Introduction — Why People Are Asking About iPhone 15 in 2025
When the iPhone 15 launched in late 2023, it brought meaningful upgrades like the A16 Bionic chip, Dynamic Island, a 48MP main camera, and the long-awaited switch to USB-C. Two years later, in 2025, it’s no longer Apple’s newest model—but it’s still a highly capable phone with premium design, powerful performance, and long-term software support.
Many shoppers are now wondering: Is it still worth buying the iPhone 15 in 2025, especially as refurbished and certified used prices continue to fall? The short answer is yes—if you can find one at the right price, the iPhone 15 remains one of the best value flagship phones available today.
Full Specs of iPhone 15
| Category |
Details |
| Network Technology |
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
Announced: September 12, 2023
Released: September 22, 2023 |
| Body |
Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm (5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in)
Weight: 171 g (6.03 oz)
Build: Glass front and back, aluminum frame
SIM: Varies by region:
- Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (International)
- eSIM + eSIM (USA)
- Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China)
Protection: IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min)
Apple Pay: Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified
|
| Display |
Type: Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak)
Size: 6.1 inches (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution: 1179 x 2556 pixels (~461 ppi)
Protection: Ceramic Shield glass
|
| Platform |
OS: iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 26
Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
CPU: Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz + 4x2.02 GHz)
GPU: Apple GPU (5-core graphics)
|
| Memory |
Card Slot: No
Internal Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB, all with 6GB RAM (NVMe)
|
| Main Camera |
Dual: 48MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide)
Features: Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Video: 4K up to 60fps, Dolby Vision HDR, stereo sound
|
| Selfie Camera |
Single: 12MP (wide) + SL 3D depth sensor
Features: HDR, Dolby Vision HDR
Video: 4K up to 60fps, 1080p up to 120fps
|
| Sound |
Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack |
| Connectivity |
WLAN: Wi-Fi 6 (a/b/g/n/ac)
Bluetooth: 5.3
Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
NFC: Yes
USB: USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort
|
| Features |
Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Ultra Wideband (UWB Gen 2)
Emergency SOS, Messages & Find My via satellite
|
| Battery |
Type: Li-Ion 3349 mAh
Charging: 50% in 30 min (PD2.0), 15W MagSafe, 15W Qi2 (iOS 17.2+), 4.5W reverse wired
|
| Misc |
Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink
Models: A3090, A2846, A3089, A3092, iPhone15,4
SAR (US): 1.12 W/kg (head), 1.14 W/kg (body)
SAR (EU): 0.98 W/kg (head/body)
|
(Source: GSM Arena)
Performance and Hardware in 2025
The iPhone 15 remains a powerhouse in 2025 thanks to the A16 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 14 Pro. Built on a 4nm architecture, it delivers exceptional efficiency and smooth multitasking, easily handling demanding apps, gaming, and camera processing. Combined with 6GB of RAM and fast NVMe storage, the iPhone 15 still feels fast and responsive—comparable to many 2024 and 2025 flagship Android phones that cost twice as much.
The aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield glass also make it durable enough for long-term use, and with 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and USB-C, the iPhone 15 stays fully equipped for modern connectivity standards. Whether you’re streaming, editing photos, or running multiple apps, its performance remains flagship-class even two years after launch.
Software Support: iOS 26 and Long-Term Updates
The iPhone 15 launched with iOS 17 and is fully compatible with iOS 26 in 2025, with Apple expected to continue supporting it through at least 2030. This means years of software enhancements, new features, and critical security updates ahead—making it one of the safest and most future-proof options on the used or refurbished market.
Owning an iPhone 15 ensures you’ll receive all the latest Apple ecosystem updates, including new Apple Intelligence (AI) features, improved privacy tools, and better app optimization. For buyers who want a phone that will stay relevant for the next 5+ years, the iPhone 15 easily meets that expectation.
Camera and Battery Life: Still Flagship-Level
The 48MP main camera is one of the standout features that keep the iPhone 15 competitive in 2025. It delivers crisp photos with excellent detail and color accuracy, while the 12MP ultra-wide lens provides flexibility for travel, landscapes, and group shots. Video recording remains among the best in the industry, with 4K Dolby Vision HDR support that content creators still rely on.
Battery life continues to impress as well. The iPhone 15 easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use, and its USB-C fast charging replenishes 50% in just 30 minutes. Support for MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging adds flexibility, while efficiency improvements in iOS 26 further optimize power consumption.
Design and Features That Still Feel Modern
Even in 2025, the iPhone 15’s design feels sleek and current. Its Dynamic Island display and thin bezels make it nearly indistinguishable from the latest iPhone 16 series. The lightweight aluminum frame and vibrant color options (Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink) maintain a premium look without the extra weight of stainless steel models.
The switch to USB-C not only simplified charging but also made the iPhone 15 more compatible with universal accessories and faster data transfers. Combined with features like Emergency SOS via satellite and second-generation Ultra Wideband, the iPhone 15 continues to feel like a modern flagship in both aesthetics and functionality.
Price Drop: iPhone 15 Now Starting at $330+ (Refurbished / Certified Used)
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished iPhone 15 models now start at $330+, marking a sharp decline from its $799 launch price. That’s more than 50% off in just two years—making it an attractive choice for buyers who want flagship performance without flagship cost.
For those on a tighter budget, the iPhone 14 (starting at $220+) offers a nearly identical experience with the same A15 chip and overall design. However, given the small $100 price difference, most users will find the iPhone 15 to be the smarter long-term purchase thanks to its newer hardware and extended iOS support window.
Budget Alternatives: iPhone 14 ($220+)
For buyers who want flagship performance at a lower price, the iPhone 14 remains one of the best value choices in 2025. Certified Used and Refurbished models now start around $220+, making it roughly $100 cheaper than the iPhone 15. Despite being a year older, the iPhone 14 still delivers fast performance, excellent cameras, and full iOS 26 support — all at a more budget-friendly price.
Here’s a quick comparison between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14:
| Feature |
iPhone 15 |
iPhone 14 |
| Launch Year |
2023 |
2022 |
| Chipset |
A16 Bionic (4nm) |
A15 Bionic (5nm) |
| Display |
Super Retina XDR OLED (2,000 nits peak) |
Super Retina XDR OLED (1,200 nits peak) |
| Dynamic Island |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
| Main Camera |
48MP wide + 12MP ultrawide |
12MP wide + 12MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera |
12MP with autofocus |
12MP with autofocus |
| Battery Life |
Up to 20 hours video playback |
Up to 20 hours video playback |
| Charging Port |
USB-C |
Lightning |
| MagSafe / Qi2 Support |
✅ MagSafe + Qi2 |
✅ MagSafe only |
| iOS Support Through |
iOS 26 → 2030+ |
iOS 26 → 2029+ |
| Starting Price (2025) |
$330+ |
$220+ |
Performance and Chipset
The biggest internal difference is the processor. The iPhone 15 runs on Apple’s A16 Bionic chip, which is up to 20% faster and more efficient than the A15 in the iPhone 14. While both handle daily tasks with ease, the A16 chip offers better graphics performance and power efficiency, making it more future-ready for new iOS features and Apple Intelligence upgrades expected after 2026.
Display and Brightness
Both models use the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel, but the iPhone 15’s display reaches up to 2,000 nits peak brightness—about 70% brighter than the iPhone 14. This makes outdoor visibility noticeably better, especially under sunlight. The addition of Dynamic Island on the iPhone 15 also enhances usability, replacing the traditional notch with a more interactive and modern design element.
Camera System
Here’s where the gap widens: the iPhone 15’s 48MP main camera is a significant leap from the iPhone 14’s 12MP sensor. It captures more detail, better dynamic range, and cleaner low-light shots. The iPhone 15 can also produce 2x optical-quality zoom using its 48MP sensor—a feature missing on the iPhone 14. For anyone who values photography or video recording, the iPhone 15 easily wins this category.
Charging and Connectivity
In 2023, Apple finally moved from Lightning to USB-C, and that change makes a real difference for long-term convenience. The iPhone 15’s USB-C port allows for faster data transfers, simpler accessory compatibility, and universal charging with laptops, tablets, and other devices. The iPhone 14 still uses Lightning, which is slowly becoming obsolete as Apple transitions entirely to USB-C across its lineup.
Wireless Charging and Qi2 Compatibility
Both models support MagSafe wireless charging, but the iPhone 15 goes further with Qi2 support (introduced with iOS 17.2). This new standard improves wireless charging efficiency and aligns with future accessories. If you plan to use wireless charging regularly, the iPhone 15 will offer a slightly better experience.
Software Longevity
Both iPhones support iOS 26 in 2025, but the iPhone 15 is expected to receive at least one extra year of major software updates — likely through 2030, versus 2029 for the iPhone 14. This may not seem like much now, but it adds an extra layer of future-proofing if you plan to keep your phone long term.
Verdict
The iPhone 14 is still an excellent phone for most users in 2025 — fast, reliable, and supported for several more years. But the iPhone 15’s brighter display, 48MP camera, A16 chip, USB-C, and Qi2 support make it a better investment for those planning to keep their phone beyond 2027.
If your budget allows, go for the iPhone 15 ($330+). If you want to stay under $250, the iPhone 14 ($220+) remains the best budget-friendly alternative available through UpTrade’s Certified Used and Refurbished listings.
Why We Don’t Recommend the iPhone 13 ($210+)
The iPhone 13, released in 2021, was one of Apple’s best-selling models — but by 2025, it’s showing its age compared to newer options like the iPhone 14 and 15. Certified Used and Refurbished iPhone 13 units now start at around $210+, which might sound appealing at first glance. However, the small $10–$20 price difference from the iPhone 14 makes it a poor value for most buyers.
Outdated Internals and Shorter Support Window
The iPhone 13 uses the older A15 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 14, but with one less GPU core and slightly weaker thermal performance. More importantly, the iPhone 13’s software support will likely end around 2028, a year earlier than the iPhone 14. That shorter lifespan means you’ll lose access to new iOS features and security updates sooner, reducing long-term reliability.
Fewer Safety and Connectivity Features
Unlike the iPhone 14 and 15, the iPhone 13 lacks Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, and second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. These features may not affect everyday use but provide meaningful improvements in safety and connectivity that are valuable to have — especially for travelers or families.
Most Important: No Real Savings Compared to iPhone 14
The biggest reason to skip the iPhone 13 in 2025 is simply economics. With Certified Used iPhone 14 models available for just $10–$20 more, buyers get a newer device with improved safety features, slightly better camera performance, and longer iOS support. The iPhone 13 doesn’t offer enough savings to justify giving up those benefits.
Verdict: Skip the iPhone 13 in 2025
If you’re shopping smart in 2025, the iPhone 13 no longer makes sense. For nearly the same price, the iPhone 14 delivers a better overall experience and longer lifespan. The iPhone 15, at around $330+, adds another leap in camera quality, display brightness, and future-proof design.
Conclusion — Is the iPhone 15 Still Worth It in 2025?
Yes — the iPhone 15 remains absolutely worth buying in 2025. With Certified Used and Refurbished prices now starting around $330+, it delivers exceptional value for a near-flagship experience. You get the A16 Bionic chip, Dynamic Island, 48MP main camera, USB-C, and full iOS 26 support, making it both powerful and future-ready.
If your budget is less than $250, you may consider the iPhone 14 (Certified Used / Refurbished starting at $220+).
If you’re looking for the best price on a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 15, check UpTrade to compare listings from trusted sellers like Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy — all in one place.
FAQ: Buying the iPhone 15 in 2025
1. How much does the iPhone 15 cost in 2025?
Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 15 models now start around $330+, depending on storage capacity and condition.
2. Is the iPhone 15 still supported by iOS in 2025?
Yes. The iPhone 15 runs iOS 26 and will likely continue receiving updates through at least 2030.
3. What are the main differences between iPhone 15 and iPhone 14?
The iPhone 15 has the A16 chip, Dynamic Island, 48MP camera, brighter display, and USB-C port, while the iPhone 14 uses the A15 chip and still relies on Lightning.
4. How long will the iPhone 15 last?
With Apple’s typical five- to six-year support cycle, the iPhone 15 should stay functional and secure through 2030 or later.
5. Is it better to buy a Refurbished or Certified Used iPhone 15?
Both are great options, as long as you buy from a certified reseller. Refurbished models are usually reconditioned to like-new condition, while Certified Used devices may show light wear but cost less. UpTrade helps you compare both types from trusted sellers so you can find the best value.
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