Review of the Apple iPhone 15: Incremental Pro Features Annually

USB-C, enhanced processor, upgraded 48MP camera, and dynamic island join Apple’s standard smartphone lineup

The iPhone 15 continues Apple’s gradual introduction of features previously exclusive to its premium Pro-line phones to other models. Despite the inclusion of the new dynamic island, an improved camera, a faster chip, and the adoption of USB-C, the standard iPhone still gives off a slightly mundane impression.

In the UK, the regular iPhone for 2023 sees a £50 price reduction, now priced at £799 (€949/$799/A$1,499), although other regions don’t enjoy the same benefit. This places it roughly £200 cheaper than the similarly sized iPhone 15 Pro, with a larger version available for approximately £100 more.

The iPhone 15 maintains the familiar combination of aluminum and glass seen in recent iPhone iterations. The chamfered edges of the aluminum this year offer a softer feel, though this is noticeable only without a case. The screen boasts double the brightness of its predecessors, enhancing outdoor readability. However, it lacks the always-on display mode and the faster refresh rate for smoother scrolling found in the Pro iPhone models and competing Android devices within this price range.

The notch design, present for six years at the top of the screen to conceal the selfie camera and Face ID system, has been replaced by the smaller dynamic island, initially introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro last year. The dynamic island proves useful for displaying timers and other information, and it is less obtrusive when not in use. Unlike the Pro models this year, the iPhone 15 retains the mute switch on the side, rather than replacing it with a button.

Equipped with the A16 Bionic chip from the previous year, the iPhone 15 shares the same powerful processing capabilities, maintaining a snappy performance. The battery life is comparable to the iPhone 14, lasting up to 48 hours, which is commendable for a relatively compact smartphone in 2023. Charging the iPhone 15 to full capacity takes approximately 110 minutes using a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter (not included), requiring charging every two days on average.

A notable addition this year is the USB-C port, aligning with the other iPhones for 2023 and signaling the departure from the Lightning cable and associated accessories. The advantage lies in the versatility to charge the iPhone 15 using almost any power adapter and USB-C cable, extending compatibility beyond Apple devices to include those for laptops, tablets, and Android phones. Additionally, users can employ various USB-C accessories, including game controllers, SD card readers, and display cables. It’s important to note, however, that the iPhone 15 is restricted to the same USB 2.0 speeds as its predecessors equipped with Lightning ports.

Specifications

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) with 460ppi
Processor: Apple A16 Bionic
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB
Operating System: iOS 17
Camera: 48MP + 12MP (rear), 12MP (front-facing)
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C (2.0), Satellite, UWB, GNSS
Water Resistance: IP68 (6 meters for 30 minutes)
Dimensions: 147.8 x 71.6 x 7.8mm
Weight: 171g

Sustainability

Apple claims the battery is designed to endure over 500 complete charge cycles while maintaining a minimum of 80% of its original capacity. Replacement is available for £95, and out-of-warranty screen repairs incur a cost of £289.

The device incorporates recycled materials such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tin, and tungsten. Apple provides a detailed breakdown of the phone’s environmental impact in its report. Additionally, the company offers trade-in and free recycling programs, extending to non-Apple products.

Upgraded dual-camera

The iPhone 15 is equipped with a dual-camera system on the rear, comprising an enhanced 48-megapixel main camera and a 12MP ultrawide, akin to the configuration seen in the previous year’s model.

The primary camera defaults to capturing 24MP images, an improvement from the previous 12MP, resulting in visually enhanced and more detailed photos across different lighting scenarios. While it can capture full 48MP images, optimal conditions, particularly bright light, are recommended for this. It retains the 2x optical zoom from the Pro models of the preceding year, focusing on the center of the sensor.

A noteworthy enhancement is that the main photo mode now automatically gathers depth information when detecting people or pets. This enables users to refocus and convert images into portrait mode during post-editing. Additionally, it facilitates the simultaneous use of night mode, significantly improving low-light portraits.

Although the absence of an extended optical zoom places limitations on the standard iPhone, the Pro models maintain this feature alongside their more advanced photography and videography capabilities. Nevertheless, the standard iPhone’s camera effortlessly captures appealing photos.

Price

The iPhone 15 is priced starting at £799 (€949/$799/A$1,499) for the 128GB storage variant.

In comparison, the iPhone 15 Plus is priced at £899, the iPhone 15 Pro at £999, the Samsung Galaxy S23 at £849, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 at £1,049, the Google Pixel 7 at £599, and the Fairphone 5 at £649.

Verdict

For users holding onto phones from around five years ago, the iPhone 15 represents a significant advancement, featuring a swift chip, extended battery life, a vivid display, and the more versatile USB-C port.

The influence trickling down from the iPhone Pro models adds an element of intrigue. The dynamic island, inherited from the 14 Pro, notably improves upon the older notch design. The 48MP main camera captures finer details, and the automatic portrait mode introduces a noteworthy shift.

However, familiar limitations associated with the standard iPhone persist from previous iterations. The absence of an extended zoom is a letdown, and the lack of an always-on display or a high refresh rate for the screen is a drawback. Additionally, the subdued and pale options for body colors fall short of expectations. While none of these aspects are deal-breakers, they represent features commonly found in competitors within this price range.

The iPhone 15 is a commendable device, albeit lacking the excitement that one might anticipate for its price. Those seeking a more thrilling iPhone experience may find it in the 15 Pro or may explore alternatives among Android competitors.