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Will your geeky friend be happy with an iPhone 15?
Looking to pick up a new iPhone for a friend or family member? Which one do you get, especially if they’re a tech enthusiast? Do you splurge on the latest model or save a bit of cash and get a slightly older one? Upcoming festive sales will see huge discounts on older Apple iPhones and perhaps even on the newly launched iPhone 16, after.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 generally sells for Rs 10,000 less than the iPhone 15. Given the updates to the 15, however, we’d recommend skipping the 14. Versus the 14, the 15 sees upgrades in two key areas: camera and connectivity. Yes, you get a new dynamic island and a brighter display as well, but they are not by themselves enough to justify an upgrade.
The 15 bumps up the primary camera to a whopping 48MP – up from 12MP on the 14 – and takes pixel-binned 12MP and 24MP photos that are much cleaner and more detailed.
Secondly, the upgrade to USB-C is a game-changer for an enthusiast. They can now plug in any number of USB-C accessories including keyboards, DACs, storage devices, and more, all without needing a dongle. You can even output video to a display via USB-C or USB-C to HDMI adapter.
For a tech enthusiast, these two features alone, and especially USB-C, make the iPhone 15 a worthwhile gift.
However, if you’re planning on getting them a new phone and are willing to spend Rs 69,990 on the 15, we’d recommend saving up a bit and spending a bit more to get the 16. Here’s why…
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16
The biggest update coming to iPhone 16 is Apple Intelligence. This is an umbrella term that Apple is using to describe a suite of features that leverage the iPhone 16’s more powerful neural engine and RAM. Announced features include Writing Tools that helped you draft better copies and messages, image generation, a smarter and faster Siri, and a lot more besides.
These features are not available yet but are expected to transform how we use our phones. Unfortunately, the iPhone 15 does not support Apple Intelligence.
AI aside, the iPhone 16 also sports a host of new updates. This includes a new macro camera mode, a huge bump in performance thanks to a two-generations newer chip and more RAM, much faster charging via MagSafe or USB-C, better battery life, and of course a whole new interface called Camera Control.
If you’re buying a new iPhone for a tech enthusiast, there is no question that the iPhone 16 is the better product. It is expensive, but think of it this way – for Rs 10,000 more you’re getting a newer, faster phone with tonnes of new features, a new interface, better battery life, and faster charging. When you’re prepared to spend Rs 69,990, spending Rs 79,990 on something so much better is worth it.
For someone who’s not an enthusiast, the 15 is an excellent product. Spend the money saved on additional accessories such as AirPods or cases.