iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15
Specs, full price and monthly payments for both phones, side by side.
The short version
- The iPhone 16 uses the A18 chip, while the iPhone 15 uses the A16 Bionic.
- Both have a 6.1-inch display.
- Both list the same cameras: 48MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide.
- iPhone 16 has the longer battery rating: up to 22 hours of video versus 20.
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A18 | A16 Bionic |
| Display | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Cameras | 48MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide | 48MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Battery (video) | Up to 22 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Base storage | 128GB | 128GB |
| Lowest full price | — | $699 |
| Lowest monthly | $15/mo (T-Mobile) | — |
Specs come from our tracking sheet; check Apple's official specifications before relying on them.
Deals for both phones
Pay in full upfront
One payment, no contract. The phone is yours right away.
| Model | Retailer | Full price | Max trade-in value | Terms | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | Apple Store | $699 | Up to $400 | No ContractAny Plan / Unlocked | View terms |
Pay monthly with a carrier
Little or nothing down, then monthly payments over the term.
| Model | Retailer / Carrier | Upfront | Monthly | Terms & conditions | Est. total | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | T-Mobile | $0 | $15per month | 24 MonthsPlan: Go5G Plus$700 Credit trade-in+ $35 activation fee | $395 | View terms |
Prices shown were saved on November 4, 2026 and may have changed. See the live deals page and confirm terms with the retailer before you buy. Estimated total = upfront + monthly × term + activation fee; it excludes plan price, taxes and trade-in credits. Some “View terms” links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life?
Our sheet rates the iPhone 16 for up to 22 hours of video versus 20 hours for the other.
What chip does each phone use?
The iPhone 16 uses the A18; the iPhone 15 uses the A16 Bionic.
Should I pay in full or monthly?
Paying in full gives you the phone with no contract and no bill credits. Monthly plans spread the cost over a term, often with credits tied to a plan, so the real cost depends on how long you stay. Compare both tables on this page, and see how we treat $0 offers on our deals page.