What we like
What we don’t like
The iPhone 15 is Apple’s previous-generation flagship phone.
It excludes Apple Intelligence yet has premium features not found on the iPhone 16e.
The verdict
The iPhone 16e is a better value than the iPhone 15.
It’s a common debate each time Apple releases a new iPhone.
Is the older, more premium phone a better value than the newer, less premium model?
Identifying your priorities can solve the iPhone 16e versus iPhone 15 debate.
Do you want the best performance and the latest Apple Intelligence features?
Or do you want an ultrawide camera in exchange for an older processor and no Apple Intelligence?
Without upgrading to the more premium iPhone 16, you could’t have it all.
Unless your biggest priority is taking ultrawide photos, theiPhone 16eis thebest iPhonefor most people between these two models.
Plus, you’ll get the latest Apple Intelligence features.
Its ultrawide camera distinguishes it from the iPhone 16e.
The black borders around the iPhone 16e’s display are also slightly thicker than those on the iPhone 15.
Still, the iPhone 16e looks like a modern premium phone.
But in day-to-day use, the difference will not be perceivable.
The iPhone 15, released in September 2023, will likely stop getting support in 2030.
For gaming, the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15 score about the same in benchmark tests.
They also play games as well as each other at similar graphics configs and frame rates.
The iPhone 15 doesn’t support Apple Intelligence.
The feature that will most likely enhance your iPhone experience is ChatGPT’s integration with Siri.
you could even set the iPhone 15’s Action button as a shortcut for ChatGPT voice functionality.
Read ouriPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16guide for a comparative breakdown of the models.
Another major difference is that the iPhone 16e is only available in a 6.1-inch version.
Between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15, you’re only losing the ability to take ultrawide shots.
In day-to-day shooting, there isn’t much difference in photo quality between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15.
Both phones can take optical-quality 2x zoom photos, too.
Yet, there are some minor differences.
The iPhone 15 includes sensor-shift optical image stabilization compared to the iPhone 16e’s basic optical stabilization.
If you take many portrait mode shots, you’ll appreciate the extra control from the iPhone 15.
Yet, it doesn’t.
Even then, 35-143 Mbps is plenty fast for most people.
Instead, it only supports the base Qi wireless charging, which is comparatively slow at around 7.5W.
That way, you could attach to MagSafe accessories and chargers to get proper alignment for optimal wireless charging.
Still, charging speeds are limited to Qi’s slower speeds.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 supports the first generation of MagSafe wireless charging with a 15W capacity.
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: Which should you buy?
Its access to Apple Intelligence is a plus.
Just note you’d be sacrificing the latest processor and Apple Intelligence features.
For most people, who might not use these advanced features, we’d recommend the iPhone 16e.
It offers several key aspects of the flagship iPhone 16 model for $200 less.
The iPhone 15 remains in Apple’s current lineup at a $100 discount.
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