My iPhone 15 / Pro / Max Review

Summary

The iPhone 15 series review highlights the new rounded edge design, satin finish glass back, and color-infused materials. The Pro models introduce a customizable action button and USB-C ports with varying speeds. Display improvements include larger screens and higher peak brightness, but lack an always-on display and 120Hz refresh rate on non-Pro models. The A17 chip offers enhanced performance, particularly in gaming. The camera system sees a boost with a 48-megapixel main sensor, improved low-light performance, and a 5x optical zoom on the Pro Max. The review concludes with a discussion on pricing and the impact on consumers worldwide.

Takeaways

• 📱 The iPhone 15 series includes four models: iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max, each with a distinct design and feature set.
• 🔄 The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus feature an aluminum build with a new rounded edge design, while the Pro models have a titanium rail and a satin finish gloss back.
• 🌈 The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus introduce a color-infused glass back, a first for iPhones, offering a unique way to vary color intensity based on glass thickness.
• 📲 The Pro models have a titanium frame that contributes to a lighter feel despite the presence of an aluminum plate, enhancing the device's agility.
• 📱 The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max come with an action button, a customizable input that replaces the traditional mute switch, offering new functionalities like launching the camera or flashlight.
• 🖥 The iPhone 15 series now features USB-C ports, with the Pro model supporting USB 3 speeds for faster data transfer, aligning with EU regulations.
• 🔋 The A17 chip in the iPhone 15 Pro models delivers improved performance and gaming battery life, with the GPU showing a significant boost in capability.
• 📸 All iPhone 15 models upgrade to a 48-megapixel main sensor, with the Pro models offering additional benefits like larger sensor size and the ability to shoot with 24-megapixel files.
• 🌙 Low light photography sees minor improvements, but the iPhone 15 still lags behind competitors like Samsung and Google Pixel in this area.
• 🔭 The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a 5x optical zoom lens, a first for the Pro Max line, though it's less powerful compared to some competitors' offerings.

Q & A

What are the new design features of the iPhone 15 series?

The iPhone 15 series introduces a new rounded edge design, which is distinct from previous models. The aluminum build of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models features a satin finish gloss back made from a color-infused glass material, which is a derivative of Gorilla Glass. The Pro models have a titanium rail with a brushed finish.

How do the new iPhone 15 and 15 Plus differ in terms of materials compared to their predecessors?

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have an aluminum rail on the side and a new satin finish gloss back, which is a color-infused Gorilla Glass. This is a departure from the previous generation's glass back, where color was added through a colored layer beneath the glass.

What are the differences in the design language between the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max?

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max share the same rounded edges as the non-Pro models but feature a titanium rail with a brushed finish. The Pro Max, in particular, has a more pronounced design language, especially with the titanium color, but this can be somewhat lost when the device is cased.

How does the weight distribution of the iPhone 15 Pro Max compare to the iPhone 14 Pro?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its titanium rail and aluminum plate, has a more even weight distribution, making it feel lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro despite only a single-digit percentage reduction in weight.

What changes have been made to the iPhone cases in the iPhone 15 series?

Apple has replaced the leather cases with fine woven material cases for environmental reasons. The silicone cases continue to be available and are praised for their feel and durability. However, the fine woven material is criticized for being prone to scuffs and not feeling premium.

What is the new action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models and how does it work?

The action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models is a customizable input that replaces the traditional mute switch. It allows users to assign various functions such as launching the camera, flashlight, or voice memos, and is designed to be more convenient for quick access to certain features.

How do the displays on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus compare to the Pro models?

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus have significantly improved displays that are more closely aligned with the Pro models, featuring the same screen size, resolution, brightness, and HDR capabilities. However, they still lack an always-on display and run at 60Hz, unlike the 120Hz ProMotion display on the Pro models.

What is the significance of the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 series?

The inclusion of a USB-C port on the iPhone 15 series is significant as it marks Apple's compliance with EU regulations and provides users with a more universal charging and data transfer solution. The regular iPhone 15 has USB 2.0 speeds, while the Pro model has USB 3.0 speeds.

How does the A17 chip in the iPhone 15 Pro models affect performance and gaming?

The A17 chip in the iPhone 15 Pro models offers improved performance and GPU capabilities, allowing for more efficient gaming and better graphics rendering. It can sustain a full workload longer and provides a smoother gaming experience with higher frame rates.

What are the camera improvements in the iPhone 15 series, and how do they compare to previous models?

The iPhone 15 series features a 48-megapixel main sensor across all models, with the Pro models having a larger and better sensor. The Pro models also offer a 5x optical zoom with the Pro Max, and improvements in low-light photography and lens flare reduction. Additionally, the automatic portrait mode, which captures depth data for post-focus adjustments, is a notable new feature.