Worth Paying More in Ireland? iPhone 17 vs 16 vs 15
Apple's annual iPhone updates always leave us asking the same question: is the new one worth the premium? In Ireland, where carrier plans and SIM-only deals can vary greatly, it's crucial to weigh not only specs but also real life in Irish conditions. Here's our full review of the iPhone 15, 16, and new iPhone 17.
In This Article
Price Variances at Irish Stores & Carriers
| Model | Launch Price (Ireland) | Current Standard Price (SIM-Free) | Notable Irish Carrier Deals (2025)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | From €979 | ~€850–€900 | Free AirPods or €200 trade-in bonus on some plans |
| iPhone 16 | From €1,099 | ~€1,000–€1,050 | Bundled 5G unlimited plans |
| iPhone 17 | From €1,249 | ~€1,200+ | Early-upgrade plans & 36-month financing |
Prices are approximate as of September 2025.
Analysis
The price increase from 15 to 16 was acceptable (~€120), but the leap to iPhone 17 is stronger. Irish carriers are pushing back with extended contract terms and bigger trade-in offers, so the 17 is a little more digestible in the long run. SIM-free buyers will suffer, though.
Camera & Photography in Irish Conditions
| Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48 MP (wide) | 48 MP upgraded sensor | 48 MP with next-generation sensor & better HDR |
| Telephoto (Pro/Max) | 3x optical | 5x optical (Max) | 6x optical (Max) |
| Low Light Performance | Good | Better noise reduction | Excellent; Apple "Night Engine" |
| Video | 4K/60 HDR | 4K/60 HDR + Action mode 2.0 | 4K/120 ProRes, better stabilisation |
Real-world test in Ireland:
-
-
- Rainy day: iPhone 17 coating and fresh AI processing reduce glare and improve color accuracy; 16 is reliable, and 15 occasionally struggles with water droplets.
-
-
-
- Low light indoors: iPhone 17 shines, especially in pubs and restaurants where the lighting is dim.
-
-
-
- Night city shooting: iPhone 17's new "Night Engine" provides crisper lines and richer colors of Dublin's city lights.
-
Verdict:
iPhone 16 is already excellent for social snappers. iPhone 17 will be noticed by photographers and social media influencers for a noticeable jump.
Battery Life & Connectivity on Irish Networks
| Previous Measure | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (approx.) | 3,349 mAh | 3,500 mAh | 3,700 mAh |
| Average Screen-on Time | ~8.5 hrs | ~9.5 hrs | ~10 hrs |
| 5G Bands for Ireland | Full support | Full support + improved mmWave (in Dublin) | Same + improved modem for rural areas |
| Roaming in EU/UK | Supported | Supported | Supported, faster connection switching |
Practical Irish usage in the real world:
-
-
- Urban 5G (Dublin, Cork): All three are fine, but iPhone 17's new modem gets poor 5G signals faster.
-
-
-
- Rural areas: iPhone 17 holds signal longer, perfect for country users.
-
-
-
- Battery drain: 17's efficiency gains make it last longer under heavy 5G use.
-
Design & Build Variations for Irish Consumers
| Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 171 g | 173 g | 169 g (lighter titanium body) |
| Thickness | 7.8 mm | 7.7 mm | 7.6 mm |
| Body | Aluminium | Aluminium / Titanium Pro | Titanium across range |
| Screen | Super Retina XDR | Brighter Super Retina XDR | 120 Hz "Dynamic" XDR standard |
| Robustness | IP68 | IP68 enhanced seals | IP68+ new hydrophobic nano-coating |
| Repairability | Reasonable | Reasonable | Easier back glass removal |
Takeaway:
Apple's marginal improvements do add up: titanium frames reduce weight, nano-coating improves water resistance (a real plus in Ireland's climate), and screen improvements provide outdoor visibility that is even crisper under cloudy skies.
Which iPhone to Buy in 2025 in Ireland?
| User Type | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious | iPhone 15 | Now heavily discounted, still a good performer. |
| Balanced/Daily User | iPhone 16 | A touch of better battery, camera, and connectivity without the cost of the 17. |
| Photographers/Content Creators | iPhone 17 | Better camera, video options, and low light. |
| Longevity Seekers | iPhone 17 | Newest modem and chip equal longer iOS longevity. |
Our Recommendation:
-
-
- Budget tight → iPhone 15 remains premium-feeling, especially with trade-ins.
-
-
-
- Future-proof phone desire → iPhone 17 modem and camera technology render it a smart option.
-
-
-
- Undecided → iPhone 16 offers excellent price and feature balance for most Irish consumers.
-
Final Thoughts
For consumers, whether you’re commuting in Dublin or living in the scenic countryside, the iPhone 17’s upgrades mostly benefit heavy users, photographers, and those wanting the longest support cycle. If you’re a more casual user or on a tighter budget, the iPhone 16 or even 15 still represents excellent value.
