iPhone 15 Pro • Unlocked vs iPhone 16 Plus • Unlocked

iPhone 15 Pro • Unlocked
iPhone 15 Pro • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$448.00

Versus $999.00 new

See options
iPhone 16 Plus • Unlocked
iPhone 16 Plus • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$578.00

Versus $829.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 15 Pro, released in September 2023, and the iPhone 16 Plus, launched in September 2024, represent different tiers within Apple's smartphone lineup. While the iPhone 15 Pro offers advanced features typically associated with a 'Pro' model, the iPhone 16 Plus provides a larger display and a newer generation processor, catering to users with varying priorities. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform, ensuring a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates, software support, and physical construction.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 15 Pro was introduced in September 2023, making it a year older than the iPhone 16 Plus, which launched in September 2024. This difference in release date directly impacts the duration of future software updates.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 16 Plus is expected to receive major iOS updates for a longer period than the iPhone 15 Pro, typically extending its software support by an additional year due to its newer release. Both devices are designed to receive software updates for several years, ensuring access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Durability Features: The iPhone 15 Pro features a titanium design with a Ceramic Shield front cover and a textured matte glass back, offering a robust build. It also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 16 Plus also incorporates a Ceramic Shield front and an IP68 rating, with an internal design reengineered to potentially improve heat dissipation and battery serviceability.

Release Year

2023

2024

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the newer iPhone 16 Plus benefiting from a more recent processor generation, while the iPhone 15 Pro still delivers a high level of capability.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. The iPhone 16 Plus features a newer generation processor, which offers enhanced performance, particularly for tasks leveraging advanced computational capabilities.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer ample internal memory, allowing for efficient multitasking and quick app switching. Users can expect fluid navigation and rapid application loading on both models.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 15 Pro is available with storage capacities up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs. The iPhone 16 Plus offers storage options up to 512GB, which is suitable for most users' applications and media.

Memory

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is vibrant, though they differ in screen size and refresh rate technology.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 16 Plus provides a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which can enhance the viewing experience for media consumption and productivity.
  • Refresh Rate: The iPhone 15 Pro includes ProMotion technology, enabling an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 16 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is consistent for everyday use but does not offer the same level of visual fluidity as the ProMotion display.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both models feature high resolution displays with excellent pixel density, resulting in sharp text and clear images. They also offer high peak brightness levels, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1179 x 2556

1290 x 2796

Screen type

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both iPhones offer capable camera systems, but the Pro model provides more versatility for advanced photography, while the Plus model introduces new user-friendly controls.

  • Camera System Configuration: The iPhone 15 Pro features a versatile triple-camera system, including a 48MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide, and a dedicated 12MP 3x Telephoto lens, providing a broad optical zoom range. The iPhone 16 Plus comes with an advanced dual-camera system, comprising a 48MP Fusion Main camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, with 2x optical zoom capabilities derived from the main sensor.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 15 Pro excels in computational photography, offering features like ProRes video recording and advanced low-light performance. The iPhone 16 Plus introduces a new Camera Control button, designed to offer more tactile and intuitive adjustments for photography settings, alongside improved computational photography for everyday shots and spatial video capture.
  • Video Capabilities: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, including 4K resolution. The iPhone 15 Pro offers advanced video features like ProRes, catering to professional workflows. The iPhone 16 Plus also supports spatial video recording, which can be viewed on compatible devices for an immersive experience.

Main camera

48 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of each device.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 15 Pro features a USB-C port with USB 3 speeds, allowing for faster data transfers and more efficient professional workflows. The iPhone 16 Plus also uses a USB-C port, though it operates at USB 2.0 speeds. Both devices support modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6E and 5G for reliable network connectivity.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The iPhone 15 Pro utilizes a lightweight titanium frame, contributing to its overall feel and durability. It weighs 187 grams. The iPhone 16 Plus, with its larger display, is slightly heavier at 199 grams and has different dimensions. Both models include the customizable Action Button for quick access to preferred functions.
  • Security and Biometrics: Both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Plus rely on Face ID for secure facial recognition, providing a convenient and robust method for unlocking the device and authenticating purchases.

Weight

187 oz

7030 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C (USB 3)

USB-C (USB 2)

Users frequently praise the iPhone 15 Pro for its advanced camera system, particularly the dedicated telephoto lens and ProRes video capabilities, making it a strong choice for photography and videography enthusiasts. Its ProMotion display is also a commonly cited advantage for its smooth visual experience. Some users, however, note that its battery life, while good, might require more frequent charging for very heavy use compared to larger models.

The iPhone 16 Plus is often appreciated for its larger display, which enhances media consumption and general usability. Its newer processor is also a highlight, offering improved performance and support for the latest software features. Users also report that the iPhone 16 Plus generally offers better battery life than the 15 Pro. A common point of discussion for the 16 Plus is the absence of a high refresh rate display, which some users accustomed to smoother scrolling might notice.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with advanced camera features, including a dedicated telephoto lens and a high refresh rate display, may find the iPhone 15 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a larger screen for media and productivity, along with extended battery life and the very latest processing power, might lean towards the iPhone 16 Plus. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking a sustainable choice.

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