As an owner of the iPhone 15 for nearly two years, my experience with the device has been consistently positive. It fulfills all my daily requirements—whether that’s listening to music, watching YouTube, texting, or scrolling through social media—while efficiently syncing with my other Apple devices. At the time of purchase, the iPhone 15 was among the best options available, with the exception of its Pro counterparts and a few Android alternatives. I acquired it for AU$1,499 (approximately $799 or £799) to replace my broken iPhone 12 Mini. In hindsight, that investment seems hefty, especially when considering the excellent value offered by various budget smartphones today.
### The iPhone 16: A Notable Evolution
The release of the iPhone 16 has brought about a significant upgrade compared to its predecessor, thanks primarily to Apple Intelligence. However, its launch has not been without complications, as several features related to Siri are still pending. Nevertheless, the iPhone 15 remains a commendable choice for consumers in 2025. I was particularly intrigued when I spotted it priced at AU$1,077 (about $692 or £519) in Australia, with appealing offers also available internationally, such as a $100 discount on switching to T-Mobile in the United States.
Complicating the decision for potential buyers, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e in February, priced at $599 (£599 or AU$999). This more economical model, reminiscent of the iPhone 5c and various iPhone SE iterations, has made certain compromises to maintain affordability while still enabling users to access the latest iOS functionalities. The iPhone 16e may even be more appealing than its SE predecessors, as it can support Apple Intelligence, raising an interesting question: if one requires an upgrade but wishes to avoid the higher cost of the iPhone 16, should they opt for the iPhone 15 or the iPhone 16e?
### Comparing the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16e
TechRadar’s detailed comparison concludes that investing slightly more in the iPhone 15 is generally worthwhile. However, my experience after a week with the iPhone 16e leads me to a different perspective.
#### Battery Life: A Significant Advantage
While many smartphone users prioritize camera quality, battery life is my primary concern. Here, the iPhone 16e outshines the iPhone 15. Although Apple does not disclose the precise battery capacity, independent reports indicate that the iPhone 16e is equipped with a 3,961 mAh battery, compared to the 3,349 mAh of the iPhone 15. This increase in capacity, coupled with the efficiency of the unique C1 cellular chip found in the iPhone 16e, greatly contributes to its superior battery longevity.
In my observations, my iPhone 15—now with a diminished capacity of around 91%—often struggles to last a full day with moderate usage. After approximately three hours of varied activities, it frequently dips below 30% battery by mid-morning. In contrast, during my testing of the iPhone 16e, I noticed it comfortably maintained 44% battery after similar usage patterns. Apple claims the iPhone 16e supports up to 26 hours of video playback, which is 15% longer than the iPhone 16’s 22 hours and a notable 23% more than the iPhone 15.
#### The Exciting Features of Apple Intelligence
While we await the arrival of a more advanced Siri, the early capabilities of Apple Intelligence available on the iPhone 16e are surprisingly engaging. Features such as Visual Intelligence allow users to quickly research any object photographed, while the Clean Up tool simplifies the removal of unwanted items from images, similar to Samsung’s Object Remover.
Additionally, I found the AI-generated message replies and improved phrasing suggestions to be quite useful. With a simple highlight of the written text, users can access a variety of AI-enhanced options. This functionality extends across all apps, providing tools for proofreading or rephrasing text to suit different tones. The feature that particularly stood out to me was the option to organize notes into lists, tables, or key points, adding a layer of convenience for capturing thoughts.
Moreover, the ability to create personalized emojis, known as Genmojis, significantly enhanced my engagement with the device. This feature allows users to turn familiar faces or objects into custom emojis, turning a once-rare activity into a fun and frequent pastime.
#### The Practical Action Button
Another feature exclusive to the iPhone 16e is the Action Button, which replaces the traditional mute/silent switch. This button offers quick access to commonly used functions, such as Silent Mode, Focus settings, Camera access, and more. Although I primarily assigned it to toggle my Do Not Disturb mode, the versatility of the button can enhance daily usability without needing to navigate through the typical interface.
### Evaluating the iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16e
While the iPhone 16e showcases several advantages, it does not entirely overshadow the iPhone 15. Two critical factors where the older model excels are its display and camera capabilities. The iPhone 16e utilizes a single 48MP Fusion camera, whereas the iPhone 15 combines a 48MP primary camera with a versatile 12MP ultra-wide lens, beneficial for expansive landscape shots or group photos.
Additionally, the display on the iPhone 15 is superior, featuring the Dynamic Island interface and a resolution of 1179 x 2556, with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits compared to the iPhone 16e’s 1170 x 2532 at 1,200 nits. Furthermore, the absence of MagSafe charging in the iPhone 16e may pose limitations for users who rely on magnetic accessories, although it remains compatible with standard wireless charging options.
### Conclusion
Consequently, while the iPhone 15 continues to represent a robust choice, especially if priced competitively against the iPhone 16e, the newer model presents compelling benefits, particularly in terms of battery life and innovative features. Ultimately, if an individual does not require specific functionalities like telephoto capabilities, the iPhone 16e stands as an enticing budget-friendly option.
