iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15: A Worthy Upgrade or Just Hype?
Ah, iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15; the comparison you’ve been waiting for. It’s not just about the numbers or the specs; it’s about the choices that define your lifestyle. The 16e brings a fresh look, but does it have what it takes to take down the iPhone 15? The 15 has its legacy, but the 16e? Well, it’s here to challenge everything you thought you knew about Apple’s next big thing.
Currently in this volatile market, the question isn’t just which phone is better. It’s about which one will serve you best, fit your ambition, and shape your digital experience. Let’s cut through the noise and lay out the facts. Because when it comes down to camera and performance, only one phone will come out on top.
Table of Contents
Now, let’s dive in, shall we?
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15: Key Differences
Before diving in let’s take a look at the key differences of iPhone 16e and iPhone 15:
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 |
| Apple A18 | Apple A16 Bionic |
| 8GB | 6GB |
| 48MP single camera | 48MP main + 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Lower peak brightness | Higher peak brightness |
| Qi wireless charging | MagSafe and Qi wireless charging |
| Longer video playback | Shorter video playback |
| Has Apple Intelligence | Does not have Apple Intelligence |
| Lacks Ultra Wideband chip | Has Ultra Wideband chip |
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15: Design & Build
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 |
| Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Sharper Edges | Rounded Edges |
| Action button | Mute toggle switch |
The iPhone 15 plays it safe with rounded edges, an aluminum frame, and a color-infused glass back that feels premium yet familiar. It’s IP68-rated, meaning it can handle a splash, a dunk, or even a few minutes in Hatirjheel’s murky waters (don’t try it though). The Dynamic Island remains unchanged, and the good old mute toggle switch is still holding its ground; functional, but outdated.
But with the iPhone 16e? Apple sharpens its game. The edges are crisper, the frame feels more solid, giving it a slightly more aggressive stance. The Action Button replaces the old mute switch, letting you customize what it does; because why just silence a call when you can seize control? The build still features aerospace-grade aluminum, but refinements in materials make it feel subtly more robust.
Both phones maintain the IP68 water and dust resistance, so they’ll survive an accidental drop in the pool or a coffee spill. But while the 15 is a well-crafted classic, the 16e is a whisper of what’s to come; a little sharper, a little bolder, just enough to make you think, “Maybe it’s time for an upgrade.”
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15: Display
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 |
| Up to 1200 nits | Up to 2000 nits |
| 1170 x 2532 pixels | 1179 x 2556 pixels |
| Less vibrant | More vibrant |
The iPhone 15 holds the high ground in display technology, and if you think the 16e is going to dethrone it, you haven’t been paying attention. Apple manufactured the iPhone 15 with a Super Retina XDR OLED display; 6.1 inches of pure, unfiltered excellence. It also has HDR10, Dolby Vision and a Peak brightness of 2000 nits.
It doesn’t just look good; it demands your attention. Colors? Lush. Blacks? Deep as the abyss. Every pixel works overtime to make sure you get the best viewing experience.
The iPhone 16e on the other hand, is similar. Featuring a 6.1-inch XDR OLED panel with vibrant colors and solid contrast. The display supports HDR, but the peak brightness doesn’t reach the same heights as the iPhone 15.
Still, it provides a very respectable viewing experience, and with the same 60Hz refresh rate, it’s quite comparable in smoothness for day-to-day use.
Another key difference of the 16e from iPhone 15 is that the 16e does not have the dynamic island. This might become a deal breaker for some.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15: Camera
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 |
| Single 48MP | Dual (48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide) |
| No ultrawide lens | Has ultrawide lens |
For the iPhone 15, as expected, flexes its muscles with a dual-camera setup; main and ultra-wide. You’ll find a 48 MP main sensor, which is impressive, to say the least. It captures detail with great precision. The ultra-wide, 12 MP lens gives you that sweeping view, perfect for landscape shots or squeezing in the whole room for a group photo.
Night Mode is also sharper, as you’d expect. Apple’s doing what it does best: refining and perfecting. But here’s the kicker; it also offers ProRAW support. So, if you’re the type that likes to dive into the nitty-gritty of editing, you’ll appreciate that extra control.
What about the 16e? Well, it’s got a 48 MP main sensor too, and don’t let anyone fool you into thinking it’s the same. Apple’s done some cost-cutting, and the results are… noticeable. The 16e lacks the same finesse when it comes to low-light conditions.
So depending on your use case, you can pick either one of these. If you want the maximum control with an ultrawide lens going with the iPhone 15 is the clear answer but if you want something for casual shots the 16e will work perfectly.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15: Performance
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 |
| Apple A18 | Apple A16 Bionic |
| 8GB RAM | 6GB RAM |
Moving on, let’s take a look at the performance of these 2 phones. With the iPhone 15, this one’s got the A16 Bionic chip, a serious piece of hardware that’s all about speed, power, and efficiency. We’re talking about a phone that doesn’t break a sweat, no matter what you throw at it.
It is smooth, responsive, and built for the long haul. Apple’s knack for optimizing its hardware and software means you’re getting top-tier performance that’ll last for years. The 6GB of RAM? Don’t worry, it’s more than enough to keep everything running without a hitch.
Now, let’s talk about the iPhone 16e. This phone is packing the A18 Bionic chip. The A18? That’s a whole new level. Faster, more efficient, more powerful. If you want a device that can handle the most demanding tasks, the iPhone 16e is your winner.
It’s got the raw muscle to stay ahead of the curve, giving you smooth performance for years to come. It even has more RAM and an NPU which is very crucial for Apple Intelligence which we will get into later.
If you’re the type who values performance that won’t slow down, the iPhone 16e is the clear choice. It’s the future, and it’s here today. The iPhone 15? It’s a solid option, sure, but it’s not the one leading the charge. The iPhone 16e, with that A18 chip, is the one that will keep up with you, no matter what you throw at it.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15: UI & OS
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 |
| Apple Intelligence included | No Apple Intelligence |
| Notch (static display area) | Dynamic Island (interactive, dynamic display area) |
Let’s talk a bit about the UI and OS of these smartphones. Starting with the iPhone 15, it’s dependable. iOS 17 is refined, stable, and it’s got all the features you’ve come to expect from Apple. It’s smooth, no doubt, with widgets, custom lock screens, and plenty of customization options. If you’re looking for an OS that simply works; without any fuss; iOS 17 on the iPhone 15 delivers that. You won’t be disappointed.
Now, let’s talk about the iPhone 16e and iOS 18. This isn’t just a slight tweak, it’s a more substantial leap. The new chip means the software runs faster, smoother, and more intelligently. iOS 18 brings enhanced AI features, better multitasking, and smarter interactions with your apps.
It’s built for efficiency, designed to anticipate your needs and deliver them before you even have to ask. It’s about getting more done in less time, making your life a little easier. Another big plus point for the 16e would be the Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence is basically a personal AI system designed to enhance communication, work, and expression on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It works by combining generative models with personal context to deliver useful and relevant intelligence while prioritizing user privacy.
So, if you want the latest OS and Apple Intelligence 16e is the clear winner as it is quite future proof.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15: Battery
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 |
| 4005 mAh | 3349 mAh |
| 7.5W (Qi) | 15W (MagSafe), 7.5W (Qi) |
The last section that we will talk about is the battery. The juice of the smartphone which keeps it running. Let’s begin with the iPhone 15. It’s solid. Apple knows what they’re doing here. You won’t be reaching for the charger halfway through your day. With a 3,349 mAh battery, this phone can handle the essentials; emails, scrolling through social media, maybe a quick FaceTime. It’s not going to wow you, but it’s dependable, and for most people, that’s all that matters.
Now, look at the iPhone 16e. Apple’s taken things up a notch; not in size, but in efficiency. Thanks to that A18 Bionic chip, the phone doesn’t just perform better; it lasts longer. You’re getting a little extra juice, which means fewer trips to the charger.
If you’re the type to stream videos, play games, or work on the go, this one’s got your back for a few more hours. It’s the kind of improvement you don’t realize you need until you’ve got it.
In short, the iPhone 15’s battery will get you through a typical day. But the iPhone 16e? It gives you more when you need it.
Overall Specs
Before going to the conclusion let’s take a look at the overall specs of the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15 side by side
| Specifications | iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 |
| Network | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | February 19, 2025 | 2023, September 12 |
| Body | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 167 g | 171 g |
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| SIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM |
| IP Rating | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min) |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10 | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 pixels | 1179 x 2556 pixels |
| Protection | Ceramic Shield glass | Ceramic Shield glass |
| OS | iOS 18 | iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 18 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Apple A16 Bionic |
| CPU | Hexa-core (2×4.04 GHz + 4×2.20 GHz) | Hexa-core (2×3.46 GHz Everest + 4×2.02 GHz Sawtooth) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) |
| Memory Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55″, 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS | 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS + 12 MP, f/2.4, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0.7µm |
| Main Camera Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama) |
| Main Camera Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, OIS, stereo sound rec. | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6″, 1.0µm, PDAF | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6″, 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Selfie Camera Features | HDR, Dolby Vision HDR | HDR, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Selfie Camera Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, HDR | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | Stereo loudspeakers | Stereo loudspeakers |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort |
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Features | Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite | Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite |
| Battery | Li-Ion 4005 mAh | Li-Ion 3349 mAh |
| Charging Info | Wired, 50% in 30 min. 7.5W wireless (Qi) | Wired, 50% in 30 min. 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) – requires iOS 17.2 update. 4.5W reverse wired. |
| Colors | Black, White. | Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink |
| Performance Tests | AnTuTu: 1401105 (v10) GeekBench: 8224 (v6) 3DMark: 2850 | AnTuTu: 1354651 (v10) GeekBench: 6526 (v6) 3DMark: 3084 |
Verdict
Whew! Boy was that a journey. We have covered almost all aspects there is on this smartphone and now you should be able to come to a standpoint. You should go for the iPhone 16e if you want better performance, Apple Intelligence and the latest software. If you want a better camera and a better display iPhone 15 should be your go to.
Hopefully we were able to help you in making the right decision as to which phone to take. Now, if you have selected which iPhone to get and now are looking for a good place, do check out Apple Gadgets. They have the latest collection of iPhone and their representatives are quite knowledgeable and will be able to help you there as well.
That was it for this blog, we will see you in another one.
Mohammad Shariful Islam is the CEO and MD of Apple Gadgets, a leading e-commerce and retail chain for gadgets in Bangladesh. He has a passion for technology, entrepreneurship, and holds a decade of experience in gadget E-Commerce. He’s committed to providing the best possible shopping experience for customers by delivering the latest and trendy gadgets.
