January 06, 2025

9 Best iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 Reviews for 2025

Are you trying to decide between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 in 2025? With so many reviews out there, it can be tough to figure out which model is worth your money.

In this blog post, we’ve gathered the 9 best iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 reviews to help you make an informed decision. From design changes and camera upgrades to performance improvements and battery life, we’ll break down the key differences between these two popular iPhones.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking for a reliable phone, this guide will help you choose the right one for your needs.

1. iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 - REAL Differences after 96 Hours by Max Tech

Summary:
This review compares the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15, highlighting the new features and improvements in the iPhone 16. The reviewer covers design changes, camera updates, performance upgrades, and new usability features like the action button and camera control button.

The iPhone 16 has a stronger ceramic shield, faster MagSafe charging, and a more powerful A18 chip with 8GB of RAM. The cameras, especially the ultra-wide and macro modes, show noticeable improvements.

The review concludes that the iPhone 16 offers significant upgrades, making it a better value than the iPhone 15 for future-proofing and performance.

Pros:

Design: Bold new colors and a slightly updated design make the iPhone 16 stand out.
Performance: The A18 chip and 8GB of RAM provide a massive performance boost, especially for gaming and multitasking.
Camera: Improved ultra-wide and macro modes offer better photo quality and versatility.
Durability: The new ceramic shield makes the phone more crack-resistant.
Usability Features: The action button and camera control button add convenience and customization.
Battery and Charging: Faster MagSafe wireless charging and improved battery efficiency.

Cons:

Display: Both phones still have a 60Hz refresh rate, which feels outdated.
USB-C: Both models use slow USB 2.0, which is disappointing.
Camera Controls: The new camera control button can be cumbersome to use.
Price: The iPhone 16 is more expensive, and Apple doesn’t include a charging brick.

My Take:
I think the iPhone 16 is a solid upgrade, especially for people who want better performance and camera features without paying for the Pro models. The new colors and design are fun, and the improved durability is a big plus.

However, the lack of a high refresh rate display and slow USB-C port are letdowns. If you’re on a budget, the iPhone 15 is still a good phone, but the iPhone 16’s future-proofing and performance make it worth the extra cost for long-term use.

Overall, Apple packed a lot of Pro features into the iPhone 16, making it a great choice for most users.

Rating: 4.3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2. iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 - A Complete Camera Comparison! by Steven Divish

Summary:
This video compares the camera features of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15, focusing on what matters to everyday users. The reviewer tests selfie cameras, main cameras, ultra-wide cameras, and video recording capabilities.

While the iPhone 16 introduces new features like a "fusion camera" and an undertone adjustment menu, the differences in photo and video quality are minimal. The iPhone 16 also has a new camera control button and improved audio mixing for videos, but these additions don't significantly enhance the user experience.

Both phones perform similarly in most scenarios, with the iPhone 15 still being a strong option for those looking to save money.

Pros:

Detailed comparison of camera features between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15.
Real-world testing of selfie cameras, main cameras, and ultra-wide cameras.
Highlights the minor differences in software and hardware, helping viewers decide if upgrading is worth it.
Includes practical insights, like the usefulness of the new camera control button and audio mixing feature.
Mentions battery life improvements in the iPhone 16.

Cons:

The review could have included more side-by-side photo and video samples for better visual comparison.
The audio mixing feature, while innovative, is limited to videos shot on the iPhone 16, which might disappoint some users.
The reviewer doesn’t dive deep into low-light performance, which is a key factor for many buyers.
The video feels a bit long and could have been more concise.

My Take:
I think this review does a good job of showing that the iPhone 16 isn’t a huge upgrade over the iPhone 15, especially when it comes to camera performance.

The new features, like the undertone adjustments and audio mixing, are cool but not game-changers. If you already have an iPhone 15, there’s no rush to upgrade.

However, if you’re choosing between the two, the iPhone 15 might be the better deal since it offers almost the same experience at a lower price.

The review could have been more engaging with more visual examples, but it’s still helpful for anyone deciding between these two phones.

Rating: 4.1/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3. iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 - 2 Months Later by Nick Ackerman

Summary:
This review compares the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 after two months of using the iPhone 16. The reviewer, Nick, discusses the price-to-value ratio, design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, and software features.

He highlights that the iPhone 16 offers better value with its newer A18 chip, 8GB of RAM, support for Apple Intelligence, and improved battery life. However, he criticizes both models for still using a 60Hz display, which feels outdated.

The iPhone 15, while a decent upgrade over the iPhone 14, is seen as less future-proof due to its lack of support for Apple Intelligence and older hardware.

Pros:

iPhone 16 has a better price-to-value ratio with newer hardware and features.
Improved performance with the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM.
Supports Apple Intelligence, making it more future-proof.
Better battery life and faster MagSafe charging compared to the iPhone 15.
Vertical camera layout and macro mode are nice upgrades.

Cons:

Both phones still use a 60Hz display, which feels outdated.
iPhone 15 lacks support for Apple Intelligence and has older hardware.
Camera control button on the iPhone 16 is seen as not very useful for most users.
Minor design changes between the two models make the upgrade feel incremental.

My Take:
I agree with the reviewer that the iPhone 16 is a better choice if you’re buying a new phone. The newer chip, more RAM, and support for Apple Intelligence make it more future-proof.

However, I think the lack of a 120Hz display is a big miss, especially for a premium phone. If you already own an iPhone 15, it might not be worth upgrading unless you really want the latest features.

But if you’re deciding between the two, the iPhone 16 is the better option, even if the differences aren’t huge.

Rating: 4.3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4. iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 (DON’T be Fooled) by iDeviceHelp

Summary:
This video compares the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, focusing on software, performance, battery, and camera improvements. The iPhone 16 introduces Apple Intelligence, a smarter Siri, and new photo editing tools, but these features are also available on the iPhone 15 Pro models.

The iPhone 16 has a faster processor (Apple A18) and Wi-Fi 7, but in tests, the iPhone 15 outperformed the iPhone 16 in Wi-Fi speeds. The iPhone 16 also offers faster wireless charging (25W vs 15W) and a 9% larger battery.

The new camera button is handy for one-handed use but may not be a game-changer for everyone.

Pros:

Apple Intelligence: New features like smarter Siri, photo editing tools, and Gen Emoji are exciting upgrades.
Performance: The iPhone 16’s A18 processor shows significant improvements in CPU performance.
Battery and Charging: Faster wireless charging and a larger battery make the iPhone 16 more efficient.
Camera Button: Useful for one-handed photo and video capture.

Cons:

Limited Apple Intelligence: Only available on iPhone 15 Pro models and iPhone 16, leaving older models behind.
Wi-Fi Performance: Despite having Wi-Fi 7, the iPhone 16 underperformed compared to the iPhone 15 in Wi-Fi speed tests.
Camera Button: Not a major improvement for users who prefer using the screen for camera controls.

My Take:
The iPhone 16 has some cool upgrades, especially in performance and battery life, but it might not be worth the upgrade for everyone. If you already have an iPhone 15 Pro, the differences are minimal.

However, if you’re coming from an older model like the iPhone 12 or 13, the iPhone 16 could be a solid choice. The new camera button is neat but not a must-have feature.

Overall, the iPhone 16 is a step forward, but it’s not a huge leap from the iPhone 15.

Rating: 4.1/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5. iPhone 16 Pro Vs iPhone 15 Pro - REVIEW OF SPECS! by Matt Talks Tech

Summary:
This video compares the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro, focusing on their specifications. The reviewer highlights key differences, such as the slightly larger screen size (6.3 inches vs. 6.1 inches), improved battery life (27 hours vs. 23 hours), and faster charging (45W wired and 25W MagSafe wireless on the 16 Pro).

The iPhone 16 Pro also features a more efficient A18 Pro chip, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and a 5x zoom telephoto lens. However, many features, like the display type, resolution, and water resistance, remain the same.

The reviewer concludes that while the iPhone 16 Pro offers some upgrades, the iPhone 15 Pro is still a great option, especially if found at a good price.

Pros:

Clear and detailed comparison of specs.
Highlights key upgrades like battery life, charging speed, and camera improvements.
Provides practical advice on whether to upgrade or stick with the iPhone 15 Pro.
Easy to understand for viewers who may not be tech experts.

Cons:

The review spends a lot of time talking about unrelated topics (e.g., Clean My Mac X and vacation).
Some differences between the phones are minor and may not justify an upgrade for everyone.
The video could have included real-world performance tests or user experience insights.

My Take:
I think this review does a good job of breaking down the differences between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro. The comparison is helpful for someone deciding whether to upgrade.

However, the video could have been more focused on the phones instead of discussing unrelated topics like the reviewer’s vacation and Mac maintenance.

Overall, it’s useful for understanding the upgrades, but I’d recommend looking for additional reviews that include hands-on testing to get a fuller picture.

If you already have the iPhone 15 Pro, the upgrades might not be worth it unless you really want the better battery life or camera features.

Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

6. iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Hands-on // Is it worth the upgrade? by Kevin The Tech Ninja

Summary:
The video compares the new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro, focusing on design, performance, camera upgrades, and new features. The iPhone 16 Pro has a slightly larger display, thinner bezels, and a new A18 Pro chip that’s faster and more power-efficient.

It also introduces a new "Camera Control" button, improved battery life, and enhanced camera features like a 48MP ultra-wide lens and 4K 120fps Dolby Vision recording.

While the upgrades are notable, the reviewer feels the changes aren’t groundbreaking enough to justify upgrading from the iPhone 15 Pro unless you’re a heavy camera user or content creator.

Pros:

Larger display and thinner bezels make the phone feel more modern.
New A18 Pro chip offers better performance and efficiency, especially for AI tasks.
Improved battery life, which has been a weak point in previous Pro models.
New Camera Control button adds convenience for quick photo and video capture.
Enhanced camera system with a 48MP ultra-wide lens, autofocus, and 4K 120fps recording.
Wi-Fi 7 support for future-proofing.

Cons:

Design changes are minimal, making it hard to notice the difference from the iPhone 15 Pro.
The Camera Control button may take time to get used to.
AI features and performance improvements might not feel significantly different from the iPhone 15 Pro.
Not a major upgrade for most users, especially if you already own the iPhone 15 Pro.

My Take:
I think the iPhone 16 Pro has some cool upgrades, especially for people who love taking photos and videos. The new camera features and the Camera Control button seem really useful for content creators.

However, if you already have the iPhone 15 Pro, it might not be worth upgrading just yet. The changes are nice but not huge.

If you’re someone who always wants the latest tech or uses their phone for professional photography, the iPhone 16 Pro could be a good choice. Otherwise, sticking with the iPhone 15 Pro is still a solid option.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

7. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: Which One Should You Buy? by Jon Adams

Summary:
This review compares the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro, focusing on their screens, design, cameras, and price. The iPhone 15 Pro has a smoother 120Hz screen, while the iPhone 16 has a 60Hz screen.

Both phones have a similar design and USB-C charging, but the iPhone 15 Pro has an extra telephoto camera lens. The reviewer suggests the iPhone 15 Pro is a better value for the money, especially if you care about screen smoothness and camera features.

They also recommend sticking with older models like the iPhone 13 or 14 if you’re on a budget.

Pros:

Clear comparison of key features like screen refresh rate, design, and cameras.
Honest advice about saving money by choosing older models.
Helpful tips for travelers about USB-C charging.
Good explanation of why the iPhone 15 Pro might be a better choice for some users.

Cons:

Doesn’t go into detail about battery life or performance differences.
Assumes viewers already know terms like “ProMotion” and “telephoto lens.”
Focuses mostly on the iPhone 15 Pro, making the iPhone 16 seem less appealing.

My Take:
I think this review is helpful for people trying to decide between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro. The reviewer makes a good point that the iPhone 15 Pro is a better value, especially if you want a smoother screen and better camera features.

However, I wish they talked more about battery life and how long each phone lasts on a charge.

Overall, if you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro seems like the smarter choice, but if you’re on a tight budget, the iPhone 16 is still a solid option.

Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

8. Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Which One to Get? by GSMArena Official

Summary:
The video compares the new iPhone 16 with last year's iPhone 15 to help viewers decide if the upgrades are worth it.

The iPhone 16 has a few new features like a tougher ceramic shield glass, new hardware buttons (action key and camera control key), a more powerful A18 chipset, longer battery life, improved wireless charging, and a better ultra-wide camera with autofocus.

However, the iPhone 15 still offers a similar experience at a lower price, making it a good option for those who don’t need the latest upgrades.

Pros:

The iPhone 16 has a more durable display and new hardware buttons for added convenience.
It features a more powerful A18 chipset, making it better for high-end gaming and future AI features.
The battery life is longer, and wireless charging has been improved.
The ultra-wide camera has autofocus, allowing for better close-up shots and improved low-light performance.

Cons:

The upgrades in the iPhone 16 are minor and not game-changing for most users.
The display still has a 60Hz refresh rate, which feels outdated compared to other smartphones.
The iPhone 15 offers a nearly identical experience at a lower price, making the iPhone 16 harder to justify for budget-conscious buyers.

My Take:
I think the iPhone 16 is a solid upgrade, but it’s not a must-have for everyone. If you already have the iPhone 15, there’s no urgent need to switch unless you really want the new buttons, better camera features, or longer battery life.

However, if you’re someone who likes having the latest tech or plans to use the new AI features, the iPhone 16 might be worth it.

For most people, though, the iPhone 15 is still a great phone and a better deal if you’re trying to save money.

Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

9. iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 Detailed Comparison: Don't Buy Wrong! by GadgetByte

Summary:
This review compares the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15, highlighting their similarities and differences. The iPhone 16 has a new A18 chip, better brightness, and improved battery life, but the iPhone 15 is much cheaper and still performs well.

The design, display, and cameras are almost the same, with minor upgrades like autofocus on the ultra-wide lens and audio mix for video creators. The iPhone 16 also supports Apple Intelligence, but it’s not a huge game-changer.

The reviewer suggests the iPhone 15 is a better value unless you really want the latest features.

Pros:

iPhone 16 has a faster A18 chip and better performance.
Brighter display and slightly improved battery life.
New features like Apple Intelligence and audio mix for videos.
Autofocus on the ultra-wide camera and better glare management.
Easier to repair compared to older models.

Cons:

iPhone 16 is significantly more expensive than the iPhone 15.
Both phones still have a 60Hz display, which feels outdated.
Camera upgrades are minimal, and most users won’t notice a difference.
iPhone 16 heats up more during heavy use.
Apple Intelligence and other new features aren’t available everywhere yet.

My Take:
I think the iPhone 15 is the better choice for most people. The iPhone 16 has some nice upgrades, but they’re not big enough to justify the higher price. If you already have an iPhone 15, there’s no need to upgrade.

The iPhone 16 is good for those who want the latest tech, but for most, saving money and sticking with the iPhone 15 makes more sense.

Plus, you can use the extra cash for something fun, like a vacation!

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Conclusion

After comparing the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 through these 9 detailed reviews, it’s clear that both phones have their strengths.

The iPhone 16 offers exciting upgrades like a faster A18 chip, improved cameras, and better battery life, making it a great choice for those who want the latest tech.

However, the iPhone 15 remains a strong contender, especially for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need the newest features.

Ultimately, your decision will depend on your priorities—whether it’s future-proofing with the iPhone 16 or saving money with the iPhone 15.

Whichever you choose, both phones deliver excellent performance and quality, ensuring you’ll have a reliable device for years to come.