iPhone 15 Pro After 1 Year: Why It's Worth Keeping!

Summary

In this one-year retrospective on the iPhone 15 Pro, Kyle Erikson shares his evolving experiences with the device. He appreciates its titanium design and lightweight build, highlighting its durability and aesthetic appeal. The introduction of the action button, though initially confusing, has become useful for accessing the Blackmagic camera app, enhancing video capabilities. While performance remains strong, he notes minor issues like heat during prolonged use. Comparing it to the recently announced iPhone 16 Pro, he acknowledges the latter's improvements but believes the 15 Pro still offers great value, especially for those on a budget.

Takeaways

• 📱 One year of using the iPhone 15 Pro has led to a shift in user experience and perspective over time.
• ✨ The titanium housing offers a lighter and more durable design, with minimal wear even after accidental drops.
• 🔘 The action button's placement can be problematic, but it ultimately serves as a useful shortcut for apps like the Blackmagic camera.
• 📸 The camera system excels in everyday photography, particularly in portrait mode, though low-light performance on the ultrawide lens is less impressive.
• 🎥 The Blackmagic camera app enhances video recording capabilities, allowing for professional features like ProRes and custom settings.
• ⚙️ The iPhone 15 Pro delivers reliable performance for multitasking, gaming, and photo editing, with solid external controller support on iOS.
• 🔋 Battery health remains strong at 96%, although limiting charge to 80% has implications for usage frequency.
• 🔌 The switch to USB-C has improved compatibility with various accessories, simplifying the charging process.
• 📈 Anticipated improvements in the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro include faster processing speeds, larger display, and enhanced camera features.
• 💰 The iPhone 15 Pro still offers significant value for users, particularly for those on a budget or seeking good deals amidst the release of newer models.

Q & A

What are some new features introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro?

The iPhone 15 Pro introduced several new features, including a titanium housing, an action button, and the switch to USB-C connectivity.

How does the titanium housing of the iPhone 15 Pro compare to previous models?

The titanium housing is lighter and more durable than the stainless steel used in previous models, and it has a brushed finish that shows less dirt and scratches.

What is the significance of the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro?

The action button can be customized for various functions, and the reviewer found it particularly useful for launching the Blackmagic camera app for advanced video recording.

How does the camera system of the iPhone 15 Pro perform?

The camera system delivers high-quality photos, particularly with portrait shots, but the low-light performance of the ultrawide lens is noted as a weak point.

What are the advantages of using the Blackmagic camera app on the iPhone 15 Pro?

The Blackmagic camera app offers advanced features like customizable frame rates, white balance, and the ability to record in ProRes Apple Log, enhancing the quality of video recordings.

Did the reviewer encounter any performance issues with the iPhone 15 Pro?

Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro performed smoothly for tasks like photo editing and gaming, though the reviewer experienced a heat warning during a long road trip while using GPS and wireless charging.

What is the battery health status of the iPhone 15 Pro after one year of use?

The battery health of the iPhone 15 Pro is still at 96%, which the reviewer attributes to limiting the charge to 80%.

How does the iPhone 15 Pro's USB-C functionality enhance user experience?

The USB-C port allows for compatibility with various accessories, enables fast data transfer at 10 Gbps, and simplifies the connection to external storage devices.

What are some key differences between the iPhone 15 Pro and the newly announced iPhone 16 Pro?

The iPhone 16 Pro features a faster CPU and GPU, a larger screen, and a new capacitive camera button, among other enhancements, but many differences may not be noticeable during regular use.

What does the reviewer recommend for potential iPhone buyers considering the 15 Pro?

The reviewer suggests that if you're on a budget and can find a good deal on the iPhone 15 Pro, it remains a strong option, as it still has valuable features compared to the newer model.