iPhone 15 Model Comparison UK: Which Model Offers Best Value in 2025?
The iPhone 15 series continues to dominate the UK smartphone market, even with the newer iPhone 16 models available. With Apple retaining the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus at reduced prices of £699 and £799 respectively, choosing between the four iPhone 15 models has become more complex but potentially more rewarding for budget-conscious buyers.
Whether you're considering a brand-new device or exploring the thriving second-hand market, this comprehensive guide breaks down every iPhone 15 model to help you make the smartest purchase decision for your needs and budget.
The Four iPhone 15 Models: Complete Breakdown
iPhone 15 (Standard)
Current UK Price: £699 (new, reduced from £799) Key Features:
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
A16 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 14 Pro)
48MP main camera with 2x optical zoom
USB-C charging (first time on standard iPhone)
Available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
iPhone 15 Plus
Current UK Price: £799 (new, reduced from £899) Key Features:
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
Same A16 Bionic chip as standard iPhone 15
Same camera system as iPhone 15
Larger battery for extended use
Available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
iPhone 15 Pro
Current UK Price: No longer sold new by Apple (originally £999) Key Features:
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
A17 Pro chip (3nm technology)
Triple camera system with 3x optical zoom
Titanium build
Available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Current UK Price: No longer sold new by Apple (originally £1,199) Key Features:
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
A17 Pro chip
Triple camera system with 5x optical zoom
Titanium build
Available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (no 128GB option)
Key Differences Comparison
Value Analysis by Use Case
Best for Budget Buyers: iPhone 15 Standard
At £699, the standard iPhone 15 offers exceptional value. You get the same A16 Bionic chip that powered the iPhone 14 Pro, a massive camera upgrade with the 48MP sensor, and the convenience of USB-C charging. The 6.1-inch display hits the sweet spot for most users.
Who Should Buy: First-time iPhone buyers, those upgrading from iPhone 12 or older, users who prioritise affordability without major feature sacrifices.
Best for Media Consumption: iPhone 15 Plus
The £799 iPhone 15 Plus provides the same powerful features as the standard model but with a larger 6.7-inch display and superior battery life. The bigger screen makes it perfect for watching videos, gaming, and productivity tasks.
Who Should Buy: Heavy media consumers, users who want maximum battery life, those with larger hands who prefer bigger phones.
Best for Pro Users: iPhone 15 Pro (Second-Hand)
While discontinued, the iPhone 15 Pro remains the sweet spot for professional users. The A17 Pro chip, ProMotion display, and advanced camera system with 3x zoom make it ideal for demanding tasks.
Who Should Buy: Photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, professionals who need the latest performance, users who want premium features in a compact size.
Best for Content Creators: iPhone 15 Pro Max (Second-Hand)
The flagship model offers everything the Pro has but with a larger display and industry-leading 5x optical zoom. The combination of size and features makes it perfect for content creation.
Who Should Buy: Professional photographers, videographers, content creators, users who want the absolute best iPhone experience.
New vs Second-Hand Price Comparison (UK Market)
New Prices (2025)
iPhone 15: £699 (official Apple price)
iPhone 15 Plus: £799 (official Apple price)
iPhone 15 Pro: Not available new
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Not available new
Second-Hand/Refurbished Prices
Based on current UK market data:
iPhone 15:
Apple Certified Refurbished: £589 (15% discount)
Third-Party Refurbished: £450-550 (depending on condition)
Private Sales: £400-500
iPhone 15 Plus:
Apple Certified Refurbished: £759 (around 15% discount)
Third-Party Refurbished: £550-650
Private Sales: £500-600
iPhone 15 Pro:
Third-Party Refurbished: £650-750 (originally £999)
Private Sales: £600-700
iPhone 15 Pro Max:
Third-Party Refurbished: £800-950 (originally £1,199)
Private Sales: £750-850
Money-Saving Potential
*Original launch prices
Smart Buying Tips for Each Model
When to Buy New
iPhone 15/15 Plus: New prices have dropped significantly, making the warranty and peace of mind worth the premium for many buyers
Educational discounts: Students can save additional money through Apple's education store
When to Buy Refurbished
iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max: Since these aren't sold new anymore, certified refurbished is your best bet for warranty protection
Budget constraints: Refurbished options can save up to 40% compared to new prices
Environmental concerns: Refurbished devices reduce electronic waste
Red Flags to Avoid
Battery health below 80%: Will significantly impact daily usage
Water damage indicators: Can lead to future reliability issues
Missing original accessories: Factor replacement costs into your budget
Carrier-locked devices: Ensure unlocked status for maximum flexibility
Which iPhone 15 Model Should You Choose?
Choose iPhone 15 Standard If:
You want the latest iPhone features at the lowest price point
6.1-inch display size feels comfortable
You don't need professional camera features
Battery lasts your typical day
Choose iPhone 15 Plus If:
You prioritise battery life above all else
You consume lots of media on your phone
You prefer larger displays for productivity
You want iPhone 15 features with better battery
Choose iPhone 15 Pro If:
You're a photography enthusiast who needs 3x optical zoom
ProMotion 120Hz display is important for your usage
You want the fastest available iPhone performance
Premium titanium build appeals to you
Choose iPhone 15 Pro Max If:
You're a content creator needing 5x optical zoom
You want the largest iPhone display available
Maximum battery life is crucial
You don't mind the larger size and weight
Market Outlook and Future Considerations
The iPhone 15 series sits in an interesting position in 2025. With the iPhone 16 series now available and Apple no longer including Apple Intelligence support on iPhone 15 models, these devices represent excellent value for users who don't need the latest AI features.
Price predictions: Expect continued price drops on new iPhone 15 models throughout 2025, while second-hand prices will stabilise around current levels.
Longevity: All iPhone 15 models will receive iOS updates for at least 5-6 years, making them solid long-term investments.
Final Recommendations
Best Overall Value: iPhone 15 Standard at £699 new or £450-500 refurbished Best for Most Users: iPhone 15 Plus for the superior battery life Best Performance: iPhone 15 Pro (refurbished only) for the A17 Pro chip and ProMotion Best for Professionals: iPhone 15 Pro Max (refurbished) for ultimate features
The iPhone 15 series proves that you don't always need the latest model to get exceptional smartphone performance. Whether you choose new or refurbished, any iPhone 15 model will serve you well through 2025 and beyond.
Remember to factor in additional costs like cases, screen protectors, and potentially AppleCare when budgeting for your new iPhone. The peace of mind from proper protection often justifies the additional investment, especially for premium models like the Pro series.
