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iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 17 Pro

  • 1-year warranty
  • Free standard shipping
  • Free 30-day returns
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$727.00

Versus A$1,399.00 new

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iPhone 17 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$1,591.20

Versus A$1,899.00 new

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Differences at a glance

The iPhone 15 Plus (2023) and the iPhone 17 Pro (2025) represent two different tiers and release generations within Apple's smartphone lineup. While the iPhone 15 Plus prioritizes a larger viewing area and standard everyday features, the iPhone 17 Pro focuses on advanced materials, powerful internal processing, and specialized camera capabilities. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform, though their hardware configurations target distinct user requirements and handling preferences.

Available Models

Colour

Storage (GB)

Scores

Durability

When examining hardware longevity and ongoing software support, both models benefit from Apple's long-term update framework, though their launch timelines create a distinct timeline gap.

  • Software support timeline: The iPhone 17 Pro benefits from a later release date, offering an extended window of official operating system updates compared to its predecessor.
  • Repairability and durability: Both models utilize robust outer materials, though the iPhone 17 Pro incorporates advanced aerospace-grade structure and ceramic protection designed to handle daily wear.
  • Expected practical lifespan: Users choosing either model can expect reliable multi-year operation, with the newer internal architecture providing additional headroom for future software demands.

Release year

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

System responsiveness and everyday multitasking capabilities differ noticeably based on the internal hardware iterations packed into each device.

  • Multitasking and memory handling: The iPhone 17 Pro features a higher RAM allocation, enabling smoother switching between demanding background applications and intensive software.
  • Everyday task execution: Both devices load standard apps, browse the web, and stream media smoothly, but the iPhone 17 Pro handles resource-heavy gaming and professional applications with greater thermal efficiency.
  • Storage configurations: Both models offer scalable storage tiers to accommodate large photo libraries, offline media, and document collections.

Screen quality

Display technology differs across these models primarily in physical dimensions, refresh capabilities, and peak illumination performance.

  • Viewing area and dimensions: The iPhone 15 Plus provides a larger physical screen surface well-suited for reading and watching media, while the iPhone 17 Pro offers a more compact footprint.
  • Motion smoothness: The iPhone 17 Pro incorporates a high refresh rate technology for smoother scrolling and fluid animation transitions throughout the interface.
  • Outdoor visibility: Both displays utilize advanced OLED panels with deep contrast levels, though the iPhone 17 Pro reaches higher peak brightness thresholds for comfortable viewing in direct sunlight.

Resolution

1290 x 2796

2622x1206

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR

Audiovisual

Photography and video recording suites vary significantly, catering to casual snapshot capture versus versatile multi-lens production.

  • Lens configurations: The iPhone 15 Plus features a dual-camera system with reliable main and ultra-wide lenses, whereas the iPhone 17 Pro adds a dedicated high-resolution telephoto lens for distant framing.
  • Low-light capture: Both devices manage shadow details effectively in dim environments, though advanced sensor processing on the iPhone 17 Pro yields sharper clarity in challenging lighting.
  • Audio and video output: Integrated microphone arrays capture clear sound for calls and video notes, while stereo speakers deliver balanced media playback across both options. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option through platforms like Back Market offers a sustainable choice for acquiring these devices without buying brand new.

Main camera

48 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

18 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Physical handling, connectivity standards, and daily utility features shape the practical experience of carrying and using each smartphone.

  • Physical dimensions and weight: The iPhone 15 Plus offers a lighter, expansive frame, whereas the iPhone 17 Pro feels denser and more compact due to its heavy-duty metal build.
  • Connector types: Both models utilize the universal USB-C standard for wired charging and data transfer, replacing older proprietary connection formats.
  • Biometric security: Both devices rely on facial recognition technology for secure device unlocking and authorization tasks.

Weight

201 oz

206 oz

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.3

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C (USB 2)

USB-C

What the community thinks

User feedback from online communities highlights distinct preferences for each device based on everyday use cases. Owners of the iPhone 15 Plus frequently praise its expansive viewing area and comfortable weight relative to its size, making it a favorite for media consumption and reading. Common discussions note that its battery performance comfortably handles standard daily routines without requiring midday recharges. Conversely, owners of the iPhone 17 Pro emphasize the benefits of its smooth display refresh rates, versatile telephoto framing, and responsive processing headroom for intensive tasks. Frequent feedback on the Pro model centers on its compact handling, though some users note the heavier physical weight resulting from its rugged build materials.

Users prioritizing a larger screen and a lighter everyday carry will find the iPhone 15 Plus well-suited to their daily routines. Meanwhile, users prioritizing advanced photographic versatility, smooth display motion, and demanding application performance may lean toward the iPhone 17 Pro. Exploring a quality-assured refurbished option provides a sustainable choice for consumers aiming to make eco-friendly purchasing decisions while obtaining either of these capable smartphones.