iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 – Pakistan Comparison 2025
1. Introduction
If you’re thinking about upgrading or buying one of Apple’s latest phones in Pakistan, you’ll likely ask: “Should I grab the iPhone 16 or stick with the iPhone 15?” With both models available and showing attractive deals, this comparison helps you cut through marketing to find what matters locally: specs, value, pricing, warranty/PTY issues, and future-proofing.
2. Local Price Overview
- According to Pakistani sources, the iPhone 15 base model recently lists around PKR ≈ Rs 321,999 for local market. (Pakistan Observer)
- The iPhone 16 base variant (128 GB) is being listed around PKR ≈ Rs 369,000 in Pakistan. (Pakistan Observer)
- Internationally the base price for both models began at US-$799, but local taxes, PTA approval, currency fluctuations inflate this significantly. (Pakistan Observer)
Takeaway: The price difference between the two is meaningful — tens of thousands of PKR. So the question is: do the extra features justify spending more?
3. Design & Build
Same footprint:
Both models share almost identical dimensions: ~147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm and around 170-171g weight. (Mobileinto)
Colour & styling changes in iPhone 16:
- iPhone 15 colours: Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink. (Pakistan Observer)
- iPhone 16 adds Premium colours: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White in addition to Black. (Authentico)
Camera island and button changes: - The iPhone 16 introduces a pill-shaped camera layout (versus diagonal in iPhone 15) and two new physical buttons: an Action Button replacing the mute switch, and a Camera Control Button for direct shutter functionality. (Authentico)
Verdict: If you care about looks, colours and new buttons, iPhone 16 has the edge. If you’re fine with iPhone 15’s design you won’t feel left out.
4. Display & Visuals
- Both phones use Super Retina XDR OLED displays. (Mobileinto)
- Screen size in both base models: 6.1-inch (for the non-Plus/Pro variants). (GizNext)
- Refresh rate in these standard versions remains 60 Hz; a missed opportunity for some. (Authentico)
- Brightness, colour accuracy, HDR support remain very good on both; iPhone 16 offers improved minimum brightness and slightly updated tuning. (Brandligo)
Verdict: For everyday use, both displays are excellent. Unless you’re using your phone for high-frame gaming or prefer ultra-smooth scrolling, the difference is minimal.
5. Performance & Internals
Chipset:
- iPhone 15: A16 Bionic (5nm) (Authentico)
- iPhone 16: A18 (3nm) with enhanced AI capabilities & more efficiency. (Pakistan Observer)
RAM and storage: - iPhone 15 reportedly with ~6 GB RAM for base model. (Authentico)
- iPhone 16 boosts RAM to ~8 GB and greater focus on AI/performance. (Authentico)
Real-world impact: You’ll notice faster app launches, smoother multitasking and a little better future-proofing in the iPhone 16. But for most users, iPhone 15 already 4handles everything smoothly.
Verdict: The iPhone 16 wins the performance war, but the difference may not justify the price for casual users.
6. Camera & Video Capabilities
Main cameras: Both models keep a 48 MP main sensor (in many markets) plus ultra-wide and front cameras. (Authentico)
New features in iPhone 16:
- Pill layout changed for supporting Spatial Video mode (3D capture) and the new dedicated camera shutter button. (Authentico)
- Improved low-light and computational photography through upgraded AI engine. (Pakistan Observer)
What’s missing: The refresh rate remains 60 Hz, which some competitors already beat. (Authentico)
Verdict: If you’re a heavy camera user / vlogger, iPhone 16 brings meaningful upgrades. If you use your phone for normal photography, iPhone 15 is still very good.
7. Battery & Charging
- iPhone 16 shows slight improvement in battery life thanks to the more efficient 3 nm process. (Authentico)
- Wired/wireless charging speeds are largely unchanged in base models; some criticisms persist. (Authentico)
Verdict: Not a massive leap. If battery matters most, you may find slightly better experience in 16 but not dramatically.
8. Connectivity & Features
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Both models feature USB-C port (important for Pakistan users) and support 5G, Satellite connectivity, etc. (Pakistan Observer)
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iPhone 16 adds additional buttons (as mentioned) and colours.
Verdict: Feature set is enhanced in 16, but 15 remains highly capable.
9. Local Relevance for Pakistan Buyers
PTA Approval & Taxes: Local buyers must consider PTA tax and warranty support. Non-PTA phones may be cheaper but risk issues with dual SIM registration, resale value, warranty. Reddit and local forum users frequently caution about JV/non-PTA models. (Reddit)
Price stability & resale: iPhone 15 may see faster price drops (once new model introduced) so could be better value for money.
Waiting vs buying now: Some users suggest waiting for older model discounts rather than rushing into new model unless features matter. (Reddit)
Which to pick:
- If your budget is tight and you want value → iPhone 15.
- If you want latest features, best camera, better future proofing → iPhone 16.
Warranty/Service: Buying from authorized reseller ensures full local support.
Verdict: For Pakistan buyer, unless you really need the new features of 16, iPhone 15 looks like the smarter value buy.
10. Pros & Cons Summary
iPhone 15 – Pros:
- Lower price compared to 16
- Strong performance (still flagship-level)
- Reliable cam4era & ecosystem
- Value for money
iPhone 15 – Cons:
- Slightly older chipset
- No dedicated camera shutter button/new extras
- Less future-proof (in theory)
iPhone 16 – Pros:
- New A18 chip, improved performance & AI
- Redesigned camera layout, new buttons
- More premium colours & slight battery gains
- Slightly more future-proof
iPhone 16 – Cons:
- Higher price
- Base model still 60 Hz screen (for standard variant)
- Upgrades mostly iterative, not revolutionary
11. Recommendation for Pakistan
If you’re buying in Pakistan in 2025 and want best value → go for iPhone 15 (preferably PTA-approved, good storage variant).
If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone (like 12, 13) and capacity to spend more → consider iPhone 16.
If you buy iPhone 16, make sure the features you care about (camera button, better colours, AI enhancements) are worth the extra cost for you.
If you don’t plan to keep the phone many years, iPhone 15 might actually give you better dollar-to-rupee value.
12. Final Verdict
In the battle between iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 in Pakistan, there is no bad choice — both are excellent phones. The smartest decision depends on your budget, usage patterns, and how much you value the upgrades.
For many users, iPhone 15 offers more than sufficient performance and features at a better price. The iPhone 16 adds polish and future-proofing, but whether it justifies the extra cost depends on you.
Make sure you consider local factors (PTA, reseller, warranty, storage variant) before final decision.