iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Comparison Review: Which is Better?

The wait is over. Apple introduced its brand new iPhone 17 models on Tuesday 9th September, 2025. But does this new mobile series meet the rumors? Will it beat current iPhone models on the market?

The iPhone 15 was an exciting new release. In 2023, Apple’s iPhone 15 marked a great improvement on previous devices with significant camera upgrades, Dynamic Island, a faster chip, and the USB-C charging port. 

Does the 15 still hold up for customers today? With the iPhone 17 hitting shelves, let’s take a look at how the 15 compares with Apple’s latest iPhone models.

What’s New In the iPhone 17?

The iPhone 17 was announced on 9 September 2025, and features a whole host of upgrades and exciting new features. So, what can you expect from the new iPhone 17? 

Perhaps the most interesting development is that Apple is refreshing the rear camera design with a horizontal line stretching across the phone – typical of the Google Pixel series. 

We haven’t seen Apple make any significant adjustments to the camera design since the iPhone 11, so it’s certainly a welcome change. However, this move is accompanied by a shift to an aluminum back with a glass window to allow for wireless charging. The 15 similarly uses aluminum, but some feel it’s a step back compared to the iPhone 16’s stainless steel and titanium frame.

The iPhone 17 is also going to receive features previously reserved for Pro models and iPhone 17 Pro Max, such as the ProMotion display. This should mean a better battery life and smoother scrolling with its 120 Hz refresh rate. Likewise, the 17 Pro models will come with a revolutionary vapor chamber – a nifty piece of tech that will help battery and performance, and generally keep your phone from overheating!

Finally, we’ll mention the iPhone 17 Air. This new device is the slimmest yet, measuring 5.6mm, and comes with many of the premium features found in Pro devices. The Air is thought to replace the Plus models.

Is the iPhone 17 Better Than the iPhone 15?

The iPhone 17 might come with all the bells and whistles, but does that make it better than the 15? 

Design

Apple’s iPhone 15 features a soft aluminum frame, matte back, and Dynamic Island cutout. However, the 17’s entire lineup is set to change up this familiar look. Substantial changes include smoother and more seamless curved edges with a redesigned camera panel. 

The 17 isn’t lighter or thinner than the 15, coming in at 7.96mm compared to the 15’s 7.8mm. The devices weigh 177 grams and 171 grams, respectively. The 17 might feel modern and sleek, but it’s weightier and marginally thicker.

Display

The iPhone 15’s OLED panel measures 6.1 inches. The 17’s 6.3 inches and 120Hz ProMotion puts it on a level with the Pro models when it comes to size and refresh rate. The 17 uses Samsung’s latest M14 OLED panels. This means a more efficient phone with a longer lifespan and a far more modern feel.

Camera

The main and ultra-wide cameras are relatively similar on the iPhone 15 and 17 base models. However, the newer device features a 18MP selfie camera for a sharper focus, more detailed photos and videos, and better performance in lower light and better zoom.

Performance

The iPhone 15 uses the A16 Bionic chip. While capable, it’s not future-proofed for the advance of AI. The 17 runs on the new A19 chip that will be able to cope with Apple Intelligence when it drops – likely sometime in 2026, so it might not be a concern for iPhone users yet. The 17 Pro models also include the new vapor chamber cooling system technology that you won’t see on the 15 series.

Battery Life

The iPhone 15 has a 2,249 mAh battery that can cope with 20W speeds on wired charging and 15W wireless. The 17 comes with a larger battery (3,692 mAh mAh) and much faster charging speeds at 35W wired and 25W wireless.

And even though the iPhone 17 Air packs a smaller, higher-density battery, the performance is supposed to remain on par with iPhone 16 models. 

The verdict? The iPhone 17 battery life, charging, and performance is a marked improvement on the 15. 

Colors

The iPhone 17 comes in five different colors: Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender. Although the 15 also comes with five options (Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink), the 17’s colors feel more mature and subtle.

Price

Apple’s five-year price freeze is at an end. However, prices haven’t skyrocketed. The 17 base model is the same as the 16 and 15 were when announced: $799. Pro models and the new iPhone Air cost a lot more, with some price tags reaching near $2,000 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Side by Side: iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Specs

Final Thoughts on the iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17

iPhone 15 users might be tempted to upgrade to the 17 for its photography and fast charging. The iPhone 17 certainly offers a superior and more modern experience. But the base model’s improvements on the 15 aren’t groundbreaking – you’d have to opt for the higher-priced Pro lineup to see a significant upgrade. 

If you're looking for a new phone, it's certainly worth considering. However, if you're a proud owner of an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro Max, you might be happy waiting until next year when rumors suggest that Apple is planning something exciting for the 20th iPhone anniversary.