Engadget analysis finds iPhone 15 poor value against iPhone 17e in 2026

The iPhone 15, released in September 2023, remains the oldest iPhone model currently sold new by retailers and carriers. However, an analysis by Engadget suggests that its position as the entry-level option no longer justifies its price tag when compared to the newer iPhone 17e. While the device is still available brand-new, the market has shifted such that the older model offers diminishing returns for buyers seeking value.

The core issue lies in the pricing structure and hardware disparity between the two devices. The iPhone 17e is priced similarly to the iPhone 15, with some carriers, including T-Mobile, actually charging slightly more for the older iPhone 15. Despite the price parity, the iPhone 17e delivers superior specifications across nearly every relevant metric. It starts with 256GB of storage, which is double the 128GB base capacity of the iPhone 15. Upgrading to 256GB on the iPhone 15 originally cost an additional $100, further illustrating the value proposition of the newer model.

Processing power and memory also favour the iPhone 17e. The newer device features 8GB of RAM compared to the 6GB found in the iPhone 15, providing better performance for multitasking and bandwidth-intensive activities such as gaming. Additionally, the iPhone 17e is equipped with a larger 4,005mAh battery, an increase from the 3,349mAh capacity in the iPhone 15. Both devices support 20W wired and 15W wireless charging, but the newer model offers longer battery life and is slightly lighter.

A critical differentiator is support for Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 15’s A16 chip lacks the necessary power to support Apple’s AI features, a capability first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. The iPhone 17e, released in March 2026, includes this support, aligning it with the trajectory of iOS 27, which will update devices dating back to the iPhone 11. The iPhone 16, while offering an A18 chip and new control buttons, is priced higher than the iPhone 17e, making the latter the more economical choice for consumers wanting modern features.

There are limited areas where the iPhone 15 retains an advantage. It features a brighter screen with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, compared to the 1,200 nits of the iPhone 17e, and includes the Dynamic Island interface, whereas the iPhone 17e uses a notch. The iPhone 15 also retains a dual-camera system, while the iPhone 17e utilises a single back camera, though both share the same resolution for their main and front lenses. For consumers prioritising these specific display or interface elements, the older model may still hold appeal.

For those unwilling to purchase the iPhone 17e, the pre-owned market presents a viable alternative. Best Buy offers pre-owned, unlocked iPhone 15 devices in excellent condition for approximately $540. This price point undercuts the $600 retail price of a new iPhone 17e. Engadget concludes that while the iPhone 15 can suffice for entry-level users finding a deep discount, the iPhone 17e or a refurbished iPhone 15 represents a more prudent investment for most buyers in 2026.