamic Island on all variants, where the standard 15 still has a notch. The battery lasts an hour longer. And yes, the camera has some extra capabilities for spatial video. Sounds impressive, right?
But here's what Apple doesn't tell you: for 95% of users, these differences hardly matter in practice. Your Instagram app doesn't open noticeably faster. Watching Netflix doesn't look any better. And that extra battery life? You only get that if you watch videos all day.
Where you really notice the difference
The iPhone 16 has a few features that are actually valuable to specific users:
- Camera Control button: useful for photographers who want to quickly adjust settings
- Action button: now also on the standard models, not just the Pro
- Spatial video: nice if you have a Vision Pro (but who does?)
- Wi-Fi 7: faster internet, if your router supports it
For the average user who uses WhatsApp, scrolls through social media, takes photos, and occasionally plays a game? These extras add little to the daily experience.
The price difference does count
A new iPhone 16 will easily cost you 200 to 300 euros more than an iPhone 15. That's not a small sum. For that money, you can:
- Buying a pair of AirPods Pro (that you use every day)
- Buy a good case, screen protector and wireless charger
- Adding an Apple Watch SE to your setup
These accessories often have a greater impact on how you use your phone than that marginally faster processor.
When is the iPhone 16 the better choice?
There are situations where the latest model is worth the extra cost:
For content creators
Do you create professional content? Then the improved video capabilities are relevant. The iPhone 16 can record ProRes video and has better stabilization. The new audio mixing feature is also useful for vloggers.
For gamers
Do you play intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile? Then you'll definitely notice the difference. The A17 Pro has better graphics performance and hardware ray tracing. Games run smoother and look better.
If you use one phone for a long time
Do you typically use your iPhone for 4-5 years? Then it's worth buying the latest model. The iPhone 16 will likely get a year longer of software updates than the 15.
The smart middle ground: refurbished
Want a more recent model without breaking the bank? Consider a refurbished iPhone. These devices have been professionally inspected and repaired. They work like new but cost considerably less. A refurbished iPhone 15 Pro often costs less than a new standard iPhone 16.
The upside? You get premium features like the ProMotion display (120Hz), the telephoto lens, and the titanium body for less money than the latest base model.
Practical considerations
When choosing between these two models, there are some practical matters to consider:
Availability of cases
You can now find cases for the iPhone 15 everywhere, often at a discount. For the 16, you'll pay premium prices for accessories for the first few months.
USB-C on both models
Good news: both phones have USB-C. So you can use the same cable for your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. The era of Lightning is over.
The wise choice
The choice is actually simple. For most people, the iPhone 15 is the smartest purchase . You'll save hundreds of euros that you can invest in accessories you use every day . Only if you create professional content, are an avid gamer, or keep your phone for five years is the iPhone 16 worth it.
For anyone who's on the fence: also consider refurbished models . This way, you get premium features without the premium price. Because ultimately, it's not about the latest specs, but about what you do with your phone .
