Pros

  • Outstanding cameras
  • Super-bright screen
  • USB-C port

Cons

  • Charging still relatively slow
  • Doesn’t have 5x zoom of Pro Max

Features & Design

  • Titanium + aluminum frame
  • Action button
  • USB-C

While the iPhone 15 Pro maintains a similar external appearance, notable changes lie beneath its iconic surface. The device feels noticeably lighter, approximately 19g less than the iPhone 14 Pro, providing a more comfortable user experience. The introduction of an action button, replacing the mute switch, allows users to customize its functionality for various actions, adding versatility to device interaction.

A significant design shift is the replacement of the proprietary Lightning port with a USB-C port, offering benefits such as universal charging compatibility and enhanced connectivity options for external devices.

Screen & Speakers

  • 6.1-inch OLED display
  • Up to 2000 nits of brightness

The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a slightly thinner bezel, resulting in a fractionally smaller device compared to previous Pro models. While the resolution remains the same, the peak brightness has been increased to 2000 nits, providing exceptional visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.

The introduction of Dynamic Island, a cutout at the top of the display that changes shape based on displayed information, enhances the user experience by providing useful information while using other apps. The display incorporates Ceramic Shield for added protection, although the screen curves slightly at the edges, potentially affecting its vulnerability in case of a fall.

Cameras

  • Improved wide, ultrawide & 3x telephoto lenses
  • Option to shoot in RAW and ProRes

The iPhone 15 Pro’s camera system, while appearing similar to its predecessor on the surface, introduces advancements in lens coatings and behind-the-scenes processing. These improvements contribute to enhanced portrait and night photography, improved macro capabilities, and superior video quality.

The main rear camera now captures 24-megapixel photos, offering increased detail without significantly larger file sizes. The camera’s ability to focus quickly and accurately is commendable, with notable improvements in portrait photography and the option to convert any photo into a portrait later.

The addition of features such as RAW mode for photos and ProRes for videos, along with the new A17 Pro chip’s capabilities, positions the iPhone 15 Pro as a device with genuinely ‘pro’ camera functionalities.

Performance

  • A17 Pro chip
  • Real-time ray-tracing for gaming

The A17 Pro chip, the first to abandon the “Bionic” moniker, provides a marginal increase in processing power compared to the A16 Bionic. However, the chip’s graphics performance stands out, offering real-time ray-tracing for an elevated gaming experience.

The iPhone 15 Pro’s graphics capabilities surpass existing alternatives, making it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts. The device exhibits impressive performance in various tasks, including the new 24-megapixel camera mode, voice isolation feature, and the ability to convert photos into portraits after capturing them.

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi 6E
  • Second-gen ultrawideband chip
  • Built-in Thread radio

Significant changes in wireless connectivity include the adoption of Wi-Fi 6E, offering compatibility with the new 6GHz band for potential speed improvements. The addition of a second-gen ultrawideband chip enhances device connectivity, particularly for features like Find My Friends. The built-in Thread radio, while not initially enabled, adds future potential for direct connectivity to Thread devices.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life remains consistent with previous models, and ‘fast charging’ remains at 20W. The inclusion of a USB-C port allows charging with any USB-C cable, although the bundled cable is USB 2.0. Wireless charging options include MagSafe charging up to 15W and Qi charging up to 7.5W.

Price & Availability

The iPhone 15 Pro is priced at $999 / £999 for the base 128GB model, with higher storage options available at varying costs. Despite the current inflationary environment, Apple has maintained last year’s pricing and even reduced the UK price by £100.

Should I Buy the iPhone 15 Pro?

The iPhone 15 Pro, while featuring several upgrades and improvements, may not warrant an upgrade for users already owning the iPhone 14 Pro or 13 Pro. However, viewed independently, the iPhone 15 Pro stands as one of the best smartphones available, offering a refined design, powerful camera capabilities, and impressive overall performance. Any gripes, such as the charging speed and absence of Wi-Fi 7, can be considered minor in the context of its overall strengths. The decision to upgrade ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences.