Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Apple iPhone 17
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 17 are closely matched overall (within 1 point).
- Apple iPhone 15 Plus stands out on Display Size: 6.7 in, Display Resolution: 1290 × 2796 px, Display Screen-to-body ratio: 88%.
- Apple iPhone 17 counters with Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB, Storage capacity: 256 GB, Rear Camera Optical zoom: 4.
- Best value: Apple iPhone 17 (from $799) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 17 are closely matched
$899 at launch
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
78
Apple iPhone 17
77
Best value: Apple iPhone 17 ($799)
Where Apple iPhone 15 Plus stands out
- Display Size: 6.7 in
- Display Resolution: 1290 × 2796 px
- Display Screen-to-body ratio: 88%
Where Apple iPhone 17 stands out
- Memory RAM capacity: 12 GB
- Storage capacity: 256 GB
- Rear Camera Optical zoom: 4
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
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.
Apple iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 is Apple's latest flagship smartphone, featuring premium design upgrades and significant camera improvements. It targets users who desire a powerful mobile experience with advanced features like enhanced display technology and deep integration with Apple’s operating ecosystem.
Best for content creatorsBest for power usersBest for photography enthusiasts
Pros
- Features the A19 chip and iOS 26, promising high performance and improved user intelligence capabilities.
- Enhanced displays include ProMotion up to 120Hz refresh rate and brighter Super Retina XDR panels.
- Camera system upgrades include a 48MP Dual Fusion setup and an 18MP Center Stage front camera for flexible framing.
- Design improvements feature Ceramic Shield 2 on the front glass, lending increased durability.
Cons
- The inclusion of new features like 'Apple Intelligence' makes it more complex than standard smartphone functions.
- Reported hardware might feel overkill for users who only need basic calling and texting functionality.
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 15 Plus
Apple iPhone 17
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone 15 Plus1,450,000
Apple iPhone 171,750,000
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 15 Plus4,383 mAh
Apple iPhone 173,998 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 15 PlusApple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 15 Plus is 26 g (15%) heavier than Apple iPhone 17.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side