Is the iPhone 15 Worth Your Money?
Released in September 2023, the iPhone 15 and its larger sibling, the iPhone 15 Plus, are currently two of Apple’s top-tier iPhones. These are offered alongside their even more premium counterparts, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. With the devices having been available since September 22, now is a great time to consider purchasing the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus.
Being the latest in the line, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus are expected to have a long lifecycle and will continue to be a part of Apple’s primary offerings for at least the next year. This should give potential buyers peace of mind that a newer model isn’t immediately forthcoming.
In terms of pricing, the iPhone 15 series starts at $799, offering a well-rounded mix of features, durability, and affordability. For those on a tighter budget, Apple’s less expensive options include the $429 iPhone SE, which employs older tech, and the iPhone 14 series starting at $699. The iPhone 13 series, now two years old, starts at $599.
For individuals interested in a more premium experience, Apple provides the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. These models maintain the same screen dimensions but come with extra features such as an Always-On display with ProMotion technology, a customizable Action button, a faster A17 Pro chip, and an improved camera system, among others.
Given the wide array of choices, settling on an iPhone model can be a significant choice. Helpful guides are available to assist in making the best decision for your needs. For discounts and special offers, don’t forget to check out posts related to iPhone deals.
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: Essential Information You Should Have
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are intended for mainstream consumers and start at $799. The higher-end Pro models, featuring additional capabilities, begin at $999. Like the previous iPhone 14 series, the iPhone 15 range also comprises four models, two with 6.1-inch screens and two with 6.7-inch screens.
While the pricier Pro models have exclusive features that justify the added expense, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are nevertheless strong contenders in the smartphone market. They come in five color choices: pink, yellow, green, blue, and black. A notable change this year is the shift from the traditional Lightning port to a USB-C port, although data transfer speeds are still at USB 2.0 levels.
One new addition to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is the Dynamic Island, which replaces the notch and is home to the front-facing TrueDepth camera and other sensors. The models use the A16 Bionic chip, which is more energy-efficient and performs better than the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 series.
Camera capabilities have also been updated, featuring a 48-megapixel main camera that can capture 24-megapixel images by default. The camera system also supports new features like automatic depth capture and has seen improvements in low-light performance and color detail.
For connectivity, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip allows for better proximity-based interactions. Battery life remains consistent with previous models, and the devices support 5G connectivity using a new Qualcomm X70 modem. Emergency features have also been expanded to include Roadside Assistance via satellite, in collaboration with service agencies like AAA.
The iPhone 15 models offer storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Wireless charging is available through MagSafe and Qi2, and the phones support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
Pricing remains consistent with the previous generation: $799 for the standard 6.1-inch model and $899 for the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus.
How to Purchase
The base version of the iPhone 15 is priced at $799 and comes with 128GB of storage. The iPhone 15 Plus is priced at $899 for an equivalent storage capacity. For those who require additional storage, there are upgrade options available for an extra fee.
You can buy the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus through the Apple website, in Apple stores, via mobile service providers, and from authorized third-party sellers.
Reviews
Critics have generally given favorable feedback on the iPhone 15. Many agree that the latest iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models offer a significant improvement over previous versions.
The new matte glass used for the phone’s rear cover has been particularly well-received, as it provides a nearly “soft-to-the-touch” experience. The updated contoured design also earned widespread approval.
The switch to USB-C was generally viewed favorably, but critics were disappointed that the USB 2.0 speeds didn’t show any advantages over the Lightning interface. Additionally, if you change to USB-C, you’ll have to discard your existing Lightning cables. However, the upside is the convenience of needing only one type of cable for both Macs and iPads.
The camera on the iPhone 15 boasts a 48-megapixel sensor for crisp photos and offers a 2x optical zoom feature. Critics have generally given it positive reviews. For a comprehensive list of reviews, we offer a specific roundup section.
Challenges
Some users have encountered difficulties when using power banks and CarPlay, as they seem to conflict with the new USB-C port. It is expected that Apple will fix these issues in a future software update.
If you own both a BMW and an iPhone 15, you may want to be cautious with the in-car wireless charger. Reports suggest that it can harm the iPhone’s NFC chip. Both Apple and BMW have not yet formally responded to these reports.
Design
The 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus maintain the design language of their predecessors but add more rounded edges. These modifications give the devices a fresh appearance and a different tactile experience.
In terms of dimensions, little has changed. The weight and size specifics for both models are very close to last year’s models. Both iPhones come with an all-glass front and a vibrant, matte glass back framed by aerospace-grade aluminum. Several colors are available, and a new technique was used to make the colors more vivid and durable on the back glass.
In a design carry-over from last year, Apple has expanded the pill-shaped Dynamic Island to these models, effectively reducing the screen space taken by the notch. Other design elements include antenna bands, speaker holes, and a USB-C port—replacing the Lightning port.
The camera setup remains much the same, featuring a diagonal arrangement for the Wide and Ultra Wide lenses, along with a True Tone flash and a microphone.
Water and Dust Resistance
Both iPhone 15 models are rated IP68, indicating strong resistance against water and dust. These phones can withstand submersion in up to six meters of water for a half-hour. However, Apple advises against intentionally exposing your device to water and notes that water and dust resistance can degrade over time. Additionally, liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s standard warranty.
Display Comparison
When it comes to screens, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus maintain the same OLED Super Retina XDR technology as last year’s versions. However, they bring improvements like increased brightness levels for superior outdoor visibility and HDR quality. The typical maximum brightness has been increased to 1000 nits from the previous 800, and peak HDR brightness is now 1600 nits, up from 1200. Apple also highlights that these models can achieve a peak brightness of 2000 nits in outdoor settings, a feature that first appeared in last year’s iPhone 14 Pro and has now been extended to the standard iPhone 15 series.
Resolution specifics for the iPhone 15 are 2556 by 1179 with 460 PPI, and the iPhone 15 Plus features a 2796 by 1290 resolution, also with 460 PPI. The contrast ratio remains the same at 2,000,000:1, and the wide color range ensures vibrant and realistic colors. The True Tone technology adjusts the white balance according to the surrounding light, making it easier on the eyes. The screen is also equipped with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic layer and supports Haptic Touch for tactile responses.
To protect the screen, Apple continues to use its “Ceramic Shield” technology, produced in collaboration with Corning. This involves infusing nano-ceramic crystals into glass to balance transparency and durability. The company states that Ceramic Shield remains the most resilient smartphone glass, protected against scratches and regular wear and tear through a dual-ion exchange procedure.
Notably, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus lack support for the 120Hz ProMotion and Always-On features, which are available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
Dynamic Island Feature
The iPhone 15 series introduces a new feature called Dynamic Island, which accommodates the TrueDepth camera and front camera. Unlike previous models, the proximity sensor is now concealed beneath the screen, resulting in smaller apertures for various components. Software merges the separate cutouts for the camera and TrueDepth system into a singular pill-shaped opening, known as the Dynamic Island.
This new feature also doubles as a notification center, displaying everything from maps and timers to your Apple Music and AirPods status. For instance, during an Apple Pay transaction, the Dynamic Island expands to confirm your Face ID. It also offers quick access to phone controls during calls.
A16 Bionic Chip Details
The iPhone 15 series uses the A16 Bionic chip, previously seen in the iPhone 14 Pro models. This chip contains two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, providing a modest improvement over its predecessor, the A15. According to Geekbench scores, the 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU of the A16 Bionic achieve a single-core score of 2522 and a multi-core score of 6397, coming in just behind the A17 Pro chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Neural Engine and Image Processor
The A16 chip houses a refreshed 16-core Neural Engine that can perform almost 17 trillion calculations every second. In addition, the chip has an image signal processor responsible for the camera capabilities of the iPhone 15 models, performing up to four trillion operations for each photograph.
RAM Capacity
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have 6GB of RAM, maintaining the same level as the iPhone 14 versions.
Storage Options
The most budget-friendly iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models offer a starting storage capacity of 128GB. However, for those who need more space, 256GB and 512GB models are also available at higher costs.
USB-C Connectivity
The iPhone 15 series introduces a USB-C port, replacing the previous Lightning port. This shift allows users to charge multiple Apple devices, like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods Pro 2, using a single USB-C cable. Additionally, the iPhone can charge AirPods or an Apple Watch directly, offering up to 4.5 watts of power. Data transfer speeds on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus via USB-C max out at 480 Mb/s, while the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max can reach speeds up to 10 Gb/s.
Face Recognition Features
The iPhone 15 models continue with Face ID, using a component called the Dynamic Island, which serves the same purpose as the previous notch design. This facial recognition is useful for various tasks like unlocking the phone, verifying app purchases, and authenticating Apple Pay transactions. An array of sensors and cameras create a 3D facial map for identification, and this feature is compatible with a wide variety of facial accessories.
Front Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 15 series retains the 12-megapixel front camera with an f/1.9 aperture from the iPhone 14 lineup. The camera includes Retina Flash and supports nearly all features available in the rear cameras. These features include Night mode for selfies, improved Smart HDR 5, Dolby Vision HDR recording, and Deep Fusion for detail enhancement. Users can also use next-generation Portrait mode and other features like 4K video recording, QuickTake video, and Portrait Lighting.
Two-Camera System at the Back
Apple has significantly improved the two-camera setup on the iPhone 15, featuring a new 48-megapixel Main camera, a considerable step up from the 12-megapixel version on the iPhone 14. The lens comes with a 26 mm focal length and an ƒ/1.6 aperture, ideal for less-than-perfect lighting conditions. The addition of sensor-shift optical image stabilization results in clearer photos and videos. High-resolution photos can be captured in either 24-megapixel or 48-megapixel formats.
The 24-megapixel setting combines two pixels into one, delivering high-quality, detailed images that excel in low-light conditions without taking up excessive storage. You can save 48-megapixel photos in either RAW or HEIF formats. The new 48-megapixel sensor has made it possible for Apple to introduce a 2x Telephoto option, utilizing the central 12 megapixels for high-resolution 2x photos without digital zoom. Although the iPhone 15 lacks an optical zoom lens, this is Apple’s first time providing a telephoto feature in a standard iPhone model.
The second camera on the iPhone 15 is a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide lens with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a 120º field of view, similar to what is found in the iPhone 14.
Video Features
The iPhone 15 series allows video recording in up to 4K resolution at variable frame rates including 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps. Supported video options include HDR recording, ProRes format, Cinematic and Action modes, as well as slo-mo and time-lapse features.
Updated Portrait Mode
In the latest iPhone 15 series, Portrait Mode has been revamped. The camera can automatically detect people or pets and apply the blurred background effect without needing to select Portrait Mode beforehand. The blur level can be adjusted, and focus points can be switched between different objects in the photo through the Photos app. The updated Portrait Mode also improves color richness and detail in night-time shots.
Additional Camera Functions
Apple has added a variety of additional camera features over the years:
- Smart HDR 5 improves contrast and lighting, tailoring the look for each individual in the frame.
- Photonic Engine merges pixels from high-resolution and light-optimized images to create a detailed 24-megapixel photo.
- Photographic Styles offer adjustable filters that selectively apply to different parts of an image.
- Night Mode combines multiple shots to produce sharp and colorful images in extremely low-light conditions.
- Deep Fusion improves texture and detail in mid to low light settings.
- Portrait Lighting adjusts the lighting effects in Portrait Mode photos.
- True Tone Flash adjusts to the ambient lighting for balanced white levels in flashed photos.
- Cinematic Mode keeps the video’s main subject in focus while you move.
- Action Mode reduces shakiness in handheld videos.
- Panorama Mode allows up to 63-megapixel panoramic photos.
- Burst Mode captures multiple images in quick succession, ideal for action shots.
Battery Longevity
The iPhone 15 has a battery with 3,349 mAh capacity, a modest improvement over its predecessor. It provides up to 20 hours of video playback, 16 hours for streaming video, and 80 hours for audio. The iPhone 15 Plus comes with a 4,383 mAh battery, offering up to 26 hours of video, 20 hours of streaming video, and 100 hours of audio. All models in this series can fast-charge to half-full in 30 to 35 minutes with an appropriate power adapter. For the first time, these phones display the battery cycle count and include an option to limit the charge to 80% for longer battery health.
5G Network Features
The iPhone 15 series incorporates the Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 modem for 5G connectivity. This modem has an AI system to offer better speed, coverage, and power efficiency. In the U.S., the phones support both mmWave and sub-6GHz bands. mmWave offers higher speeds but is mainly found in urban areas, while sub-6GHz is more common and versatile.
5G and LTE Support
In the U.S., the series supports multiple 5G bands, including both sub-6GHz and mmWave. It also continues to support Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO for situations where 5G isn’t available.
Emergency Features
The new phones can connect to satellites for emergencies, when no other types of network are accessible. This service is designed for open spaces and helps users contact emergency services or update their Find My location while off the grid. It’s free for the first two years, but future costs are not specified yet.
Additional Support
The iPhone 15 series in the U.S. also provides Roadside Assistance through satellites, enabling users to contact AAA for vehicle assistance where there is no network coverage. Though the satellite service is free, a AAA membership or a one-time fee is necessary for AAA assistance.
Crash Detection Feature
The iPhone 15 series includes a sophisticated gyroscope and a dual-core accelerometer that can measure G-forces up to 256Gs. When combined with other sensors, such as a barometer that senses changes in air pressure due to airbag deployment, these technologies make it possible for the phone to identify car crashes. In the event of a severe collision, the iPhone 15 can automatically call emergency responders, especially if the vehicle’s passengers are critically injured or can’t get to their phones. The phone’s GPS monitors speed variations, and its microphone picks up high-volume sounds typical of severe accidents. The Apple Watch also supports this crash detection feature, and both devices cooperate to call for help if an accident takes place.
Connectivity Options
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are compatible with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and feature 4×4 MIMO, along with Bluetooth 5.3. They also have an NFC chip with a reader mode and a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. This updated Ultra Wideband technology improves the device’s ability to pinpoint the location of other Apple gadgets equipped with the same chip, extending the connection range between two iPhones. You can use this chip for precise location features like finding AirTags, facilitating directional AirDrop, or interacting with the HomePod mini. Location services supported include GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou.
MagSafe and Charging
The iPhone 15 models still have MagSafe magnets on their back, compatible with MagSafe chargers and magnetic accessories. Official MagSafe chargers from Apple or approved third-party vendors can charge these models wirelessly at rates up to 15W. Qi-based charging is also an option, but the speed is limited to 7.5W and doesn’t offer quicker charging capabilities.
iPhone 15 Pro Series
In addition to the standard iPhone 15 models, Apple offers the pricier iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. These versions have several advanced features, including a more robust and lighter titanium frame, a high-performance A17 Pro chip fabricated with a cutting-edge 3-nanometer process, ProMotion display tech, an Always-On display, and telephoto camera lenses with 3x and 5x zoom capabilities.
Following the iPhone 15, Apple is in the process of developing its iPhone 16 series, set for a 2024 release. Similar to its predecessor, the most advanced updates are likely to be featured in the iPhone 16 Pro versions. These could include expanded screen dimensions, a more rapid A18 processor, compatibility with Wi-Fi 7, and an updated 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera.
As for the regular iPhone 16 versions, they might offer enhanced camera capabilities, the A17 processor, and an updated button layout. There’s also the potential for Apple’s own modem chips to be included in all the upcoming models.
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