iPhone Comparison: What’s New?

Why Compare iPhone 16 and iPhone 15?

With the iPhone 17 just around the corner — bringing a new design, upgraded camera sensors, more responsive displays, and a potential iOS 19 overhaul — Apple appears to be preparing for a major generational shift. In this context, the iPhone 16 acts as a transitional model, already introducing key innovations like Apple Intelligence compatibility, the A18 chip, and the new Capture Button.

Comparing the iPhone 16 to the iPhone 15 helps determine whether the tech leap is significant enough to justify buying now — or if it’s wiser to wait for the more radical changes expected next year. The iPhone 15 remains a strong all-rounder for everyday use in 2025, while the iPhone 16 paves the way for a smarter, more deeply integrated Apple experience.

Tableau comparatif : iPhone 15, iPhone 16 et iPhone 17

Apple Intelligence: The Innovation Ahead

iPhone 16 is the first model designed to support Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools announced for fall 2025 with iOS 18:

• Conversational Siri
• Genmoji creation
• Smart summaries for emails, documents, notes
• Image Playground for creative image generation
• Instant visual recognition via camera

Note: Apple Intelligence will be gradually rolled out. Choosing iPhone 16 ensures access as soon as it's available.

Make buying your iPhone easier with Tango

With Tango, accessing the latest technology has never been simpler. Thanks to our My New Mobile service, you can reduce the upfront cost and spread the remaining balance over 24 or 36 months (36 months available with an Unlimited plan). Enjoy your new iPhone with complete freedom.

• Monthly payments over 24 or 36 months, depending on your plan.
• €0 upfront with selected offers.
• Trade-in of your old phone available to lower your investment.

Discover My New Mobile and our offers.

Battery Life & Performance

Energy efficiency gains are modest but noticeable with the iPhone 16 lineup, thanks to optimizations introduced by the new A18 and A18 Pro chips.

• iPhone 16: up to 22 hours of video playback, compared to 20 hours for the iPhone 15.
• iPhone 16 Plus: remains stable at 26 hours like the 15 Plus, but benefits from more efficient power management.
• iPhone 16 Pro: offers 23 hours of battery life, similar to the 15 Pro, with better heat control and peak performance management.
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: reaches 29 hours, just like the 15 Pro Max, thanks to the combination of the A18 Pro chip and ProMotion technology.

Wi-Fi 7 connectivity on the Pro models improves network stability and responsiveness — especially reducing latency during streaming and video calls. This contributes indirectly to smoother and more efficient device usage.

As for the upcoming iPhone 17, battery capacities are expected to remain unchanged. However, the introduction of more energy-efficient displays (Low-Dielectric TEE on Pro models) and the adoption of adaptive refresh rate (ProMotion) across the entire range could significantly improve daily battery life — especially during browsing or standby. If Apple keeps the same battery standards, these optimizations could translate into 1 to 2 additional hours of use for certain tasks, without requiring a major hardware overhaul.

Photography and Video: The iPhone 16 Difference

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max introduce a range of meaningful improvements for mobile photography enthusiasts and everyday users alike:

• Improved automatic portrait mode: no more manual switching — the iPhone now detects background blur scenes on its own and captures them in high quality. The result: sharp, natural-looking portraits with no extra effort.
• Refined 5x optical zoom: ideal for capturing distant details without compromising sharpness. Perfect for concerts, architecture, or landscape photography without needing to move closer.
• Better low-light performance: night shots and indoor photos come out brighter, with richer colors and improved sharpness — even without flash. Less digital noise, more natural tones.
• Spatial video compatible with Vision Pro: record moments in 3D and relive them immersively using an Apple Vision Pro headset. A new way to capture and experience memories.
• On-device AI processing: artificial intelligence automatically optimizes every shot — from exposure and white balance to fine detail. Everything is adjusted in real time for a professional look, with no need for editing.

iPhone 16 Specs Table

iPhone 15 Specs Table

FAQ: iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 Comparison

What are the main differences between iPhone 15 and iPhone 16?

The iPhone 16 introduces several improvements over the iPhone 15. It features the faster and more energy-efficient A18 chip and supports Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI platform, scheduled for release in fall 2025.
Other key updates include a dedicated Capture Button for quick access to the camera and video functions, improved battery life (up to 22 hours of video playback), and in some models, faster USB-C connectivity.
For users seeking enhanced performance and future-proof AI features, the upgrade is a significant one.

Is Apple Intelligence already available on iPhone 16?

Not yet. Apple Intelligence — Apple’s new AI suite — will be rolled out with the iOS 18 update in fall 2025.
iPhone 16 users will receive a free update, giving them access to features such as conversational Siri, Genmoji creation, intelligent document summaries, and the Image Playground for AI-generated visuals.
Buying an iPhone 16 now means you’ll be ready to take advantage of these innovations as soon as they launch.

Is it worth upgrading from iPhone 15 to iPhone 16?

The upgrade is especially worthwhile if you're interested in Apple Intelligence, improved photo capabilities, and better battery efficiency.
For everyday use like browsing, calling, or taking standard photos, the iPhone 15 remains a strong performer in 2025.
However, if you want to be ahead of the curve with mobile AI tools, or if you use your phone heavily for productivity or content creation, the iPhone 16 is a smart investment.

Can I buy the iPhone 16 with installment payments through Tango?

Yes. Tango offers flexible financing for the iPhone 16 with the My New Mobile option.
You can pay in 24 or 36 monthly installments, depending on your mobile plan.
In some cases, the phone is available with €0 upfront, with the cost spread over your monthly plan.
Additionally, Tango offers a trade-in service for your old device, which can further reduce your total cost.
It’s an easy way to access the latest tech without a large upfront payment.

Are the iPhone 15 and 16 compatible with Tango’s 5G networks in Luxembourg?

Yes, both models are fully compatible with Tango’s 5G network.
They support the frequency bands used in Luxembourg, ensuring fast, smooth, and reliable mobile connectivity — whether you're in the city or in suburban areas.
From streaming and browsing to using future Apple Intelligence features, the iPhone 15 and 16 make the most of Tango's 5G performance for an optimal mobile experience.