iPhone 15 • Unlocked vs iPhone 15 Plus • Unlocked

iPhone 15 • Unlocked
iPhone 15 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$363.00

Versus $729.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Plus • Unlocked
iPhone 15 Plus • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$389.99

Versus $829.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, both released in September 2023, represent Apple's standard smartphone offerings for their generation. While they share many core features, including the same advanced processor and camera system, their primary distinctions lie in physical size and battery capacity. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform, providing a consistent user experience.

Scores

Durability

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus were released simultaneously in September 2023, meaning they benefit from the same software support timeline. Apple typically provides several years of iOS updates, ensuring both models receive new features and security enhancements for an extended period.

  • Software Longevity: Users can expect both devices to receive major iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from their release, offering a long practical lifespan for software features and security.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum design with a color-infused glass back. They also carry an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: The design of both the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus includes a more repair-friendly internal structure compared to some previous generations, potentially simplifying certain repairs.

Release Year

2023

2023

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are equipped with the same powerful internal components, ensuring a consistent performance experience across both models.

  • Processing Power: Both devices handle demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive games smoothly. This is due to their efficient processor, which was previously featured in the prior year's Pro models.
  • Multitasking Capability: With 6GB of RAM, both phones manage multiple open applications effectively, allowing users to switch between tasks without noticeable slowdowns.
  • Storage Options: Both models are available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos for most users.

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The primary difference in the display experience between these two models is their physical size, while the underlying technology and visual quality remain consistent.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a high pixel density of approximately 460 pixels per inch for sharp text and images.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both screens achieve a typical brightness of up to 1000 nits, with peak HDR brightness reaching 1600 nits and an impressive peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring good visibility even in direct sunlight.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch display, offering a compact viewing area suitable for one-handed use. The iPhone 15 Plus, with its larger 6.7-inch display, provides a more expansive canvas for media consumption, gaming, and productivity 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 share an identical and capable camera system, delivering consistent photo and video quality.

  • Rear Camera System: Each device features an advanced dual-camera setup, including a 48MP Main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera. The 48MP main sensor allows for a 2x telephoto option by cropping the sensor, providing optical-quality zoom.
  • Photography Features: Both models support features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, and next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control, enhancing image quality across various lighting conditions. They capture photos in a default 24MP resolution, balancing detail and file size.
  • Video Capabilities: Both phones record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, with support for Cinematic mode (4K HDR at 30fps) and Action mode (up to 2.8K at 60fps) for stabilized footage.

Main camera

48 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core functionalities, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus offer similar practical features and design elements, with the main distinction being their physical dimensions.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G cellular networks, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity. A notable change for this generation is the adoption of a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, replacing the previous Lightning connector. This USB-C port operates at USB 2.0 speeds.
  • Biometric Security and Navigation: Both models utilize Face ID for secure facial recognition and authentication. They also feature the Dynamic Island, an interactive area at the top of the display that provides alerts and background activity information.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 15 measures 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 171 grams, making it a more compact and lighter option. The iPhone 15 Plus is larger and heavier at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and 201 grams, offering a more substantial feel in hand.

Weight

171 oz

201 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C (USB 2)

USB-C (USB 2)

User feedback for both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus generally highlights their strong performance, capable camera systems, and the convenience of the Dynamic Island. Common praise points include the improved main camera, which delivers detailed photos, and the transition to USB-C for broader compatibility.

The main differentiator and a frequent point of discussion among users is the battery life and screen size. The iPhone 15 Plus consistently receives acclaim for its extended battery performance, often lasting more than a full day of heavy use, and sometimes up to two days with lighter usage. The standard iPhone 15, while still offering reliable all-day power, does not match the longevity of its larger counterpart.

Users prioritizing a more compact device that is easier to handle with one hand may find the iPhone 15 well-suited to their needs. Its 6.1-inch display offers a comfortable viewing experience without being overly large. Conversely, individuals who value a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, or productivity, and who prioritize maximum battery endurance, will likely lean towards the iPhone 15 Plus. The larger 6.7-inch display provides an immersive visual experience, complemented by its robust battery.

Both models offer a consistent and high-quality experience, making the choice primarily a matter of personal preference regarding device size and battery life. For those considering a sustainable choice, quality-assured refurbished options for both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are available, providing an eco-friendly alternative.

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