Should you buy the iPhone 15 now? That's why it's worth it!

Shortly before the release of the successor
Should you buy the iPhone 15 now? That's why it's worth it!

03.09.2024, 14:00

In a few days, Apple will most likely unveil the iPhone 16, thereby relegating the current iPhone 15 to obsolescence. Nevertheless, it may still make sense to buy it now. These are the reasons.

Every year, Apple fans eagerly await September. Traditionally, the manufacturer unveils its new iPhones in this month. 2024 is no exception, with the presentation of the iPhone 16 expected on September 9 at 7 p.m. German time. In addition to the basic model, Apple is also expected to present the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max as part of a major show. The focus of the release is primarily on the topic of artificial intelligence. Back in June, Apple presented an in-house team of AI services called Apple Intelligence that are to be deeply integrated into the iOS 18 operating system.

Wait for the iPhone 16 or buy the iPhone 15 now?

For users who need a new smartphone these days, the question inevitably arises in view of the upcoming release whether they should wait for the iPhone 16 or opt for a model from the iPhone 15 series. The answer depends entirely on your own priorities. If you always need the latest of the latest and want to be at the forefront of the AI ​​topic, which is still in its infancy, you should definitely aim for the latest Apple phone. However, there are also good reasons to opt for the discontinued model right now.

The main argument is obvious: Apple is likely to charge at least 950 euros for the smallest version of the iPhone 16. The Pro models are likely to cost well over 1,000 euros once again. It may take months for the price to drop to a moderate level. However, the iPhone 15 and its offshoots are currently available at excellent conditions. For example, anyone who signs up for the o2 Mobile M Boost tariff with 50 gigabytes of 5G data volume for three years at o2 can get the iPhone 15 Pro Max for just 25 euros – and the Apple Watch 9 in the LTE version for free. The tariff seems expensive at 70.49 euros a month, but when you do the math, the offer actually turns out to be a real bargain.

• iPhone 15 Pro Max for 25 instead of 1,114.99 euros (4.99 euros shipping)
• Apple Watch 9 LTE ​​​​(45 mm) free instead of 519.90 euros
• Telephone and SMS flat rate
• 50 GB 5G data volume (up to 300 Mbit/s)
• Five gigabytes added every year
• Monthly basic fee: 70.49 euros
• No connection fee
• Contract term: 36 months

Note: Prices are volatile and retailers may occasionally adjust the recommended retail price (RRP). If prices differ from those shown here, retailers have changed them after the article was published.

If you offset the hardware value against the contract costs, the bottom line is that the tariff only costs 932.74 euros. This means that it effectively costs just 25.91 euros per month. The regular price is 34.99 euros. Calculated the other way around, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Apple Watch 9 ultimately cost 1,307.99 euros, but are worth 1,634.98 euros. Whichever way you look at it, the price is great.

Concerns about outdated hardware are unfounded

Since Apple provides its smartphones with software and security updates for many years and the processors built into the iPhone are among the most powerful on the market, the iPhone 15 Pro Max will remain up-to-date for many years to come and will be one of the most powerful smartphones available. Concerns about the age of the phone are therefore absolutely unfounded. The new operating system iOS 18 will of course also be released for the iPhone 15 – in the case of the Pro and Pro Max models even including AI features.

The user experience between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max is likely to differ only marginally, while there are significant differences in price. The increased computing power in the newer model and a few new hardware features are likely to have little impact on the overall impression. If you would rather save a little money, you definitely won't go wrong by purchasing an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max at this point in time.

Not interested in AI? Then the iPhone 15 is also worth it

It is even cheaper if you currently go for the regular iPhone 15. At Klarmobil, for example, you can get the cell phone with a cheap contract for a one-off price of 49.99 euros. The offer is valid in conjunction with an all-network flat rate in the Deutsche Telekom network. This costs 29.99 euros per month and includes a telephone and SMS flat rate as well as 40 gigabytes of 5G data volume with a data rate of up to 150 megabits per second.

• iPhone 15 for 49.99 euros
• Telephone and SMS flat rate
• 40 GB 5G data volume in the Telekom network (up to 150 Mbit/s)
• Monthly basic fee: 29.99 euros
• No connection fee
• Minimum contract period: 24 months

Without a cell phone, the plan costs 19.99 euros per month. The effective total cost for the iPhone 15 is also 289.99 euros. A stark contrast to the presumably almost 1,000 euros for the iPhone 16. In this case, however, you have to be aware that the big AI circus is passing you by.

The iPhone 15 will get iOS 18, but without the new Apple Intelligence features. These only run on the Pro models. Since they offer a nice added value, but so far hardly go beyond a few convenience functions and technical gimmicks, it is definitely possible to live without them. Thrifty people will therefore also put some good knowledge into the iPhone 15. You will be happy with this phone for many years to come.