Same price, two choices: iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16?

Same price, two choices: iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16?

Published: 16 October 2026

Two phones on the same price line: a Pro from 2023, and a standard model from 2024. But "same price" comes with a condition.

Align the SIM variant first, then compare. Our cheapest 15 Pro (€563.31) is eSIM-only; our cheapest 16 (€588.45) is dual physical SIM. Two different variants — the gap between them means nothing. Once aligned, the answer changes:

• eSIM only: 15 Pro €563.31 / 16 €602.31 — 15 Pro is €39.00 cheaper
• Dual physical SIM: 15 Pro €600.58 / 16 €588.45 — 16 is €12.13 cheaper
• Physical SIM + eSIM: 15 Pro €617.91 / 16 €623.11 — 15 Pro is €5.20 cheaper

In other words: in two of the three variants, the 15 Pro is the cheaper phone. Prices are our B-grade 128GB readings on 16 October 2026 and move daily. The grade describes appearance only; battery health is listed separately.

As always: more than 80 inspection points, a 6-month warranty and a 14-day return window on every device.

One: what the iPhone 15 Pro gives you

• A 3x telephoto — 12MP. Distant subjects, concerts, pet close-ups. The iPhone 16 has no dedicated telephoto; its "2x" is a crop from the 48MP main sensor.
• ProMotion 120Hz — smoother scrolling, paging and reading. The 16 standard is still 60Hz.
• Titanium frame — lighter and tougher than aluminium, and a different feel in the hand.
• A17 Pro — the 2023 flagship chip; more than enough for daily use and gaming.
• Action button — the configurable side key.

Two: what the iPhone 16 gives you

• The A18 chip — a year newer and more efficient, with more headroom over time.
• Camera Control — the physical shutter button, which the 15 Pro does not have.
• One year less age — same grade B, but a later build year, so battery and exterior usually start from a better place. It is stated per device; it is not a guarantee.
• A 48MP main camera — daylight quality on par with the 15 Pro, minus the telephoto.

Both run Apple Intelligence. Many people assume only the newest models do; the real cut-off is the 15 Pro — the 15 standard and everything from the 14 back does not support it.

Three: what each one loses (stated plainly)

• The 15 Pro loses: a year. Chip, battery and update runway are all one year shorter, and there is no Camera Control.
• The 16 loses: a 60Hz screen and the telephoto. If you often shoot at distance, you will feel both every day.

Four: three questions to decide

1. Do you often shoot at a distance? If so, the 15 Pro's 3x is a real need — stop there.
2. Does screen smoothness matter to you? If yes, the 15 Pro's 120Hz; if not, the 16's 60Hz is fine.
3. How long will you keep it? Four or five years — the 16's extra year counts. Two or three — the 15 Pro's features count for more.

Your use decides — not which one is newer.

Five: where to see the devices

• One device, one photo, with real photos and labels for each unit: gigglefone.fr/en-US/d
• The full catalogue, every model and price: gigglefone.fr/en-US/p

Sources and notes: the iPhone 15 Pro specifications come from Apple's 12 September 2023 press release (3x telephoto, titanium, A17 Pro, ProMotion, Action button); the iPhone 16 specifications come from Apple's technical specifications page (A18, 60Hz, aluminium design, Camera Control, dual camera system with no dedicated telephoto), checked 16 October 2026. Prices are GiggleFone.fr prices on 16 October 2026, B grade, 128GB, and move daily. This article reflects conditions as of 16 October 2026.