Apple iPhone 15 and 15 Plus Reviews

On September 12, 2023, Apple finally announced the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, which offer noteworthy improvements and modifications from previous models, including a USB-C port, a 48-megapixel primary camera and the Dynamic Island, previously only available to Pro models. Following the incredible popularity of the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15 is undoubtedly worth considering for those looking to trade in or upgrade from their previous iPhones.

Moreover, the iPhone 15 is reasonably priced — starting at $799 for the all-new iPhone 15 and $899 for the 15 Plus. Before you sell your pre-owned iPhone and head to the store to pick out your new device, these iPhone 15 reviews and pros and cons are a quick must-read.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus Specs Compared to the iPhone 14

These reviews offer insights into the features, performance and noteworthy aspects of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. We'll examine several slight differences and notable advancements from the iPhone 14 series.

Rear Camera

The iPhone 15 series camera is a dual system with a 48-megapixel (MP) main camera, a 26 mm lens and a f/1.6 aperture. This is a vast improvement over the previous 12MP main camera of the iPhone 14. The secondary iPhone 15 camera is a 12MP ultrawide 13 mm lens with a 120-degree field of view and a f/2.4 aperture. Using a combination of hardware and software, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus uses the primary camera to offer a 12MP 2x telephoto "lens" with a f/1.6 aperture.

The new camera sensor also provides better dynamic range, particularly noticeable when capturing in low light, and there are richer details in high-contrast lighting. For video recording, you can choose between quality and framerates with the options ending at 4k 60fps.

Front Camera

The front camera for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is much the same as the iPhone 14, except that it uses the Smart High Dynamic Range (HDR) 5 for photos compared to HDR 4. It is still a 12MP camera with an f/1.9 aperture. However, the portrait mode has received an overhaul that offers greater depth and focus control.

Processor

Both versions of the iPhone 15 offer a bit more than expected, including  the A16 Bionic chip — instead of the A15 — and Dynamic Islands. Originally brought out with the iPhone 14 Pro series, Dynamic Islands adds greater utility and convenience to the display.

Operating system

Both devices run on iOS 17. The inclusion of  iOS 17 adds to the overall user experience by making the phones more intuitive and convenient. Although the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus share this operating system, they were not equipped with the same hardware and complementary elements. 

Storage

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus offer a range of storage options, but 1TB of device storage is not one of them. However, convenient and secure iCloud storage makes up for that. Both offer the standard 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

Charging and Transfer

Apple replaced the Lightning port with a USB-C port. The iPhones' USB-C ports offer USB 2.0 data transfer, up to 480 megabits per second, which is not an improvement over the Apple Lightning port. Battery life is a win, though, as the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus performs longer than the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro.

Color Options

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are available in black, blue, green, yellow and pink. This range is reminiscent of the iPhone 14 options, but the iPhone 15 offers a pleasant palette of its own.

iPhone 15 Review and iPhone 15 Plus Review

When we do a side-by-side  comparison of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus specs, you will quickly see that both devices offer extensive features and functionality. These reviews examine some of the most noteworthy aspects.

iPhone 15 Review

Handling the iPhone 15 is delightful with its manageable size and new aluminum casing with color-infused back glass. The iPhone 15 offers pleasant viewing with its OLED screen and Super Retina XDR display — the colors are still crisp, and the details are as you would expect from an iPhone, with solid brightness for outdoor use. 

One drawback is the slower refresh rate that mobile gamers may notice. For those used to scrolling on screens with 120Hz displays, the new iPhone's 60Hz refresh rate is undoubtedly less fluid. The unique specifications for the iPhone 15 are:

• The convenient size: The iPhone 15 weighs 171 grams, or 6.02 ounces. The length is 147.6 mm, the width is 71.6 mm and the depth is 7.8 mm.
• The comprehensive display: The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch, or 15.54 cm, OLED screen with a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels.
• The impressive battery life: The iPhone 15 should maintain a 20-hour battery life for video playback. 

iPhone 15 Plus Review

The iPhone 15 Plus has many of the same features and capabilities as the iPhone 15. Interestingly, there is a $100 difference between the iPhone 15 Plus and the iPhone 15. 

Although the iPhone 15 has the same camera configuration, the larger iPhone 15 Plus makes capturing and reviewing footage much more accessible with its larger screen. However, the 60Hz screen refresh rate is still a slight drawback. 

Still, the larger Super Retina XDR display makes viewing pleasant for mobile gamers and people who enjoy catching up on series or watching videos. You are also less likely to press the wrong key while enjoying entertainment, texting, controlling the camera or interacting with the Dynamic Island. 

An aspect that genuinely makes the iPhone 15 Plus stand out, though, is the battery life. It is impressive on its own merits, but when  compared to other smartphones, the iPhone 15 Plus surpassed even the iPhone 15 Pro Max in terms of battery life. This is one of the reasons that you should consider the iPhone 15 Plus over the others in this series. The specifications unique to the iPhone 15 are:

• The enhanced size: The iPhone 15 Plus weighs 201 grams, or 7.09 ounces. The length is 160.9 mm, the width is 77.8 mm and the depth is 7.8 mm.
• The extended display: The iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch, or 17 cm, OLED screen with a resolution of 2796x1290 pixels.
• The outstanding battery life: The iPhone 15 Plus should provide 26 hours of battery life during video playback. 

iPhone 15 Reviews Pros and Cons

With every new iPhone series, there are bound to be changes that bring unique pros and cons worth noting.

iPhone 15 Pros and Cons

The iPhone 15 has a range of new offerings, including the magnificent 48MP camera, refined design and varied color options. The A16 Bionic chip is a welcome inclusion, especially with an impressive battery life. 

The pros of the iPhone 15 include the following: 

• Improved main camera performance compared to the iPhone 14 
• Greater camera functionality than the iPhone 14 
• High-performing A16 Bionic chip
• Impressive battery life for the phone size
• Brighter Super Retina XDR display 
• Diverse color options
• Elegant and charming design

The cons of the iPhone 15 are the following: 

• Same transfer speed as the iPhone 14
• 60Hz refresh rate

iPhone 15 Plus Pros and Cons

If you are drawn to the iPhone 15 looks, capabilities and features but want something a little larger and with increased battery life, then the iPhone 15 Plus is the best midground between the standard and Pro options.

The pros of the iPhone 15 Plus include the following: 

• Battery life that rivals even the iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Improved main camera performance compared to iPhone 14 Plus
• Usable 2x telephoto zoom
• Greater camera functionality than the iPhone 14 Plus
• High-performing A16 Bionic chip
• Brilliant Super Retina XDR display 
• Larger display that does not undermine battery performance 
• Wider range of color options
• Crafted and charming design

The cons of the iPhone 15 Plus are the following: 

• Same transfer speed as the iPhone 14 Plus
• Dated 60Hz refresh rate

Sell Your Pre-Owned iPhone to Mac Me an Offer

Eager to get your hands on an iPhone 15 or 15 Plus? If you want to  sell your pre-owned iPhone and put the additional toward your new phone, there is no better place than Mac Me an Offer. We have offered fair, reliable and trusted services to the Apple community since 1995.

All you need to do is  get your iPhone ready to sell and then head over to our estimator tool to get an instant estimate of your device's value. We'll send you packing instructions and a free shipping label. Once we receive the Apple product, we will send you payment within two business days if it matches your in-quote description. If you have any questions, please contact us via our online form or at 800-581-8987 today!