One thing is always almost certain in life: As another year passes, another iPhone generation will be released. Apple has been a leader in the smartphone industry since 2007 when it launched its first iPhone.
Now, almost two decades later, the company is still leading the way and releasing new phone models annually. The iPhone 16, which is the eighteenth generation of iPhones, is the latest model to be released.
The iPhone 16 was first unveiled alongside the higher, premium-priced iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, succeeding the iPhone 15 series of devices. The phones were first shown off at the Apple Event in California on September 9, 2024.
Just a few weeks later, the iPhone 16 was available for purchase. If you’re wondering if it’s worth upgrading from an iPhone 15 to an iPhone 16, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including what stayed the same and improved.
The iPhone 16 starts at $1,399 at retailers for the 128GB edition. The phone is available in a range of colours: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black. At most retailers, it is $200 more than the iPhone 15.
What Apple Improve From the iPhone 15 to the iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 marks the biggest upgrade for Apple’s baseline model in years. Its chipset is a massive leap over the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip, and it has a larger battery capacity, a new ultrawide camera, and new hardware buttons. The iPhone 16 is also set to receive Apple Intelligence support.
The iPhone 15 is still a formidable phone, especially if you can find it on a deal. If you’re deciding whether you should buy an iPhone 15 or 16, the 16 is a clear winner. However, if you’re deciding whether you should upgrade from the 15 to 16, that’s a different story. Below, we’ve outlined everything Apple has improved between generations.
Display
While the screen size stays the same between the iPhone 16 and 15 at 6.1 inches, the iPhone 16 can go up to 2,000 nits.
Processor
The iPhone 16’s processor is a massive upgrade to the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip. The iPhone 16 features the A18 chip, which scores better in every area in benchmark tests.
The A18 processor has a smaller transistor size (3 versus 4 nm), 17% higher CPU clock speed (4040 vs 3460 Mhz), and the AnTuTu 10 score is up to 16% better (1673K vs 1445K).
If entertainment, such as streaming and heavy 3D gaming, is important to you, the iPhone 16's A18 is better.
Battery life
The iPhone 16 beats not only the iPhone 15 in battery life but also all of its predecessors. This is because of its larger battery capacity and the efficiency of the A18 chip. In regular use testing, the iPhone 16 lasts 12-13 hours.
Apple Intelligence
The biggest improvement between the baseline models is the inclusion of Apple Intelligence in the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 will receive an update for Apple Intelligence in December, which brings useful, generative AI tools.
Despite the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 megapixels being the same, with the 48-megapixel wide and 12-megapixel ultrawide lenses, the iPhone 16’s camera is a major improvement. This is because the iPhone 16’s lenses can take in more light and have a wider aperture and autofocus for macro shots.
The iPhone 16 also has two new hardware shortcut buttons: the Action and Camera Control buttons. These are fantastic for convenience and accessibility.
What Has Stayed The Same Between the iPhone 15 and 16
A few core features and specifications have stayed the same between the base models of the iPhone 15 and 16. Although the leap between the iPhone 15 and 16 is massive, Apple has still taken an incremental approach to the camera configuration, design, and software.
The design for the iPhone 16 and 15 is, for the most part, the same. They both feature Apple’s signature premium look, are made of the same materials, and feature the same dimensions. The weight of both phones is almost identical, too.
The technology powering the phones’ screens is also the same. Both devices run similar OLED technology, allowing for a smooth 60Hz refresh rate and vibrant colours. Both phones measure 6.1 inches.
While the iPhone 16 does feature better cameras, as it allows for more light with a wider aperture, it still has the same dual-lens setup as the iPhone 15. So, if you’re upgrading from an iPhone 15, it’ll feel familiar.
Both phones currently support iOS 18, so the user interface and software compatibility should be the same. The phones have a near-identical software experience outside of Apple Intelligence, and will both be receiving updates for years to come.
Is It Worth Upgrading To A Refurbished iPhone 16?
If you’re wondering if it’s worth upgrading to a refurbished iPhone 16, we say yes. Even if you’re coming from an iPhone 15, the massive leap in specs and Apple Intelligence features the iPhone 16 has to offer is hard to pass up.
Buying refurbished is also a great way to experience everything the iPhone 16 has to offer at a fraction of the original cost. The money you save on purchasing the device refurbished can also be put towards accessories, like AirPods or a case.
A few reputable retailers already stock the baseline iPhone 16 refurbished, but by the time it is widely available in the refurbished market, the December Apple Intelligence update should be out.
If you’re upgrading from a phone older than the iPhone 15 or coming over from the Android ecosystem, the iPhone 16 will be a massive technical jump.
Most tech media outlets agree that the iPhone 16 is Apple's best entry-level phone in years and is great value for money. When the Apple Intelligence update is released, it’ll also be the most affordable iPhone with AI tools.
Buy The Latest iPhones at OzMobiles
For the best deal on the latest iPhones, buying refurbished is a cost-effective way to experience cutting-edge tech and Apple’s answer to artificial intelligence. Here at OzMobiles, we stock a large range of refurbished Apple products, including the iPhone 15 series, and we’re growing our range of iPhone 16 devices.
If you can find a better deal elsewhere on refurbished iPhone models, come to us, and we’ll beat the price by $10 (terms and conditions apply). All the devices we sell, including our Apple iPhones, come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return period.
Here at OzMobiles, we proudly stand behind our products and offer a range of support services so you can confidently shop with us for all your smart tech needs. All the devices we sell also undergo a comprehensive refurbishment process, ensuring they are fully functional.
All of our refurbished phones are restored to run like new ones. The condition grading for our devices only refers to their cosmetic condition. Here at OzMobiles, we also stock a wide range of accessories and wearables, like cases and watches.
If you have any questions about our refurbishment process or require assistance finding the right iPhone to suit your needs, contact us. We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re still deciding between the iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16, or want a different phone entirely, our team is here to help.
