iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15
Quick answer
The iPhone 15 is the same size as the iPhone 16e, 4 grams0.14 ounces heavier.
The iPhone 16e on Amazon (paid link) matches the iPhone 15 (paid link)’s grip but delivers far more daily battery life. At this age and price point, getting Apple Intelligence on the newer device makes it the smarter play unless you specifically need MagSafe. You might also consider the iPhone 16 (paid link) for a middle ground.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: Same
Pocket: Same
Weight difference: Not noticeable
iPhone 16e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone 15
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.5 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.3 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 16e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 167 grams. iPhone 15: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 171 grams.
16e, 15 shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 16e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone 15
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 16e 146.7 millimetres, 15 147.6 millimetres.Height: 16e 5.78 inches, 15 5.81 inches.Width: 16e 71.5 millimetres, 15 71.6 millimetres.Width: 16e 2.81 inches, 15 2.82 inches.Depth: 16e 7.80 millimetres, 15 7.80 millimetres.Depth: 16e 0.31 inches, 15 0.31 inches.Weight: 16e 167 grams, 15 171 grams.Weight: 16e 5.89 ounces, 15 6.03 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 16e | 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 146.7 millimetres5.78 inches | 147.6 millimetres, 0.9 millimetres more5.81 inches, 0.04 inches more |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 71.6 millimetres, 0.1 millimetres more2.82 inches, the same |
| Depth | 7.80 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.80 millimetres, the same0.31 inches, the same |
| Weight | 167 grams5.89 ounces | 171 grams, 4 grams more6.03 ounces, 0.14 ounces more |
| Volume | 81.8 cubic centimetres4.99 cubic inches | 82.4 cubic centimetres, 0.6 cubic centimetres more5.03 cubic inches, 0.04 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 86 percent | 87 percent, 1 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches, the same |
| Resolution | 1170 × 2532 | 1179 × 2556 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, the same |
| Cutout | Notch | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A18 | A16 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 26 hrs | 20 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 128 – 512 GB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 599 dollars | 799 dollars, 200 dollars more |
| Released | Feb 2025 | Sep 2023 |
| Status | Current | Discontinued |
Dimensions
The iPhone 15 is 0.9 mm (0.04 in) taller, 0.1 mm wider and 4 g (0.14 oz) heavier than the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 167 g (5.89 oz). The iPhone 15 measures 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm (5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in) and weighs 171 g (6.03 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15 Pro
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 15 than the iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 15 is 0.9 mm taller and 4 grams heavier than the iPhone 16e, while their widths are nearly identical.
Do the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15 have the same screen size?
Yes, both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15 have a 6.1 inch display with the same resolution and pixel density.
Is the iPhone 16e easier to use one-handed than the iPhone 15?
Both phones are similar in size, so neither the iPhone 16e nor the iPhone 15 is significantly easier to use one-handed for an average adult hand.
Will the iPhone 16e fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Yes, the iPhone 16e fits in a typical men's jeans pocket, just like the iPhone 15.
Is the weight difference between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15 noticeable?
The iPhone 15 is only 4 grams heavier than the iPhone 16e, which is not a noticeable weight difference in hand.
Is upgrading from the iPhone 15 to the iPhone 16e worth it for size alone?
No, the iPhone 16e is not a size-only upgrade worth it over the iPhone 15 since their physical dimensions are very similar.