JAKARTA, JOURNALARTA.COM – Apple has released the iPhone 17 series in 2026, raising a key question for consumers: is the iPhone 15 still worth buying, or is it better to go straight for the latest series? With price gaps that can reach between Rp500,000 and Rp10 million, the decision depends on priorities and budget.
A full comparison of the prices and specifications of these two iPhone generations is the key. The iPhone 17 brings a number of significant updates, especially in the chip, display, and artificial intelligence capabilities, making it an appealing choice for those seeking the latest technology.
Official iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Prices in Indonesia (2026)
Here is a comparison of the official prices of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 17 in Indonesia as of July 2026, based on data from iBox Official Store and Apple Authorized Store. It is important to note that prices can change at any time.
| Model | iPhone 15 | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Variant | 128GB: Rp 12,999,000 | iPhone 17e: Rp 13,499,000 |
| Base Model | 256GB: Rp 15,249,000 | 256GB: Rp 17,249,000 – Rp 17,999,000 |
| New Variant | – | iPhone Air: Rp 16,349,000 – Rp 20,379,000 |
| Pro | – | 256GB: Rp 23,749,000 – Rp 24,999,000 |
| Pro Max | – | 1TB: Rp 36,249,000 |
Also read: 10 Tips for Buying a Used iPhone Without Getting Scammed
As a note, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models are no longer in production, so stock on the market is very limited. This makes the comparison focus more on the iPhone 15 base model versus the new iPhone 17 variants.
Quick Specs Comparison: iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17
The specification upgrades on the iPhone 17 are the main attraction. The chipset, camera technology, display, and artificial intelligence features have all improved. Here are the details:
The iPhone 17 uses the A19 Bionic chip, far more powerful than the A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15. This means faster performance across various apps, especially heavy games and AI processing.
The iPhone 17 also has a larger battery capacity, claimed to last 20% longer than the iPhone 15, a significant improvement for active users.
| Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone 17 Base |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A16 Bionic | A19 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 48MP | 48MP + AI Photonic 2 |
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR | 6.1″ LTPO ProMotion 120Hz |
| Battery | 3349 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C 3.2 + WiFi 7 |
| AI | Limited | Full Apple Intelligence |
| iOS Updates | Until 2030 | Until 2032 |
Why the iPhone 15 Still Remains an Option in 2026
Although it is older, the iPhone 15 still has its own appeal, especially for consumers who are considering budget. First, it is much more affordable, with a price gap of Rp1.5 million to Rp2 million from the base iPhone 17 variant. This is a budget-friendly option for those with tight spending limits.
Second, the iPhone 15 already comes with a USB-C port. This is important. It means users can use one type of cable to charge their iPhone, iPad, and Mac, a very practical and universal convenience.
Third, the 48MP main camera on the iPhone 15 still produces very good photos for social media or everyday use. Even without the AI Photonic 2 upgrade, image quality remains satisfying. The downside is that the iPhone 15 still uses the A16 chip, a standard 60Hz display, and limited AI support.
Reasons to Choose the iPhone 17 (2026)
For those who want performance and the latest features, the iPhone 17 offers several undeniable advantages. The newer A19 Bionic chip, combined with full Apple Intelligence, makes the device much more responsive for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, or AI-based apps.
The 120Hz ProMotion display on the iPhone 17 delivers a much smoother visual experience, whether scrolling through social media or playing games. The difference is very noticeable.
The battery life, claimed to be 20% longer than the iPhone 15, is also a plus. New variants such as the more affordable iPhone 17e and the ultra-thin iPhone Air add more appealing choices in the lineup. However, the trade-off is a higher price, especially for the very expensive Pro and Pro Max models.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone 15 128GB: The Tightest Price Battle
The closest matchup is the iPhone 17e (Rp13,499,000) against the iPhone 15 128GB (Rp12,999,000). With only a Rp500,000 price gap, the iPhone 17e already offers the newer A19 Bionic chip and Apple Intelligence. This makes it a more “future-proof” choice. If the budget allows, adding Rp500,000 for the iPhone 17e is a better investment.
Final Verdict: iPhone 15 or iPhone 17?
The choice between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 17 ultimately comes down to individual needs and budget. If you have around Rp13 million, the iPhone 15 128GB is still very worthwhile, or you can save a little more for the iPhone 17e.
For those who prioritize the fastest performance, the latest AI features, and want the most “current” device, going straight for the iPhone 17 or even the iPhone 17 Pro is the right move. Meanwhile, if a thin design is the priority, the iPhone Air could be worth considering.
In general, for long-term use (3-4 years), the iPhone 17 is more “worth it” because it will receive iOS updates for longer. However, if you plan to replace your phone within 2 years, the iPhone 15 is still very capable and offers good value at a lower price.
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