Skilled’s Ranking
Execs
- USB-C is flexible
- Stable efficiency
- Dynamic Island
- Inexpensive
Cons
- 60Hz show
- Some digital camera points
- Mediocre charging velocity
Our Verdict
The iPhone 15 has a small assortment of downsides however there’s nothing to trigger any main issues. It’s in any other case extra of the identical from Apple with a stable steadiness of {hardware}, software program and efficiency making the iPhone 15 a good-value choice.
Worth When Reviewed
From £799
Finest Costs At the moment: Apple iPhone 15
£799.00
![Currys](https://i0.wp.com/www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/currys-logo.png?w=788&ssl=1)
£799.00
![very.co.uk](https://i0.wp.com/www.techadvisor.com/wp-content/themes/idg-base-theme/dist/static/img/very.co.uk-logo.png?w=788&ssl=1)
£799.00
One other yr, one other set of recent iPhone fashions. However is the iPhone 15 extra of the identical from Apple or does it stand out from the group?
Nicely, it’s cheaper than the iPhone 14 (within the UK) in order that’s an excellent begin and it will get the Dynamic Island from final yr’s Professional fashions, too. And as anticipated, Apple has made the transfer from Lightning to USB-C, marking the primary change in bodily port since 2012’s iPhone 5.
And it has an even bigger impression than you may anticipate.
Design & Construct
- Nonetheless appears like an iPhone
- Small tweaks
- No Motion Button
As soon as an iPhone, all the time an iPhone? Nicely that actually appears to be the case with the iPhone 15 with minimal modifications to the design, and I don’t simply imply in comparison with its predecessor. Even trying on the telephone side-by-side with the iPhone 12 mini there’s not numerous distinction.
In fact, there are some small alterations with the colour-infused glass again being maybe the obvious. You will get the iPhone 15 in Black, Blue, Inexperienced, Yellow and Pink and on my Black assessment pattern, it offers the rear cowl a frosted matt end.
I choose this to the shiny end of iPhones gone previous with the reflective glass across the cameras offering sufficient distinction to present the design a little bit little bit of flashiness with out the entire again being a magnet for fingerprints and dust.
![iPhone 15 aluminium frame](https://i0.wp.com/b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Apple-iPhone-15-review-4.jpg?resize=788%2C443&ssl=1)
Chris Martin / Foundry
Elsewhere, the Ceramic Protect entrance is supposedly more durable than every other smartphone glass and the aerospace grade aluminium body has an identical end to the rear. Apple quotes a complete of 75% recycled aluminium is used for the enclosure.
Maybe numerous this doesn’t matter a lot contemplating the proportion of iPhones that get lined by a case inside minutes of being taken out of the field. In case you don’t go down the case route although, this can be a sturdy telephone due to these supplies and an IP68 mud and waterproof score (and with a water-proof score to a depth of 6m which is greater than common).
It seems like a pleasant dimension within the hand (7.6mm and 171g), although reaching the highest of the display could also be difficult except you’ve got huge palms. My fundamental concern for these not utilizing a case is how slippery the handset is, regardless of the matt end.
In fact, one of many huge but refined modifications is the USB-C port on the underside however I’ll speak about that later. It’s price noting earlier than we transfer on that the Motion Button that Apple launched this yr is unique to the iPhone 15 Professional fashions, as is the titanium body.
Dynamic Island is basically a intelligent option to make this space helpful relatively than an undesirable blotch on the display
Display & Audio system
- 6.1in Tremendous Retina XDR
- Dynamic Island
- Restricted to 60Hz
Nonetheless at 6.1in, the Tremendous Retina XDR show on the iPhone 15 is basically the identical because the 14, albeit with a really minor decision change. The large change is the introduction of Dynamic Island which was beforehand restricted to the Professional fashions.
This implies it’s bye bye to the notch and howdy to the pill-shaped space which homes the selfie digital camera and numerous sensors. Dynamic Island is basically a intelligent option to make this space helpful relatively than an undesirable blotch on the display.
![iPhone 15 screen](https://i0.wp.com/b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Apple-iPhone-15-review-5.jpg?resize=788%2C443&ssl=1)
Chris Martin / Foundry
Utilizing the display round it, the characteristic makes it appear as if the world expands to point out helpful info and even controls. This may imply a small quantity of knowledge both aspect, or you are able to do issues like lengthy press to increase it into a bigger widget-like space or faucet it as a shortcut to open the app being displayed.
It’s obtainable for every kind of apps, from Apple’s built-in ones to Spotify, Uber Eats, numerous sports activities apps and plenty extra. It might probably additionally cut up into two with the intention to offer you info from two totally different apps.
It’s an effective way of turning one thing many may discover ugly into one thing genuinely helpful and it’s good to see it trickle right down to the most cost effective flagship iPhone.
This yr the display has additionally been given a brightness increase with Apple claiming it may possibly hit a 1600 nits peak HDR degree or 2000 nits outdoor. Probably the most I might get it to learn by the window in my workplace with a SpyderX was 540 nits however I can verify the display is simple to make use of anyplace. The haptic suggestions is a little bit weak for my style and there’s no approach of adjusting it.
As you’d anticipate, the iPhone 15’s show appears nice with loads of element, color and distinction. If you wish to get right into a spec battle with the broader market although, there are a few issues lacking right here.
![iPhone 15 Dynamic Island small](https://i0.wp.com/b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/iPhone-15-dynamic-island-small.jpg?resize=788%2C443&ssl=1)
![iPhone 15 Dynamic Island large](https://i0.wp.com/b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/iPhone-15-dynamic-island-large.jpg?resize=788%2C443&ssl=1)
The primary, and arguably most vital, is the refresh fee is restricted to an ordinary 60Hz. It’s not that the machine doesn’t run effectively however we all know from expertise that 90- and 120Hz supply a smoother expertise and for this worth in 2023, we’d anticipate it to be greater than 60Hz.
There’s additionally nonetheless no signal of a fingerprint scanner when most Android rivals have an in-screen scanner. The flip aspect to that is that Face ID stays the very best facial recognition know-how on the market so it’s not the tip of the world.
Stereo audio system on the iPhone 15 sound good at low volumes with an impressively balanced output however pump issues up and issues rapidly pattern in the direction of a trebly sound. As regular, there’s no headphone jack so that you’ll want Bluetooth audio units or a USB-C adapter.
USB-C opens up a world of recent potentialities
Specs & Efficiency
- A16 Bionic chip
- 128GB storage
- USB-C brings new potentialities
A part of Apple’s trickle-down technique is that the iPhone 15 will get the processor from final yr’s Professional fashions, the A16 Bionic.
On the one hand, it looks as if a little bit of a con getting previous tech, however this isn’t unique to Apple and the actual fact stays that iPhone efficiency is about as dependable because it will get. It helps that Apple is accountable for all of the {hardware} and software program, capable of optimise every part.
USB-C opens up a world of recent potentialities, although Apple isn’t making an enormous deal about a lot of them.
![iPhone 15 USB-C port](https://i0.wp.com/b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Apple-iPhone-15-review-3.jpg?resize=788%2C443&ssl=1)
Chris Martin / Foundry
You’ll be able to join the iPhone 15 to a monitor or TV with the suitable cable – USB or HDMI are attainable. The telephone’s display is mirrored so you are able to do absolutely anything together with gaming with a video output of 4K/60fps and utilizing a Bluetooth controller.
This turns the iPhone into a conveyable console, nonetheless, there are caveats such because the iPhone display stays on making it susceptible to getting sizzling, so that you’ll must spend money on some cooling gear. You can also’t select the iPhone’s audio system for sound, which is irritating in case your monitor doesn’t have its personal.
Aside from exterior shows, you’ll be able to join a plethora of USB-C equipment: a digital camera like a GoPro, an SSD (it can save you straight to it from the digital camera app), USB-C headphones, CarPlay-compatible vehicles, microphones, adapters, card readers and plenty extra. And little question extra will arrive over time, designed for this function.
So, it’s completely believable that you’ve units mendacity round that you simply use for iPad or Mac that at the moment are immediately appropriate with the iPhone 15 and in the suitable scenario, they could possibly be an actual boon.
![iPhone 15 USB-C monitor](https://i0.wp.com/b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Apple-iPhone-15-review-7.jpg?resize=788%2C443&ssl=1)
Chris Martin / Foundry
What’s price noting is that the iPhone 15 (and 15 Plus) are restricted to USB 2.0 speeds of 480Mbps, the identical as Lightning. The provided cable can deal with this velocity, however the 15 Professional fashions can assist as much as USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds of 10Gbps, although you’ll want to purchase a appropriate cable to achieve that determine if you happen to go Professional.
There’s solely 128GB of storage for the entry-level mannequin however this matches Google and Samsung and Apple does supply as much as 512GB, although it would price you.
iPhone 15 benchmarks
Cameras & Video
- New 48Mp fundamental digital camera
- Subsequent-generation portraits
- Some pictures points
- Glorious video
Though the digital camera setup may look the identical because the iPhone 14, Apple has upgraded the primary sensor from 12- to 48Mp. That’s an enormous leap in decision in trendy smartphone phrases.
That is accompanied by a 12Mp Extremely Vast digital camera with a 120-degree discipline of view. The ultimate digital camera is on the entrance and can be 12Mp like final yr.
Although the 48Mp fundamental digital camera may look like the one from the iPhone 14 Professional, it’s received barely lesser sub-specs. Nonetheless, it permits extra potentialities together with excessive decision pictures if that’s your factor.
I simply suppose Apple makes issues like this overly difficult, partly by having the digital camera settings hidden away. Whilst you can take full-resolution 48Mp photos, you’ve received to the Codecs part of the digital camera settings and change Decision Management on. Again within the digital camera app, you then see the ‘HEIF MAX’ choice within the prime nook however even that isn’t clear to the typical consumer what it means.
Assuming you’ll be utilizing the digital camera within the default mode, it pixel bins to 24Mp with the choice to shoot in 12Mp if you happen to choose (maybe a smart transfer if you happen to get the 128GB mannequin with pictures at round 2MB relatively than 3MB).
![iPhone 15 cameras](https://i0.wp.com/b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Apple-iPhone-15-review-2.jpg?resize=788%2C443&ssl=1)
Chris Martin / Foundry
One other barely complicated factor is that Apple touts a ‘2x Telephoto’ however this isn’t a 3rd lens like on the iPhone 15 Professional fashions, it’s simply that the brand new digital camera supposedly offers optical high quality at this zoom degree. This pixel bins to 12Mp.
As common, the standard of the cameras is excellent, it’s a flagship Apple handset in any case. It’s not with out a few points right here and there although, based mostly on my testing and now we have to nitpick to a point at this degree.
The brand new 48Mp sensor leads to detailed pictures and the digital camera works very effectively in low mild with the power to let in additional mild. You’ll be able to level and shoot in most conditions and get one thing completely sharable on social media.
Nonetheless, I did discover the autofocus a little bit gradual generally, notably in close-up conditions the place the iPhone isn’t effectively suited. Typically extremely vast cameras make for good macro pictures however I didn’t discover this to be the case as proven within the espresso bean pictures.
It’s higher to make use of the 2x ‘telephoto’ which is respectable on the entire, though saying it’s higher than precise telephoto is a little bit of a stretch. You’ll be able to digitally zoom as much as 10x if you want to, although as proven within the pictures of geese, the standard takes a noticeable dip.
A few different small points I discovered is that the color isn’t all the time constant between the primary and extremely vast cameras. Extra of an issue is that I discover color on the primary sensor over saturated and due to this fact some photos can look a bit unreal, although chances are you’ll like this fashion.
Good HDR 5 is meant to be higher at dealing with shiny or uneven mild however verify numerous samples within the gallery and the sky is usually blown out.
What Apple calls ‘next-generation portraits’ are right here, and this implies you don’t must particularly name up the portrait mode within the digital camera to take portrait photos. In case you take a photograph of an individual, cat or canine, the digital camera mechanically information depth info so you’ll be able to add the bokeh impact later with ‘Depth Management’.
It really works very effectively in my expertise and even took an honest stab at suggesting my canine is an Australian Shepherd (she’s a Border Collie crossed with a Kelpie however that’s nonetheless spectacular).
Focus management can be attainable the place you’ll be able to select to modify the main target from one topic to a different in modifying relatively than whenever you’re taking the picture.
For me, there are higher telephone cameras on the market together with the cheaper Pixel 8, however Apple nonetheless leads the pack on the subject of video. Sensor-shift optical picture stabilisation retains every part extremely clean and you may shoot in Motion mode (as much as 2.8K/60fps) if the telephone goes to be notably shaky whereas filming.
You’ll be able to shoot in 4K with Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR as much as 4K at 60 fps and there are many different modes to mess around with together with Cinematic mode which mechanically shifts the main target to a very powerful topic as you movie.
Battery Life & Charging
- Stable battery life
- USB-C with reverse charging
- MagSafe and Qi wi-fi charging
In accordance with GSMArena (since Apple doesn’t checklist it) the iPhone 15 has a battery capability of 3349mAh, comparatively tiny in comparison with nearly each Android telephone lately. Nevertheless it’s what you do with it that counts proper?
The iPhone 15 will comfortably final the day and I’d anticipate most individuals to cost it at evening. Lighter customers like me will be capable to get right into a second day, however I doubt it would final all through to bedtime.
In case you want extra battery life, look to the iPhone 15 Plus which Apple charges as providing 26 hours of video playback, which is six extra hours than the common.
When it comes to charging Apple says it may possibly attain 50% in half an hour if you happen to use its 20W power adapter or greater. And also you’ll want an influence brick as Apple solely provides a USB-C to USB-C cable within the field, albeit a pleasant woven one.
There’s no reverse wi-fi charging right here however you should use the USB-C port to cost units
![iPhone 15 USB-C cable](https://i0.wp.com/b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Apple-iPhone-15-review-6.jpg?resize=788%2C443&ssl=1)
Chris Martin / Foundry
I truly managed higher than what Apple claims with a Google 18W charger, seeing the telephone hit 52% in 30-minutes. Whereas that outpaces the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S23 with respective 41- and 44% outcomes, it’s price noting that within the wider telephone market none of them are notably quick.
We’ve seen numerous mid-range telephones hit 100% or near in the identical time and with greater cells than the iPhone 15.
There’s wi-fi charging right here however you’ll want to make use of MagSafe to get essentially the most out of it. This manner will get you 15W whereas utilizing a Qi wi-fi charger solely permits for 7.5W.
There’s no reverse wi-fi charging right here however you should use the USB-C port to cost units resembling AirPods or Apple Watch, if you happen to don’t thoughts giving up the juice from the telephone. It’s restricted to 4.5W so excellent for these smaller units.
It’s attainable to cost one other iPhone (or an Android telephone with USB-C PD (energy supply)) and the one with the decrease battery degree will likely be topped up. Plug the iPhone 15 right into a Lightning port iPhone although, and the latter will all the time get the cost.
You might love Lightning however the transfer to USB-C is sensible with the broader tech world and now aligns with Mac and iPad.
Software program & Apps
- iOS 17
- Not a lot new
- Seemingly lengthy software program assist
I received’t spend too lengthy on software program as a result of, effectively, it’s an iPhone and iOS hasn’t modified a complete lot over the previous couple of years.
This newest model brings with it a collection of smaller tweaks and options, although some are welcome and will likely be genuinely helpful.
For instance, you should use NameDrop to share info with somebody by merely bringing two iPhones shut collectively and you may select what particulars you need to make obtainable. Interactive widgets are helpful, despite the fact that they’ve been on Android for a substantial period of time.
![iPhone 15 StandBy](https://i0.wp.com/b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/iPhone-15-StandBy.jpg?resize=788%2C443&ssl=1)
Chris Martin / Foundry
There are different issues like StandBy providing you with helpful information when charging and you may see our favorite iOS 17 options right here.
Apple doesn’t state an official size of software program assist however is well-known for offering a few years of OS updates to iPhones. Sometimes, every iPhone will see six variations of iOS in its lifetime so the iPhone 15 ought to make it to iOS 22.
Worth & Availability
Beginning at $799/£799, the iPhone 15 is definitely cheaper than its predecessor – within the UK anyway, however within the US it’s nonetheless the identical worth.
That is for the bottom 128GB mannequin which is fairly customary however doesn’t must be. The likes of Motorola are providing 256GB on telephones underneath £250 such because the Moto G84 5G.
Apple’s worth sits the iPhone 15 in between the highest Android flagships with the Samsung Galaxy S23 beginning at $849/£849 and the Google Pixel 8 at $699/£699.
If you would like 256- or 512GB, you’ll must fork out $899/£899 or $1,099/£1,099 respectively and the latter is a storage capability the aforementioned Samsung and Google handsets don’t are available in.
See our checklist of the very best telephones for extra choices.
Do you have to purchase the iPhone 15?
Whether or not the iPhone 15 is best for you is all the time a tough query to reply. Are you holding an iPhone 14 studying this or an iPhone 12 or an Android handset even.
The distinction to final yr’s iPhone, as common, isn’t large however chances are you’ll be tempted nonetheless with issues like Dynamic Island, the brand new digital camera (with some small foibles) and USB-C. These are an enormous improve from iPhones just a few years previous and the 15 represents good worth for cash at its cheaper price (than the 14 within the UK) with Apple’s lengthy assist.
It’s most likely essentially the most well-rounded choice of the 15 vary, with the Plus possible too huge for a lot of and the Professional fashions doubtlessly too costly, although they’ve numerous tempting unique options.
Within the wider smartphone market, issues get a bit extra fascinating. Virtually all Android telephones have the next refresh fee than the iPhone 15 for starters and quicker charging speeds, too. I’d additionally say you will get a greater pictures expertise on the Pixel 8 for much less cash if that’s a very powerful factor to you.
Specs
- iOS 17
- 6.1in Tremendous Retina XDR show with Dynamic Island
- A16 Bionic
- 128/256/512GB storage
- Major 48Mp digital camera, f/1.6, sensor-shift OIS
- 120-degree 12Mp ultrawide, f/2.4
- 4K@60fps with Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR assist
- 12Mp f/1.9 front-facing digital camera with autofocus
- Face ID
- GPS
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Wi-Fi 6 with 2xMIMO
- NFC
- 5G
- USB-C as much as 20W charging and 480Mbps
- Wi-fi charging (MagSafe and Qi) as much as 15W
- IP68 mud and water resistance
- 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm
- 171g