Welcome to the iPhone 15 Pro Review, where we delve into the latest flagship offering from Apple. Discover the remarkable features, performance benchmarks, and overall user experience of the iPhone 15 Pro in this comprehensive analysis. Finding the perfect Apple Phone can be tricky in 2024! With tons of amazing options available and even more on the way, it’s a tough choice.
This guide will help you navigate the market. We’ve gathered the best phones for all budgets, from affordable picks to top-of-the-line models. Whether you’re on a tight budget (check out our best cheap phone guide for more options there!) or have cash to splurge, we’ve got you covered.
Looking for a specific brand Like Apple iPhone? We have separate rankings for the best iPhones, best Android phones, and best Samsung phones. Finally, don’t forget a handy power bank to keep your new phone juiced up!
Table of Contents
A QUICK REVIEW OF IPHONE 15 PRO
Don’t be fooled by the lack of a 5x zoom lens – the iPhone 15 Pro is a powerhouse in its own right and shouldn’t be overshadowed by its bigger sibling. Here’s why it deserves your attention: crafted from lightweight yet incredibly strong aerospace-grade titanium, the iPhone 15 Pro boasts a stunning and redesigned body that’s both sleek and incredibly durable compared to the stainless steel used in other models.
Embracing a modern approach, the iPhone 15 Pro ditches the mute switch in favor of a brand-new, customizable Action Button. This innovative feature puts the power of quick access to your favorite apps and functions right at your fingertips. Under the hood, the A17 Pro chip keeps everything running smoothly and blazing fast, while the revolutionary switch to a USB-C port ensures data transfers happen in a flash.
While it may not have the same zoom range as the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Pro’s camera is still a true champion. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the upgrades specifically designed for them, such as the ability to record in 4K/60fps ProRes and capture footage in Log format with ACES compliance. Ultimately, the iPhone 15 Pro delivers a powerful and feature-packed experience that doesn’t compromise on design or functionality – making it a top contender in the flagship smartphone arena.
IPHONE 15 PRO REVIEW: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Here’s a quick guide to getting your hands on the iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro launched alongside other iPhone 15 models in September 2023. Pre-orders started on September 15th with phones arriving on September 22nd. Prices start at $999 (US) for 128GB, mirroring the iPhone 14 Pro.
It also comes in 256GB ($1,099), 512GB ($1,299) and 1TB ($1,499) options. Similarly, UK pricing starts at £999 (128GB) with matching capacities. Australia sees a slight increase, starting at AU$1,849 (128GB) and reaching AU$2,749 (1TB). The iPhone 15 Pro offers the most storage options in the iPhone 15 lineup, with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and even a 1TB option.
Price-wise, it sits $200 above the base Samsung Galaxy S23 (similar display size). The Galaxy S23 Plus (larger display, double the storage) matches the iPhone 15 Pro’s starting price, while the top-tier Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at $1,199 (with 256GB storage).
Pros:
- Powerful Performance
- Customizable Action Button
- Advanced USB-C Features
- Excellent Cameras
- Pro Video Capture
Cons:
- Shorter Battery Life Compared to iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Less Optical Zoom Compared to iPhone 15 Pro Max
IPHONE 15 PRO REVIEW: SPECIFICATIONS
Here we provide the same Technical Specifications as the iPhone 15 Pro
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with 2556 x 1179 resolution |
| Dimensions | 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm |
| Weight | 187g |
| Operating System | iOS 17 |
| Processor | Apple A17 Pro chip |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear Camera System | 48MP main wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom |
| Front Camera | 12MP |
IPHONE 15 PRO REVIEW: DISPLAY
The iPhone 15 Pro doesn’t deviate from the proven formula that made its predecessor’s display so well-regarded. It retains the stunning 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with key improvements. Promotion technology elevates the user experience by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate between a battery-saving 1Hz and a buttery smooth 120Hz, ensuring optimal performance for whatever you’re doing. This means that scrolling through social media feeds feels incredibly responsive while watching videos or playing games benefits from the higher refresh rate for a blur-free and immersive experience.
Another key change is the adoption of the Dynamic Island across the entire iPhone 15 lineup. This clever notch replacement seamlessly integrates the front camera and Face ID hardware into a pill-shaped cutout that cleverly transforms to house notifications and live activities.
The bezels surrounding the display have also been trimmed further, creating a nearly bezel-less look that maximizes screen real estate and further enhances the feeling of immersion when watching videos or playing games. While the display might feel slightly small compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the build quality remains exceptional. The Ceramic Shield offers impressive impact resistance, protecting your phone from accidental drops, but it’s still recommended to use a case to prevent scratches.
The iPhone 15 Pro truly shines in the display department when it comes to brightness and information availability. The peak brightness of 2,000 nits ensures excellent visibility outdoors on even the sunniest days. Apple’s implementation of the always-on display remains the best in the industry, offering a full-screen view of the time, date, widgets, and notifications without a significant impact on battery life. This makes it incredibly convenient to check the time or see important information at a glance without having to wake up the entire phone.
IPHONE 15 PRO REVIEW: SOFTWARE
The iPhone 15 Pro ships with iOS 17, introducing new features like Check-In and NameDrop. Apple guarantees a minimum of five years of OS updates for longevity and performance.
In software, I’ll highlight key additions from iOS 17 and share my impressions on the iPhone 15 Pro’s performance. While not as groundbreaking as iOS 16, features like Contact Posters and NameDrop uphold Apple’s ‘it just works’ standard. Enhancements such as integrated stickers and improved autocorrect contribute to a better user experience.
The integration of software and hardware stands out in the sleek Action button interface and Dynamic Island feature. StandBy enhances the Pro’s always-on-display functionality.
Looking forward, Apple’s commitment to regular updates ensures continued support for the iPhone 15 Pro, setting a benchmark in the industry. With the potential for extended updates, Apple’s reliability ensures longevity for its flagship devices amidst competition from brands like Samsung and OnePlus.
IPHONE 15 PRO REVIEW: CAMERAS
The iPhone 15 Pro maintains its predecessor’s impressive triple-camera setup: a 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP 3x telephoto sensor. Notably, Apple reserves the 5x optical zoom telephoto camera for the Pro Max model, creating a technological distinction between the two.
Despite this, the iPhone 15 Pro remains one of the top contenders in the camera phone arena. Its front-facing 12MP TrueDepth camera delivers true-to-life colors, advanced portrait features, and seamless integration with social apps.
While the camera setup shares similarities with its predecessor, it introduces new image processing techniques. Leveraging the 48MP main sensor, the default capture resolution is now 24MP, enhancing detail and color depth. Moreover, users can capture portrait shots post-capture, adjusting bokeh and focus within the Photos app.
This feature recognizes subjects such as people, dogs, and cats, promising enhanced imagery, particularly for pet owners. While Android counterparts like the Galaxy S23 offer similar capabilities, Apple’s edge detection and post-capture editing options set a higher standard for accuracy and accessibility.
IPHONE 15 PRO REVIEW: BATTERY
Apple continues its tradition of not disclosing the iPhone 15 Pro’s battery capacity, but it’s been revealed to be slightly larger than its predecessor at 3,274mAh. The quoted 23 hours of video playback remains consistent with the iPhone 14 Pro, and charging speeds are unchanged at up to 27W wired, 11W with MagSafe, and 7.5W via Qi wireless charging.
During testing, the device delivered around 5.5 hours of screen-on time per charge, comparable to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. This provides a comfortable day’s use or can last until the following morning with moderate usage. Running demanding applications like Honkai Impact resulted in a significant drain rate.
The switch to USB-C brings added convenience to charging, with the iPhone 15 Pro supporting reverse wired charging at approximately 7.5W. Although peak charging speeds remain unchanged, most users’ real-world recharge times are adequate. In testing, the Pro reached over 50% charge in 30 minutes and completed a full charge in 1 hour 35 minutes.
For users planning to keep their device for an extended period, the 15 line introduces a new charging optimization option, allowing setting a maximum charge limit of 80%. This transparent move by Apple aims to prolong long-term battery capacity and health, offering users greater control over their device’s power management.
IPHONE 15 PRO REVIEW: PERFORMANCE
Equipped with the groundbreaking Apple A17 Pro chipset and 8GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 Pro delivers class-leading performance. Boasting a new CPU, GPU, and a 2x-faster Neural Engine, it outperforms competitors in benchmarks and real-world usage.
The iPhone 15 Pro’s support for ProRes at 4K/60fps capture and console-quality games ported directly to iOS highlight the chipset’s capabilities. With ample headroom for future innovation, the A17 Pro sets a high standard for mobile performance.
The iPhone 15 Pro’s support for ProRes at 4K/60fps capture and console-quality games ported directly to iOS highlight the chipset’s capabilities. With ample headroom for future innovation, the A17 Pro sets a high standard for mobile performance.
SHOULD I BUY IPHONE 15 PRO
The iPhone 15 Pro is a great choice for those who want the absolute best Apple has to offer. It boasts the powerful A17 Pro chip for blazing-fast performance, a luxurious titanium design that’s lighter than its predecessor, and a camera system that will satisfy even photography enthusiasts.
The new USB-C port allows for faster data transfers and opens up a wider range of compatible cables. Plus, Apple’s industry-leading software updates ensure your phone will stay functional and secure for years to come.
However, the iPhone 15 Pro might not be for everyone. If battery life is your biggest concern, you might not see a significant improvement over previous models. Additionally, if you’re happy with your current iPhone, the upgrades might not be worth the hefty price tag, which starts at $999.
The removal of the silent switch might also be an annoyance for some users who will need to get accustomed to the new on-screen indicator and haptic feedback. Consider your needs and budget carefully before making the decision.
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