30/01/2026
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16: Which Refurbished iPhone Suits You Best?
If you’re looking for a new iPhone, you’ll quickly find yourself considering multiple generations that are still widely available. At first glance, the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 look very similar, but there are clear differences among them. It’s no surprise, then, that you might wonder which one suits you best. To answer that, we’ll take a close look at all three devices so you can make the best choice.
Table of Contents
- The iPhone 14
- The iPhone 15
- The iPhone 16
- The main differences between the iPhone 14, 15, and 16
- Which model suits which type of user?
- Why choose refurbished from iUsed?
- Conclusion
The iPhone 14
It has been a few years since the iPhone 14 was released, but you’d hardly notice in day-to-day use. Apple is known for long-term software support, and this is clearly evident here. The device still feels fast for everyday activities such as messaging, browsing, social media, and streaming.The A15 chip delivers reliable performance, and the display is bright and sharp, which is particularly enjoyable for reading and watching videos. The camera is dependable and produces consistent results, especially in good lighting. Video recording is stable and high-quality, an area where Apple has excelled for years.
What was new compared to the iPhone 13:
- Improved camera stabilization
- Additional safety features
- Optimisations in battery management
The iPhone 14 demonstrates that you don’t need to upgrade your iPhone every year to keep it running smoothly.
The iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 feels like a refined successor to the iPhone 14. Everything good has been slightly improved, without Apple making the device more complicated.The faster processor provides extra headroom for multitasking and more demanding apps. You’ll particularly notice smoother performance when editing photos or using multiple apps at once. The camera has also been enhanced, especially in low-light conditions and for portrait photography.
What many users appreciate about the iPhone 15 is its consistency. The device feels modern without missing any features or hitting performance limits.
New compared to the iPhone 14:
- Faster and more efficient chip
- Improved camera performance in low light
- Minor optimisations in design and performance
For many people, the iPhone 15 is the point where performance, ease of use, and longevity come together nicely.
The iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 builds on the iPhone 15 but clearly emphasises future-proofing. The latest generation chip is not only faster but also more energy-efficient, which is particularly noticeable during heavy use.The camera benefits from improved software and smarter image processing. Photos are more consistent, especially in challenging lighting, and automatic optimisations feel more natural. The display is brighter and remains easy to read even in bright sunlight.
What’s new compared to the iPhone 15:
- Higher performance and better energy efficiency
- Smarter camera processing
- Subtle improvements in display and battery life
The iPhone 16 is especially appealing for people who want to use their device for a long time and place a high value on performance and camera quality.
The main differences between the iPhone 14, 15, and 16
PerformanceThe differences in performance between the iPhone 14, 15, and 16 are mainly noticeable in how “spacious” the device feels during use. The iPhone 14 provides a stable and reliable experience for everyday tasks such as messaging, browsing, navigation, and streaming. The iPhone 15 adds extra speed, which is particularly welcome when multitasking or using more demanding apps. The iPhone 16 goes a step further, clearly aimed at intensive and future-proof use, with additional processing power and efficiency that remain noticeable even during prolonged use.
Camera
All three models deliver consistent results, but each has its own strengths. The iPhone 14 is a strong all-rounder, producing sharp and natural photos in most situations. The iPhone 15 performs better in low-light conditions, preserving more detail and producing calmer-looking images. The iPhone 16 stands out with its smart image processing, resulting in more consistent photos across different conditions and requiring less post-processing.
Long-term use
When looking at multi-year use, all models offer a solid foundation. The iPhone 14 is still perfectly suitable for long-term daily use, thanks to Apple’s software support. The iPhone 15 strikes a good middle ground, combining modern performance with longevity. The iPhone 16 offers the most future-proofing, with the longest software support and enough performance headroom to handle new features and updates smoothly.
Which model suits which type of user?
StudentThe iPhone 14 is often more than sufficient. Reliable, fast enough, and suitable for study, communication, and leisure.
Professional
The iPhone 15 provides extra speed and stability, which is useful for work, multitasking, and business apps.
Creatives
The iPhone 16 is ideal for those who work extensively with photo, video, and content creation and want maximum performance.