Our verdict
The iPhone 15 is not suddenly bad because newer iPhones exist. Its 6.1-inch OLED screen, where each pixel lights itself, reaches 2,000 nits outdoors by Apple's figure, so it stays readable in sunshine. The 48MP main camera captures fine detail and can crop in for a sharp 2x view, and the A16 Bionic chip remains fast for everyday apps. It also has USB-C, the same charging socket as most laptops and Android phones. The question is whether the saving makes up for fewer years of future updates and no Apple Intelligence, Apple's newer AI features. For anyone who wants a familiar iPhone at the lowest sensible price, it can still work. At anything close to iPhone 16 money, skip it.
Buy it if
- You want the lowest-priced modern iPhone with a USB-C socket
- The deal is substantially cheaper than the iPhone 16
- Apple Intelligence features are not important to you
Skip it if
- The iPhone 16 costs only a little more
- You intend to keep the phone for as long as possible
- You specifically want Apple Intelligence features
How it would fit your home
A familiar iPhone with USB-C
USB-C charging uses the same cable as most laptops and Android phones, while the bright OLED screen and dependable 48MP camera cover everyday needs without leaving Apple's system.
Buying the cheapest sensible modern iPhone
It works when the 128GB price is clearly below newer models and Apple Intelligence is not important to you.
Keeping the phone for many more years
A newer iPhone is the safer buy when the price difference is small, because it will get software updates and new features for longer.
The details, in plain English
Daily experience
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR screen is an OLED panel, so blacks look deep and colours rich. Apple lists 1,000 nits typical brightness and up to 2,000 nits outdoors, so it stays readable in sunlight. The Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped area around the front camera, shows timers, calls and live updates. The screen's standard refresh rate makes scrolling look less smooth than many Android phones.
Camera
The 48MP main camera captures fine detail and uses the centre of its sensor for a 12MP 2x view, useful for portraits. The 12MP Ultra Wide camera fits in groups and buildings. There is no dedicated optical zoom lens for distant subjects, and the Ultra Wide camera does not offer the same close-up macro shots as the iPhone 16. Video remains a strength.
Performance, battery and charging
The A16 Bionic chip remains comfortably fast for messaging, navigation, shopping, photography and most games. The limit is software features rather than speed: Apple Intelligence needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later compatible model, so the standard iPhone 15 is excluded. Apple quotes up to 20 hours of video playback. The USB-C socket charges with the same cable as many laptops, and MagSafe snaps on a magnetic wireless charger at up to 15W.
Value
An older phone is worthwhile when the discount reflects its age. Compare the complete iPhone 15 deal with iPhone 16 and 16e alternatives, keeping the same 128GB storage. If the saving is small, buying newer gives you more features, such as Apple Intelligence, and more years of updates. Remember there is no charging plug in the box, so add one to the cost if you need it.
Strengths and drawbacks
What it does well
- Bright 6.1-inch OLED screen, up to 2,000 nits outdoors by Apple's figure, in a comfortable size
- 48MP main camera with a sharp 2x view, plus strong video
- USB-C charging and MagSafe magnetic wireless charging at up to 15W
- A16 Bionic chip remains fast for everyday apps
What to watch out for
- Does not support Apple Intelligence
- A standard refresh-rate screen and no dedicated optical zoom camera
- An older model with fewer future years of updates than newer iPhones
- No charging plug included
The iPhone 15 is still listed by major UK networks and can be attractive during clearance promotions. It competes most directly with the iPhone 16e: the 15 has MagSafe magnetic charging, an Ultra Wide camera and the Dynamic Island, while the 16e offers newer performance, Apple Intelligence support and stronger battery life.
Make the Apple iPhone 15 easier to live with
Add-ons that answer a drawback we named above. Check compatibility with your exact model before buying.
Solves: no charging plug included
Belkin BoostCharge WCA005myWH, 30W USB-C PD 3.0 PPS, UK white version Not yet reviewed by us
Provides a suitable USB-C wall-power where charging equipment or modest charging is named. It does not make the phone charge above its own limit.
Check first: Supplies USB-C power; it cannot exceed the phone’s charging limit.
Alternatives we have reviewed
| Product | Our verdict | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Apple iPhone 15 (this one) | Still a good iPhone, but only when its 128GB price is clearly below the iPhone 16's. | £799RRP · 128GB storage, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Apple iPhone 16 | An excellent everyday iPhone for anyone who wants a manageable 6.1-inch phone with a dependable camera, when the price is properly below the iPhone 17. | £799RRP · 128GB storage, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Apple iPhone 17 | The easiest current iPhone to recommend if you want a smooth 120Hz screen, dependable cameras and 256GB of storage without paying for a Pro model. | £899RRP · 256GB, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
 Apple iPhone 17e | The easiest route into a current iPhone, with generous storage, provided you accept a single rear camera and a screen that scrolls less smoothly than many Android phones. | £699RRP · 256GB storage, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026 | Check price |
Not sure it is the right one for you?
We email three options and one clear recommendation, around your budget and home, within three working days.
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Where our findings come from
Research-based review using Apple listed features and independent hands-on testing. UKTechExpert has not tested this handset directly.