When it comes to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, it’s likely that you’re already well-versed in their features. Much like their predecessors, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, the iPhone 15 models consolidate many features from the previous year’s Pro lineup, all at a more affordable price point. This includes the introduction of the Dynamic Island, a 48-megapixel camera, the A16 Bionic processor borrowed from the iPhone 14 Pro, and the adoption of a USB-C port in place of the Lightning connector. However, it’s important to note that the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are not tailored for the meticulous spec enthusiasts or those in pursuit of the ultimate camera, cutting-edge processor, and the most extravagant design. For individuals seeking those features, the iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max would be the more suitable choices. The standard iPhone 15 or the 15 Plus if you prefer a larger screen is designed for those who possess a three- or four-year-old iPhone 12, 11, or even older models that may not be up to par or have suffered from screen damage. It’s also ideal for teenagers acquiring their first phone, no longer relying on hand-me-downs from their parents or older siblings. These users rely on their phones for communication, entertainment, social media, photography, and all the modern necessities that smartphones offer. The good news is that you’ll discover numerous new features and benefits in the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus that cater to these needs. While the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are indeed commendable phones, they may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Apple’s Pro models continue to sell well, even at higher price points, and there are valid reasons for this. Some had hoped to see Pro-level display features like high refresh rates and always-on screens integrated into the standard line, which unfortunately did not happen. Adding to the complexity is the fact that Apple is still marketing the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus at a $100 discount compared to the iPhone 15 models. Unlike the previous year, the improvements in the iPhone 15 series, such as the enhanced camera, Dynamic Island, and more convenient charging, justify the upgrade from the iPhone 14 generation. However, there’s a segment of users who may opt for the most affordable iPhone available and find it perfectly adequate. Apple even offers the iPhone 13 from two years ago for further savings.
Regarding their design, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus maintain the familiar aesthetic introduced with the iPhone 12. They feature glass front and back panels with squared-off aluminum frames. However, Apple has made subtle enhancements to improve ergonomics. The sharp edges of the aluminum frame have been gently rounded, and the glossy back glass has been replaced with “color-infused” glass sporting a satin or matte finish. These changes result in a more comfortable grip, even for the larger iPhone 15 Plus, without the need for additional accessories. Of course, if you intend to use a case, the nuances of the iPhone 15’s design may be less relevant. Matte glass, as opposed to glossy glass, tends to be somewhat slippery. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the iPhone 15 models inherit the improved repairability introduced in the previous generation. This means that if your phone does suffer damage, whether through Apple, a third-party repair service, or even DIY methods, it should be relatively straightforward to address. The color options of the iPhone 15 can be overlooked when using a case, as they may not meet everyone’s expectations. The available colors, including standard black, are somewhat desaturated, especially in the case of the blue variant. This might disappoint those expecting vibrant hues. The pink option, while the most appealing in the lineup, still leans towards a pastel, millennial pink shade. There’s room for improvement in terms of color saturation in future phone releases. One notable aspect of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is their weight, or rather, the lack of it. Compared to previous models, these phones are notably lighter. For instance, the 15 Plus is only one gram lighter than the iPhone 13 Pro, despite its larger screen. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 15 is 23g lighter than the iPhone 11. Given that Apple no longer offers an iPhone Mini model, the iPhone 15 stands out as the best choice for those seeking a compact and lightweight modern iPhone. Another significant hardware change this year is the shift from the Lightning port to USB-C for charging and data transfer. This transition has been long-awaited and is a welcome change, even if it comes years later than expected. It does render existing Lightning cables and accessories obsolete, but it also streamlines the need for multiple charging cables, as the same USB-C cable can now be used for iPhones, iPads, laptops, and other accessories. Additionally, it allows iPhone users to use the same charging cable as their Android-using counterparts, enhancing convenience. The USB-C port supports wired charging up to 27W and can output to a 4K60 resolution display. However, it’s worth noting that it’s limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds, which are significantly slower compared to the USB 3 data speeds available on iPhone Pro models and iPads. While many users may not frequently connect their phones to a computer for data transfers, this limitation can become apparent in various scenarios, such as when using a USB-C ethernet adapter or migrating data to a new phone. Wireless charging is also supported, with familiar rates of 15W for MagSafe-certified chargers or 7.5W for standard Qi charging, including “MagSafe-compatible” magnetic Qi chargers. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are expected to support the new Qi2 standard when it becomes certified, potentially unlocking 15W magnetic wireless charging without the need for MagSafe certification and its associated cost premium.
One notable consideration for those upgrading from older iPhones is that the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus exclusively support eSIM and do not include a slot for traditional SIM cards, at least in the US. This transition is generally seamless, with Apple’s setup process effectively transferring your line to an eSIM with your carrier. Moreover, when it’s time to upgrade your phone again in a few years, the eSIM can be effortlessly transferred to the new device. The eSIM support remains consistent with the iPhone 14, offering a reliable solution for most users. As for the display, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus feature 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch OLED screens, which are now capable of reaching a peak brightness of 2,000nits outdoors. This enhancement should improve visibility in direct sunlight. However, during the testing period, inclement weather prevented a thorough evaluation of how long the iPhone 15 can sustain this peak brightness in challenging outdoor conditions. Nevertheless, the displays are impressive, offering accurate yet vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. Despite these qualities, they still feature a 60Hz refresh rate, which, given their price points, may be considered outdated, especially in comparison to devices with faster-refreshing screens. An important consideration for a device used extensively on a daily basis is its always-on display capability. Unfortunately, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus do not include this feature, which is available on recent Pro models. This omission is particularly noticeable when using the new Standby mode introduced in iOS 17, as the screen must be manually activated each time you wish to view it. One aspect retained from the iPhone 14 Pro is the Dynamic Island display cutout, replacing the traditional notch. This feature operates similarly to the one on Pro models, providing space for system alerts and ongoing information. It adds a touch of whimsy to an area of the phone often ignored by users. While developer adoption of this feature was slow last year, the standard inclusion of the Dynamic Island in the iPhone 15 lineup is expected to encourage more app developers to take advantage of its possibilities. One of the most notable camera improvements in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is the adoption of a 48-megapixel main camera resolution, a significant upgrade from the 12-megapixel cameras present on iPhones since the iPhone 6S in 2015. However, it’s essential to clarify that the 48-megapixel camera in the iPhone 15 is distinct from the one in the iPhone 14 Pro or 15 Pro. Apple describes it as an “all-new” sensor designed specifically for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. This translates to slightly inferior performance compared to the Pro models. The physical sensor is smaller, and the lens offers a 26mm equivalent field of view.
By default, the iPhone 15 captures 24-megapixel images, generated from data collected by both 12-megapixel and 48-megapixel capture. This higher resolution allows for more flexibility when cropping or enlarging photos for printing, all without significantly increasing file sizes. Comparatively, a standard 12-megapixel image in Apple’s HEIF format is approximately two megabytes, while a 24-megapixel shot measures around three megabytes. Full-resolution 48-megapixel images can also be captured in either HEIF or JPEG formats. However, for most users, the advantages of 48-megapixel images may not justify the larger file sizes, especially when 24-megapixel shots offer similar detail. Images captured with this high-resolution sensor retain the recognizable iPhone aesthetic. Apple has fine-tuned its HDR algorithms to permit brighter highlights, resulting in less “flattened” and more dynamic images compared to older iPhone models. Colors are vibrant and saturated, although not to the same extent as certain competitors. Nonetheless, they look splendid on mobile screens where they are typically viewed. While the iPhone 15 still lacks a dedicated telephoto camera, it does feature a software-defined 2x lens that leverages the center portion of the sensor, providing a 12-megapixel shot. This option enables users to zoom in slightly on subjects, even though it’s essentially a digital crop. This feature is particularly useful for portrait shots. Nevertheless, many users may still yearn for a dedicated telephoto camera with greater reach. The iPhone 15’s ultra-wide camera remains unchanged from the iPhone 14’s iteration. It features 12 megapixels and a 120-degree field of view, but it lacks autofocus, limiting its capabilities for creative close-up photography. While the color consistency with the main sensor is appreciated, the overall quality falls short of expectations. It is suitable for capturing group shots, but for most scenarios, relying on the primary camera is advisable. One significant camera innovation, independent of hardware upgrades, is the ability of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus to capture Portrait mode shots without the need to switch to the dedicated Portrait mode in the camera app. When the camera detects a person, animal, or a specific focal point, it captures depth information that can later be used to create a portrait effect in the Photos app. Users can preview the effect before taking the shot and even adjust the focus point during editing. This feature streamlines the photography process, allowing users to stay focused on capturing moments without the need to switch camera modes. It retains compatibility with Live Photos and functions with the front-facing selfie camera as well, offering a seamless experience. Video recording capabilities remain largely unchanged, supporting resolutions up to 4K60 and Dolby Vision HDR. Notably, users can now smoothly zoom to a 2x setting while recording. The Cinematic mode, which allows shooting in up to 4K30 and zooming to 3x, remains available, although it may not be widely utilized by most users.
Powering the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is the A16 Bionic processor, a capable chip featuring a six-core CPU, five-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It delivers strong performance across various tasks, from multitasking to gaming, and capturing photos and videos. While it’s not the latest A17 Pro chip exclusive to Pro models, the A16 Bionic ensures excellent performance that should remain competitive for several years. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, offering ample space compared to base-model phones from previous years. A new second-generation ultra-wideband chip is included, enhancing Find My capabilities when used with the latest Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watch models. It enables more accurate locating of friends in crowded environments. Additionally, the satellite connectivity introduced with the iPhone 14 is available, although details regarding its long-term cost are yet to be disclosed. For those who prioritize battery life, the iPhone 15 Plus stands out. Its larger size accommodates a larger battery, delivering exceptional endurance. During testing, the 15 Plus effortlessly lasted through a day of heavy usage and extended well into the next day. It’s even capable of providing two days of usage under average conditions. The standard iPhone 15 also offers a full day’s worth of battery life, but it may not stretch into the second day as effectively.
In-Depth Technical Details Of Apple iPhone 15 Plus
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body | 160.9×77.8×7.8mm, 201g; Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant. |
| Network | 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. |
| Display | 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (HBM), 2000nits (peak), 1290x2796px resolution, 19.51:9 aspect ratio, 460ppi. |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4nm). |
| Memory | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM; NVMe. |
| OS | iOS 17 (1st Release). |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6. |
| Bluetooth | v5.3. |
| Rear camera | Wide (main): 48MP; Ultra-wide: 12MP. |
| Front camera | 12MP. |
| Battery | 4383mAh; Wired, 15W wireless (MagSafe), 7.5W wireless (Qi), 4.5W reverse wired. |
| Others | Face ID; stereo speakers; Ultra Wideband 2 (UWB) support, Emergency SOS via satellite (SMS sending/receiving). |
In-Depth Technical Details Of Apple iPhone 15
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body | 147.6×71.6×7.8mm, 171g; Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant. |
| Network | 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. |
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (HBM), 2000nits (peak), 1179x2556px resolution, 19.51:9 aspect ratio, 461ppi. |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4nm). |
| Memory | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM; NVMe. |
| OS | iOS 17 (1st Release). |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3v. |
| Rear camera | Wide (main): 48MP; Ultra-wide: 12MP. |
| Front camera | 12MP. |
| Battery | 3349mAh; Wired, 15W wireless (MagSafe), 7.5W wireless (Qi), 4.5W reverse wired. |
| Others | Face ID; stereo speakers; Ultra Wideband 2 (UWB) support, Emergency SOS via satellite (SMS sending/receiving). |
Conclusion
In conclusion, smartphones are akin to cars in many ways. They are essential tools in our daily lives, and while acquiring a new one can be an exciting event, they ultimately serve as means to an end. In this context, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus can be likened to mainstream crossovers – reliable, practical, and accessible to meet the needs of a broad audience. While they may not be the most budget-friendly options or boast the fastest processors, their capability, dependability, and suitability for daily tasks make them an attractive choice for many users. These phones may not showcase Apple’s most groundbreaking innovations, but they are well-equipped to serve as reliable companions for the next three to four years until it’s time for an upgrade.