The 2023 iPhone 15, the smallest in the lineup, stands out with its distinct design and significant improvements in specifications, making it a noteworthy upgrade by Apple.

Phone upgrades have become a common practice, typically occurring every one or two years. However, not all upgrades are created equal. For instance, the previous iPhone 14 range featured minimal updates for the standard models compared to the more innovative Pro models.

The iPhone 15, on the other hand, marks a departure from this trend. While maintaining a user-friendly design reminiscent of previous models, the iPhone 15 introduces notable changes that set it apart. Is this upgrade suitable for most existing iPhone users?

All evaluations conducted at Pickr adhere to rigorous testing methodologies. Understanding why our assessments can be trusted may influence your decision-making process.

In comparison to the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15 exhibits subtle refinements, maintaining an aluminum casing with softer edges. This design tweak, also seen in the iPhone 15 Plus and the titanium band of the Pro and Pro Max models, provides a consistent and robust aesthetic.

The amalgamation of aluminum and glass imparts a premium feel to the iPhone 15, with Apple opting for a matte finish on the back, deviating from the glossy glass of previous models. This alteration not only enhances the tactile experience but also reduces the overall weight by one gram (171g vs. 172g on the iPhone 14), making the iPhone 15 more comfortable to hold.

The absence of plastic underscores Apple’s commitment to utilizing quality glass and metal materials, a characteristic appreciated by users. Priced starting at $1499 AUD, the iPhone 15 maintains this focus on craftsmanship while being more affordable than the Pro model priced at $1849.

Distinguishing the iPhone 15 from its Pro counterpart extends beyond the price point, encompassing differences in features. As expected, the Pro models boast superior technology, relegating the best features to the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

Nevertheless, the iPhone 15 still offers a compelling array of technologies, surpassing the previous year’s iPhone 14. Unlike the incremental improvements of the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15 aligns more closely with the iPhone 14 Pro, incorporating a slightly altered camera within the body of the iPhone 15.

Equipped with Apple’s A16 Bionic chip, featuring a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, the iPhone 15 surpasses its predecessor, the A15, carried over from the iPhone 13. While technical details may seem overwhelming, the essential takeaway is that the iPhone 15 inherits the same chip found in the iPhone 14 Pro, ensuring robust performance.

Connectivity options include 5G (sub-6 in Australia), Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 6 (distinct from the Pro/Pro Max’s WiFi 6E inclusion), GPS, NFC for Apple Pay, and the second-gen Ultra Wideband chip for Apple’s Find My. Notably absent is support for Thread, a feature reserved for the Pro and Pro Max models, potentially inconsequential for users uninterested in smart home gadgets.

The camera system undergoes a significant overhaul, transitioning from a two-camera 12-megapixel setup to a 48-megapixel main wide F1.6 camera and a 12-megapixel F2.4 ultra-wide configuration. This innovation allows the single 48-megapixel camera to function as a 2X camera, offering three focal lengths with two cameras—0.5X ultrawide, 1X regular wide, and 2X slightly closer.

Portrait image support is available at 1X and 2X, complemented by features like Deep Fusion image processing and night mode. While lacking night mode portraits, RAW, or macro photography, the iPhone 15 caters to aspiring filmmakers with 4K video capture and HDR, along with slow-motion video up to 240 frames per second.

The front camera mirrors the specifications of other iPhone 15 variants, featuring a 12-megapixel F1.9 camera with depth measurement for portrait control.

A noteworthy inclusion, prompted by EU regulations, is the adoption of USB Type C, found at the bottom of the iPhone 15. Although the USB-C connector operates at USB 2 speed, facilitating convenient charging with widely available USB-C cables, users also have the option of wireless Qi and MagSafe charging.

Display Specifications:

  • Size: 6.1 inches
  • Type: AMOLED
  • Resolution: 1179×2556

Chip: Apple A16 Bionic

Memory/Storage:

  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Operating System: iOS 17

Cameras:

  • Rear Cameras: 48MP F1.6 wide, 12MP F2.4 ultra-wide
  • Front Camera: 12MP F2.4

Connections:

  • 5G (sub-6)
  • WiFi 6
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • GPS
  • NFC
  • USB-C

Design Materials: Glass, aluminum

Size/Weight:

  • Thickness: 7.8mm
  • Weight: 171g

Price: Starting from $1499 AUD

Apart from these advancements, the iPhone 15 retains familiar iPhone features, including volume buttons, a silent switch, IP68 water resistance, and the absence of plastic.

A notable departure from the iPhone 14 Pro line is the inclusion of the Dynamic Island, initially introduced for cleverly removing the display notch. Now present across the entire iPhone range, the iPhone 15 sports a 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2556×1179. The screen brightness matches that of the Pro models, reaching a maximum of 1000 nits for typical usage, 1600 nits for HDR, and 2000 nits peak for outdoor usage in sunlight.

Despite its impressive display, the iPhone 15 lacks Apple’s ProMotion technology, resulting in a fixed refresh rate of 60Hz. This absence means it falls short of the premium Pro model in terms of screen slickness and the Always-On display feature, dependent on ProMotion technology.

In terms of user experience, the iPhone 15 maintains the familiarity of previous models, requiring no relearning for seasoned iPhone users. The transition to Apple iOS 17 contributes to a smoother user interface, with added customization options such as contact posters and enhanced lockscreen controls, reducing the homogeneity of iPhones.

The Dynamic Island feature optimizes screen space by adjusting the size and animation of the camera and Face ID technology bar, enhancing multitasking functionality. While the absence of Always-On may disappoint some users, others may appreciate the option to turn off this feature, considering it unnecessary.

While the user experience remains consistent with previous iPhones, the performance sees an uplift due to incremental technological advancements. The iPhone 15 inherits the A16 Bionic chip from the previous year’s Pro models, outpacing older iPhone models in both benchmarks and real-world usage.

Although the benchmark performance may not surpass the 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 holds its own against the 14 Pro and older iPhone models. This resilience bodes well for future-proofing, ensuring the iPhone 15 can handle apps and games for years to come.

Real-world usage in Sydney, Australia, on the Telstra 5G network showcased commendable speeds, reaching up to 268Mbps. The widespread availability of 5G technology contributed to consistent and reliable connections,