Should I go for the 15 or the 16 base model?

Apple Products
1

I’m buying my first Apple phone after using a Samsung Android for 3 years. I’m torn between getting the base model of the 15 or the 16. I don’t plan to use AI tech or play games—just need a phone for regular stuff like YouTube, Spotify, social media, and taking photos and videos. Is the 15 good enough to last me 3 years?

2

If you’re not into AI or gaming, the 15 should be fine.

3

Clarke said:
If you’re not into AI or gaming, the 15 should be fine.

Thanks! I’m leaning toward the 15, but do you think it’ll hold up for 2-3 years?

4

Arun said:

Clarke said:
If you’re not into AI or gaming, the 15 should be fine.

Thanks! I’m leaning toward the 15, but do you think it’ll hold up for 2-3 years?

Yes, it will.

5

Clarke said:
If you’re not into AI or gaming, the 15 should be fine.

Since you’re not gaming, the 15 is fine. The 16 base can handle some games that the 15 can’t, though.

6

The 15 is more than enough for your needs. The main difference is the 15 has 6GB RAM and no AI features, while the 16 has 8GB RAM and AI capabilities. The cameras are the same.

7

Chen said:
The 15 is more than enough for your needs. The main difference is the 15 has 6GB RAM and no AI features, while the 16 has 8GB RAM and AI capabilities. The cameras are the same.

Is it normal for the base 15’s battery to drain faster in the first few days? I also updated to iOS 18.

8

@Zed
Yeah, my 15 Pro battery was awful for the first couple of days after restoring from backup—lost 10% an hour. It settled down after a few days and now lasts all day.

9

Crosby said:
@Zed
Yeah, my 15 Pro battery was awful for the first couple of days after restoring from backup—lost 10% an hour. It settled down after a few days and now lasts all day.

Got it. Since the 15 is supposed to have slightly better battery life than the Pro, I should see similar results.

10

@Zed
It’s pretty normal for any iPhone to drain faster in the first week or so. It usually stabilizes after that.

11

Chen said:
@Zed
It’s pretty normal for any iPhone to drain faster in the first week or so. It usually stabilizes after that.

I got the 15 on November 23 and updated to iOS 18.1.1. My battery seems to drain quicker. How long does it take to improve?

12

@Heath
Usually about a month.

13

Chen said:
@Heath
Usually about a month.

Why does the battery drain so fast at first?

14

The 15 base sounds perfect for you.

15

Cory said:
The 15 base sounds perfect for you.

Thanks! Do you think the 15 will last for 2-3 years?

16

Arun said:

Cory said:
The 15 base sounds perfect for you.

Thanks! Do you think the 15 will last for 2-3 years?

Yeah, it definitely will.

17

How is the base 15’s battery life? I got one made in May 2024, updated to iOS 18, and it’s at 100% health. The battery drains faster than expected, even on battery saver. I charged it to 100% at 4 PM, used it for music, and now it’s at 74% the next morning. Is this normal? Will it improve?

18

@Zed
Charging to 100% isn’t great for long-term battery health. Try keeping it between 20-80% if you want the battery to last.

19

Sage said:
@Zed
Charging to 100% isn’t great for long-term battery health. Try keeping it between 20-80% if you want the battery to last.

I charge to 100% because I need enough screen time at work.

20

@Zed
Then the screen time usage is likely draining it.