iPhone 15 Plus in 2026: is it still worth buying?

In 2026, the iPhone 15 Plus still holds a rather special place in Apple’s lineup. It is not the newest model, it is not a Pro, and yet it keeps one argument that many more expensive iPhones have not always made quite so simple: a large screen, very good battery life, USB-C, the Dynamic Island, a 48 MP main sensor, 5G, MagSafe, and an iOS experience that still feels very modern.

The real question, then, is not whether the iPhone 15 Plus still works well. Spoiler: yes, it works very well. The real question is whether it is still worth buying in 2026, now that Apple is pushing its newer models toward Apple Intelligence, 120 Hz screens, and more ambitious camera systems.

My opinion is pretty clear: the iPhone 15 Plus remains one of the most enjoyable refurbished iPhones for anyone who wants a large display and strong battery life without paying the price of a Pro Max model. But there is one major limitation to accept: it does not support Apple Intelligence.

Why the iPhone 15 Plus is still interesting in 2026

The iPhone 15 Plus was released in 2023 with a simple idea: to offer the experience of a large iPhone, but without the price or advanced features of a Pro Max. At the time, it mainly stood out for its battery life, large OLED display, and the arrival of long-awaited features on the standard lineup: USB-C, Dynamic Island, and a 48 MP sensor.

In 2026, these features are no longer surprising, but they still matter in everyday use. USB-C simplifies cables. The Dynamic Island gives the phone the feel of a recent iPhone. The large screen makes videos, reading, maps, social media, and photos much more comfortable. And battery life remains one of the model’s strongest arguments.

The iPhone 15 Plus is not a spectacular iPhone. It does not have 120 Hz, it has no telephoto lens, no Action button, and no Apple Intelligence. But that is exactly what makes it interesting as a refurbished device: it is not aimed at spec-sheet enthusiasts, but at people who want a simple, modern, reliable, and long-lasting iPhone.

What the iPhone 15 Plus still does very well

A large OLED screen that still feels great

The iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, with a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 ppi. It is large, sharp, contrasty, bright, and genuinely comfortable for anything that benefits from extra space.

Watching a series, reading an article, replying to emails, using Maps, editing a photo, or scrolling through social networks: everything feels more comfortable than on the regular iPhone 15. It is the kind of detail you tend to underestimate before switching to a large screen, then quickly miss when going back to something smaller.

Brightness also remains very good, with a peak of up to 2,000 nits outdoors. In 2026, this is not an outdated display. The real downside, as on the standard iPhone 15, is the lack of ProMotion 120 Hz. The screen looks good, but it is not as smooth as an iPhone Pro or an iPhone 17.

Battery life: its strongest argument

This is probably the number one reason to choose the iPhone 15 Plus over the regular iPhone 15. Apple advertises up to 26 hours of video playback, compared with 20 hours for the iPhone 15. In real life, that difference is mostly felt on long days: GPS, 5G, photos, social media, music, calls, videos… the 15 Plus handles it better.

It is not just about comfort. With a refurbished phone, a naturally long-lasting model often has extra appeal, because it starts from a stronger base. Of course, the real battery condition remains crucial. An iPhone 15 Plus with a healthy battery can still be a very reassuring daily companion in 2026.

The A16 Bionic chip is still more than enough

The iPhone 15 Plus uses the A16 Bionic chip, with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. It is no longer Apple’s newest chip, but it remains very comfortable for everyday use.

Web browsing, messaging, photos, videos, streaming, banking apps, GPS, AirDrop, CarPlay, social networks, casual games: the iPhone 15 Plus does not feel like an old smartphone. iOS remains smooth, apps open quickly, and the large screen even adds an extra sense of comfort.

For heavy gaming or demanding video editing, newer models do better. But for normal use, the A16 Bionic still has plenty of headroom.

Camera: the 48 MP sensor is still a real upgrade

The iPhone 15 Plus uses the same camera system as the iPhone 15: a 48 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera. The result remains very solid in 2026, especially compared with older iPhones.

The main sensor produces more detailed photos, with a clean and natural look. Apple also uses this sensor to offer a 2x zoom without a dedicated telephoto lens. It is not as versatile as an iPhone Pro, but it is far more practical than a simple dual 12 MP setup like on previous generations.

For family photos, travel, simple portraits, everyday scenes, or social media, the iPhone 15 Plus remains very reliable. It does not replace a Pro model for photography enthusiasts, but it covers common needs very well.

Video: Apple still keeps a real advantage

On the video side, the iPhone 15 Plus remains excellent. It records in Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps, offers Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps, and Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps.

This is one of those areas where Apple remains very consistent. Stabilization is clean, autofocus is reliable, colors are coherent, and the phone does not require much tweaking. For travel, everyday video, or simple social content, it is still very pleasant to use.

USB-C makes the phone feel more modern

The iPhone 15 Plus marked the break from the Lightning port. In 2026, USB-C is a real convenience: the same cable as many iPads, MacBooks, power banks, earbuds, laptops, and recent accessories.

There is one nuance to keep in mind: the iPhone 15 Plus supports USB 2. For charging and everyday use, that is not a problem. For regularly transferring very large videos to a computer, a Pro model with faster USB remains a better fit.

The big issue in 2026: iOS 26 yes, Apple Intelligence no

The iPhone 15 Plus is compatible with iOS 26

Good news: the iPhone 15 Plus is among the models compatible with iOS 26. It still benefits from Apple’s modern ecosystem, security updates, system app improvements, and the new software design.

Put simply, this is not an abandoned iPhone. It remains in Apple’s current cycle, with comfortable software life still ahead. For a refurbished purchase in 2026, that is reassuring.

But Apple Intelligence is not available

The real compromise is here. The iPhone 15 Plus is not compatible with Apple Intelligence. Apple reserves its AI features for the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and newer compatible models.

Is that a big problem? It depends on the user. For someone who wants a large, smooth, long-lasting iPhone with good cameras and a great content experience, it is not necessarily a deal-breaker. For someone who wants advanced AI features, writing tools, smart summaries, deeper Siri integration, or the latest software features, the iPhone 15 Plus already shows its limit.

My take: the iPhone 15 Plus remains an excellent “classic” iPhone. But it is not the best choice if the goal is to buy an iPhone truly oriented toward the next few years of Apple Intelligence.

The hardware compromises you really feel in 2026

60 Hz is still frustrating on such a large screen

The iPhone 15 Plus has a large and beautiful screen, but it is still limited to 60 Hz. On a 6.7-inch display, this choice is even more noticeable than on the regular model. Animations remain clean, iOS is well optimized, but scrolling does not have the smoothness of a ProMotion screen.

Coming from a regular iPhone or an older model, this probably will not be shocking. Coming from an iPhone Pro, an iPad Pro, or a 120 Hz Android phone, the step back is immediately noticeable.

The Plus format is not for everyone

The iPhone 15 Plus measures 160.9 mm tall, 77.8 mm wide, and weighs 201 g. It is lighter than a Pro Max from a similar generation, but it is not a small phone. In a tight pocket or one-handed use, it can quickly feel less practical.

It is an excellent format for consuming content, reading, watching videos, and enjoying strong battery life. It is less ideal for those who want a compact and discreet iPhone.

No telephoto lens or Pro features

The 2x zoom from the 48 MP sensor is useful, but it does not replace a real telephoto lens. The iPhone 15 Plus also lacks the advanced photo and video features of Pro models, such as ProRAW, ProRes, or more advanced capture options.

For family or everyday use, that is not a real issue. For someone who genuinely wants advanced mobile photography, the 15 Pro Max or a newer model remains more coherent.

128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB: which version should you choose?

The iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB versions. The 128 GB version can be enough for simple use with iCloud, a few apps, streaming, and regular photo management.

The most balanced version is often 256 GB. On a large iPhone designed for filming, watching, storing, and keeping content, this capacity gives more breathing room. 4K videos, photos, WhatsApp, apps, and files always end up taking more space than expected.

The 512 GB version can make sense for those who keep a lot of content locally, but in refurbished condition, the price gap needs to be watched closely. If it gets too close to an iPhone 15 Pro Max or an iPhone 16 Plus, it becomes less attractive.

Against the iPhone 15, 15 Pro Max, 16 Plus and 17: where does it stand?

Compared with the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus is easy to understand: same generation, same major features, but a larger screen and better battery life. If the size is not an issue, the Plus is often more enjoyable day to day.

Compared with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Plus is less complete. The Pro Max adds 120 Hz, a telephoto lens, a more premium finish, better graphics performance, and Apple Intelligence. But it also costs much more. For someone who mainly wants a large screen and strong battery life, the 15 Plus can be the more rational choice.

Compared with the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 15 Plus starts losing ground on software direction. The iPhone 16 Plus supports Apple Intelligence, has an A18 chip, the Action button, and Camera Control. At a similar price, the 16 Plus makes more sense. With a clear price gap, the 15 Plus remains very defensible.

Compared with the iPhone 17, the gap becomes more modern on the screen and software side. The iPhone 17 brings ProMotion up to 120 Hz, Apple Intelligence, and a newer technical base. But it does not have the same refurbished price positioning. The iPhone 15 Plus therefore remains interesting as a more accessible large iPhone.

My personal ranking in 2026 would be simple enough: iPhone 15 Plus if the price is right, iPhone 16 Plus if Apple Intelligence matters, iPhone 15 Pro Max if 120 Hz and advanced photography are priorities.

Refurbished iPhone 15 Plus from CertiDeal: the right way to buy it

In 2026, a refurbished iPhone 15 Plus makes far more sense than buying it at a new-device price. It is still modern, but already far enough from Apple’s main cycle to become interesting in terms of pricing.

With CertiDeal, the value mostly comes from the purchase framework: 30 days to test it and a 30-month warranty. On a refurbished iPhone, that is not a small detail. A large iPhone with strong battery life can be a very good deal, but only if the battery, screen, Face ID, speakers, microphones, cameras, and USB-C connector have been properly checked.

The iPhone 15 Plus is not an old model yet. It deserves better than a random classified ad purchase. A properly framed refurbished purchase lets you enjoy a better price without turning the purchase into a gamble.

What the warranty covers

The CertiDeal warranty covers technical failures and the phone’s components, excluding breakage and oxidation. In case of a problem, the device can be diagnosed, repaired, or replaced depending on the situation.

For an iPhone 15 Plus, this is particularly important for the battery, screen, Face ID, USB-C port, and camera modules. These are the elements that really shape the daily experience.

What the warranty does not cover

As usual, the warranty does not cover breakage or oxidation. A shattered screen after a drop, a phone dropped in water, or damage linked to misuse does not fall under the same framework. That is logical, but worth keeping in mind.

Pros and cons analysis: iPhone 15 Plus in 2026

Pros	Cons
Large 6.7-inch OLED display, very comfortable	60 Hz, no ProMotion
Very good battery life, up to 26 hours of video	Large format, less practical one-handed
A16 Bionic chip, still very smooth	No Apple Intelligence support
48 MP main sensor with useful 2x zoom	No dedicated telephoto lens
USB-C, more practical than Lightning	USB 2 only for transfers
Dynamic Island and modern design	No Action button or Camera Control
Compatible with iOS 26	AI features remain absent
CertiDeal refurbished model with 30-month warranty	Price needs watching against the iPhone 16 Plus

Who I would still recommend the iPhone 15 Plus to

• The “large screen without Pro Max” profile: the iPhone 15 Plus offers real visual comfort without reaching Pro Max prices.
• Someone who wants very good battery life: this is the model’s strongest point, especially compared with the regular iPhone 15.
• Users coming from an iPhone 11, XR, SE or 12: the upgrade is clear in terms of screen, battery life, USB-C, camera, and modern feel.
• Fans of video, series, and reading: the large OLED display makes use much more enjoyable.

Who I would not recommend it to

• Those who want Apple Intelligence: the iPhone 15 Plus is not compatible. You need at least an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPhone 16.
• Users used to 120 Hz: 60 Hz remains the most visible compromise.
• Advanced photography enthusiasts: no telephoto lens, no Pro features, no real long-focal-length versatility.
• Those who want a compact iPhone: the 6.7-inch format is comfortable, but not discreet.

FAQ about the iPhone 15 Plus in 2026

Does the iPhone 15 Plus get iOS 26?

Yes. Apple lists the iPhone 15 Plus among the models compatible with iOS 26. It therefore remains supported on the software side.

Does the iPhone 15 Plus have Apple Intelligence?

No. Apple Intelligence is not compatible with the iPhone 15 Plus. Compatible iPhone models start with the iPhone 15 Pro and then include the iPhone 16 and newer compatible models.

Is the iPhone 15 Plus better than the iPhone 15?

It is not really better in performance or camera quality, because the two models are very close. It is mainly better in two areas: the larger screen and battery life.

Should you buy an iPhone 16 Plus instead?

If the price gap is small, yes, the iPhone 16 Plus is more interesting thanks to Apple Intelligence, the A18 chip, the Action button, and Camera Control. If the iPhone 15 Plus is clearly cheaper, it still offers very good comfort for the price.

Is 128 GB enough on an iPhone 15 Plus?

Yes, for simple use with iCloud. But on a large iPhone used for filming, watching, and storing lots of content, 256 GB remains more comfortable.

Is the iPhone 15 Plus a good refurbished choice?

Yes, if the price is well positioned and the purchase is backed by a real warranty. At CertiDeal, the 30-day trial and 30-month warranty make the purchase much more reassuring.

My final verdict

I think the iPhone 15 Plus is one of the easiest iPhones to recommend refurbished when the price is right. It does not try to behave like a Pro model. It focuses on something simpler: a large display, excellent battery life, a modern interface, USB-C, a good camera experience, and still very solid smoothness.

Its real flaw in 2026 is not its age. It is its positioning just before the new Apple Intelligence frontier. It remains very pleasant today, but it will not benefit from all the AI features Apple is now highlighting on recent iPhones.

As a refurbished device, the equation remains very favorable. If the iPhone 15 Plus is significantly cheaper than an iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone 15 Pro Max, it still makes obvious sense. Not the most futuristic, not the most compact, not the most “Pro”. But for a large, long-lasting, and modern iPhone, it remains genuinely convincing.