Here in Sweden a used iPhone 15 Pro in good condition goes for about the same price as the brand new iPhone 16e that Apple announced yesterday.
Questions:
1 - Which one would you go with, and why?
2 - How does the A17 Pro compare to the A18 (non-pro) performance wise?
3 - Is the iPhone 15 Pro as good at Apple Intelligence as the iPhone 16e?
4 - Do they both have the same amount of RAM?
iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOS 18
To me it's a no-brainer to go with a used iPhone 15 Pro over a new iPhone 16e. Indeed the above post mentions multiple ways the 16e is worse than the 12 Pro Max, and the 15 Pro is even better than the 12 Pro, so its conclusion to get the 16e surprises me.
As pointed out, the A17 Pro in the 15 Pro is actually faster than the A18 version in the 16e. It is already able to run all the Apple Intelligence functions that the 16e can run, so it will be just as future-proof.
On top of that, the 15 Pro has these everyday-useful features that the 16e lacks:
For the more technically minded, the 15 Pro has these other abilities that the 16e lacks:
It's been confirmed both are 8GB in RAM and the action buttons work the same, including for Visual Intelligence.
Other than longer battery life, the 16e is inferior in every way.
One should exercise caution and common sense in buying used phones, but there isn't a need to avoid it completely out of fear. My last 5 iPhones were all used, and all were fine. I only buy from sellers with good feedback and with a no-questions seller-paid 30-day or longer return policy (which forces then not to peddle junk). On top of that eBay, Swappa, Amazon, Backmarket etc all have money-back guarantees that you get the item as described.
To me it's a no-brainer to go with a used iPhone 15 Pro over a new iPhone 16e. Indeed the above post mentions multiple ways the 16e is worse than the 12 Pro Max, and the 15 Pro is even better than the 12 Pro, so its conclusion to get the 16e surprises me.
As pointed out, the A17 Pro in the 15 Pro is actually faster than the A18 version in the 16e. It is already able to run all the Apple Intelligence functions that the 16e can run, so it will be just as future-proof.
On top of that, the 15 Pro has these everyday-useful features that the 16e lacks:
For the more technically minded, the 15 Pro has these other abilities that the 16e lacks:
It's been confirmed both are 8GB in RAM and the action buttons work the same, including for Visual Intelligence.
Other than longer battery life, the 16e is inferior in every way.
One should exercise caution and common sense in buying used phones, but there isn't a need to avoid it completely out of fear. My last 5 iPhones were all used, and all were fine. I only buy from sellers with good feedback and with a no-questions seller-paid 30-day or longer return policy (which forces then not to peddle junk). On top of that eBay, Swappa, Amazon, Backmarket etc all have money-back guarantees that you get the item as described.
Hello FilipOfficial,
Just to make sure, where is this amazing iPhone 15 Pro deal you're seeing (Amazon, Best Buy, Facebook, etc.)? This is an important article to reference before we continue: The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community
1 - Personally, either one is a winner. I'm rocking an iPhone 16 Plus right now and have used an iPhone SE (2nd gen) extensively in the past. Of course, the iPhone 16e is a massive jump over the iPhone SE (2nd gen).
2 - The A17 Pro is on par with the A18, although in terms of graphics performance, the A18 chip specific to the iPhone 16e has two fewer cores, although I doubt you'll notice except in heavy games. Check out the comparison here: https://nanoreview.net/en/soc-compare/apple-a18-vs-apple-a17-pro.
3 - Arguably, the A18 chip is built specifically with Apple Intelligence in mind with better memory bandwidth and 2nd Generation 3nm chip manufacturing process, but the only area where I find my phone using a lot of energy is in Image Playground or Genmoji; all other tasks are completed with ease.
4 - Yes, they both have 8GB of RAM.
What are your priorities for your iPhone? Based on your original post, you currently own an iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Okay, so I know that I should make a decision: iPhone 16e. Although I use the Ultra Wide camera occasionally on my iPhone 16 Plus, it's a nice addition, not a necessity. Battery life is absolutely amazing on the iPhone 16e (rivaling my iPhone). I have used ProMotion on iPad Pros and I have a MacBook Pro. The screen technology is already so good on my iPhone that I really don't notice the 60 Hz refresh rate. Just get whatever you want (as long as its from a credible source).
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Have a nice day!
The iPhone 16e is a better choice than a used iPhone 15 Pro for my mom because it prioritizes what actually matters to her: battery life, a lightweight design, and long software support. A brand-new iPhone 16e comes with a fresh battery that will last longer than the used battery of an iPhone 15 Pro, ensuring all-day use without worry. It’s also smaller and lighter, making it much easier to hold. Since my mom doesn’t notice the difference between a 60Hz and 120Hz screen, rarely takes photos (and never zooms or uses ultra-wide), and doesn’t use AirTags, the extra features of the 15 Pro are wasted on her. Plus, the iPhone 16e will receive at least one more year of iOS updates, making it the better long-term investment. While tech enthusiasts might prefer the 15 Pro’s advanced specs, for someone who simply wants a lightweight iPhone with great battery life, a brand new iPhone 16e is objectively the smarter choice.
Apple has not disclosed how much RAM the iPhone 16e has. That said, I'm guessing that it has 8 GB.
If you are considering purchasing a used iPhone, I would suggest reading
The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone – Apple Community
so that you know what to look for to avoid getting an Activation-Locked and possibly stolen "brick."
The Apple Certified Refurbished store does not currently appear to be carrying iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max models, but should it start carrying them, it would be a lot safer place to buy than some electronic "marketplace".
Thank you for your great comparison and the great benchmark test from Nanoreview you linked. This phone actually isn't for me, it's for my mom who's currently using an iPhone XR. My mom prefers a phone that has great battery life and is lightweight, but she also wants to be future-proofed with Apple Intelligence compatibility, so I believe the iPhone 16e might be the better fit for her. The extra cameras, 120Hz screen and Ultra Wideband on the 15 Pro isn't something she'll actually use day-to-day or notice. A brand new iPhone 16e therefore seems like the better buy for her. Thank you!
Following up to report that my iPhone 15 Pro purchased used for $60 USD less than a new iPhone 16e is excellent. Only one scratch on the back, otherwise looks and works like new. Came with a 30-day money-back guarantee so it's fine, as expected.
And yes, I've already compared them here: https://www.apple.com/se/iphone/compare/?modelList=iphone-15-pro,iphone-16e,iphone-xr
But I'm interested in your opinions.
@FilipOfficial,
You’re so welcome! I hope your mom enjoys the new phone. And, yes, the iPhone 16e should be supported for many years to come.
Take care!
New iPhone 16e or Used iPhone 15 Pro?
