iPhone 15 Plus • Unlocked vs iPhone 15 • Locked T-Mobile

iPhone 15 Plus • Unlocked
iPhone 15 Plus • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$399.99

Versus $829.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 • Locked T-Mobile
iPhone 15 • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$379.00

Versus $699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 15 Plus and the iPhone 15 are both part of Apple's 2023 smartphone lineup, offering a blend of design refinements and performance enhancements. While they share many core features, the primary distinctions lie in their physical size, display dimensions, and battery capacity. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS, ensuring a consistent software experience across the ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

Both the iPhone 15 Plus and the iPhone 15 were released in September 2023, meaning they benefit from the same current software and hardware advancements.

  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides iOS updates for 5-7 years from a device's release, ensuring both models will receive significant software support for an extended period.
  • Battery Lifespan: Apple states that iPhone 15 models are designed to retain 80% of their original battery capacity after 1,000 complete charge cycles under ideal conditions, an improvement over previous generations.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against everyday elements.

Release Year

2023

2023

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 share the same internal processing power, delivering a consistent experience across both models.

  • Processing Capabilities: Both devices are equipped with the same advanced processor, enabling smooth operation for demanding applications, efficient multitasking, and responsive gaming experiences.
  • Storage Options: Users have identical storage choices for both models, ranging from 128GB to 512GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
  • Battery Performance: The iPhone 15 Plus offers a significantly larger battery capacity compared to the standard iPhone 15, translating to extended usage times. Users report the iPhone 15 Plus can last up to two days on a single charge with moderate use, while the iPhone 15 typically provides a full day of power.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 is characterized by vibrant colors and sharp details, though they differ in scale.

  • Display Technology: Both models feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, offering deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant color reproduction.
  • Size and Resolution: The iPhone 15 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels, while the iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels. Both maintain a pixel density of approximately 460 pixels per inch, ensuring sharp visuals.
  • Brightness and Features: Both displays offer a typical brightness of up to 1,000 nits, a peak HDR brightness of up to 1,600 nits, and a peak outdoor brightness of up to 2,000 nits, making them highly visible in various lighting conditions. They also both incorporate the Dynamic Island feature.

Resolution

1290 x 2796

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 are identical, providing users with the same photographic and videographic capabilities.

  • Main Camera System: Both devices feature an advanced dual-camera system with a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The main camera supports 2x telephoto zoom through its quad-pixel sensor, offering optical-quality zoom.
  • Photography Features: Both models include features like Night mode, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 5, enhancing image quality across different lighting scenarios. They also offer next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control.
  • Video Recording: Both phones are capable of 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, with features such as Cinematic mode and Action mode for enhanced video capture.

Main camera

48 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two iPhone models.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 support 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. A notable change for both models is the inclusion of a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, replacing the Lightning connector.
  • Biometric Security: Both devices rely on Face ID for secure authentication and unlocking.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 15 Plus is larger and heavier, measuring 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and weighing 201 grams. The iPhone 15 is more compact at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm and 171 grams. These differences impact one-handed use and pocketability.

Weight

201 oz

171 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

Connector

USB-C (USB 2)

USB-C (USB 2)

The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 offer a very similar user experience in terms of performance and camera capabilities, as they share the same processor and camera system. Users frequently praise the camera quality and the overall smooth operation of both devices.

The main points of differentiation, and thus common discussion among users, revolve around size and battery life. The iPhone 15 Plus is consistently highlighted for its significantly longer battery life, with some users reporting it can comfortably last through heavy usage or even multiple days on a single charge. Conversely, the standard iPhone 15 is often favored by those who prefer a more compact device for easier one-handed use and pocketability. Some users of the standard iPhone 15 have noted that while the battery life is good, it's typically a one-day phone for average use.

Users prioritizing extended battery life and a larger display for media consumption or productivity will find the iPhone 15 Plus well-suited to their needs. Those who prefer a more manageable size and lighter device, without compromising on core performance or camera quality, may lean towards the iPhone 15. Both models represent a solid choice, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either device.

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