Foreign media outlets have already started unveiling assessments of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro in 2023-2024 ahead of their scheduled release this Friday, on September 22. The standout alteration in this year's iPhone lineup is the replacement of the Lightning port with a USB-C port. Additionally, the Pro variant boasts notable upgrades including an enhanced camera, a resilient titanium body, and the incorporation of an Action Button.
This year's iPhone offerings continue to be divided into two distinct categories: the standard iPhone 15 and its larger counterpart, the iPhone 15 Plus, with screen sizes measuring 6.1 and 6.7 inches respectively. They come in a selection of five different colors, and for the first time, feature Dynamic Island technology. Under the hood, both models are powered by the A16 Bionic chip.
The flagship models, namely the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, distinguish themselves not only by their varying screen sizes but also by additional features. The Pro offers a 3x zoom, while the Pro Max boasts a 5x zoom capability. They are equipped with the advanced A17 Pro chip, an ever-present display, side-mounted action buttons, and a featherweight titanium chassis. Pricing aligns with that of the iPhone 14 Pro across all configurations, except for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, where the 128GB option has been omitted, resulting in a higher starting price.
A comprehensive review underscores the differences from the previous iteration. While compared to the iPhone 14, the alterations may seem subtle, the contrast becomes more apparent when juxtaposed with the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13.
Camera: The cameras of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have been upgraded to a 48MP primary sensor with a 2x optical zoom, resulting in significantly sharper images. Cropping is more effective, and users can choose between 24MP and 48MP in 1x mode. The ultra-wide lens remains at 12MP. A notable addition is the Portrait mode, which allows for post-capture focus adjustments. The front camera and video mode remain similar to the previous model.
On the other hand, the cameras of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max now offer a selection of focal lengths: 35mm, 28mm, and 24mm, catering to users accustomed to manual camera settings. Another highlight is the optical zoom capabilities at 3x and 5x for the Pro and Pro Max respectively. The periscope-style design minimizes the need for excessive thickness compared to other smartphones with long-range zoom capabilities. Testing reveals that even at 5x zoom, the cameras capture impressive detail, though results may vary depending on lighting conditions, skin tones, and color accuracy when compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro.
When it comes to video recording, the Pro models, particularly in Cinematic mode, support up to 3x zoom, providing standard-setting detail and color accuracy.
Battery Life and USB-C: The battery life might not be the main selling point for the iPhone 15 this year, as Apple states that it is comparable to the iPhone 14. Tests for continuous web browsing on the Pro model yielded approximately 11 hours, a slight improvement over the iPhone 14. In general, throughout the day, the battery was found to still have ample charge.
The significant change in this year's iPhone is the adoption of USB-C. For the iPhone 15, data transfer is limited to USB 2.0 speeds, but it supports 27W charging and can connect to a 4K60Hz display.
On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro boasts USB 3, which is faster. Many reviews suggest that users already invested in other Apple devices will find their lives significantly improved, as they no longer need to search for a Lightning cable exclusive to the iPhone.
Other Points:
The inclusion of the Action Button, replacing the side switch for muting, is exclusive to the Pro model. Users may need a period to acclimate as the button requires a slightly firmer press. In cases of muting or unmuting, users might find themselves uncertain if it's activated, a concern Apple addresses by providing different Haptic Engine responses.
Gaming: Apple states that the Pro models have an improved A17 Pro chip to support high-resolution gaming, including Ray Tracing. However, reviews are not available yet as games supporting these features have not been released for testing.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come in a choice of five colors. While Apple mentions the use of a new body-coloring technology, the difference may not be very noticeable from the outside.
The standout feature is the reduced weight when compared to models with similar screen sizes, from iPhone 11 to iPhone 13. Especially for the Pro models that utilize titanium, even though the numbers may not show a significant decrease, most reviews unanimously note a distinct and appreciable difference in feel.
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By Whybkk.com Updated Sep 28, 2023 08:39 a.m. TH
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