iPhone 15: Is It Still Worth Buying in 2026?
by Vanessa Ricca, on Jan 9, 2026With Apple now firmly in the iPhone 17 era, many people are wondering whether the iPhone 15 is still a good buy in 2026 - especially if you’re considering a refurbished iPhone 15 rather than buying new.
The short answer: yes, the iPhone 15 can still be worth it in 2026, but it depends on your expectations, budget and how future-proof you want your device to be.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros, cons and best alternatives.
Design and build quality: Still modern in 2026
Even in 2026, the iPhone 15 still looks and feels modern:
- 6.1-inch display with Dynamic Island
- Slim bezels and clean Apple design
- USB-C port, introduced with the iPhone 15 series
- Action Button for custom shortcuts
- Frosted glass back and aluminium frame
- MagSafe
Compared to older models like the iPhone 13 or 14, the iPhone 15 clearly feels more up to date - and it doesn’t look out of place next to newer iPhone 17 models.
Performance in 2026: Still reliable
The iPhone 15 is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which in 2026:
- Runs the latest iOS versions smoothly
- Handles everyday apps, multitasking and light gaming with ease
- Is less powerful than newer chips, but still fast enough for most users
For general use, performance is not a dealbreaker in 2026.
Camera: One of the iPhone 15’s biggest strengths
The camera system remains a strong selling point:
- 48MP main camera with excellent photo quality
- Ultra-wide lens for added flexibility
- Strong video performance, as expected from Apple
The jump to a 48MP sensor with the iPhone 15 was significant, and it still holds up very well compared to newer models - especially for social media, travel and everyday photography.
Lightweight and comfortable to use
Another advantage of the iPhone 15 is its ergonomics:
- Lightweight and well balanced
- Comfortable to use one-handed
- More compact than many newer smartphones
In 2026, this is a big plus for users who don’t want large or heavy devices.
What’s missing in 2026?
No Apple Intelligence support
The iPhone 15 does not support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI feature set available on newer models.
While not essential right now, Apple is expected to expand AI-exclusive features over time, which could affect long-term value.
Charging speeds
Charging speeds are acceptable but not class-leading. For most users, this won’t be a major issue.
Why buy a refurbished iPhone 15 from refurbed.ie?
Buying a refurbished iPhone 15 from refurbed.ie in 2026 offers several key advantages:
- Save up to 40% compared to buying new
- Much safer than buying a used phone from a private seller
- Professionally tested, refurbished and cleaned by experts
- Minimum 12-month warranty
- 30-day free trial
- Lower environmental impact
Pro tip: You can also unlock extra savings by subscribing to the refurbed newsletter and checking the website regularly, where discount codes and special offers are frequently available.
iPhone 15 refurbished reviews: What customers say
Before buying a refurbished iPhone 15, many users look for real customer feedback. Verified Trustpilot reviews from refurbed customers highlight the quality, reliability and value of refurbished devices. Here’s what they are saying about their refurbed iPhone 15:
- “Perfect. Not a mark or scratch on it.” - Marguerite W.
- “Delighted I bought this phone instead of a new one. It looked brand new. Works perfectly.” - Audrey
- “Felt like a brand new phone. No difference except the packaging, and that was also good quality.” Anne H.
- “I bought this product for my daughter and it was in excellent condition she was very happy with it” - Raymond W.
A better alternative in 2026? We recommend the iPhone 15 Pro
If your budget allows, a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro is often the better value in 2026:
- 120Hz display (vs the 60Hz display of the base model)
- Support for Apple Intelligence
- More powerful chip
- Additional camera features
For a small price difference on the refurbished market, the Pro model offers better long-term value.
Conclusion: Is the iPhone 15 worth it in 2026?
The iPhone 15 is still a very good smartphone in 2026, especially when bought refurbished at the right price. It offers modern design, strong performance and an excellent camera, with only a few compromises like the 60Hz display and lack of Apple Intelligence.
If you want maximum value for money, buying a refurbished iPhone 15 from refurbed.ie makes sense.
If you want better future-proofing, the iPhone 15 Pro refurbished is worth considering.
👉 In short: the iPhone 15 is still worth it in 2026—especially refurbished.
