iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14 and iPhone 13

When it comes to choosing between Apple’s iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 lineups, the differences go far deeper than just the model number. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or simply want to understand what each generation offers, we’ve broken down the key specs so you can find the best value for your budget.

 

But how does the iPhone 15 stack up against its predecessors, the iPhone 14 and 13? We’ll look in-depth to see which iPhone model has the strongest specifications and the best value.

 

Chipset & Performance

 

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 both run on Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 15 steps up to the A16 Bionic. That upgrade isn’t just a number bump – the A16 delivers a 24-28% boost in graphics performance thanks to a new penta-core GPU, according to PhoneArena. Even between the 13 and 14, there are measurable gains: Tom’s Guide Geekbench testing showed the iPhone 14 posting multicore and single-core scores of 4,553 and 1,727 respectively, representing improvements of 8% and 2% over the iPhone 13. In GPU testing specifically, the iPhone 14 scored 69 fps versus the iPhone 13’s 60 fps – a 15% gain attributed to an additional GPU core.

 

RAM

 

The iPhone 13 comes with 4GB of RAM, while the iPhone 15 bumps that up to 6GB of the faster LPDDR5 variety. More RAM means better multitasking and improved performance when switching between demanding apps.

 

Camera

 

One of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone 15 is its primary camera sensor, which jumps to 48MP – four times the megapixel count of the iPhone 14’s 12MP primary lens. This allows for much greater detail in photos and enables higher-quality cropping without noticeable quality loss.

 

Battery

 

Battery capacity sees a modest improvement across the generations. The iPhone 13 houses a 3,227mAh battery, while the iPhone 15 edges ahead with a 3,349mAh cell. The difference is incremental, but combined with the more efficient A16 chip, real-world battery life on the iPhone 15 tends to pull ahead.

 

Display

 

The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 feature largely identical panels, but the iPhone 15 brings a meaningful upgrade with peak brightness reaching up to 2,000 nits – a noticeable improvement for outdoor visibility and HDR content.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 14

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 are both smartphones made by Apple. The iPhone 15 is the newer model, with several notable improvements over the iPhone 14. For example, the iPhone 15 features the A16 Bionic chip (a step up from the iPhone 14’s A15 Bionic), a significantly upgraded 48MP primary camera, improved brightness, and a slightly larger battery. However, the iPhone 14 is still a capable phone and can often be found at a reduced price. If you are on a budget, the iPhone 14 remains a solid option. But if you want more performance and camera capability, the iPhone 15 is the stronger choice. If you’re trying to decide on the best iPhone model to buy, it helps to compare your options carefully.

One of the biggest visual differences between the two is the Dynamic Island. The iPhone 15 brings this feature to the standard lineup, replacing the traditional notch with a pill-shaped cutout that houses all Face ID sensors. A software layer around the cutout brings it to life, allowing you to control music playback, track timers, follow sports scores using Live Activities, and more.

It’s also a useful interface for phone calls, which expand from the top of the display when you receive one. The iPhone 15 also includes stronger call management features, such as filtering out background noise on live calls.

The iPhone 14, on the other hand, sticks with the more traditional notch for Face ID. It lacks Dynamic Island entirely, which makes the 14 feel comparatively dated in both design and features. That said, some users may simply prefer the look of the notch, and the iPhone 14 still handles everyday tasks with ease thanks to the A15 Bionic chip.

Specification	iPhone 15	iPhone 14
Display	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, up to 2,000 nits brightness	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor	A16 Bionic chip	A15 Bionic chip
RAM	6GB LPDDR5	4GB
Camera	48MP primary rear camera with 12MP Ultra Wide	12MP primary rear camera with 12MP Ultra Wide
Battery	3,349 mAh with up to 20 hours of video playback	3,279 mAh with up to 17 hours of video playback
Starting Price	Starts at $799 (often discounted)	Starts at $699 (often discounted further)

 

The Design

The iPhone 15 has a familiar design language shared with its predecessors, but introduces several notable changes that help it stand out. The front and back of the phone feature rounded edges, giving it a more comfortable feel in the hand.

The glass on the back has a new matte finish, providing a subtly different look and feel compared to earlier models. The IP68 dust and water resistance rating carried over from the iPhone 14, keeping it competitive in terms of durability. Apple also introduced a new “Action Button” on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, replacing the traditional mute switch found on previous models.

The Action Button is fully customizable and can be configured to perform a wide range of tasks, such as turning on the flashlight, activating a Focus mode, running a custom shortcut, or simply muting the phone as the old switch did. It is worth noting, however, that this button is exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models and is not found on the standard iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus.

Perhaps the most significant design change in the iPhone 15 lineup is the switch from Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector to USB-C, bringing the iPhone in line with most other modern mobile devices. This change was largely driven by EU regulations requiring a common charging standard. Beyond convenience, USB-C also enables considerably faster data transfer speeds, particularly on the Pro models.

The Dynamic Island, which debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro lineup, expanded to all iPhone 15 models. This replaces the notch with a pill-shaped cutout that dynamically adapts to display alerts, activities, and notifications in a more integrated and visually polished way. Overall, while the iPhone 15’s design is an incremental evolution of the iPhone 14, the combination of USB-C, the Dynamic Island across the full lineup, and the new Action Button on Pro models make it a meaningful step forward.

The Cameras

Apple upgraded the iPhone 15’s primary lens to a new 48-megapixel sensor, four times the megapixels of the iPhone 14’s 12-megapixel primary lens. This allows for more accurate colors, improved performance at night, and sharper images since you can shoot in full 48MP resolution if you choose. Plus, you can use the middle 12 megapixels of the sensor for zooming in without losing quality, which is a convenient feature. You also get an improved 12-megapixel ultrawide camera with less lens flare, better portrait mode photos, and 4K video support in Cinematic mode.

 

In contrast, the iPhone 14 has a more simplistic camera setup. It has a 12-megapixel primary camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, both carried over from the iPhone 13, making them increasingly dated by today’s standards. The photo and video quality is consistently good, and you will likely be satisfied with the results in everyday situations, but they are far from the most capable cameras Apple offers. You will not be able to enjoy the extra resolution of the iPhone 15’s cameras or any of its newer portrait mode features.

Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 feature 12-megapixel selfie cameras that take great photos. However, the iPhone 15’s primary camera pulls ahead significantly thanks to its 48-megapixel sensor, larger image sensor size, and improved ultrawide shooter, all of which contribute to sharper images and better low-light performance.

The iPhone 15’s main camera has a larger sensor than the iPhone 14’s, which allows it to capture more light. This results in sharper images with less noise, even in low-light conditions. The ultrawide camera also benefits from a larger sensor, reducing lens flare and improving overall image quality. Portrait mode shots from the iPhone 15 are noticeably sharper and more detailed than those from the iPhone 14.

Overall, the iPhone 15 has a significantly better camera system than the iPhone 14 in several meaningful ways. If you want the best possible photo and video quality from these two models, the iPhone 15 is the clear choice. That said, the iPhone 14 still produces good images for everyday use and remains a more budget-friendly option.

Performance

The iPhone 15 offers several notable performance improvements over the iPhone 14. These include:

• The iPhone 15 features the A16 Bionic chip, a step up from the A15 Bionic found in both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. The A16 delivers real-world gains, including roughly 24-28% better graphics performance thanks to its new penta-core GPU.
• The iPhone 15 also bumps RAM up to 6GB of faster LPDDR5 memory, compared to 4GB in the iPhone 14, which contributes to smoother multitasking and better sustained performance.
• Battery capacity increases slightly from 3,279mAh on the iPhone 14 to 3,349mAh on the iPhone 15, and when paired with the more efficient A16 chip, users can expect a meaningful improvement in overall battery life.

Overall, the iPhone 15 is a solid performance upgrade, particularly when compared to the iPhone 13 or earlier. The jump from the iPhone 14 is more modest since both share the A15 Bionic, but the A16 chip, additional RAM, and improved GPU make the iPhone 15 the stronger choice for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.

Beyond performance, the iPhone 15 brings several other meaningful upgrades, including a 48MP primary camera – four times the resolution of the iPhone 14’s 12MP sensor – along with a brighter display reaching up to 2,000 nits, a USB-C port replacing Lightning, and a refined design featuring Dynamic Island in place of the traditional notch. If you’re weighing whether an upgrade makes sense, see our breakdown of repairing vs. replacing your iPhone.

Other Differences

Upgrading to the iPhone 15 brings some meaningful improvements across the board. You’ll get a major camera upgrade with a 48MP main sensor – four times the resolution of the 12MP primary lens on the iPhone 14. The iPhone 15 also features the A16 Bionic chip, which delivers around a 24-28% boost in graphics performance thanks to its penta-core GPU. On top of that, the iPhone 15 packs 6GB of faster LPDDR5 RAM compared to just 4GB in the iPhone 14, a brighter display capable of reaching 2,000 nits, and the switch to USB-C charging. The exterior also received a redesign, including the addition of Dynamic Island in place of the traditional notch.

If you want the best camera, performance, and display brightness, the iPhone 15 is clearly the stronger choice. However, if budget is a concern, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are still solid performers – both running the capable A15 Bionic chip – and you can find excellent deals on lightly used or refurbished models of either. The differences are real, but they may not justify the upgrade cost for everyone.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 13

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 13 are both capable smartphones, but there are some meaningful differences worth knowing before you buy. The iPhone 15 features the newer A16 Bionic chip, 6GB of LPDDR5 RAM, a significantly upgraded 48MP main camera, and a brighter display than the iPhone 13. That said, the iPhone 13 remains a solid performer and is available at a much lower price point. The right choice ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget.

 

Specifications	iPhone 15	iPhone 13
Processor	A16 Bionic	A15 Bionic
RAM	6GB LPDDR5	4GB
Display	6.1-inch OLED, up to 2,000 nits	6.1-inch OLED display
Camera	48MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera	12MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide camera
Battery	3,349 mAh	3,240 mAh
Price	Starting at $799	Starting at $599

 

The Design

Physically, the iPhone 15 is very similar to the iPhone 14, with the most notable visual change being the replacement of the notch with a Dynamic Island – the pill-shaped cutout that houses Face ID and front camera components while doubling as an interactive notification and activity hub. Another major design shift is the switch from Lightning to USB-C connectivity. The new USB-C connector is more durable than the Lightning connector and is the standard connector for many other devices, making it easier to find compatible cables and accessories. The iPhone 15 also features a slightly curved aluminum frame that meets a matte back panel, giving the phone a more comfortable feel in hand. If you’re curious about the latest iPhone updates, check out what’s new with the iPhone 16 to see how Apple has continued to evolve its design.

The Cameras

The iPhone 15 introduced a major camera leap over both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, upgrading the primary lens to a 48MP sensor – four times the megapixels of the 12MP cameras found on both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. This was the first megapixel increase on the standard iPhone lineup since the iPhone 14 Pro brought 48MP to the Pro models in 2022, making the iPhone 15’s camera a genuinely compelling reason to upgrade from an iPhone 13.

iPhone 15 users can shoot photos at 48MP or 24MP resolution, producing significantly higher-quality images than either the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14. The larger 48MP sensor also improves zoom shots – even without a dedicated telephoto lens, the camera crops into the sensor when the 2x zoom button is pressed, retaining strong detail and sharpness. Portrait mode, Night mode, and Smart HDR all received meaningful updates on the iPhone 15 as well.

Here are some additional details about the iPhone 15’s camera:

• The 48MP sensor is physically larger than the iPhone 13’s 12MP sensor, capturing significantly more light and detail in every shot.
• The camera benefits from an updated image signal processor paired with the A16 Bionic chip, improving computational photography across the board.
• Cinematic mode returns on the iPhone 15, allowing you to record videos with a cinematic depth-of-field effect, and the phone automatically shifts to Portrait mode when it detects a subject in the frame, adding light capture and rich detail enhancements.
• Note that the LiDAR scanner remains exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max – the standard iPhone 15 does not include it.

Overall, the iPhone 15’s camera is a substantial upgrade over the iPhone 13, and a much more significant jump than the incremental improvements seen between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, which shared the same 12MP primary sensor. If you’re a photography enthusiast still on an iPhone 13, the iPhone 15’s 48MP sensor, improved low-light performance, and enhanced computational photography features make for a strong case to upgrade.

Performance

With Apple, it’s reasonable to expect each new phone to perform faster than the previous one – though the generational leaps aren’t always equal across the lineup. A notable example: both the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 shipped with the A15 Bionic chip, meaning the real performance jump came with the iPhone 15 and its A16 Bionic chipset.

The A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15 brings meaningful real-world improvements over the A15 found in the iPhone 13. Most notably, the A16 features a new penta-core GPU that delivers a 24-28% boost in graphics performance compared to the A15. That’s a meaningful upgrade if you enjoy mobile gaming, game streaming through services like Apple Arcade or Game Pass, or any other graphics-intensive tasks.

In benchmark testing by Tom’s Guide, the iPhone 14 posted multicore and single-core Geekbench scores of 4,553 and 1,727, representing gains of 8% and 2% over the iPhone 13. In GPU testing, the iPhone 14 scored 69 fps versus the iPhone 13’s 60 fps – a 15% gain. Since the iPhone 15 steps up to the A16 Bionic, the gap between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 is even more significant.

The iPhone 15 also benefits from 6GB of faster LPDDR5 RAM, compared to just 4GB in the iPhone 13. This additional RAM helps with multitasking, keeping more apps active in the background, and handling memory-heavy applications more smoothly.

It’s worth noting that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max took things even further with the A17 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process and featuring a GPU up to 40% faster than the A16 Bionic. So while the standard iPhone 15 represents a strong upgrade over the iPhone 13, those seeking the absolute best performance would benefit from stepping up to a Pro model. That said, for the majority of everyday users, the iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic offers a well-rounded and noticeably faster experience compared to the iPhone 13.

Other Differences

The iPhone 15 has a significantly brighter screen than the iPhone 13, with a peak outdoor brightness of 2,000 nits compared to the iPhone 13’s 800 nits. This makes a real difference when viewing the screen in direct sunlight. The iPhone 15 also features curved edges, while the iPhone 13 has straight edges, giving the newer model a more modern look and feel.

Battery life is another area where the iPhone 15 edges ahead. It carries a 3,349mAh battery compared to the iPhone 13’s 3,240mAh, and its more efficient A16 Bionic chipset helps stretch that capacity further in real-world use. All told, the iPhone 15 is a noticeable upgrade over the iPhone 13, with a brighter screen, curved edges, longer battery life, and a substantially more capable camera system.

Here are some other improvements that the iPhone 15 has over the iPhone 13:

• A faster processor thanks to the A16 Bionic chip. The iPhone 13 uses the A15 Bionic, and while that chip held up well across two generations, the A16 delivers a meaningful performance boost – including up to 24-28% better graphics performance thanks to its penta-core GPU. If you opt for the Pro or Pro Max, you get the even more powerful A17 Pro chip.
• A dramatically better camera system. The iPhone 15’s primary lens jumps to a 48MP sensor – four times the resolution of the iPhone 13’s 12MP main camera. This means sharper detail, improved cropping flexibility, better low-light performance, and a more capable night mode overall.
• More RAM and faster memory. The iPhone 15 includes 6GB of LPDDR5 RAM versus the iPhone 13’s 4GB, which translates to smoother multitasking and better app performance over time.
• More storage options, with Pro and Pro Max models reaching up to 1TB of onboard storage. The base iPhone 15, 15 Plus, and 15 Pro start at 128GB, while the 15 Pro Max starts at 256GB.

Though the iPhone 15 is the clear technical winner, there are still plenty of reasons to consider an iPhone 13. It remains a capable and affordable device, especially if you purchase a certified renewed model like the ones available at Gazelle. You’re still getting access to a solid camera, reliable performance for everyday tasks, and continued iOS support.

However, if you want top-tier performance, a best-in-class camera, a brighter display, and faster memory, the iPhone 15 – or the 15 Pro or Pro Max – is the stronger long-term investment. Ultimately, the right choice comes down to your needs and budget. Luckily, Gazelle has smartphones for any buyer, and we also accept qualified trade-ins to help you save even more on your next handset.

Shop the upcoming iPhone 15 and all other iPhones at Gazelle! 

If you’re ready to find your next smartphone but don’t want to pay steep retail prices, we’re here to help you save. We offer dozens of certified renewed devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other top manufacturers. We put every pre-owned device through a rigorous checklist to ensure they meet our high quality standards. Check out our large inventory of iPhone models and start saving today!

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