Your common iPhone comes with a hefty price ticket, and the newest iteration isn’t any exception. At present, the entry-level iPhone begins at $799. For these considering an acquisition, it may be value contemplating an earlier mannequin.
The iPhone 15, whereas now outmoded, stays a formidable competitor. Though discontinuation adopted the iPhone 17’s debut in autumn 2025, new iPhone 15 items stay accessible by all main U.S. carriers at a worth level of $629.99.
Moreover, the secondary market affords intriguing choices. Platforms like Swappa present entry to pre-owned units, with iPhone 15 listings hovering round $320.
When exploring this avenue, it’s prudent to inquire concerning the system’s battery situation. Apple’s longevity dedication sometimes ensures software program updates for 5 to seven years post-launch, affording customers between 2.5 and 4.5 years of continued help.
Choosing a brand new iPhone by carriers results in the consideration of the iPhone 17e. Launched lately in March 2026, this mannequin retails at $599—$30 lower than the iPhone 15—and boasts superior attributes with one notable exception.
Contrasting the iPhone 15 with the iPhone 17e
Selecting the iPhone 17e over the older iPhone 15 grants entry to a mess of enhancements throughout key options. The bottom storage capability expands from 128GB within the iPhone 15 to a beneficiant 256GB within the 17e.
Furthermore, RAM is elevated from 6GB to 8GB. The brand new mannequin is powered by the Apple A19 chip, in comparison with the A16 Bionic present in its predecessor, and sports activities a 33% bigger battery.
The only benefit the iPhone 15 holds over the 17e is its extra ultrawide digital camera, best for capturing expansive scenes with out the necessity to retreat.
Whereas the only digital camera sensor on the 17e performs admirably, the iPhone 15’s dual-camera system presents a compelling bonus. Nonetheless, the cumulative upgrades of the 17e arguably outweigh the minor good thing about the additional digital camera.
Within the absence of the 17e, the iPhone 15 stays a viable possibility. But, it must be famous that for lower than $100 greater than the 17e’s asking worth, the iPhone 16 continues to be accessible from Apple.
Provided that the iPhone 15 has been formally retired, pursuing a brand new buy of this mannequin appears more and more imprudent.
A secondary market acquisition for underneath half of the retail worth affords a unique perspective, however for brand spanking new units, the iPhone 17e and 16 clearly overshadow the iPhone 15.
Supply hyperlink: Slashgear.com.