You're facing a decision: a refurbished iPhone 15, or pay extra for a refurbished iPhone 16? Both generations are currently in our offer and both offer excellent value for money. But the real difference between them is smaller than it might seem – and it mainly depends on what you expect from an iPhone. Let's compare them honestly and without marketing exaggeration.
Design and materials
At first glance, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are almost indistinguishable. Apple has kept its proven design language: straight edges, rounded corners, premium craftsmanship. Both models have an aluminum frame (standard versions) or a titanium frame (Pro versions) and a textured back glass that is more resistant to pressure.
Where they differ:
- iPhone 16 comes in new colors – for example, ultramarine (dark blue), teal, and pink, which the iPhone 15 did not offer.
- Camera Control – The iPhone 16 has a new physical button on the right side for camera control. It allows you to quickly launch the camera, change exposure settings, or zoom with touch gestures. The iPhone 15 lacks this button.
- The dimensions are practically identical – you won't notice the difference in your pocket or a case.
If color matters to you or you want the Camera Control button, the iPhone 16 scores points. Otherwise, the design is comparable.
Display
Both phones have an OLED Super Retina XDR display with high brightness, excellent color reproduction, and Ceramic Shield protective glass. The resolution and pixel density are identical (2556 × 1179 px, 460 ppi).
Both generations now have Dynamic Island on all models – from the basic version to Pro Max. If we compare the standard iPhone 15 with the iPhone 16, you will find only minor differences in the display:
- Brightness and outdoor readability – The iPhone 16 has slightly improved backlighting and is easier to read in direct sunlight.
- ProMotion 120 Hz and Always-On display – these features remain exclusive to Pro models in both generations. Both the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 have a 60Hz refresh rate.
- Resolution and Ceramic Shield protective glass are practically identical.
From the display perspective, there is no fundamental difference between the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 that a regular user would notice. If you want a smoother 120Hz display, you need to opt for the Pro version (in both generations).
Performance and chip
Here comes the biggest technical difference:
| Model | Chip | Manufacturing process | CPU performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | A16 Bionic | 4 nm | Excellent |
| iPhone 15 Pro/Max | A17 Pro | 3 nm | Top-notch |
| iPhone 16 | A18 | 3 nm | Excellent+ |
| iPhone 16 Pro/Max | A18 Pro | 3 nm | Most powerful |
In practice: the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15 is still very fast. For everyday use – social media, photos, streaming, games – you won't notice a difference compared to the A18. Where the A18 will show its strength is in graphic performance in games and Apple Intelligence – the new AI features of iOS 18, which require the A17 Pro or A18 chip. If you want AI features like Writing Tools, Image Playground, or Priority Notifications, you need an iPhone 16 (or iPhone 15 Pro).
Camera
Both phones have a 48 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultrawide. The same on paper – in practice there are differences.
What the iPhone 16 offers additionally:
- Improved image processing thanks to the A18 chip – better details in the dark, more accurate colors.
- Spatial Video – recording 3D videos for Apple Vision Pro on the standard model (on iPhone 15 only on Pro versions).
- Camera Control allows smooth touch zooming, instant camera launch, and access to settings without switching in the app.
- Improved ultrawide with autofocus – better macro photography and group shots.
The iPhone 15 Pro has 3x optical zoom (12 MP telephoto lens), the iPhone 15 Pro Max was the first to offer 5x optical tetraprism zoom. The standard iPhone 16 only has 2x optical zoom, so if you photograph distant objects, the Pro version of iPhone 15 (especially Pro Max) might be a better choice than the standard iPhone 16.
Battery and charging
Important news: both phones have USB-C. The transition from Lightning has been complete since the iPhone 15. So if you treat yourself to a refurbished iPhone 15 or 16, you can throw your Lightning cables in the bin.
Battery life:
- iPhone 15 – video playback up to 20 hours, streaming up to 16 hours.
- iPhone 16 – video playback up to 22 hours, streaming up to 18 hours. Approximately 10% better battery life.
In real-world use: the iPhone 16 lasts approximately 1–2 hours longer on a single charge. For casual users, the difference is not significant. For travelers or heavy users who charge once a day, it's a noticeable benefit.
MagSafe wireless charging works on both. The iPhone 16 supports faster 25W wired charging (iPhone 15 max 20W) – in practice, this means a difference of a few minutes.
Price of a refurbished device – real comparison
Let's look at the actual prices from our offer:
| Model | Refurbished price | New price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | from 10,990 CZK | 32,990 CZK | ~22,000 CZK (67%) |
| iPhone 15 Plus | from 10,990 CZK | 35,990 CZK | ~25,000 CZK (69%) |
| iPhone 15 Pro | from 12,490 CZK | 44,990 CZK | ~32,500 CZK (72%) |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | from 14,490 CZK | 47,990 CZK | ~33,500 CZK (70%) |
| iPhone 16 | from 13,490 CZK | 32,990 CZK | ~19,500 CZK (59%) |
| iPhone 16 Plus | from 13,490 CZK | 35,990 CZK | ~22,500 CZK (63%) |
| iPhone 16 Pro | from 16,490 CZK | 44,990 CZK | ~28,500 CZK (63%) |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | from 19,490 CZK | 47,990 CZK | ~28,500 CZK (59%) |
The price difference between a refurbished iPhone 15 and a refurbished iPhone 16 is approximately 2,500 CZK for basic models. For this premium, you get Dynamic Island, Camera Control, Apple Intelligence, better battery, and the A18 chip. It's up to you whether it's worth it.
Verdict: which one to choose?
Choose a refurbished iPhone 15 if:
- You want maximum savings – a refurbished iPhone 15 is 2,500–4,000 CZK cheaper than a comparable iPhone 16.
- You don't need Apple Intelligence AI features.
- You prefer a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max with 5x zoom (or iPhone 15 Pro with 3x zoom) at a price comparable to a standard iPhone 16.
- You primarily use your phone for photography and social media – the A16 Bionic performance is more than sufficient for that.
Choose a refurbished iPhone 16 if:
- You want Apple Intelligence on a standard model (without having to buy a Pro).
- Apple Intelligence appeals to you – Writing Tools, Image Playground, better Siri.
- Camera Control seems practical to you – and after a while of use, it really is.
- You want the assurance of the longest software support.
Our tip: The refurbished iPhone 15 Pro is the hidden winner of this comparison. For 12,490 CZK you get a titanium frame, an A17 Pro chip (with Apple Intelligence), 3x optical zoom, and a 48 MP main camera. If you want 5x zoom, you pay extra for the iPhone 15 Pro Max from 14,490 CZK – even then, it's less than the standard iPhone 16 for 13,490 CZK, and you get more.
Whatever you choose, with iLoveServis you are assured of a 2-year warranty, 30-day returns, and 11 brick-and-mortar stores where we will gladly advise you. Browse the entire range of refurbished iPhone 15 and 16 and find the right one for you.