Introduction

Apple has officially entered the 2025 smartphone season with the launch of the iPhone 16 series, and many users are left wondering:

Should I stick with the powerful iPhone 15 Pro, or go for the shiny new iPhone 16 Plus?

The answer isn’t as simple as “newer is better.” The iPhone 15 Pro packs pro-level performance in a sleek, lightweight titanium body, while the iPhone 16 Plus brings a larger display and battery life improvements—but is technically less powerful.

Let’s break it all down to see which one suits your needs.

Quick Overview

Display: Bigger or Brighter?

iPhone 16 Plus features a 6.7-inch OLED display—perfect for video streaming, gaming, and multitasking.
On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro may have a smaller 6.1-inch LTPO OLED display, but it comes with ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate and always-on display support.

Verdict:

1. Choose iPhone 16 Plus for a larger screen.
2. Choose iPhone 15 Pro for smoother animations and advanced display tech.

Performance: A17 Pro vs A18 Chip

The iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Pro chip is built on the 3nm process and offers desktop-grade performance, supporting ray tracing and console-level gaming.

The A18 chip in the iPhone 16 Plus is more power-efficient and optimized for iOS 18 but doesn’t outperform the Pro-grade A17 Pro in graphics or sustained processing.

💡 Benchmarks show the 15 Pro still leads in GPU and AI tasks, while the 16 Plus focuses on thermal management and energy savings.

Verdict:

1. For creators, gamers, and power users: iPhone 15 Pro
2. For everyday users and casual tasks: iPhone 16 Plus

Read Also: Apple iPhone 5c: The Colorful Innovation That Redefined Budget iPhones

Cameras: Pro vs Practical

The iPhone 15 Pro sports a triple-lens setup (main, ultra-wide, and telephoto) with support for ProRAW, ProRes, and 3D spatial video recording.

The iPhone 16 Plus, while capable, features a dual-camera system without Pro features. It’s great for photos and standard video, but lacks the flexibility and quality of the Pro system.

Verdict:

1. Serious about content creation or photography? Go with the 15 Pro
2. Occasional photos and casual use? The 16 Plus works just fine.

Battery Life: Bigger Really Is Better

The larger body of the iPhone 16 Plus means more space for a bigger battery. It offers up to 28 hours of video playback, compared to the 23 hours on the iPhone 15 Pro.

If longevity matters—especially for travelers or media-heavy users—the 16 Plus holds an edge.

Verdict: For long battery life and fewer charges: iPhone 16 Plus

Build Quality & Design

The iPhone 15 Pro features a titanium frame, making it lighter and more durable than any previous iPhone. It also has the customizable Action Button.

TheiPhone 16 Plus sticks with a classic aluminum build, no Action Button, and a slightly heavier form factor due to the larger battery.

Verdict:

• Premium build and feel? iPhone 15 Pro
• Budget-friendly yet solid? iPhone 16 Plus

Pricing & Value

• iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999 (now possibly discounted in 2025)
• iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899, with updated features but fewer “Pro” capabilities

If price is a key factor and you don’t need pro-grade features, the iPhone 16 Plus offers excellent value for its size and battery life.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Call-to-Action

Ready to upgrade your iPhone? Whether you’re all about performance or value the extra screen real estate, both models have something to offer.

👉 Stay updated on the latest Apple news and tech comparisons on iTMunch.