Tech

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus: Which One Should You Buy?

Published

2 months ago

June 25, 2025

Introduction

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus. Apple’s iPhone 15 series has once again set the tech world buzzing, and for good reason. With the base models—iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus Apple delivers serious upgrades like the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port, and the powerful A16 Bionic chip. But here’s the dilemma: they’re very similar on paper, so which one should you actually buy?

Let’s break it down.

Design and Build

Similar Aesthetics

Both the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus share the same sleek design, with curved edges and a matte glass back that feels super premium. They’re nearly identical, visually speaking.

Size and Weight Differences

iPhone 15: 6.1-inch display, lighter and easier to handle
iPhone 15 Plus: 6.7-inch display, noticeably bigger and a bit heavier

If you’re used to compact phones, the Plus might feel chunky in the hand.

Color Options

Both models come in stunning new shades—Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, and Black—with a subtle pastel finish that screams “modern minimalist.”

Display

Screen Size Comparison

This is one of the biggest differentiators:

iPhone 15: 6.1 inches
iPhone 15 Plus: 6.7 inches

The bigger screen is better for watching content, gaming, or reading, but may not be ideal for one-hand use.

Brightness and Clarity

Both displays are Super Retina XDR OLED panels with up to 2000 nits peak brightness outdoors. That means vibrant colors and crystal-clear text.

Is Bigger Better?

It depends. If screen real estate matters for you—say, binge-watching Netflix or editing photos—the Plus wins. Otherwise, the standard 15 is more pocket-friendly.

Performance

A16 Bionic Chip in Both

Apple finally gave its base models the A16 Bionic chip, previously reserved for the iPhone 14 Pro. This chip is a beast—fast, efficient, and future-proof.

RAM and Speed Comparison

Both devices come with 6GB RAM, and thanks to iOS 17 optimization, they feel incredibly smooth. App switching, gaming, camera usage—it’s all lag-free.

Everyday Usage and Multitasking

You won’t notice a speed difference between the two. They’re both equally powerful.

Battery Life

Battery Capacity

Apple doesn’t disclose exact mAh figures, but:

iPhone 15 offers a solid day’s worth of use.
iPhone 15 Plus lasts even longer—up to 26 hours video playback compared to 20 hours on the 15.

Real-World Usage

If you’re a heavy user (think GPS navigation, social media, calls, and music), the Plus model will carry you through the next day with juice to spare.

Charging Speed

Both models now feature USB-C, making charging faster and more universal. Still, no significant change in actual charging speeds yet.

Camera Capabilities

Dual-Camera Setup

Both iPhones feature a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide. The upgrade from last year’s 12MP main sensor is huge.

Main and Ultra-Wide Lens

The 48MP main sensor captures sharp, detailed photos.
The ultra-wide lets you fit more into the frame—great for landscapes or group shots.

Photonic Engine and New Features

Thanks to Apple’s Photonic Engine, low-light photography has improved drastically. Night mode, Smart HDR 5, and 2x telephoto crop from the 48MP sensor all work seamlessly.

Software and Features

iOS 17 Integration

Out of the box, both phones run iOS 17 with features like Contact Posters, NameDrop, and StandBy mode.

Dynamic Island Experience

Both models ditch the old notch for the Dynamic Island, previously exclusive to Pro models. It’s interactive, fun, and genuinely useful.

USB-C and Connectivity

Finally, no more Lightning cable. With USB-C, you can use one cable for your iPhone, iPad, and even Mac.

Final Verdict

So, iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus—which one wins? Well, there’s no clear “better” choice. It all comes down to what you value more.

If you want a lightweight, pocketable iPhone with flagship features, go for the iPhone 15.
If you want a larger display and all-day battery life, the iPhone 15 Plus is totally worth the upgrade.

Either way, you’re getting a stellar phone.