The consumer desire for a large-screen iPhone that doesn’t demand a “Pro” budget has created a fascinating crossroads in Apple’s lineup. On one side, you have the iPhone 15 Plus—the seasoned veteran, offering a massive display and stellar battery life at its current, significantly reduced price. On the other, the iPhone 16—the newcomer, sporting the latest chip, improved cameras, and critical new features, all within a more compact frame.
Choosing between these two models requires more than a simple spec-sheet comparison. It’s a choice between Screen Size and Battery Life (15 Plus) versus Raw Power and Future-Proofing (16).
BestPrice dives deep into the technical and practical differences to help you determine which of these non-Pro iPhones represents the better bargain and the smarter investment for your needs in 2025.
- 📏 The Core Difference: Size, Screen, and Comfort The most immediate and critical distinction between these two devices is their physical size and the impact this has on the user experience.
1.1. Display and Viewing Experience Feature iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 16 The Verdict Size 6.7 inches 6.1 inches 15 Plus for immersive viewing. Resolution $2796 \times 1290$ pixels $2556 \times 1179$ pixels Virtually identical pixel density $(\sim 460 \text{ PPI})$ (Source 1.2, 1.4). Technology Super Retina $\text{XDR}$ $\text{OLED}$ Super Retina $\text{XDR}$ $\text{OLED}$ Both offer excellent color and contrast (Source 1.4). Refresh Rate $60\text{Hz}$ $60\text{Hz}$ Disappointingly, neither offers ProMotion (Source 1.2). The iPhone 15 Plus is the clear winner for anyone prioritizing screen real estate (Source 1.1, 1.4). Its $\mathbf{6.7\text{-inch}}$ display is ideal for video consumption, mobile gaming, reading, and viewing documents. This device is the large-screen bargain.
The iPhone 16, with its $\mathbf{6.1\text{-inch}}$ screen, is the choice for those who value one-handed use and pocketability. While still a premium $\text{OLED}$ panel, it offers a more traditional iPhone feel (Source 1.1, 1.4).
1.2. Design and Ergonomics The 15 Plus is larger and heavier at $\mathbf{160.9 \times 77.8 \times 7.8\text{ mm}}$ and $\mathbf{201\text{g}}$, compared to the 16’s $\mathbf{147.6 \times 71.6 \times 7.8\text{ mm}}$ and $\mathbf{170\text{g}}$ (Source 1.1, 1.4).
However, the iPhone 16 introduces a new physical feature inherited from the Pro line: the Action Button. This customizable button replaces the old mute switch and can be configured for instant access to the camera, a voice memo, or a shortcut—a small but significant quality-of-life upgrade (Source 2.5). The iPhone 16 also features a vertical camera lens alignment, which is rumored to be required for Spatial Video capture, a key feature for the Apple Vision Pro ecosystem (Source 1.3).
- ⚡ Performance and Future-Proofing: $\text{A}16$ Bionic vs. $\text{A}18$ The internal processing power is where the difference between a new generation and a discounted older model is most apparent, particularly for the future of on-device $\text{AI}$ and operating system support.
2.1. The Chip Difference: A16 vs. A18 The iPhone 16 is equipped with the new-generation $\mathbf{A18}$ chip, while the 15 Plus utilizes the previous-generation $\mathbf{A16}$ Bionic (Source 1.1, 3.2).
Fabrication: The $\mathbf{A18}$ chip uses a more efficient $\mathbf{3\text{nm}}$ process, compared to the $\mathbf{4\text{nm}}$ process of the $\mathbf{A16}$ (Source 3.4). This efficiency directly translates to better sustained performance and reduced power consumption. Raw Speed: The $\mathbf{A18}$ offers a significant performance jump, with estimates suggesting up to $\mathbf{30\%}$ faster $\text{CPU}$ performance and $\mathbf{40\%}$ faster $\text{GPU}$ performance compared to the $\mathbf{A16}$ (Source 2.5, 3.1). $\text{RAM}$ Boost: Crucially, the iPhone 16 comes with $\mathbf{8\text{GB}}$ of $\text{RAM}$, a substantial increase over the 15 Plus’s $\mathbf{6\text{GB}}$ (Source 1.2, 3.4). This increased $\text{RAM}$ is vital for modern multitasking, background processes, and future operating system requirements. 2.2. The $\text{AI}$ Factor: Apple Intelligence The most significant long-term benefit of the $\mathbf{A18}$ chip in the iPhone 16 is its optimized Neural Engine, which is necessary to run Apple Intelligence (Source 2.5, 3.2).
On-Device $\text{AI}$: Apple Intelligence powers features like advanced image generation, smart text summarization, and a much more capable, context-aware Siri (Source 2.5, 3.2). These features will be central to the next several years of $\text{iOS}$ updates. The Cut-Off: While some simpler $\text{AI}$ features may eventually trickle down, the $\mathbf{A16 \text{ Bionic}}$ in the 15 Plus is generally considered the cut-off point for the full suite of demanding Apple Intelligence features (Source 2.5). Choosing the 16 means buying into the future of $\text{AI}$ on the platform. The Verdict: If you are a power user, gamer, or want the longest-possible support for the latest $\text{iOS}$ features (including $\text{AI}$), the $\mathbf{A18}$-equipped iPhone 16 is the unequivocally better choice.
- 🔋 Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs. Speed This is the most contested category, as the physical size difference directly influences battery capacity.
3.1. Battery Capacity and Endurance Feature iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 16 Winner Capacity (mAh) $\mathbf{\sim 4383\text{ mAh}}$ $\sim 3561\text{ mAh}$ 15 Plus (Significantly larger physical battery) (Source 1.2, 4.1). Video Playback $\mathbf{26\text{ hours}}$ $22\text{ hours}$ 15 Plus (Source 2.5). Real-World Use $\mathbf{2\text{-day}}$ potential for light users Solid $\mathbf{1.5\text{-day}}$ use for average users 15 Plus for absolute longevity. The iPhone 15 Plus holds the crown for absolute battery life. Its massive chassis allows for a significantly larger battery cell ($\mathbf{\sim 4383\text{ mAh}}$ vs. $\mathbf{\sim 3561\text{ mAh}}$ in the 16) (Source 1.2, 4.2). The $\mathbf{15 \text{ Plus}}$ is the smartphone to choose if you travel frequently, stream constantly, or simply hate thinking about charging.
However, the iPhone 16’s $\text{A18}$ chip is more power-efficient, narrowing the gap slightly in real-world use despite the smaller cell.
3.2. Charging Speed The iPhone 16 gains a crucial advantage in how quickly it can recharge (Source 3.4, 4.1).
iPhone 16: Supports $\mathbf{25\text{W}}$ MagSafe wireless charging (Source 2.5). iPhone 15 Plus: Supports the standard $\mathbf{15\text{W}}$ MagSafe wireless charging (Source 2.5). The faster $\mathbf{25\text{W}}$ MagSafe on the iPhone 16 means quicker top-ups throughout the day and a significantly faster recharge time overall (Source 4.1). Wired charging remains similar on both models (around $\mathbf{20\text{W}}$) (Source 4.1).
The Verdict: The 15 Plus wins for endurance; the 16 wins for recharge speed.
- 📷 Photography and Videography: Small Upgrades, Big Impact Both phones share the excellent dual-camera system featuring a $\mathbf{48\text{MP}}$ Main sensor and a $\mathbf{12\text{MP}}$ Ultra Wide sensor (Source 1.1, 2.1). However, the generational gap brings key, subtle improvements to the iPhone 16.
4.1. Camera Hardware and Features $\mathbf{48\text{MP}}$ Main Sensor: Both capture incredible detail, using pixel-binning to deliver $\mathbf{24\text{MP}}$ or $\mathbf{48\text{MP}}$ high-resolution images (Source 1.2, 2.1). Macro Mode: The iPhone 16’s Ultra Wide camera is upgraded with autofocus (Source 3.2, 3.4), allowing it to double as a Macro Camera for incredibly detailed close-up shots—a feature previously reserved for the Pro models (Source 3.2, 3.4). The 15 Plus lacks this dedicated macro capability. Spatial Video: The vertical camera orientation on the iPhone 16 is speculated to be necessary for capturing Spatial Video (3D video) (Source 1.3), a media format designed to be viewed on the Apple Vision Pro. While not confirmed for the base model, the hardware design strongly suggests this capability will be enabled on the 16 (Source 1.3). Camera Control Button: The iPhone 16 gets the new capacitive Camera Control button on the side (Source 1.3). This dedicated physical button provides a two-stage shutter mechanism: a light press to focus, and a hard press to capture, offering a DSLR-like shooting experience. The Verdict: The iPhone 16 offers better imaging utility through the Macro Mode and the physical Camera Control button.
- 🔑 Key Selling Points and Final Recommendation The choice between the discounted large-screen veteran and the $\text{AI}$-powered new compact model hinges entirely on user priority.
The iPhone 15 Plus is the Winner if You Prioritize: Massive Screen & Media Consumption: You spend hours watching videos, gaming, or reading, and the $\mathbf{6.7\text{-inch}}$ canvas is non-negotiable. Unrivaled Endurance: You need the absolute longest battery life available in any non-Pro iPhone, giving you full $\mathbf{2\text{-day}}$ confidence. Cost Savings: You are getting an excellent device with a $\mathbf{48\text{MP}}$ camera, Dynamic Island, and USB-C at a significantly lower, clearance price compared to the new model. The iPhone 16 is the Winner if You Prioritize: Future-Proof Performance and $\text{AI}$: You want the fastest chip ($\mathbf{A18}$ $\mathbf{3\text{nm}}$) and support for the full suite of Apple Intelligence features and future $\text{iOS}$ updates. Advanced Camera Utility: You value the versatility of Macro Photography and the enhanced, dedicated Camera Control button. Ergonomics and Portability: You prefer the classic $\mathbf{6.1\text{-inch}}$ iPhone size for easier one-handed use and carrying. Mobihub’s Recommendation For the average consumer upgrading from an iPhone 12 or older, the choice is clear:
If you absolutely MUST have the biggest screen and battery: Go for the iPhone 15 Plus. It is the peak of Apple’s endurance-focused design and the screen size offers immediate, tangible benefit. If you want the smartest and most powerful phone with the longest lifespan: Go for the iPhone 16. The $\mathbf{A18}$ chip, $\mathbf{8\text{GB}}$ $\text{RAM}$, and Apple Intelligence support make it a much more future-proof device, guaranteeing the best experience for the next $\mathbf{3\text{-4 years}}$. The trade-off is a smaller screen and less battery endurance, but you gain speed and $\text{AI}$ smarts. In 2025, the $\mathbf{A18}$ chip and $\mathbf{8\text{GB}}$ of $\text{RAM}$ in the iPhone 16 make it the smarter long-term investment, even with the smaller screen. The generational leap in performance and $\text{AI}$ capability outweighs the extra screen inches of the 15 Plus for most users.
