iPhone 15 represents an iterative evolution over it’s predecessor, the much appreciated iPhone 14. These useful changes essentially makes the purchase of earlier models pretty much meaningless if you plan to keep your phone for a few years down the line. However, some of the premium features from it’s pro moniker has still not trickled down; some of which are available on Android phones costing one-half or even less. So, does iPhone 15 makes a compelling case for itself in it’s price segment, let’s find out..
How we have reviewed the iPhone 15
We will be reviewing iPhone 15 from the perspective of an average buyer, but one who travels frequently and uses her/his phone for taking photos in different conditions as well as utilize it as an essential supplement for their organizational & work setup. This may not be a highly technical review, but will definitely help the readers make an informed decision about purchase.
This review is primarily done with an iPhone 15 Plus, but most of the points discussed will be relevant for the small iPhone 15 as well. Only noticeable difference between both the models are screen size (6.7” for iPhone 15 Plus vs 6.1”for iPhone 15) and runtime endurance which for example, results in 26 hours vs 20 hours of video playback (according to Apple).
Since part of our audience are photo enthusiasts, we will review the photo & video features of iPhone 15 in some detail.
Features & functionality
When it comes to specifications, the iPhone 15 comes equipped with A16 Bionic chip coupled with 6 GB of RAM. It is the same chipset that powers iPhone 14 pro models, so you can be assured that it is a competent one that can do quite a bit of heavy lifting. At the same time, it will also be supported by Apple for quite a few years to come. When I ran Geekbench 6 on my device, it showed a single-core score of 2630 and multi-core score of 6685. It’s single core score is actually faster than what I got on my M1 iPad Pro which scored 2314. However, the multi-core score of M1 is much higher at 8497 since it is an 8 Core processor compared to 6 Cores of A16. Overall, these figures are quite impressive and coupled with Apple’s tight optimization of hardware & software ensures a smooth performance for day-to-day tasks.
Apart from this, there are other incremental changes this year in non-pro model, including the inclusion of dynamic island (which is imminently useful, trust me), and USB-C charging. The later is especially welcome and was long overdue. Although it is not the faster USB-C 3.0 found on 15 pro models, the feature never-the-less immensely improves the flexibility device especially it’s day to day usage. Not only can you change your phone using the ubiquitous USB-C charger, but you can also easily read data off external drives and hook up pen drives on the go.
Battery life
On a 100% charge, the smaller 6.1” model will typically last you for a full day (with some spare remaining) in moderate use scenario. The standard runtimes advertised by Apple as well as reported on popular websites is 20 hours of Video playback time and about 80 hours of audio playback.
The larger 6.7” model will last for maybe one and half or even two days. On a practical note, I only charge my iPhone only on alternative days. My typical use case scenario consists of making lots of phone calls, playing YouTube and Netflix, snapping photos, using WhatsApp etc. I am not a heavy user, and don’t play any games on my phone which may be giving some advantage for my runtimes.
In addition, iPhone 15 is MagSafe compatible and you can buy covers from Apple as well as 3rd party to use this functionality without loosing the protective shield. The phone can also be charged wirelessly through charging mats. Both Qi and Qi2 formats can be used, though the later will charge your phone about twice as faster.
Cameras
Compared to flagship phones of other companies, the camera setup of iPhone 15 may appear quite basic on the first glance as it only boasts 2 cameras. However, once you do start using it, it will become apparent that it is a competent shooter which can take some really great shots. For photography enthusiasts like us, carrying iPhone 15 can obviate the need for carrying a dedicated camera on short excursions and/or in situations where photographic possibilities are limited.
To begin with, the main camera is 48 Megapixel with 26mm field of view and an f/1.6 aperture. It also comes with sensor shift stabilization to reduce shakiness & blurring. The photographers among us will acknowledge that f/1.6 is quite fast aperture speed which can be quite useful in low-light conditions.
The ultra-wide shooter is a 12 Megapixel one with a fairly moderate f/2.4 aperture. There is no sensor shift also.
Although the base model lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, it is possible to zoom manually. On the main 48 MP shooter, upto 10X zoom is enabled. The photos also come out fairly good.
Performance in Natural Light
In good light, the main camera does a commendable job; shooting photos with natural colors along with plenty of details. Even when zoomed in to 100%, the finer details don’t appear to get smudged. “Faithful color reproduction” is the optimal term regarding the outputs generated. Typical in iPhone fashion, there is no exaggeration of colors or distortion of hues to create an appealing effect.
Portrait Mode
One area where iPhone 15’s camera really shines is when the portrait mode is dialed in. This helps throw the background into a creamy bokeh which rivals what is achieved with a dedicated lens.
Portrait mode is not only for portraits of people though, it can create some stunning shots of flowers or anything where bokeh effect is required.
Low Light
Low light performance is okay, but this is one area where the lower end model really lacks behind it’s pro sibling. Variable degree of noise creeps in depending on the amount of available light, and the details in shadow areas may be lost. However, two aspects come to the rescue – the image stabilization of main lens that reduces shake, and the long exposure that helps sensor gathers as much light as possible.
Front Camera
For FaceTime and other video calls (as well as selfies!), the front 12 MP Tru Depth shooter does a commendable job, It can do 4K at upto 60 fps and also has cinematic mode to make your photos more appealing.
Color Options & My Take on them ..
iPhone 15/Plus comes in 5 colors. In addition to ubiquitous black, it includes 4 pastel shades namely Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink. All these colors are much more muted compared to the predecessors, so the Apple logo in them is very faintly visible. This is mostly because Apple has used glass back (as opposed to Aluminum in previous models). The slightly curved edges gives the phone a really good feel in the hand, provided you are ready to risk it without a case.
I went with blue version, and have mixed feelings about my choice now. It does appear classy, but the tint is very subtle, to the extent that the phone appears almost white except for the camera module.
If you ask for my take regarding other colors, I would say that the black edition is most professional looking and has a timeless appearance. Apple logo is also quite prominent, something of importance to people who are brand conscious and want to show off their expensive toy.
Apart from black and blue, the other colors are not that popular, as far as I can perceive. Some ladies like the pink edition, which goes really well with floral-themed cases.
Cases & Accessories
One advantage that Apple enjoys over other brands is the plethora of third party accessories that crop up around it’s products. So is the case with this model, and you have almost limitless types of cases and other accessories to choose from.
In the United States and other Western countries Apple’s own cases, Silicone and FineWoven, are quite popular and are quite good as well. Being designed by Apple, they meet the company’s high standards and possess great fit & finish. However, in India, their price (Rs. 4900 for Silicone and Rs. 5900 for FineWoven) make them an expensive add-on to an already fairly expensive phone. Third-party clones are available, and some of them are quite close to original in terms of finish. If you do like this option, but can’t really shell out to buy the original, I will suggest checking out Amazon Basics silicone case.
I myself have gone with the Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid clear case. It is quite close to Apple’s Clear Case with MagSafe in appearance, but much cheaper. Overall, it’s a good option, according protection along with good aesthetics and MagSafe compatibility.
Conclusion
iPhone 15 series is a great choice, both for discerning professionals & demanding users, as well as creative people who can’t shell out extra for the pro line of models.
If you do decide to buy one, you definitely wouldn’t regret it. This is something I can say after extensively using the phone. If given another chance, I may probably go for the pro model, but at that time I had pretty much maxed out my budget. And with what I got, I am very happy with..
The overall experience is top-notch. The screen is quite fluid and iOS 17 is a joy to use. It has more than enough power for day to day tasks. Honestly, I haven’t found many ways to slow it down. The battery easily lasts whole day, and most of my photos in good & moderate light have come out as winners.
And most importantly, the cellular connectivity is rock solid and voice quality is clear much of the time. There are very few dropped calls.
At around Rs. 80000 for base model (Rs. 90000 for plus) in India, iPhone is not cheap however you put it. However, prices at 3rd party resellers like Amazon typically tend to be about 10000 rupees cheaper even in regular times, which makes the proposition lot more palatable.
Even at that price, the first grade experience, polished interface, and most importantly, tight integration with Apple ecosystem makes it a worthwhile purchase.
For me, the last point was rather important..
Sunita
(Please do share your experiences with iPhone in comments box below, as well as reasons for purchasing or not purchasing it)
