Should you buy the iPhone 15 over iPhone 16?

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As someone within the industry who has seen all the iPhone launches, I know the drill: a new iPhone launch usually means older models get more tempting, especially for those of us who keep a close watch on our wallets. With the iPhone 16 launch, the iPhone 15 is getting a price drop, and that’s where things get interesting.

The iPhone 15 still delivers on many fronts and goes toe-to-toe with many Android flagships, including raw processing, gaming, battery life, and even cameras. But there’s more to the story, so let’s break down what still works and what doesn’t, one year on.

The Good Stuff

Battery that just won’t quit

The iPhone 15’s battery life continues to impress, even after a year of use. You can comfortably get through a full day, and sometimes even stretch it to a day and a half, on a single charge, which certainly wasn’t the case till a few years back. That said, you will have to keep a strict regime for charging and keep battery health in check.

ALSO READ: This Hidden iPhone Feature Protects Your Eyes From Strain

A16 Aging Gracefully

While the A16 Bionic chip might be a couple of years old but its still a powerhouse. It performs on par with the latest Android flagships and handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and even demanding apps without breaking a sweat. Sure, there might be the occasional stutter or lag, but nothing that significantly impacts the overall experience.

Apple A16 Bionic Chip

Even Sweeter Price

Every new iPhone launch triggers a price drop for the outgoing model and the story is the same with the iPhone 16. With the festive season on the horizon, now is the right time to grab an iPhone 15. You can potentially grab one up for under Rs 60,000, that’s a pretty good deal for a year-old iPhone, especially if the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus is out of your budget.

The Not-So-Good Stuff

60Hz refresh rate display feels dated

It’s 2024, and 120Hz displays have become the norm, Apple’s decision not to give vanilla iPhone models a high refresh rate is beyond me. While to Apple’s credit, the UI is still smooth enough compared to certain Android skins, users accustomed to the buttery smoothness of 120Hz will definitely notice the difference.

ALSO READ: Apple is Delaying AI Intelligence Rollout To October 2024

No Apple Intelligence

Apple’s latest AI push, with features like smart replies and text summarization, are only coming to the iPhone 15 Pro models and the iPhone 16 series. This might be a dealbreaker for some, especially those who were looking forward to experiencing Apple’s take on AI.

Apple Intelligence

Cameras are good, not great

The iPhone 15 takes decent photos, but compared to the latest and greatest Android flagships, it falls a bit short. This would likely be solved with the iPhone 16 series. Features like telephoto lenses for optical zoom, multi-focal modes for versatile shooting, and advanced portrait effects are becoming increasingly common on Android phones, and the iPhone 15 simply can’t compete in those areas.

ALSO READ: Tata Cars Price List in India

Overall, the iPhone 15 remains a solid phone even after a year, especially if you want a great iPhone experience without breaking the bank. With the iPhone 16 being a bit more pricey, the iPhone 15 is a smart choice for folks who want a ‘newer’ iPhone with awesome battery life, a USB-C port, and smooth performance.

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Yogesh BrarYogesh Brar
Exploring the depths of the Data world by day and journaling about tech by night. Often quoted by international publications like The Verge, GSMArena, India Today, and NDTV Gadgets360 for the latest stories on consumer tech. Living and breathing on the Internet.

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