iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15: All the expected differences

Intro

So, let’s now focus on the iPhone 16. This model is expected to remain the base one in the lineup and the most affordable of the four new iPhone 16 versions. We expect it to be priced at about $800, but a small price increase is possible. On the list of changes you will see a slightly tweaked design with a new pill-shaped rear camera island, a faster chipset with more RAM, not one, but two new physical buttons, and a few other improvements.

Will it be worth upgrading from the iPhone 15? Well, let’s dive in and find out!

Design and Display Quality

Ready for Spatial Video

Apple is not changing much with the iPhone 16 when it comes to its size and shape. Just like the previous iPhone 15, we have a 6.1-inch form factor on the newer model, and it will likely be crafted in a similar manner with an aluminum frame, with slightly tapered edges and a matte glass finish on the back.

Some slight reduction in the bezel size around the screen is possible, but not very likely as those thinner bezels are a feature Apple likes to keep for the iPhone Pro models.

Rumors also say that all iPhone 16 models, including the base iPhone 16, will get an Action Button (which replaces the mute switch), as well as a brand new “Capture Button” for quickly launching the camera. This Capture Button will work like a shutter key on a camera, so it will focus on a slight press and take a picture once you press it all the way in.

So the Action Button will be on the left side, above the volume keys. Then the Capture Button will be on the right, below the Power Button. This is where Apple placed the mmWave antenna previously, so that will now have to move to the bottom left side, below the volume keys.

The rest is pretty much the same: if there is any change in size and weight, it will be barely noticeable. And of course, you will still have a USB-C port on the iPhone 16, and IP68 water and dust protection.

Oh, and in terms of colors, we expect six different color options, some of them familiar, but some new like a Purple version, which is rumored to be in the works.

But what about the screen? Expect the same 6.1-inch screen size, OLED with perfect blacks, but rumors say Apple will be using a new micro-lens technology to give it a brightness boost and to lower its power consumption.

These changes will be good to see, but the one display improvement that people actually want will not arrive on the iPhone 16.

We are talking about the 60Hz screen of course, or more specifically the lack of 120Hz ProMotion on the non-Pro iPhone models. The iPhone 16, as per all rumors, will run at 60Hz, just like the iPhone 15. And that is nowhere nearly as smooth as ProMotion. Rumors say the coveted feature will finally arrive with the vanilla iPhone 17 model in 2025, if that’s any consolation.

Performance and Software

New iPhone, new chip

The iPhone 16 is expected to run on a new and faster chipset.

For context, the iPhone 15 runs on the A16 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 16 is expected to be the first vanilla iPhone model to use a 3nm processor. This new chipset could be called the Apple A18 (different than the A18 Pro chipset coming to the Pro versions).

So far, we only know that this new chipset will be all about AI optimizations. Apple missed the AI hype train last year, but it’s fully invested in the technology and we expect to hear the words “AI” often in the context of the iPhone 16.

And speaking of AI, the iPhone 16 will also get 8GB of RAM, up from 6GB RAM on the iPhone 15. Most AI tasks seem to require extra RAM and that’s probably the number one reason for the upgrade. What this also means, however, is that it’s possible that at least some AI features will not be available on the older iPhone 15.

We don’t expect any changes to the storage tiers, though, so you will be able to choose between 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of native storage.

The iPhone 16 will probably also use the same modem as the iPhone 15, the Snapdragon X70. It’s a perfectly good solution, just not quite as advanced as the expected upgraded modem in the iPhone 16 Pro. That Pro model will likely get the X75 version with improved carrier aggregation, and a combined sub-6GHz and mmWave chip that takes up 25% less space on the board and uses 20% less power. 

So far, that is the only thing we know about the battery equation. Will the 6% bigger battery results in improved real-world battery life? Probably, but chances are these battery gains won’t be huge.

Interestingly, it is possible that we see a change in charging speeds, the first one in years for Apple.

Some rumors claim that new iPhones might get 40W fast wired charging (up from 20W currently), and 20W fast MagSafe wireless charging (up from 15W currently).

This is far from certain, and knowing Apple’s conservative approach to fast charging, we have our doubts. It is also possible that those changes might only arrive to the Pro models, and not the regular iPhone 16. But right now, it’s a rumor and a hope, and not much more.

Specs Comparison

Should you upgrade?

So… is the iPhone 16 a good upgrade?

And as for the hardware, the iPhone 16 is not a huge upgrade: the faster chip and more RAM will not mean much for most users as the iPhone 15 is already plenty fast. Spatial Video will also be a feature few will care about, at least initially. And this leaves us with a modest, 6% upgrade in battery life and the new buttons which are actually quite welcome, but far from a game-changer that will inspire upgrades.

And the lack of 120Hz ProMotion on the iPhone 16 will continue to be the one feature designed to nudge you towards the pricier iPhone 16 Pro.

So… let’s wait and see all of that upcoming iPhone AI magic, shall we?