Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Apple iPhone 15 Plus are closely matched overall (within 1 point).
- Apple iPhone 16 Plus stands out on Memory RAM capacity: 8 GB, Rear Camera Optical zoom: 2, Connectivity Wi-Fi technology: Wi-Fi 6E.
- Apple iPhone 15 Plus counters with Display technology: Super Retina XDR OLED, Miscellaneous SAR (Head): 0.98 W/kg, Miscellaneous SAR (Body): 0.98 W/kg.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Apple iPhone 15 Plus are closely matched
$899 at launch
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
79
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
78
Where Apple iPhone 16 Plus stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 8 GB
- Rear Camera Optical zoom: 2
- Connectivity Wi-Fi technology: Wi-Fi 6E
Where Apple iPhone 15 Plus stands out
- Display technology: Super Retina XDR OLED
- Miscellaneous SAR (Head): 0.98 W/kg
- Miscellaneous SAR (Body): 0.98 W/kg
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is an option for users who want a larger iPhone size without purchasing the highest-tier Pro Max model. It features upgrades such as a new chipset, an Ultra wide camera, and added control buttons.
Best for users wanting larger phone sizeBest for those avoiding Pro Max tier spending
Pros
- Large display: Features a 6.7-in OLED Super Retina XDR display while being larger than models paired with a vanilla iPhone
- Camera system includes dual setups: It has both a wide and ultra-wide camera.
- Video recording capability is high quality, supporting 4K at 60 frames per second on both front and back cameras.
- The device features the Action button and the new Camera Control key.
Cons
- The display utilizes a 60 Hz refresh rate, which some users may find sluggish compared to modern high-refresh-rate Android screens.
- Some sources report ongoing questions regarding whether the device is worth buying if it was out for a period of time.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
The iPhone 15 Plus is a full-featured smartphone from Apple designed for reliability and long battery life. It features a larger screen and expanded physical dimensions than its standard counterpart, making it ideal for users who prioritize display size and streaming media consumption.
Best for media consumptionBest for photographers needing large screen real estateBest for all-day battery longevity
Pros
- Offers the large edge-to-edge viewing experience of a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.
- Incorporates advanced connectivity features including USB-C, which improves compatibility compared to previous models.
- Provides an exceptionally substantial maximum battery capacity (4383 mAh Li-ion).
- Maintains robust water resistance rated at IP68 for enhanced durability.
Cons
- The screen refreshes at a 60Hz rate, which may appear less smooth than modern high-refresh-rate competition.
- While retaining many advanced features, it does not include the specialized Action Button found on higher-tier models.
- Overall dimensions and weight make it a large phone to handle for some users.
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone 16 Plus1,640,000
Apple iPhone 15 Plus1,450,000
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPhone 16 Plus4,674 mAh
Apple iPhone 15 Plus4,383 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPhone 16 PlusApple iPhone 15 Plus
Apple iPhone 15 Plus is 2 g (1%) heavier than Apple iPhone 16 Plus.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side