By Aulah Najjuuka
According to Ray Katende of Ray Phones and Appliances, if you’re already using an iPhone 15, upgrading to the iPhone 16 may not be essential unless you’re particularly interested in the latest camera features and AI optimisations. However, for those with older models, the iPhone 16 offers advancements in AI and photography. Here’s a closer look at how the iPhone 15 series stacks up against the latest iPhone 16, helping you decide if the upgrade is worth it.
Design and display
The iPhone 15 marked a shift in design by incorporating the Dynamic Island for the base models, which was previously exclusive to Pro models. This feature replaces the notch and houses front-facing sensors and cameras while doubling as an interactive notification space
Both iPhone 15 and 16 series share similar display technologies including Super Retina XDR display, OLED technology, True Tone and Wide Color (P3), and Haptic Touch and fingerprint-resistant oleo phobic coating
The iPhone 16 Series retains the Dynamic Island with no significant changes to the display. However, the camera layout shifts to a vertical arrangement, giving it a slightly different back design. This adjustment reduces the bump size compared to the iPhone 15
Performance
The iPhone 15 Series is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which delivers excellent performance, especially for gaming, video editing, and augmented reality (AR) apps. The 6GB RAM provides sufficient multitasking capability and smooth app switching. The iPhone 16 Series upgraded to the A18 chip, the first to use a 3nm process, significantly improving efficiency and speed. This chip is built with AI and machine learning optimizations, enabling faster processing for tasks like image recognition and real-time adjustments. The RAM is increased to 8GB, making the iPhone 16 better suited for handling more demanding AI and machine learning tasks, as well as multitasking.
Camera system
The iPhone 15 Series has a main camera with 48MP, f/1.6 aperture, and sensor-shift optical image stabilisation, an ultra-wide camera: 12MP, f/2.4 aperture, with a 120-degree field of view, useful for capturing wider shots. Its video capabilities are 4K video at 60fps, with support for Dolby Vision and Cinematic mode. It also supports 1080p Slo-mo at 240fps
While the iPhone 16 Series hardware specifications remain largely the same (48MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide),it introduces a few notable features. It has macro photography. It supports macro shots, a feature borrowed from the iPhone 15 Pro models. It has a camera control button which allows half-pressing for exposure lock and full-pressing for capturing photos. This is a significant change for those who prefer a more tactile camera experience.
Battery and charging
The iPhone 15 Series battery life is already strong, offering all-day usage for most users. It also supports MagSafe charging and standard wired charging through USB-C. Battery efficiency is managed by the A16 chip, which is fairly power-efficient.
On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Series is expected to have a slightly larger battery than its predecessor, though exact specifications have not been confirmed. Apple has also focused on improving MagSafe charging speeds, making it faster to top up wirelessly.
Connectivity and audio
The iPhone 15 uses the Snapdragon X70 modem, providing reliable 5G connectivity. Audio quality is good, with stereo speakers and solid haptic feedback from the Taptic Engine.
The iPhone 16 Series retains the same Snapdragon X70 modem for the base models but may offer enhanced 5G capabilities for the Pro models with the Snapdragon X75 modem.
Apple has also enhanced the spatial audio experience and introduced features like wind noise reduction, making audio recordings clearer in windy environments.
Price
Both iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series are priced similarly, with the base models starting at around the same price points. However, due to the new features, the iPhone 16 may come at a slightly higher premium, especially for models with more advanced features like the Camera Control button and macro photography.
