The iPhone 15 Pro boasts new materials, a refreshed, softer design, USB-C compatibility, the impressive Action button, and potentially, a remarkably powerful mobile chipset. It appears poised to claim the flagship crown. However, its limitation lies in the persistent 3x optical zoom, which could impede its performance, especially when compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s superior 5x optical zoom.
NewForTech Opinion:
Pros:
- Gorgeous titanium design
- USB-C support
- Cutting-edge A17 Pro chip
Cons:
- Minimal camera enhancements
- Outdated 3x telephoto zoom, surpassed by Apple’s latest offerings.
IPHONE 15 PRO: QUICK OVERVIEW
- Apple’s latest iPhones have familiar names, but the iPhone 15 Pro stands out with its distinct features.
- Unlike previous iterations, the iPhone 15 Pro distinguishes itself not just by its screen size but also by its camera capabilities.
Camera Differences:
- The iPhone 15 Pro falls short of the 5x optical zoom offered by its bigger counterpart, the Pro Max, retaining a 3x optical zoom.
- This positions the iPhone 15 Pro as a semi-flagship in Apple’s 2023 lineup, but it still packs a punch with flagship-worthy specs.
Design Enhancements:
- Across the entire iPhone 15 series, a design refresh blends elements from the iPhone 11 and the previous iPhone 14 Pro.
- The iPhone 15 Pro, however, boasts a lightweight and durable titanium frame, setting it apart from other models.
Notable Features:
- All models in the lineup now feature USB-C ports.
- Apple’s latest Pro models introduce an Action button, reminiscent of the Apple Watch Ultra, replacing the traditional mute switch.
- This button offers quick access to various functions through short and long presses, streamlining user interaction.
Other Upgrades:
- The 15 Pro is powered by the A17 Pro chipset, promising enhanced performance.
- It also features a thinner screen bezel for a more immersive experience.
- The new Action button further contributes to making the iPhone 15 Pro a top-tier choice.
Initial Impressions:
- While these improvements look promising, a comprehensive evaluation will follow as we spend more time with the device.
HANDS-ON REVIEW: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
- The iPhone 15 Pro was officially unveiled alongside its siblings during Apple’s September 2023 Event on September 12.
- Pre-orders begin on September 15, with shipping scheduled for September 22.
Storage Options:
- it offers four storage variants: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, offering more variety than other models.
Pricing (US):
- The base 128GB model starts at $999.
- The 256GB option is priced at $1,099.
- For the 512GB version, the cost is $1,299.
- The top-tier 1TB model comes in at $1,499.
Pricing (UK):
- UK pricing aligns numerically with US pricing, starting at £999, £1,099, £1,299, and £1,499 for the various storage options.
Pricing (Australia):
- Australian pricing sees a slight increase this year, with prices set at AU$1,849, AU$2,049, AU$2,399, and AU$2,749 for the different storage configurations.
Comparison to iPhone 14 Pro:
- In comparison, the iPhone 14 Pro’s 256GB model launched at $1,099 / £1,209 / AU$1,899, while the base 128GB version was priced at $999 / £1,099 / AU$1,749.
HANDS-ON IPHONE 15 PRO REVIEW: SPECS
Here’s a look at the iPhone 15 Pro’s specifications:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.6 mm x 70.6 mm x 8.25 mm |
| Weight | 187g |
| Operating System | iOS 17 |
| Screen size | 6.1 inches |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels |
| Chipset | A17 Pro |
| RAM | 8GB (as per Xcode 15 Release Candidate via MacRumors) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
iPhone 15 PRO REVIEW: DESIGN
The iPhone 14 Pro closely resembled the iPhone 13 Pro, but the iPhone 15 Pro introduces a fresh design language driven by various factors.
- Most notably, the sharp edges have been smoothed out, giving the phone a new frame design. The iPhone 15 Pro, along with other iPhone 15 models, retains flat sides but eliminates the sharp edges. It benefits from a lighter and more robust titanium frame, contrasting the stainless steel predecessor (the latest flagship is 187g compared to the 206g of the iPhone 14 Pro).
- In my brief hands-on experience, the iPhone 15 Pro feels lighter and more comfortable to hold, addressing concerns about the iPhone 14 Pro’s edges.
- The Super Retina XDR OLED screen maintains a 2556 x 1179 resolution from the iPhone 14 Pro but notably reduces the black bezel’s thickness. This move towards a nearly bezel-less design is a step closer to Apple’s vision.
- The Dynamic Island and brushed glass rear panel return from the previous model, now protected by Apple’s Ceramic Shield for added durability.
- Beyond these visual enhancements, Apple introduces functional changes, starting with the Apple Watch Ultra-style Action button, replacing the traditional mute switch on the iPhone 15 Pro (and iPhone 15 Pro Max). This customizable button offers up to nine different actions, seamlessly integrating with the iPhone 15 Pro.
- Additionally, the transition to a USB-C port across all iPhone 15 models replaces Apple’s proprietary Lightning port. This shift aligns with the universal USB-C standard for smart devices, enabling USB 3, and 10Gbps data transfer speeds, and enhancing connectivity options, especially when connected to devices like the MacBook Pro.
Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro’s design upgrades and functional improvements make it a compelling choice compared to its predecessor.
iPhone 15 PRO: DISPLAY
The iPhone 15 Pro sticks with the outstanding 6.1-inch Super XDR OLED screen, featuring Apple’s ProMotion tech for dynamic refresh rates (10Hz to 120Hz).
The Dynamic Island notch, now on all models, minimizes bezels, offering a nearly bezel-free, immersive display experience. It remains impressively bright at up to 2,000 nits.
iPhone 15 PRO REVIEW: CAMERAS
The iPhone 15 Pro retains its predecessor’s triple-sensor camera setup: 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP 3x telephoto. The 5x optical zoom is reserved for the Pro Max.
The front camera is a 12MP TrueDepth.
Expect camera performance in line with the iPhone 14 Pro, with new image processing tricks like a default 24MP mode for enhanced detail. Portrait Mode is now available for any photo, and focus points can be adjusted post-capture.
iPhone 15 PRO REVIEW: PERFORMANCE AND SOFTWARE
The iPhone 15 Pro is powered by Apple’s latest A17 Pro chip, delivering top-tier performance with a new CPU, GPU, and a 2x-faster Neural Engine.
Console-quality gaming is possible at 30FPS, thanks to the A17 Pro’s capabilities.
The phone runs iOS 17 out of the box.
iPhone 15 PRO REVIEW: BATTERY LIFE
Apple hasn’t disclosed the battery size but claims 23 hours of video playback, similar to the iPhone 14 Pro.
MagSafe and Qi wireless charging are supported, but fast charging lags behind some Android rivals.
USB-C doesn’t enhance charging speed.
iPhone 15 PRO REVIEW: VERDICT
The iPhone 15 Pro is a step below the Pro Max due to the absence of a more potent zoom lens.
However, it features Apple’s A17 Pro chip, providing flagship performance in a sleek package with a titanium build, USB-C, and the handy Action button. A worthy upgrade from the iPhone 14 Pro for those seeking a powerful yet compact device.
