The iPhone 15 is still available three years after its release, but how does it compare to other options?
Apple’s annual iPhone releases typically feature small iterations on the design. And while there are specification changes under the hood, many of the best annual upgrades come from the revamped operating system. Fortunately, the upcoming iOS 27 will work with iPhone models dating back to the iPhone 11 and the second-generation iPhone SE.
This may make you think that an iPhone 15 (our test), currently two generations old and soon three, is still worth buying today. It’s the oldest model still offered by retailers and carriers, often available at a discount, and it has decent specs and cameras. However, upon closer inspection, it’s not as good a deal as you’d think.
Apple supports its phones for quite a while, usually with five to seven years of software updates. But when you consider value for money, you can get an iPhone 17e for about the same price as an iPhone 15, and it beats the iPhone 15 in almost every relevant way. In fact, as of this writing, some carriers, like T-Mobile, charge a little more for an iPhone 15 than they do for the iPhone 17e.
The main distinction is the iPhone 15’s dual-camera system compared to the 17th’s single rear camera. But if you only take occasional photos for social media, this may not make any difference to you.
There is a newer phone that offers better value for money
Cherlynn Low for Woozad
Even though it is two generations old, the iPhone 15 is still available brand new. However, you will more often find refurbished or used models. Given its age and price, its main competition is the iPhone 17e, which our reviewer calls a “budget choice” that “checks the essential boxes.”
You can find a used, unlocked iPhone 15 in excellent condition for around $540 at Best Buy, for example, while the brand-new iPhone 17e costs $600. With the iPhone 17e being more than two years newer and its hardware beating the iPhone 15 in almost every important way, it’s an easy choice for most people. Additionally, the iPhone 17e starts at 256GB of storage, while the older model started at 128GB. Upgrading to a 256GB iPhone 15 costs $100 more upon release, further illustrating the value of the 17e.
While the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max (our review) were the first two phones to benefit from Apple Intelligence, the base model iPhone 15 was left out of that mix. Its A16 chip is not powerful enough to support AI, compared to the A17 in the Pro models in this range. That alone dates the device, but there’s more to consider.
The iPhone 15, released in September 2023, comes with only 6 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB for the iPhone 17e (released in March 2026). This means less power for multitasking and bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming. The older model also has a smaller 3,349 mAh battery compared to 4,005 mAh, although it charges at the same wired and wireless speeds of 20W and 15W, respectively. It’s slightly heavier, and while it has a Ceramic Shield coating, it’s not the newer, more durable Ceramic Shield 2 used on the iPhone 17e. These are all practical improvements that everyone can appreciate: more power, longer battery life, lighter weight and great durability.
The iPhone 15 is rarely the best option
Billy Steele for Woozad
The iPhone 15 has some specs that beat those of the iPhone 17e, which could be a deciding factor, depending on your priorities. It has a brighter screen at 2,000 nits, compared to just 1,200 nits for the iPhone 17e, so it will be more comfortable to view if you often use your phone in bright environments. Its screen has a slightly higher resolution (2556 x 1179 versus 2532 x 1170), but it’s not a huge difference. And even though the second lens is missing, the main and front cameras of the iPhone 17e have the same resolution as the old model. If you care about Dynamic Island, the iPhone 15 has it, while the iPhone 17e features the old-school notch instead.
You might also have considered opting for the iPhone 16 instead. It features upgrades over the 15, like action and camera control buttons, as well as an A18 chip with support for Apple Intelligence. But since it is more expensive than either of the models discussed, the iPhone 17e offers better value for money.
So if you come across a great deal on the iPhone 15 and are looking for an entry-level device to enter the iPhone world, this might be enough. But overall, you’re better off spending a little more on a newer phone like the iPhone 17e and getting upgraded specs where it counts, with the added bonus of Apple Intelligence features (if you use them).
