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iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16: which should you buy used?

The real differences between the 15 and the 16, what each costs QDN Certified today, and a short answer on which one to pick.

The short answer

The 16 is the better phone: it adds a newer chip, Apple Intelligence and Camera Control. The 15 is the value pick if those features are not something you would use.

iPhone 15
iPhone 15
iPhone 16
iPhone 16

iPhone 15

QDN Certified, 15-month warranty

Out of stock

Launched at $799

Find the closest match

iPhone 16

QDN Certified, 15-month warranty

from $658$799

4 in stock · launched at $799

Shop used 16

What actually differs

Only the rows where the two phones are not identical. A tick marks the side that wins the row.

  • The 16 runs the A18, a generation ahead of the A16 Bionic. Day to day both feel quick; the gap shows in games, video export and how many years of iOS updates lie ahead.

    16 wins

  • Only the 16 supports Apple Intelligence (writing tools, notification summaries, the smarter Siri). If that matters to you, it settles the choice.

    16 wins

  • The 16 adds the Camera Control button for opening the camera and adjusting exposure or zoom without touching the screen.

    16 wins

  • Battery: Apple rates the 16 at up to 22 hours of video playback against 20 for the 15. On a used phone the listing's battery health matters as much as this number.

    16 wins

  • The 16 has the customisable Action button in place of the mute switch.

    16 wins

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16: full spec sheet

Apple’s published specifications. Highlighted rows differ.

iPhone 15iPhone 16
Released
20232024
Display
6.1″, 60 Hz, Dynamic Island6.1″, 60 Hz, Dynamic Island
Chip
A16 BionicA18
RAM
6 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it)8 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it)
Rear cameras
2: 48 MP main · 12 MP ultra wide2: 48 MP main · 12 MP ultra wide
Optical zoom
No telephoto lensNo telephoto lens
Battery
Up to 20 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery)Up to 22 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery)
Charging port
USB-CUSB-C
Frame
AluminumAluminum
Weight
171 g170 g
5G
YesYes
Satellite SOS
YesYes
Apple Intelligence
NoYes
Action button
No (ring/silent switch)Yes
Camera Control
NoYes
Apple launch price
$799$799

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iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16: common questions

What is the biggest difference between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 16?

The 16 runs the A18, a generation ahead of the A16 Bionic. Day to day both feel quick; the gap shows in games, video export and how many years of iOS updates lie ahead.

Is the iPhone 16 worth the extra over the iPhone 15?

The 16 is the better phone: it adds a newer chip, Apple Intelligence and Camera Control. The 15 is the value pick if those features are not something you would use.

Which has the better camera, the iPhone 15 or the iPhone 16?

They share the same camera hardware (48 MP main · 12 MP ultra wide), so photos look the same from both.

Which has the better battery?

Battery: Apple rates the 16 at up to 22 hours of video playback against 20 for the 15. On a used phone the listing's battery health matters as much as this number.

Do both support Apple Intelligence?

Only the iPhone 16 does. Apple Intelligence needs an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPhone 16 or later.

How much do the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 cost used?

Right now: iPhone 15 out of stock; iPhone 16 from $658. Each QDN listing is one specific phone with its storage, colour and battery health shown.

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Each QDN listing is one specific phone: storage, colour and battery health shown up front. Inspected, unlocked, 15-month warranty, free US shipping.

  • 15-month warranty
  • Free US shipping
  • Case, protector & cable included
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