I’ve Tested All the iPhone 15 Models: This is the One to Buy

The team at Xataka has thoroughly reviewed the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Apple has made significant improvements in the 15 lineup, and you may be wondering which model is the best choice for you.

Based on my experience with these phones, I can confidently share my recommendation. In this comparison, I aim to highlight the key differences between each device and provide a clear answer on which model is most worth considering.

If you’re interested in more technical details, we’ve provided a detailed specs breakdown of each iPhone 15 model.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max Specs

Similarities

Before we discuss the distinguishing features of the iPhone models, let’s examine their similarities. This year, all models support the Dynamic Island feature and offer a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. Though the display is slightly different, all models have the same pixel density, maximum brightness, and technology (OLED Super Retina XDR).

All models also come with the same OS version (iOS 17) installed, 5G connectivity, IP68 rating, Face ID, 12 MP ultra-wide sensor, and second-generation UWB system. The entry-level storage tier for all models, except the iPhone 15 Pro Max, is 128 GB.

For the first time, the entire iPhone family has a USB-C port, which replaces the Lightning connector. However, the iPhone 15 has a slower USB-C port than the Pro models. While there are similarities between the devices, there are also differences, such as the processor, finishes, and cameras.

Let’s now take a look at what distinguishes the Pro models from the standard ones.

Design: Premium Doesn’t Mean the Best

I’m going to start the design analysis by highlighting what I believe is the most impressive feature of the iPhone 15–it feels great to hold. The entry-level 6.1-inch model is particularly enjoyable to touch, weighing in at just 6.02 ounces, making it the lightest of the four models. The aluminum on the sides, which matches the color of the back glass, looks stunning, and the back glass itself has a much nicer matte/rough finish compared to the glass on the Pro.

Small, light and good grip: an almost perfect mix. While the front of the iPhone 15 has somewhat sharper bezels, the refinement of the finish makes up for this small difference in my opinion.

The iPhone 15 Plus’s build quality is identical to that of the 15. However, its large size makes it less ergonomic, though still pleasant to use.

The first noticeable difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max and last year’s models is their reduced weight. These devices have slimmed down by about 0.66 ounces, which is a great improvement. The use of titanium in their construction makes these phones feel even more premium and expensive, with a back glass that doesn’t attract too many fingerprints.

They have added a new feature called the Action button, which is a replacement for the traditional volume switch. This button is programmable and can be used to open the camera, run shortcuts, switch Focus mode, and perform other functions. It’s a significant improvement, and users who want to customize their experience will find it very useful. However, for those who prefer simplicity, pressing and holding the button for a second will mute/unmute the iPhone.

Looking at the bottom frame of the devices, we can see the new USB-C port. The only difference between models is that the Pro models use the USB 3.2 standard with transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps. However, unless you regularly transfer files via cable, the difference is not significant in day-to-day use.

In terms of design, the iPhone 15 is the winner for me. While it may not be the most premium option, it’s the most comfortable and lightweight. It also has the cleanest and nicest glass and is most suitable for the average user.

Screen and performance: *Insert Spider-Man Meme*

This year, all four iPhone models have the same overall display quality, except for the iPhone 15s, which lack ProMotion. Apple’s adaptive refresh rate is still limited to the Pro models, while the iPhone 15s only offer a 60 Hz refresh rate.

As a power user, I can notice the difference, but it might not be as noticeable for an average user. Although it’s difficult to justify a 60 Hz refresh rate for a $900 phone, it’s not a strong enough argument to discourage recommending these phones to most Apple users.

Otherwise, the jump to 2,000 nits is (very) noticeable. This is great news because it means that the entry-level iPhones have the same maximum brightness under the sun as the $1,199 Pro Max. Additionally, all iPhones now have the Dynamic Island, which means that entry-level iPhones no longer have the aesthetic difference that made them look like older devices.

In terms of performance, there are only minimal differences between the Apple A16 Bionic and the A17 Pro. Differences in current games and application opening times are virtually impossible to find. If you’re worried about heat issues, please note that in my experience, there is no noticeable difference between the 15 Pro and 15.

All iPhones in this comparison have been updated to iOS 17.0.3, which appears to have solved the thermal problems. In my experience, they feel cooler than in the initial reviews.

Battery Life: a Clear Winner

In the battery department, there is a clear winner: the iPhone 15 Plus. This is the only phone that can last for more than 10 hours of screen time. The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in second place with a slightly shorter screen time (about 8:30 hours), but this is still a spectacular achievement.

The iPhone 15 comes in third place with an extra hour of screen time (or 15% more battery at the end of the day) compared to the iPhone 15 Pro. In my experience, the iPhone 15 lasts around seven hours of screen time, compared to the Pro’s six-hour battery life.

I’m a bit disappointed with the iPhone 15 Pro. With mixed use, you’ll get six hours of battery life, but it might drop to five for power users. It’s a somewhat poor performance for a flagship phone.

In terms of fast charging, all models can reach 50% capacity in half an hour. The Pro Max and the Plus models charge slightly faster during the first stretch. However, the issue comes after 80%, as it takes practically an hour to charge fully. The result is more than two hours of charging for each device.

Camera: No More Surprises

Although the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro have the same 48 MP resolution, they have different sensors. The iPhone 15s have a smaller sensor, which is new and different from the one used in the iPhone 14 Pro. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro has the same 48 MP sensor as the iPhone 14 Pro.

Strangely enough, the lens on the iPhone 15 is brighter than that on the iPhone 15 Pro. The standard models have an f/1.6 aperture, while the Pro models have an f/1.8 aperture. However, this is not the case for the ultra-wide lens, where the Pro models have an f/2.2 aperture and the iPhone 15s have an f/2.4 aperture.

The main differences between these cameras are in their sensors and aperture settings.

I have some experience comparing the cameras of different iPhone models, and I find it very difficult to notice any significant differences between them. Even though the sensors are different, the average user is unlikely to notice any difference in the resulting photos, as I have found through my yearly comparisons. In fact, this year I have found that the iPhone 15 can sometimes take better photos than the Pro model.

To illustrate this point, I have taken a photograph in which the grass area shows slightly more detail when zoomed in, but other areas of the image are sharper on the iPhone 15. However, it’s worth noting that these differences are only noticeable if you zoom in at an almost unhealthy level.

I’ve noticed that the Pro model has a weakness in shadow processing. However, the brighter lens of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus has been helpful in some cases to rescue more information in duller areas. When it comes to the skies, all four models feature the latest Smart HDR technology, so there’s no significant difference in dynamic range.

The Pro models have an advantage in terms of zoom. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the clear winner with its 5x telephoto lens. It’s followed by the iPhone 15 Pro’s 3x zoom, while the iPhone 15 models only have a 2x lossless digital zoom.

There are differences in the lens for ultra-wide shots, but they’re not too noticeable. However, this camera is the weak point of all the iPhone models.

What iPhone 15 Should I Buy?

It’s never been easier–this year, the entry-level iPhone models are the best buys. The iPhone 15, priced at $799, is more powerful than most high-end phones currently available. It has an excellent camera system, with the exception of the telephoto lens, and a display with 2,000 real nits. While it lacks ProMotion, it’s still one of the best phones available today.

If battery life is important to you, the 15 Plus is your best choice. It has the best battery life in the iPhone 15 family, and despite being a large phone, it weighs only around 7 ounces. It is well-balanced, relatively affordable, and has a long life cycle.

If you’re interested in the Pro models, the best buy is the Pro Max. Its 5x telephoto lens dramatically improves the iPhone’s zoom capabilities. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro has a slightly shorter battery life, its 3x telephoto lens is not significantly better than the 2x lossless lens of the iPhone 15, and it’s notably more expensive than the iPhone 15.

Image | Xataka

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