Apple launched the iPhone 16 on 20th September 2024 while the iPhone 15 was launched on 22 September 2023. The two phones have made an impact in the smartphone world while offering good features. The two phones feature many differences while at the same time offering several similarities.
iPhone 16 Features:
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
- Camera: 48MP + 12 MP
- Selfie: 12MP + SL 3D
- Display: 6.1 inches
- Processor: Apple A18 Bionic
- Connectivity: 5G, Nano-SIM, Esim, Wi-Fi 7
- Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine
- OS: iOS 18
- Battery: 3,561mAh
iPhone 15 Features:
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB,256GB
- Battery: 3,200mAh
- Camera: 48MP + 12 MP
- Selfie: 12MP + SL 3D
- Display: 6.1 inches
- Processor: Apple A16 Bionic
- Connectivity: 5G, Nano-SIM, eSIM, Wi-Fi 6
- Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink
- OS: iOS 17
Detailed Differences between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 15:
Performance and Software
A new Apple A18 chip based on second-generation 3nm technology runs the iPhone 16. It was the first phone to feature this chipset from the time of launch. To put things in perspective, the iPhone 16 is anticipated to be the first vanilla iPhone model to use a 3nm processor, whereas the iPhone 15 is powered by the A17 Bionic technology. This represents a technological leap of two generations. Additionally, this new chipset is the first to be designed with AI optimizations from the ground up. Apple is committed to AI this year, although it missed the hype train the previous one. Additionally, the iPhone 16 delivers notably faster speeds for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Its GPU enables enhanced graphics performance, resulting in smoother animations and more realistic visuals in games and apps. This performance boost, combined with optimizations in the operating system, ensures a smoother and more responsive user experience overall.
Battery
The iPhone 16’s battery capacity is 3,561mAh, which is 6% more than the iPhone 15’s 3,349mAh capacity. With a larger 3561mAh battery, the iPhone 16 delivers longer usage times on a single charge. For example, it can provide up to 6 hours and 21 minutes of talk time, 16 hours and 48 minutes of video playback, 7 hours and 30 minutes of internet use, and 9 hours and 52 minutes of audio playback. These figures are slightly higher than the iPhone 15’s 5 hours and 40 minutes of talk time, 13 hours and 25 minutes of video playback, 7 hours and 51 minutes of internet use, and 8 hours and 24 minutes of audio playback.
Camera
A new physical camera control, a capacitive button beneath the power key, has been added to the iPhone 16. You may use this customizable button with third-party and other camera apps. The iPhone 16 keeps the same high-resolution sensor as the iPhone 15, even though the iPhone 15 was the first to do so. There have been no notable hardware modifications. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 has better software, such as upgraded Photographic Styles.
For comparable zoom quality, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 both feature sensor cropping. The iPhone 16’s ultra-wide camera now features macro photography capabilities, which were previously only available on Pro versions, along with a slightly quicker aperture. There aren’t many differences between the two versions’ front cameras.
The iPhone 16 benefits from Apple-Inteligence-powered image editing features like smart resizing and object movement. Moreover, it is compatible with Apple Vision Pro and other compatible devices, providing a more immersive 3D experience when viewed as Spatial Video and Spatial Photos.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 similarities:
Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 |
---|---|---|
Display Size | 6.1 inches (16), 6.7 inches (16 Plus) | 6.1 inches (15), 6.7 inches (15 Plus) |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (16), 2796 x 1290 pixels (16 Plus) | 2556 x 1179 pixels (15), 2796 x 1290 pixels (15 Plus) |
PPI | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
Super Retina XDR OLED | ✅ | ✅ |
Dynamic Island | ✅ | ✅ |
ProMotion | ❌ | ❌ |
Always-On Display | ❌ | ❌ |
Typical Max Brightness | 1000 nits max | 1000 nits max |
HDR Max Brightness | 1600 nits max | 1600 nits max |
Outdoor Max Brightness | 2000 nits max | 2000 nits max |
True Tone | ✅ | ✅ |
Haptic Touch | ✅ | ✅ |
Wide Color (P3) | ✅ | ✅ |
Height | 5.81 inches (147.6 mm) | 5.81 inches (147.6 mm) |
Width | 2.82 inches (71.6 mm) | 2.82 inches (71.6 mm) |
Thickness | 0.31 inches (7.80 mm) | 0.31 inches (7.80 mm) |
Weight | 6.00 ounces (170 grams) | 6.02 ounces (171 grams) |
Durability | IP68 (splash, dust, 6 meters of water up to 30 minutes) | IP68 (splash, dust, 6 meters of water up to 30 minutes) |
Ceramic Shield Front | ✅ | ✅ |
Back Material | Color-infused glass | Color-infused glass |
Frame/Edges | Aluminum | Aluminum |
iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 differences:
Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 |
---|---|---|
Processor | A18 Bionic | A17 Bionic |
RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
Battery Life | Up to 23 hours video playback | Up to 20 hours video playback |
Camera System | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide |
Optical Zoom | 5x optical zoom | 2x optical zoom |
LiDAR Scanner | ✅ | ❌ |
USB-C Port | USB-C | Lightning |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Colors | New color options available | Standard color options |
Operating System | iOS 18 | iOS 17 |