Three generations compared.

Apple’s iPhone consistently ranks among the world’s most popular smartphones, and with each new iteration, anticipation runs high. But how do the last three generations – the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and the iPhone 16 – truly stack up? Let’s delve into their key features and differences to help you decide which model best suits your needs.

Design and display

The Apple iPhone 14 retained the familiar flat-edged design with a notch housing the front-facing camera and Face ID sensors. It offered a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. The iPhone 15 introduced the “Dynamic Island,” a pill-shaped cutout that cleverly integrates software notifications and alerts. This model also saw a slight increase in screen size to 6.2 inches, maintaining the Super Retina XDR display. The iPhone 16 packs the same screen as the iPhone 15 but offers support for 1 nit of minimum brightness, which can effectively help in power consumption.

Instead of the diagonal dual-camera setup on the back, seen on the iPhone 14 and 15, the iPhone 16 flaunts a vertical dual-camera setup. There’s a new pressure-sensitive physical button dubbed Camera Control on the iPhone 16 that lets you quickly launch the camera and shoot photos or videos. It also allows users to adjust zoom and exposure.

Camera capabilities

Photography remains a cornerstone of the iPhone experience. The iPhone 14 featured a 12MP + 12MP dual-camera system with notable improvements in low-light performance.

The iPhone 15 builts upon this with a new 48MP main sensor and enhanced image processing capabilities, resulting in sharper images and more detailed videos.

The iPhone 16 continues to feature the 48MP + 12MP dual-camera setup. It now comes with support for macro photography as well as spatial photos and videos.

Performance and battery Life

Each generation offers Apple’s powerful A-series chip, ensuring smooth performance and efficient power consumption. The iPhone 14 housed the A15 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 15 introduced the A16 Bionic. The iPhone 16 features the even more powerful A18 Bionic chip, promising significant gains in processing speed and graphics performance.

Battery life has seen incremental improvements across the generations, with the iPhone 16 offering the longest usage time thanks to optimisations in both hardware and software.

Price and storage options

As expected, the latest model commands the highest price. The iPhone 16 price  starts at Rs 79,900 in India. The iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 have seen price reductions since their launch, making them more attractive options for budget-conscious buyers.

Choosing between the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. The iPhone 16 offers the latest advancements in camera technology, performance, and battery life, making it ideal for those who want the best of the best.

However, the iPhone14 and 15 still offer excellent features at reduced prices, making them great options for those looking for a more affordable yet high-quality smartphone.