Apple iPhone 15 and 15 Plus Review

The iPhone 15 has advanced features and enhanced charging capabilities with the use of Dynamic Island and USB-C. However, the alterations are particularly evident when comparing an older iPhone.

Upon a few days of using the iPhone 15, I can confidently assert that it represents a significant advancement for previous iPhone owners.

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus

One notable enhancement is the inclusion of a USB-C charging connection, which has been positioned in the former location of the Lightning connector. This implies that a single cable may be used for charging various gadgets, including Mac computers, iPhones, and other non-Apple products. (I must acknowledge that I inadvertently attempted to connect a Lightning cable to my iPhone 15 on my first evening with the device, just due to habitual behavior.)

The phone is equipped with a state-of-the-art second-generation ultra-wideband chip, which allows it to accurately determine the exact whereabouts of friends and family members who are also using the iPhone 15. The camera is capable of capturing sufficient depth data in the standard photo mode, enabling the creation of a portrait image subsequent to the acquisition of the image.

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus exhibit significant influence from the design elements of the iPhone 14 Pro.

In summary, these modifications together contribute to the iPhone 15 being seen as a significant advancement for those transitioning from an outdated iPhone. (That included me, a possessor of an iPhone 12). However, the difference between it and Apple’s prior generation phone is not significant. Instead, it seems to be an expansion of the iPhone 14 Pro, making it challenging to endorse it as a superior option compared to the previous year’s high-end iPhone, provided that it remains available at a reduced price.

The initial price of the iPhone 15 is $799 (£799, AU$1,499) for the 6.1-inch variant, while the 6.7-inch Plus variant is priced at $899. If you are interested in learning more about Apple’s upcoming “Pro” range, I recommend reading my colleague Patrick Holland’s evaluation of the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. The availability of all four new iPhones is now up.

iPhone 15 gets USB-C and a new look

Let us bid farewell to the Lightning wire. The iPhone 15 is the first iPhone to use USB-C charging, aligning with the EU’s recent regulations that require smartphones sold in Europe to adhere to the standardized charging protocol. The packaging has a USB-C charging cable instead of a Lightning cable.

USB-C has been the prevailing standard for a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets, phones, and wireless earbuds, for many years. However, the iPhone’s transition holds great importance since it has been the only notable exception in terms of USB-C compatibility. Even more modern Apple devices, such as the latest iPads, are equipped with a charging port.

The primary advantage for iPhone 15 users is an enhanced charging experience that is both more convenient and, in some instances, quicker. The normal iPhone 15 has the capability to recharge its battery to 50% within a 30-minute timeframe using a 20-watt adapter. However, if you connect it to the charger included with your Mac, it will charge at an even quicker rate of 27W.

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with USB 3 technology, enabling them to achieve faster data transfer rates. Similar to the Lightning connector seen on the previous iterations of the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, the iPhone 15 also offers compatibility for USB 2 transfer rates.

However, an alternative method exists for using the newly introduced charging connector of the iPhone 15. The iPhone may be used for charging various devices. The AirPods Pro 2, now available for purchase by Apple, were charged by establishing a USB-C connection between the case and my iPhone 15 via the USB-C interface.

The transition to USB-C may not be initially seen as easy, particularly for those who own other Lightning-fueled devices such as AirPods or an earlier iPad. However, it will be advantageous in the future.

Furthermore, the iPhone 15 exhibits compatibility with the recently introduced Qi2 wireless charging standard, in addition to its support for Apple’s MagSafe magnetic charging method. This will facilitate the accurate alignment of the iPhone 15 on non-MagSafe Qi2 wireless chargers upon their future release.

There is also positive news for those who choose not to use a phone case. The updated surface of the iPhone 15 exhibits a heightened sense of luxury and exhibits less susceptibility to fingerprint smudges. Apple claims that the rear glass has been imbued with pigment, resulting in its opacity. It has a resemblance to the Galaxy S23, which likewise possesses a matte appearance, however with glossy edges, while the iPhone’s edges are made of metal.

Thus far, I have shown the audacity to use the iPhone 15 without a cover, and I have not encountered any instances when I had to remove fingerprint smudges.

The iPhone 15 currently hasThe inclusion of the Dynamic Island, a compact cutout designed for accessing sports scores and managing Spotify, has expanded beyond the confines of Apple’s Pro iPhones. The capability is now accessible on all iPhone 15 models, integrating it into the normal iPhone experience rather than being an additional feature exclusive to specialized “pro” customers. The extension of the Dynamic Island signifies the cessation of the notch screen cutout, a feature that was introduced in 2017 on the iPhone X, on subsequent flagship iPhone models.

The Dynamic Island feature was included by Apple on the iPhone 14 Pro to facilitate the monitoring of time-sensitive updates and the management of music playing, eliminating the need for app switching. While the Dynamic Island may not be a revolutionary innovation, it does provide a certain level of ease. As an illustration, I use it to monitor the score of my fantasy football team and bypass tunes in Spotify without the need to open the application. I see it being particularly advantageous when I use my lunch break to get in a workout, since I can simultaneously manage my Spotify music and have Slack open on the screen.

The mere existence of the Dynamic Island does not justify the need for an upgrade. However, I value the fact that it enhances the iPhone’s ability to multitask, which is crucial given that the iPhone does not possess the split-screen option available on Android devices. The Dynamic Island operates in an automated manner, hence eliminating the need for a significant learning curve.

Apple enhanced the display brightness of the iPhone 15 in comparison to the iPhone 14. The brightness of the device now equals that of the iPhone 14 Pro, indicating another commonality. The observation of this phenomenon became apparent in direct sunlight while comparing the displays of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14. It is worth noting that the screen of the iPhone 14 was already sufficiently illuminated to provide comfortable viewing under sunlit conditions.

The iPhone 15 should also have an always active display

However, the iPhone 15 lacks a crucial feature that I had anticipated: an always illuminated display. Commencing with the iPhone 14 Pro of the previous year, Apple’s professional devices include the capability to display data like as the time and date even in the absence of the screen. This feature facilitates the rapid access to data without the need to physically unlock your phone.

The functionality of the always-on display in iOS 17 has been enhanced by the introduction of a novel feature known as Standby mode. The iPhone, while in landscape mode and undergoing charging, will exhibit sizable widgets and clock faces, thereby transforming it into a compact smart display. However, in the absence of an always active display, the iPhone 15 gradually transforms into a black rectangle rather than consistently presenting the clock and calendar.

While it is justifiable that some functions should be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro, I believe that the always-on display should not be included in that list. The iPhone 15 Pro stands apart from the 15 due to its several additional features, including a titanium construction, a specialized telephoto lens, the advanced A17 Pro chipset, and the inclusion of the Action button for programming shortcuts. The always-on display, similar to the Dynamic Island, seamlessly integrates into the usual iPhone experience, particularly considering that the majority of Android phones in this price bracket and below include this functionality.

The iPhone 15 undergoes a camera enhancement.

The concept of the Dynamic Island

The camera resolution of the ordinary iPhone is being enhanced. The previous iterations of the standard iPhone have had a camera system with 12 megapixels. However, the iPhone 15 introduces a novel 48-megapixel sensor, which automatically captures photographs at a resolution of 24 megapixels. The integration of enhanced dynamic range in the iPhone 15 results in a significant improvement in picture quality when compared to previous iterations of the iPhone, such as the iPhone 12.

The default 24-megapixel images captured by the iPhone 15 have a vibrant, clear, and vivid appearance. Although the first difference may not be immediately apparent when comparing it to the iPhone 14, the enhancements become more evident with closer examination. The iPhone 15’s improved camera was particularly noticeable when capturing images of individuals. The camera of the iPhone 15 exhibits enhanced precision in capturing facial and hair features, as seen by the accompanying photograph of my spouse.

When transitioning from a previous iteration such as the iPhone 12, the difference between the two models becomes readily apparent. The iPhone 15 outperforms the iPhone 12 in taking photographs of individuals, resulting in superior visual quality. Observe the photograph of my acquaintance Jamie below, and you will observe a significant increase in the level of intricacy in her facial features and hair. It is particularly remarkable given that I captured this photograph under poor lighting conditions at an outdoor restaurant during the night.

It is evident that Apple had portrait photography as a primary consideration for the iPhone 15. The need for manual switching to Portrait Mode in order to capture a picture with a bokeh effect is no longer necessary. The iPhone 15 has the capability to automatically gather depth data while capturing images of a human, cat, or dog, allowing for subsequent application of the desired effect. The inclusion of this feature offers more versatility in the processes of capturing and editing. Apple’s inclusion of more editing features in the iPhone is a welcome development, particularly given that Google has always excelled in this area with its Pixel phones.

Please refer to the following photographs to see the same image with and without the application of the portrait blur effect.

The absence of a portrait effect on the iPhone 15

While the default resolution of the iPhone 15 is 24 megapixels, users have the option to snap images at the maximum quality of 48 megapixels. However, this feature proves to be particularly advantageous for photographs intended for printing purposes, since the disparity in quality is not readily apparent to the unaided human eye.

Upon conducting a side-by-side comparison of two identical photographs, one captured at 24 megapixels and the other at 48 megapixels, I saw that the enhanced clarity of the 48-megapixel picture became apparent only when I applied a high level of magnification. If I struggled to perceive the distinction on my 21-inch monitor, it is really unlikely that you will be able to perceive it on the little screen of your phone.

However, it is probable that these minuscule particulars will be perceptible if you choose to get sizable copies of your iPhone photographs. Due to its size, the 48-megapixel image could not be uploaded for this review. However, I have included a photograph I took with a resolution of 24 megapixels for comparison.

The iPhone 15 is equipped with an identical processor to that of the iPhone 14 Pro.

The iPhone 15 has the A16 Bionic processor from the iPhone 14 Pro, which the firm asserts enhances overall performance and facilitates expedited machine learning. This is particularly significant for functionalities that heavily depend on language processing, such as the voicemail transcriptions of iOS 17.

The A16 Bionic CPU, although not Apple’s latest mobile technology, has sufficient capability to accommodate the many tasks that iPhone 15 users are expected to do on their devices. This includes engaging in mobile gaming, browsing Instagram, modifying photographs, and conducting video conversations. The disparities will be more apparent when transitioning from a mobile device that exceeds a two-year age.

It is important to note that before to doing a study of the iPhone 15, I had been using an iPhone 12 as my primary mobile device. The iPhone 15 has a greater sense of weightlessness and enhanced speed in comparison to the iPhone 12. However, capturing photographs in low-light settings, such as an outside restaurant at nighttime, exhibited a noticeable increase in speed.

The iPhone 15 series is equipped with Apple’s second-generation ultra-wideband processor, enabling a novel functionality for locating acquaintances and relatives inside a large gathering. Upon providing their geographical coordinates using the Find My application, the iPhone 15 will possess the capability to display the distance between the individual and your present position, hence facilitating navigation towards the intended destination. It is akin to use your mobile device to locate an AirTag.

However, it should be noted that this functionality is limited to the iPhone 15 series. Unless you and your pals intend to upgrade your iPhones, it is unlikely that you will use this function in the near future.

Apple asserts that the battery life of the iPhone 15 is equivalent to that of the iPhone 14. The iPhone 15 allows for a maximum of 16 hours of streaming video playing, while the iPhone 15 Plus allows for up to 20 hours of streaming video.

After about 13 hours of use, during which I engaged in extensive photo-taking and file uploading activities on Google Drive, the remaining battery capacity of my iPhone 15 amounted to 35%. This implies that the battery capacity of the iPhone 15 is sufficient to sustain a whole day without difficulty. However, if you expect a lengthy day that may include capturing several images and movies, it is advisable to bring a charger.

Following the completion of CNET’s anecdotal use test, which included activities such as engaging in mobile gaming, making video calls, streaming videos, and browsing social media platforms for a duration of 45 minutes while maintaining a screen brightness level of 50%, it was seen that the battery of the regular iPhone 15 saw a decline from 100% to 95%. This is a notable improvement compared to the iPhone 14, which saw a decline from 95% to 85% in the same evaluation. Both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 14 Plus, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, exhibit similar performance outcomes.

In the near future, we will provide further battery testing for both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus to enhance this evaluation.

Final Remarks on the iPhone 15

The resemblances between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 14 Pro evoked a sense of déjà vu inside me. However, those who are transitioning from an older iPhone model will get significant benefits from this update, including the introduction of a new USB-C connector, an enhanced camera with greater quality, the Dynamic Island feature, and a revamped design. Having used an iPhone 12 for the last three years, excluding any evaluations of other smartphones, I can confidently assert that this represents a significant improvement. However, those who own an iPhone 14 or an iPhone 13 may experience a little delay, unless they possess a strong desire to get USB-C or the Dynamic Island.

The iPhone 14 Pro is no longer available for purchase on Apple’s official website; however, it may still be accessible via third-party stores and carriers. I would suggest doing a thorough search for a reduced-price iPhone 14 Pro before to finalizing your choice. The device has some similarities to the iPhone 15, while also including a specialized telephoto camera, additional features like as an always-on display, and a high variable refresh rate to enhance the fluidity of scrolling. It is crucial to note that the USB-C connector may be omitted, which is a significant factor to consider if one prefers not to carry additional cords.

Overall, the iPhone 15 exhibits a significant advancement compared to its predecessors. The resemblance to an iPhone 14 Pro Lite indicates that Apple’s high-end iPhones are exerting a greater impact on the standard versions.

Methods of phone testing

Each phone evaluated by CNET’s review crew was really used in real-life scenarios. The functionalities of a phone are tested, games are played, and images are taken. We assess the display to determine its luminosity, clarity, and vividness. We conduct an analysis of the design and construction to assess its durability and determine whether it has an IP-rating for water resistance. In order to evaluate the processor’s performance, we use a combination of conventional benchmark programs like as GeekBench and 3DMark, as well as our own subjective observations. These observations include navigating the interface, capturing high-resolution movies, and engaging in visually demanding games with high refresh rates.

The cameras undergo testing in several situations, ranging from intense sunlight to dim indoor environments. We experiment with unique functionalities like as night mode and portrait mode, and then evaluate our results in comparison to other phones of comparable pricing. In addition, the battery life is assessed by regular use and a series of battery depletion tests.

We consider supplementary functionalities like as 5G compatibility, satellite connection, fingerprint and face sensors, pen support, rapid charging rates, and folding screens, among other helpful features. We carefully evaluate all of these factors in relation to the price to determine if the phone, regardless of its price, really offers excellent value. Although CNET’s original evaluation may not always include these tests, we typically carry out further and extended testing in the majority of cases.

Comparison between iPhone 15 and iPhone 14

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: What has changed in reality?