Apple’s latest iPhone duo left many wondering: iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus? While both boast sleek designs and powerful A16 Bionic chips, choosing the right one depends on your needs. Fear not, fellow Apple fans! This review giude is all about it. We will share our thoughts and in-hand experience in this iPhone 15 Review.
Here’s Roadmap To This Review Guide!
We’ll present the key differences clearly, using handy tables and easy-to-understand explanations. No more confusion, just the facts you need to know about their cameras, displays, battery life, and more.
But wait, there’s more! Beyond the specs, we’ll discuss real-world considerations like portability, one-handed usability, and gaming experience. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a productivity powerhouse, or a casual user, this comparison will help you decide: iPhone 15, perfectly compact, or iPhone 15 Plus, the big-screen beauty?
Key Specifications of iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 plus
Let us start with some key specifiaction presented in tabular form. We will describe these specifications in divided and perfectly organized manner.
Overview
| Features | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Specs Score | 84 / 100 | 83 / 100 |
| Display Size | 6.7 in | 6.1 in |
| Display Resolution | 1290 x 2796 pixels | 1179 x 2556 pixels |
| Weight | 201 g | 171 g |
| Battery | 4383 mAh | 3349 mAh |
Design
| Features | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 77.8 x 160.9 x 7.8 mm | 71.6 x 147.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 201 g | 171 g |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink | Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink |
Display
| Features | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Color Super Retina XDR OLED (1B Colors) | Color Super Retina XDR OLED (1B Colors) |
| Touch | Yes | Yes |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 1290 x 2796 pixels, 60 Hz | 6.1 inches, 1179 x 2556 pixels, 60 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 19.5:9 | 19.5:9 |
| PPI | ~ 460 PPI | ~ 460 PPI |
| Glass Type | Ceramic Shield front, Colour-infused glass back | Ceramic Shield front, Colour-infused glass back |
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Haptic Touch, 1,000 nits max brightness (typical), 1,600 nits peak brightness (HDR), 2,000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), True Tone display, 20,00,000:1 contrast ratio (typical), HDR display | Dolby Atmos, Haptic Touch, 1,000 nits max brightness (typical), 1,600 nits peak brightness (HDR), 2,000 nits peak brightness (outdoor), True Tone display, 20,00,000:1 contrast ratio (typical), HDR display |
| Notch | Yes, Dynamic Island | Yes, Dynamic Island |
Connectivity
| Features | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| GPRS | Yes | Yes |
| EDGE | Yes | Yes |
| 3G | Yes | Yes |
| 4G | Yes | Yes |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Bands | Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n26, n28, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n53, n66, n70, n77, n78, n79 | Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n26, n28, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n53, n66, n70, n77, n78, n79 |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| Wifi | Yes, with wifi-hotspot | Yes, with wifi-hotspot |
| Wifi Version | Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO | Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.3 | Yes, v5.3 |
| USB | Yes, USB-C v2.0 | Yes, USB-C v2.0 |
| USB Features | USB on-the-go, USB Charging | USB Tethering, USB Charging |
Others
| Feature | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS | yes with A-GPS, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou | yes with A-GPS, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou |
| Fingerprint Sensor | No | No |
| Face Unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope, TrueDepth | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope, TrueDepth |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Lightning | Lightning |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dust Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Extra Features | Ultra Wideband Chip, Voice Isolation, Satellite Services, Road Side Assistance, Emergency SOS, Crash Detection footnote, Spatial Audio playback, Supports Dolby Atmos, Aluminium design, Wide Spectrum microphone modes | Ultra Wideband Chip, Voice Isolation, Satellite Services, Road Side Assistance, Emergency SOS, Crash Detection footnote, Spatial Audio playback, Supports Dolby Atmos, Aluminium design, Wide Spectrum microphone modes |
Camera
| Camera Specifications | Option A | Option B |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 48 MP f/1.6 (Main) 12 MP f/2.4 (Ultra Wide) with autofocus |
48 MP f/1.6 (Main) 12 MP f/2.4 (Ultra Wide) with autofocus |
| Features | Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP), Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control, 4x optical zoom range, Night mode, Stereo recording, Audio zoom, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, Photo geotagging, Burst mode, Photographic Styles, 12MP 2x Telephoto (enabled by quad-pixel sensor) | Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP), Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control, 4x optical zoom range, Night mode, Stereo recording, Audio zoom, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, Photo geotagging, Burst mode, Photographic Styles, 12MP 2x Telephoto (enabled by quad-pixel sensor) |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 60 fps FHD, 4K @ 24/25/30/60 fps UHD | 1080p @ 60 fps FHD, 4K @ 24/25/30/60 fps UHD |
| Flash | Yes, Dual LED | Yes, Dual LED |
| Front Camera | 12 MP f/1.9 with Retina Flash | 12 MP f/1.9 with Retina Flash |
| Front Video Recording | 4K @ 60 fps UHD, 1080p @ 60 fps FHD | 4K @ 60 fps UHD, 1080p @ 60 fps FHD |
Technical Features
| Features | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS v17 | iOS v17 |
| Chipset | Apple Bionic A16 | Apple Bionic A16 |
| CPU | 3.46 GHz, Hexa Core Processor | 3.46 GHz, Hexa Core Processor |
| Core Details | 2×3.46 GHz Everest & 4×2.02 GHz Sawtooth | 2×3.46 GHz Everest & 4×2.02 GHz Sawtooth |
| GPU | Apple GPU | Apple GPU |
| Java | No | No |
| Browser | Yes | Yes |
Multimedia Features
| Features | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | |
| Music | AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos | AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos |
| Video | HEVC, H.264 and ProRes, HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG | HEVC, H.264 and ProRes, HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG |
| FM Radio | No | No |
| Document Reader | Yes | Yes |
Battery Specifications
| Features | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-Removable Battery | Non-Removable Battery |
| Size | 4383 mAh, Li-ion Battery | 3349 mAh, Li-ion Battery |
| Fast Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, 15W MagSafe Charging | Yes, 15W MagSafe Charging |
| Music Playback Time | 80 hours | N/A |
A Brief Discussion: Which One Stands Where?
I was first drawn to the iPhone 15’s matte look, USB-C charging, Dynamic Island for multitasking, and enhanced camera. Even though several of the iPhone 15’s notable features appeared last year on the iPhone 14 Pro, they seemed new to me, coming from an iPhone 12.
One month later, those opinions remain. The iPhone 15 had a bumpy launch when news reports and social network posts claimed some iPhone 15 Pro units overheated. My iPhone 15 only felt warm once, thus I think this isn’t a regular issue. Apple also published a software update to fix the issue, thus it is alright now!
After spending more time with the iPhone 15, I now understand its battery life, charging speeds, and performance. I tested the new Precision Finding tool for locating a friend, which works only with other iPhone 15 models.
In-Hand Experience With Battery Performance
The iPhone 15, with its 6.1-inch display, impressively sustains a full day on a single charge, even during busy events like weddings. The device demonstrated excellent battery performance, lasting throughout a day that involved extensive use, including streaming music during bridal preparations. It’s noteworthy that the battery’s 100% capacity remains, contrasting with the typical decline seen in older smartphones. Appsrs’ battery tests, encompassing general usage and video streaming, further support the iPhone 15’s robust battery life. Notably, the phone can recharge 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter, showcasing its fast-charging capabilities. Additionally, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus support 7.5W and 15W charging with standard Qi and MagSafe wireless chargers, respectively, yielding noticeable differences in charging speed. The MagSafe option significantly accelerates the charging process for both models.
The Precision Finding Tool
The iPhone 15 introduces Precision Finding for Find My, a feature that enhances location sharing by providing precise directional guidance to locate individuals with compatible iPhones. This innovation relies on Apple’s new ultra wideband chip, exclusive to the iPhone 15. While its current usability is limited to both parties having the latest iPhone model, it signifies a potential standard feature in future iPhones. The experience of using Precision Finding is demonstrated in a real-world scenario where it accurately directed the user to a specific aisle in a grocery store where the other person was hiding. Apple aims to strengthen user loyalty by offering compelling features within the iOS ecosystem, encouraging users to remain with the iPhone platform.
Dynamic Island Features
In my initial review of the iPhone 15, I covered key features such as the 48-megapixel camera, Dynamic Island, USB-C, and overall performance. After spending more time with the device, I have additional insights to share. The Dynamic Island feature proves useful for multitasking, particularly during lunchtime workouts. While it doesn’t replace my Uber’s ETA tracking as much as anticipated, it allows me to keep Slack open on the screen while managing my Spotify playlist. The transition to USB-C has been convenient, although occasionally, I find myself searching for a Lightning charger for accessories like my Magic Mouse. An interesting discovery post-review is the ability to connect my iPhone to my work monitor using a USB-C to HDMI cable. Although not as refined as Samsung’s Dex mode, as it mirrors the iPhone’s screen, it provides an alternative, albeit less seamless, method compared to AirPlay.
Performance & Camera Insights
The A16 Bionic processor in the iPhone 15 delivers swift and responsive performance, outperforming the iPhone 14 in Geekbench 6 and 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmarks. The Geekbench 6 scores for single and multi-core performance on the iPhone 15 surpass those of the iPhone 14, highlighting its improved everyday functionality.
In the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme tests, the iPhone 15 achieves higher overall scores and frames per second compared to its predecessor, indicating superior graphics performance. Additionally, the 48-megapixel camera in the iPhone 15 stands out as a significant enhancement over the iPhone 12’s camera, evident in the increased contrast and detail observed in sample photos. This underscores the notable advancements in the iPhone 15’s camera capabilities.
Why & When Should I Upgrade My iPhone?
It is true that users are replacing their smartphones more slowly these days, often holding onto them for three years or longer before moving on to the newest model. Here are how the iPhone 15 compares to prior models and what the main changes are that you should be aware of.
| Previous iPhone Model | Key Differences with iPhone 15 |
|---|---|
| iPhone X or iPhone XR | Upgrading allows you to experience iOS 17 with features like StandBy mode, Contact Posters, Live Voicemail, and Interactive widgets. Additionally, explore other enhancements mentioned below. |
| iPhone 11 | Transition to iPhone 15 for 5G connectivity and a superior OLED display compared to the iPhone 11’s LCD. Discover additional advantages listed below. |
| iPhone 12 | For iPhone Mini users seeking a compact form factor with iOS perks, the standard iPhone 15 is recommended. Enjoy a base storage of 128GB, double that of the iPhone 12. Explore further gains mentioned below. |
| iPhone 13 | Upgrade to gain eSIM functionality, access to Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite, and Crash Detection safety features. Explore more benefits in the details provided below. |
| iPhone 14 | Significant upgrades in the iPhone 15 include Dynamic Island, a 48MP camera, a thinner design, and a USB-C port compared to the iPhone 14. If you’ve converted to eSIM, contacts transferring should be seamless. Delve into the additional improvements mentioned below. |
Verdict
The standard iPhone 15 emerges as the top choice for a broad audience, including tech-savvy individuals, marking a shift from the prominence of the Pro variant. Apple strategically introduces feature upgrades and subtle compromises, making the latest iPhone stand out against its predecessor. Noteworthy improvements include the Dynamic Island enhancing multitasking, a significantly improved camera, and a long-lasting battery life catering to users with older phones. While some desired features like an always-on display and broader compatibility for Precision Finding remain unmet, the iPhone 15 proves ideal for those deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, upgrading from phones older than two years, and seeking a balance without the Pro model’s extra features.