Apple iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: Which iPhone to buy and why

Apple's annual iPhone release brings with it the inevitable question: Is the upgrade worth it? The iPhone 16, unveiled at “It's Glowtime,” introduces several enhancements over its predecessor, the iPhone 15. From a more powerful chip to new AI capabilities, improved cameras, and redesigned buttons, the iPhone 16 aims to push the boundaries of what we expect from Apple's flagship device.
However, the iPhone 15 remains a formidable smartphone in its own right. This comparison delves into the key differences between these two model. Whether you're considering an upgrade or deciding between these two iPhones, this breakdown will help you understand what sets the iPhone 16 apart from the iPhone 15 and whether those differences justify the price gap.

The iPhone 16 maintains the overall size and shape of its predecessor, featuring the same 6.1-inch form factor, aluminium frame, and matte glass back. However, Apple has introduced some notable changes. The iPhone 16 returns to a vertical camera arrangement, reminiscent of older models. This change supports the new 3D Spatial Video format.
Two significant additions are the Action Button on the left side, replacing the Ring/Silent switch, and the Camera Control button on the right. The Camera Control functions as a customizable shutter key and trackpad for various camera functions.

The iPhone 16 features an upgraded Ceramic Shield cover glass, which Apple claims is 50% tougher than the first generation and twice as tough as any other smartphone glass.
While these changes refresh the design, the iPhone 16 retains the familiar look and feel of its predecessor, including USB-C connectivity and IP68 water/dust protection.
Apple introduces vibrant new Ultramarine and Teal colour options, alongside Pink, White, and Black.

The display specs for the iPhone 16 remain largely unchanged from the iPhone 15. It retains the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with a Full-HD+ resolution and 2,000 nits peak brightness. However, there is one notable improvement: the minimum brightness has been reduced to 1 nit (down from 2 nits), which is beneficial for night-time use.
Unfortunately, the refresh rate remains at 60Hz, despite hopes for an upgrade to 120Hz. The lack of a 120Hz ProMotion display on the base iPhone 16 model remains a disappointment for many, as this feature continues to be reserved for the Pro models.

The iPhone 16 sees a significant upgrade in its processing power with the new Apple A18 chip, built on second-generation 3nm technology. The 6-core CPU is 30% faster than A16 Bionic, with improved power efficiency. The 5-core GPU is up to 40% faster and 35% more efficient than A16 Bionic. An upgraded 16-core Neural Engine is optimised for AI tasks.
The A18 is specifically designed with AI optimizations, reflecting Apple's increased focus on artificial intelligence capabilities. So, the iPhone 16 will support Apple Intelligence, while iPhone 15 does not.
RAM has been increased to 8GB, up from 6GB in the iPhone 15. Storage options remain the same at 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.


While the camera upgrade is less dramatic than last year's jump, the iPhone 16 introduces several improvements. The main camera retains the 48MP sensor with f/1.6 aperture and 2x zoom via sensor crop. The ultra-wide camera keeps the 12MP sensor but now has an improved f/2.2 aperture (vs f/2.4 on iPhone 15). A notable addition is support for macro photography, previously exclusive to Pro models.
The new Camera Control button enables quick access and precise control over various camera functions. Software enhancements include advanced Photographic Styles and potential AI-driven editing features. The iPhone 16 also supports Spatial Video and Spatial Photos, designed for immersive viewing on AR/VR headsets like Apple Vision Pro.
The iPhone 16 offers some improvements in battery life and charging capabilities. Apple claims 22 hours of video playback, up from 20 hours on the iPhone 15. The battery capacity is rumoured to be 3,561mAh, a 6% increase from the iPhone 15's 3,349mAh.
Wireless charging has been upgraded to 25W MagSafe charging, up from 15W on the previous model. However, wired charging remains at 20W, unchanged from the iPhone 15. The iPhone 16 also adds support for the Qi2 wireless charging standard. The slight increase in battery capacity, combined with the more efficient A18 chip, should translate to noticeable improvements in daily usage.
In terms of pricing, the iPhone 16 starts at Rs 79,900 for the 128GB model, Rs 89,900 for 256GB, and Rs 1,09,900 for 512GB in India. Meanwhile, iPhone 15 has a received a price cut and now starts at Rs 69,900.

Choosing between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. The iPhone 16 offers notable improvements with its more powerful A18 chip, enhanced AI capabilities, improved camera features including macro photography, slightly better battery life, and faster MagSafe charging. It also introduces the new Action Button and Camera Control for added functionality.
However, these upgrades come at a higher price point, starting at Rs. 79,900 for the base model. The iPhone 15, while lacking these latest features, remains a highly capable device with its A16 Bionic chip, excellent camera system, and solid performance. It's now available at a reduced price, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money.