iPhone 15 Vs iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15
iPhone 15
Starting at

Refurbished price:£326.00

Versus £699.00 new

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iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£347.00

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, both released in September 2023, represent Apple's standard-tier smartphone offerings. While sharing a common foundation in design, internal components, and camera capabilities, their primary distinctions lie in physical size and battery capacity. Both devices operate on the iOS platform, ensuring a consistent software experience across the board.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus offer comparable expected lifespans due to their shared release timeline and software support. They launched with iOS 17 and are compatible with subsequent iOS versions, including iOS 18 and iOS 26, indicating several years of software updates.

  • Software Support: Both models receive regular iOS updates for an extended period, typically 5-6 years from their release, ensuring access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and a color-infused glass back with an aluminum design, offering robust protection against everyday wear and tear. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both models are designed with internal components that allow for professional servicing, contributing to their practical lifespan.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are equipped with the same advanced processor, ensuring a consistent and responsive user experience across both models. This processor, previously featured in the iPhone 14 Pro models, delivers efficient performance for a wide range of tasks.

  • System Responsiveness: Users can expect smooth navigation, quick app launches, and efficient multitasking, even with demanding applications, thanks to the powerful internal components.
  • Gaming and Heavy Usage: The integrated graphics processing unit provides ample power for mobile gaming and graphically intensive applications, maintaining stable performance during extended use.
  • Battery Performance: The iPhone 15 Plus, with its larger physical size, accommodates a significantly larger battery, translating to extended usage times. It offers up to 26 hours of video playback and 100 hours of audio playback, compared to the iPhone 15's 20 hours of video playback and 80 hours of audio playback. This difference means the iPhone 15 Plus can often last through a full day of heavy use and potentially into the next, while the standard iPhone 15 typically provides a full day of power for most users.

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The primary distinction in screen quality between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus lies in their physical dimensions, as both models share identical display technology and characteristics.

  • Display Technology: Both devices feature a Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. They also incorporate the Dynamic Island, which provides interactive alerts and Live Activities.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch display with a 2556x1179-pixel resolution, while the iPhone 15 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch display with a 2796x1290-pixel resolution. Both maintain a pixel density of approximately 460 pixels per inch, ensuring sharp and clear visuals. Both displays offer a typical brightness of 1,000 nits, a peak HDR brightness of 1,600 nits, and a peak outdoor brightness of 2,000 nits, making them highly visible even in bright sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate: Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth visual experience for most everyday tasks.

Resolution

1179 x 2556

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are equipped with an advanced dual-camera system that delivers high-quality photography and videography capabilities. The camera hardware and features are consistent across both models.

  • Main Camera System: Each device features a 48-megapixel main camera with an f/1.6 aperture and sensor-shift optical image stabilization, capable of capturing detailed photos with a new 24-megapixel default resolution. They also include a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view and a 12-megapixel 2x telephoto option, enabled by the quad-pixel sensor, for optical-quality zoom.
  • Photography Features: Both models support next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control, Smart HDR 5, Night mode, and Photonic Engine for improved low-light performance and overall image processing.
  • Video Recording: Video capabilities include 4K recording at various frame rates, Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 frames per second, and Action mode for stabilized footage. The TrueDepth front camera is 12-megapixel with autofocus, supporting similar photographic and video features.

Main camera

48 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core functionalities, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus share a range of practical features and design elements that enhance their usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both models have transitioned to a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, aligning with modern standards. They support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast and reliable wireless connections.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: Face ID provides secure facial recognition for unlocking and payments. Both devices include a range of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, barometer, and proximity sensor. They also feature a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for enhanced spatial awareness and Precision Finding for Find My Friends.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 15 measures 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 171 grams, offering a compact and lightweight feel. The iPhone 15 Plus is larger at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and weighs 201 grams, providing a more expansive viewing experience. Both feature a durable aluminum frame and a textured matte glass back.

Weight

171 g

201 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C (USB 2)

USB-C

User feedback for both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus generally highlights their strong performance, improved camera systems, and the convenience of the Dynamic Island and USB-C port. Common praise points include the vibrant OLED displays and the overall smooth iOS experience. For the iPhone 15 Plus, the significantly extended battery life is a frequent highlight, often noted as a key advantage for users who prioritize longevity between charges. Some users of the standard iPhone 15, while appreciating its compact size, occasionally express a desire for longer battery endurance. A recurring point of discussion for both models is the standard 60Hz refresh rate, with some users wishing for the smoother 120Hz ProMotion display found in higher-tier models.

Users prioritizing a more compact device that is easy to handle and carry will find the iPhone 15 well-suited to their needs. Its smaller form factor makes it comfortable for one-handed use and pocketability. Conversely, users who value a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, or productivity, and for whom extended battery life is a critical factor, may lean towards the iPhone 15 Plus. The larger display offers a more immersive visual experience, and its superior battery performance reduces the need for frequent recharging. Both devices offer a robust and feature-rich smartphone experience, with the choice primarily depending on individual preferences for size and battery capacity. For those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, both models are available, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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