04.10.2024
iPhone 16 or 15: Is the upgrade worth it?
With the release of the latest iPhone model, the common question arises once again: Is it worth upgrading to the newest version, or is the previous model still sufficient? Just a year ago, we asked ourselves: iPhone 14 or 15? And this year, we’re back with another iPhone generation comparison. The 16th iPhone generation comes with some exciting features, but is it worth the price? Let’s take a closer look at the iPhone 16 and 15 to determine if the upgrade makes sense.
The iPhone 16: Raising the bar, but at what cost?
There’s no doubt that the iPhone 16 is a technical marvel. Its new A18 chip sets new standards in performance and efficiency. The introduction of Apple Intelligence brings a variety of new features, including a more intelligent Siri, enhanced photo editing, and automatic prioritization of notifications.
One of the most noticeable changes in the iPhone 16 is the new camera control on the side. The new control allows you to operate the camera faster and more intuitively—a simple press is enough to snap a photo instantly. This is a major plus, especially for spontaneous shots and creative photography. The Pro model also offers an optimized telephoto lens and improved low-light performance compared to the iPhone 15.
But these innovations come at a high price: The iPhone 16 price list shows that the most expensive model, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, costs almost €2,000. For the occasional family snapshot, that’s a steep price—but for professional photographers or content creators, it might be worth it.
The standard model has a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus features a 6.7-inch screen—quite similar to the previous model. The advantage of the new model isn’t in size but in the latest display glass, which Apple claims is the toughest ever used in an iPhone. If you’re someone whose smartphone often takes a tumble, this could be a worthwhile upgrade.
Now for the big question: how long does the battery last? Apple says the iPhone 16 has an even longer battery life due to the more efficient A18 chip. However, the improvement isn’t revolutionary. Whether the difference is noticeable in everyday life, as always, depends on your usage habits.
Who should get the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 is primarily for tech enthusiasts and professional users. It offers a variety of advantages, such as:
ProMotion display with adaptive refresh rate for smoother scrolling and better animations.
Enhanced camera features, which are valuable for photographers and content creators.
Longer battery life and the extremely powerful A18 chip.
However, the question remains: are these improvements crucial for every user? If you already own an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus, you might wonder if upgrading to the iPhone 16 will make a big difference. For many users, the iPhone 15 may still be more than enough. The iPhone 15 vs. 16 comparison shows that in everyday life, the differences are often subtle.
Renting instead of buying: A smart move
Especially with expensive new models like the iPhone 16, it might be worth considering another option: renting an iPhone instead of buying one. Let’s be honest: few people can easily drop nearly €2,000 on a new phone.
The benefits of renting:
No high upfront costs: You can use the latest model without spending thousands of euros.
Always up to date: You can try out the latest technology and easily upgrade to the next model later.
Flexibility: If the iPhone 16 doesn’t meet your expectations, you can return it and rent a different iPhone generation or switch to another model.
Renting is especially useful if you want to test whether the iPhone 16 suits your needs before committing long-term. So, what are you waiting for? Whether upgrading to the latest model is worth it depends on your user habits, preferences, and daily needs. If having the latest technology is important to you, the iPhone 16 Pro will make you happy, but for many, the iPhone 15 might still be the best option.
If you’re unsure whether the latest iPhone is right for you, providers like Grover allow you to rent the iPhone 16 and see if it’s worth it—without high upfront costs and with maximum flexibility.
Wondering if your rented iPhone 16 is used? At Grover, the devices are either new or like-new, guaranteed. On average, we rent out each device between two and four times—so you don’t have to worry that your new iPhone won’t meet the quality you expect.
