iPhone 15 (Pro) or iPhone 16 (Pro): Is it worth the switch?

Apple has launched a new iPhone series – and many users are asking themselves: iPhone 15 or iPhone 16? All models are top-notch.

iPhone 15 or iPhone 16? Here are the technical facts

The iPhone 16 is fresh on the market and is replacing the iPhone 15, which is just under a year old. This naturally raises the question: What (technical) added value does the new series offer?

• The new iPhone 16 and the Pro version have impressive camera performance and features. Thanks to the sophisticated camera system, you can take high-resolution photos with the iPhone 16. The 2-in-1 Fusion camera on the iPhone 16 has a resolution of 48 megapixels. The Pro versions feature differentiated sensor improvements. In addition, the models have 2x telephoto zoom.

• The iPhone 15 also offers a 48-megapixel camera. However, the camera on the Pro models of the iPhone 16 is capable of impressive ultra-wide-angle shots. With the ultra-wide-angle camera, you can take macro close-ups from close range and get a wider view of your surroundings.

• The physical camera shutter button on the iPhone 16 models is also worth mentioning. The integrated camera button allows for quick and precise operation. It not only allows you to take pictures, but also to zoom and adjust settings with swipe gestures.

• Pressing the button also activates a slider. You can operate this via touch control on your display to adjust functions such as exposure or depth of field, change lenses or change the image section.

• The iPhone 16 (Pro) also features new styles that can be used to optimize photos. These include improved skin tone rendering with live preview.

More power with the latest processor generation

Apple is offering new top-of-the-line smartphones with the iPhone 16 models – a 6.1-inch (15.49 cm) iPhone 16, a 6.3-inch (16 cm) Pro model, and a Pro Max model with a 6.9-inch display.

• The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 do not differ in size. The resolution is also the same, or at least similar (in the Pro models).

• However, there are differences in processor performance. Under the hood of the 16 series is a new A18 Pro chip with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, offering enhanced processing capabilities through Apple Intelligence. A new 16-core neural engine also provides the AI performance needed.

• Speaking of AI, with iOS 18 and the launch of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max introduce a new generation of AI features. These features are exclusive to devices with at least an A17 Pro chip and 8 GB of RAM, as they require high computing power and a fast Neural Engine.

• 1. Writing and communication tools: Automatically correct, rewrite, and summarize text directly in almost any app, including third-party apps. You can also quickly summarize transcripts and texts to get the most important information at a glance.

• Intelligent email and message management: Prioritize important messages in Mail (e.g., invitations with deadlines or check-in reminders).

• Generative image features: AI-generated emojis based on text descriptions that can be created directly from the keyboard. With the Image Playground app, you can create custom images based on descriptions, concepts, or photos from your own media library.

• Photo and camera features: AI-assisted image editing, e.g., automatic adjustment of exposure, focus, color correction, and depth of field. Real-time scene analysis and intelligent camera settings that adapt to user behavior are also supported.

Marginal differences in battery power

There are minor differences between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 in terms of battery power and charging speed. The iPhone 15 offers up to 20 hours of video playback. The iPhone 16 Pro Max manages up to 33 hours. There are no differences in audio playback, with up to 80 hours for both models. For fast charging, both models need 30 minutes for 50 percent with a 20W power adapter.

• The iPhone 15 Plus versus iPhone 16 Plus looks like this: up to 26 hours versus up to 27 hours of video playback, fast charging in 35 minutes to 50 percent with a 20-watt power adapter.

• There have also been innovations in design. Apple has tweaked the aesthetics and optimized robustness with a Ceramic Shield (display protection glass).

• Conclusion: The iPhone 16 models offer better performance (significant increase in computing power and energy efficiency), an optimized camera system (including ultra-wide-angle shots), and improvements in design and robustness. The Pro models of the iPhone 16 in particular offer a lot of added value compared to the previous series.

• Battery life has also improved slightly. These performance advantages set the iPhone 16 (Pro) apart from the 15 models. However, the iPhone 15 remains a powerful and efficient smartphone that offers everything most users need for everyday use. Another advantage of the iPhone 15 that should not be underestimated is its price, which is usually reduced significantly when the new model series is launched.