Review · Apple
iPhone 15 Review (2026): Cheapest Current-Gen iPhone, But No Apple Intelligence
Now $499–$599 refurbished. The iPhone 15 has USB-C, a 48MP main camera, and 4+ years of iOS support remaining — but it does NOT support Apple Intelligence. The cheapest path into iOS in 2026, with a notable trade-off.
By SmartphoneAwards Editorial · Published · Updated
Pros
- Cheapest path into iOS in 2026
- USB-C and 48MP main camera
- Five+ years of iOS updates remaining
- Refurbished pricing $499–$599
Cons
- Does NOT support Apple Intelligence
- 60Hz display refresh
- A16 chip is 3 generations behind A19
- No Camera Control button
What it offers in 2026
The iPhone 15 is the cheapest current-design iPhone. USB-C, Dynamic Island, 48MP main camera, and Apple's mature iOS 19. Stretch to the iPhone 16 for Apple Intelligence — the $100–$200 difference is genuinely worth it long-term.
Display & build
6.1-inch OLED at 60Hz. Aluminum frame. Build quality matches the iPhone 16 — only the chipset and Apple Intelligence support differ.
Performance & Apple Intelligence
A16 chip + 6GB RAM. Smooth for everyday use but does NOT meet the RAM threshold for Apple Intelligence. This is the single biggest reason to consider stepping up to the 16 instead.
Camera
Dual camera: 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide. No telephoto. Stills are competent but Apple's processing pipeline updates have favored newer iPhones.
Battery
Real-world: 6–7 hours of screen-on time. 20W wired charging.
Verdict · 4.0 / 5
Buy the iPhone 15 only if budget caps below $550 and you don't care about Apple Intelligence. Otherwise stretch to the iPhone 16 at $599–$699 (MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone winner, with full Apple Intelligence support).
🛒 Buy the iPhone 15 on AmazonAlternatives to consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iPhone 15 support Apple Intelligence?
No — only the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and all iPhone 16/17 models support Apple Intelligence. The base iPhone 15 does not.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16: which to buy?
iPhone 16 — Apple Intelligence support alone justifies the $100–$200 price difference. The iPhone 15 is only the right pick if budget is decisive.
Is the iPhone 15 still worth buying in 2026?
Marginally. At $499 it's the cheapest USB-C iPhone but Apple Intelligence absence is a real long-term limitation. Pixel 8a at $499 is generally a better value.
How we rate
Our editorial score is anchored to outcomes from MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025), then refined for everyday usability. Phone of the Year winners earn 5/5; category winners 4.5/5; runners-up 4/5; otherwise we score on merit. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.