The iPhone 15 and its larger counterpart, the 15 Plus, are no mystery to most tech enthusiasts. Following the trend of their predecessors, the iPhone 14 series, these models inherit many features from last year’s Pro lineup, albeit at a more affordable price point. Notable upgrades include the Dynamic Island replacing the notch, a crisper 48-megapixel camera, the iPhone 14 Pro’s A16 Bionic processor, and a USB-C port supplanting the Lightning connector.

However, the key distinction to make is who these iPhones are tailored for. At $799 for the iPhone 15 and $899 for the 15 Plus, these aren’t devices for the tech aficionados meticulously tracking each specification year after year. Nor are they for those chasing the pinnacle of smartphone innovation. For those users, the iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max would be a more fitting choice.

Instead, the iPhone 15 series is perfect for someone who’s moving on from their iPhone 12 or 11, especially if their current device is showing its age or has suffered some damage. First-time phone owners, such as teenagers, will also find value in these models. The iPhone 15 range serves users who harness their phones for everyday tasks like communication, social media, and entertainment, without breaking the bank on the highest-end device. These individuals will discover plenty to admire in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.

That said, it’s not accurate to label these models as the best fit for everyone. Apple’s Pro models continue to enjoy substantial sales, even with their steeper price tags. Many were hoping for the integration of Pro-exclusive features, such as high refresh rates and always-on displays, into the iPhone 15 lineup — a move Apple opted against.

Further muddling decisions for potential buyers is the available iPhone 14 series, priced $100 less than the new models. Despite the similarities, the iPhone 15 does bring enough advancements to the table, from its superior camera to the Dynamic Island and enhanced charging. Yet, for those strictly budget-conscious, the cheaper iPhone 14 or even the iPhone 13 might suffice. After all, for many, the right iPhone is the one that fits their budget and meets their needs.

Pros:

1. Improved Display: OLED screens that can achieve a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, making them easier to read outdoors.
2. Dynamic Island Display Cutout: Provides a new space for system alerts and ongoing information.
3. Camera Upgrade: 48-megapixel main camera for better resolution and clearer pictures.
4. Seamless Portrait Mode: The camera captures depth information automatically, allowing post-capture conversion to portrait shots.
5. Performance: The A16 Bionic processor offers great performance across tasks.
6. Enhanced Storage: Minimum storage starts at 128GB.
7. Find My Features: The second-generation ultra-wideband chip offers improved tracking abilities.
8. Battery Life: Especially for the 15 Plus, the battery life is long-lasting, potentially stretching to two days.
9. Satellite Connectivity: A feature for emergencies, ensuring increased safety for users.

Cons:

1. 60Hz Refresh Rate: Still uses a 60Hz screen which feels dated compared to the 120Hz display on other models and Android devices.
2. Lack of Always-On Display: Limits the usability of the new StandBy mode.
3. Slow Dynamic Island Adoption: Limited app optimization for the Dynamic Island feature.
4. Camera Limitations: The 15 and 15 Plus don’t have a dedicated telephoto camera. The ultrawide camera lacks significant upgrades.
5. No A17 Pro Chip: While the A16 Bionic processor is solid, it’s not Apple’s latest chipset.
6. Lack of Cutting-Edge Features: Compared to the Pro models, the 15 and 15 Plus miss out on some of the latest features and innovations.
7. Price Concern: For the price point, the absence of features like a higher refresh rate feels inexcusable.

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus Design 

• Similar design to the iPhone 12 and onwards.
• More ergonomic with rounded edges and satin or matte finish for the back.
• Color options are desaturated and less appealing.
• Lighter in weight than previous models.
• Shifted from Lightning to USB-C, but with limited data transfer speed.
• Wireless charging capabilities.
• Exclusively eSIM compatible.

The iPhone 15 and its sibling, the 15 Plus, mirror previous designs starting from the iPhone 12, retaining the square-edged aluminum frame sandwiched between glass surfaces. Apple, however, has introduced subtle modifications, culminating in a more ergonomic phone. Softened edges ensure the phone no longer feels sharp, and the switch to “color-infused” glass with a matte finish adds a touch of sophistication. These changes also make holding the iPhone 15 Plus notably more comfortable, even without additional grips.

Notably, if you’re among the many who immediately encase their iPhones, these design details become somewhat moot. Based on experience, matte finishes are more prone to slipping, so a protective case is prudent. Beneficially, like its predecessors, the iPhone 15 lineup boasts easy repairability.

Apple’s color choices for the iPhone 15 have been a point of contention. This year’s palette includes five options that, although touted as vibrant by Apple, appear disappointingly muted. They’re so faintly tinted that some colors barely qualify as such. While the pink shade stands out as possibly the best, it’s a muted, millennial pink that still leaves much to be desired.

For amusement, here’s an imaginative take on naming the colors:

• Yup, it’s black
• Barely blue
• Almost green
• Maybe yellow
• Millennial pink

Weight is another highlight of the iPhone 15 series. In contrast to the hefty iPhone 13 Pro, the 15 and 15 Plus are refreshingly lightweight, making for easier handling.

A long-awaited design change is the introduction of a USB-C port in place of the traditional Lightning port. This transition, although belated, is commendable for standardizing charging solutions across devices. However, the port’s speed limitation is glaring. USB 2.0 data transfers, clocking in at just 480Mbps, are remarkably slow, especially for a phone in this price bracket.

Wireless charging continues, with 15W for MagSafe and 7.5W for standard Qi. Anticipating the soon-to-be-certified Qi2 standard, these iPhones might support 15W magnetic wireless charging sans MagSafe.

One significant shift for US users is the exclusive use of eSIM, with the traditional SIM card slot absent. The transition process is streamlined for a hassle-free experience. And once set up, future upgrades are a breeze, seamlessly transferring eSIM data.

iPhone 15 Display:

• 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch OLED screens.
• Capable of peak brightness of 2,000 nits.
• Still uses a 60Hz refresh rate which is dated compared to competition.
• No always-on display capability.
• Features the Dynamic Island display cutout, providing space for system alerts and other information.

iPhone 15 Camera:

• New 48-megapixel main camera.
• 24-megapixel default resolution, with options for 12-megapixel and 48-megapixel captures.
• Allows for software-defined 2x zoom.
• Ultrawide camera remains unchanged from the iPhone 14.
• Enhanced portrait mode allows for depth capture without needing to switch modes.
• Video recording remains largely similar but allows for smooth zoom.

iPhone 15 Performance:

• Comes with the A16 Bionic processor from the iPhone 14 Pro.
• Processor consists of a six-core CPU, five-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine.
• Performs admirably across tasks, from multitasking to intensive gaming.
• Not the latest A17 Pro chip but still an efficient and fast processor.
• Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.
• Features the second-generation ultra-wideband chip which enhances the “Find My” feature.
• Retains satellite connectivity for emergencies, as introduced in the iPhone 14.

Battery Life:

• iPhone 15 Plus has superior battery life, easily lasting two days for average usage.
• iPhone 15 lasts a full day on a charge, but not much longer.

Analogy & Conclusion:

• Smartphones are like cars: major purchases that become essential tools.
• People often buy them when the old one doesn’t suffice or is outdated.
• The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus can be likened to a reliable mainstream crossover, such as a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
• Not the cheapest or the flashiest, but dependable and suitable for most people’s needs.
• Apple’s Pro models are the more cutting-edge equivalents in this analogy.
• These models are practical and reliable, serving well for several years before needing a replacement.