Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Apple iPhone 16e
Compare Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Apple iPhone 16e side by side: Apple A16 Bionic vs Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine), 48MP vs 48MP camera, 4383mAh vs…
Apple
iPhone 15 Plus
$899
4categories won
Apple
iPhone 16e
$599
7categories won
9 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 15 Plus takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus claims the overall win over the Apple iPhone 16e, delivering a stronger technical package across battery endurance and core hardware. For battery longevity and charging speed, the iPhone 15 Plus takes the lead, while the iPhone 16e is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the iPhone 15 Plus if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 16e if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
iPhone 15 Plus wins on endurance with 4,383 mAh and 20W fast charging.
iPhone 16e provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) and 8GB RAM.
iPhone 15 Plus wins photography with 48MP main imaging.
iPhone 16e wins on budget and value at $599 compared to $899.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16e: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796Winner | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 457 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nits | 2000 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 1,390,000 | 1,650,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 6680 | 8120Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 6 GB | 8 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 512GBWinner | 128GB |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2Winner | 1 |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision HDR | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision HDR |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,383 mAhWinner | 3,960 mAh |
| Wired charging | 20 W | 25 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 201 g | 167 gWinner |
| Thickness | 7.8 mm | 7.8 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, color-infused matte glass back | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, color-infused glass back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 17 | iOS 18.3 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 6 years |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $899 | $599Winner |
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Pairing the expansive 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with a massive 4383mAh battery cell, the iPhone 15 Plus reigns as one of the longest-lasting smartphones on the market, backed by a 48MP main sensor and USB-C port.
- Display
- 6.7"
- Chipset
- Apple A16 Bionic
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 4,383mAh
Apple iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e brings Apple's apex 3nm A18 silicon and full Apple Intelligence generative AI support to a sub-$600 form factor. Featuring an upgraded 48MP 2-in-1 Fusion camera with 2x lossless telephoto cropping, Face ID, USB-C, and class-leading battery endurance, it replaces both legacy SE models and previous base offerings.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,960mAh