Apple’s fourth iPhone, past the common 6.1-inch iPhone and the Professional lineup, has been one thing of an issue little one within the iPhone lineup. For 2 years we had the lovable however unpopular “mini” iPhone. Nevertheless, because of an absence of curiosity and poor gross sales, Apple ditched it final yr for the iPhone 14 Plus. The “Plus” mannequin brings with it all the options of Apple’s 6.1-inch iPhone, packed inside a bigger 6.7-inch chassis. It’s acquired a a lot bigger show and a a lot bigger battery too. From what I’ve learn, it looks as if it has typically been extra well-received than the iPhone mini of previous.
This yr was my first likelihood to get hands-on with the iPhone 15 Plus and I’ve to say that I actually prefer it. The brand new iPhone 15 is a very wonderful improve this yr, and the Plus advantages from all these fancy new options together with a brand new digicam, USB-C, the Dynamic Island, and extra. There may be one deadly flaw, nevertheless, you could in all probability guess. So what’s holding the iPhone 15 Plus again? Learn on to search out out.
iPhone 15 Plus: Worth and Availability
Apple’s iPhone 15 Plus was launched in September and is on the market world wide from all the same old carriers and retailers. The iPhone 15 Plus begins at $899 from Apple, $100 greater than the common iPhone 15. For that, you get a cellphone, a cable, and 128GB of storage. 256GB will set you again $999, and 512GB is $1,199. The iPhone 15 Plus can also be out there from a number of different retailers together with Amazon, Verizon, AT&T, Goal, Finest Purchase, and extra. Pricing stays in step with Apple’s pricing for the common mannequin in earlier years.
iPhone 15 Plus: At a look
- 48MP digicam – the large sensor from the iPhone 14 Professional is right here to ship bigger and extra detailed photographs than ever earlier than.
- USB-C – the iPhone 15 Plus now fees with a USB-C port and cable
- Up to date design – this yr brings a stunning frosted glass improve to the rear and rounder edges
- Brighter show – the iPhone 15 Plus is sweet for 1000 nits max brightness, 1600 nits peak (HDR), and 2000 nits peak open air
- Dynamic Island – The Dynamic Island from the iPhone 14 Professional arrives, changing the notch
iPhone 15 Plus: Specs
| Class | iPhone 15 Plus |
|---|---|
| Working System | iOS 17 |
| Show | 6.7 inches, 2796 x 1290 (460 ppi) decision, Tremendous Retina XDR OLED show (iPhone 15 Plus) |
| Processor | Apple A16 Bionic |
| Storage | 128 | 256 | 512GB |
| Rear Digital camera | 48MP, 26mm ƒ/1.6 (extensive) | 12MP, ƒ/2.4 (ultra-wide) | 12MP, 52 mmƒ/1.6 (2x Telephoto) |
| Entrance Digital camera | 12MP, ƒ/1.9, Autofocus |
| Battery | All day battery life (precise mAh TBA) |
| Charging | USB-C wired charging, Qi wi-fi charging as much as 15W, MagSafe |
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80mm, 171g (iPhone 15) | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80mm, 201g (iPhone 15 Plus) |
| Colours | Black | Blue | Inexperienced | Pink | Yellow |
iPhone 15 Plus: Design
Proper out of the field, the iPhone 15 Plus stands head and shoulders above final yr’s iPhone 14 by way of design. I’ve used the iPhone 14 for a complete yr, alongside the iPhone 14 Professional, and the previous’s design has at all times actually irked me. Its edges are too sharp and uninviting, and the again attracts extra fingerprints than an Agatha Christie anthology.
This yr, Apple has given us one thing it calls a “color-infused” glass again. It’s a frosted, matte-feeling end that completely screams premium and is a large improve over the earlier yr. Apple says the glass “is strengthened with an optimized dual-ion alternate course of earlier than being polished with nanocrystalline particles and etched to create an opulent, textured matte end,” this isn’t simply PR waffle, they’ve really executed it.
Critically, this one change must be the one cause you have to improve from an older non-Professional iPhone. However there’s satan within the element this yr too. Apple has filed down these harsh edges to offer us one thing far more rounded that feels pleasant within the hand. The aluminum edges really feel a lot softer and welcoming than final yr too, and though it’s the identical materials I can’t assist however really feel Apple has executed one thing totally different this yr within the end. The digicam housing rises from the frosted sea of goodness as a single clear piece of glass that appears means higher than final yr’s, too.
On the entrance, you get the identical Ceramic Defend as final yr, which is hard to shatter and crack however will scratch extra simply. My 14 Professional actually suffered final yr however I’ve but to see any telltale hairline scratches in my 15 Plus. The 15 Plus retains the identical splash, mud, and water resistance ranking as final yr, IP68. That’s technically good for submersion in as much as 6 meters of water for as much as half-hour. In actuality, which means it’ll be okay in case you drop it in water, however you received’t need to take it swimming.
The iPhone 15 Plus is 0.1mm taller than final yr’s mannequin however is ever so barely narrower. It’s additionally the identical thickness as final yr and weighs simply 201 grams. It’s actually not a heavy beast by any means, and I used to be stunned by how little I seen the soar to the bigger measurement this yr. It’s in all probability not a cellphone for individuals with small palms, however it’s gloriously comfy to carry and use because of this yr’s design replace. In fact, I believe I really desire the design of the 15 Plus and its aluminum end to the titanium of my iPhone 15 Professional Max.
Different acquainted faces embrace a lock button, two quantity controls, and the mute change, which stays on this yr’s common lineup regardless of being displaced by the Motion Button within the Professional lineup. Inside, Apple says the interior design improves “ease and affordability of repairs”. Again glass replacements are the identical worth as final yr at $199, nevertheless, so that is doubtless a profit felt on inner work solely.
The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus each are available 5 new colours this yr, black, blue, inexperienced, yellow, and pink. These are “new” within the sense we’ve by no means seen them on this color-infused type earlier than. We’ve acquired the inexperienced right here, and truthfully, it would as effectively be white. The tinge to the aluminum body is spectacular, however the rear colour is so muted that it seems like an off-white or a pale gray. I think about that solely the black delivers a very strong colour, though my colleague John-Anthony tells me the pink is beautiful. If you need a very colourful iPhone although, this may not be the one for you.
The ultimate design change is, in fact, USB-C, however that is an solely useful change we’ll cowl in additional element later.
iPhone 15 Plus: Show
The iPhone 15 Plus has the identical Tremendous Retina XDR 6.7-inch show because the earlier mannequin. Pixel density is up ever so barely with a decision of 2796-by-1290-pixel decision at 460 ppi (final yr’s was 2778-by-1284-pixel decision at 458 ppi.) In any other case, it nonetheless presents HDR, 2 million:1 distinction, True Tone, Large colour show (P3), and haptic contact.
The primary enchancment this yr is brightness. Typical brightness is as much as 1000 nits (from 800), whereas peak outside brightness is now 2000 nits. The HDR peak of 1600 nits is similar because it was final yr. That peak brightness is significantly greater than final yr’s mannequin, which didn’t even have an outside brightness studying spec. In actuality, this implies your iPhone 15 Plus will likely be simpler to see and skim open air, particularly in direct daylight or well-lit rooms. For probably the most half, brightness is ready by the consumer, however at full tilt, the 15 Plus has a noticeable benefit over final yr’s mannequin.
The Dynamic Island debuts within the common iPhone lineup for the primary time this yr. Having used it for a yr on my 14 Professional, I can affirm it stays a stellar improve that customers will concurrently love and but not discover. Once you change the notch with the Dynamic Island, the latter turns into a seamless a part of the iPhone’s working system in a flash, and also you neglect that the notch ever existed, or is not there. The Dynamic Island stays considerably unloved by a number of third-party builders, however Apple’s makes use of are sufficient to make it a enjoyable expertise. Some private favorites embrace Now Enjoying, and the interface that exhibits if you’re on a name. There are nonetheless a couple of nice third-party choices although, together with United Airways, Uber Eats and Uber, Flighty, CARROT climate, NFL, and Field Field Membership for F1 followers. The Dynamic Island is a large differentiator between the 14 Plus and this yr’s mannequin, and definitely one key cause customers may need to think about upgrading. Alternatively, in case you’ve prevented the iPhone beforehand due to the notch, the Dynamic Island is the improve you’ve been ready for.
Show dialogue brings us to the primary distinction between the iPhone 15 Plus and the 15 Professional Max, and sadly the one deadly flaw within the cheaper fashions. The iPhone 15 Plus lacks the ProMotion 120Hz show and All the time-On from the premium fashions, and having used each, it’s an enormous miss. I perceive that the iPhone 15 Plus has to lack some options with a view to justify its cheaper worth, however I simply don’t assume 60Hz can lower it in 2023. When you think about that the Google Pixel 8 presents a 120Hz AMOLED refresh charge, the Galaxy S23 presents 120Hz OLED, and even final yr’s Pixel 7 provided 120Hz, the iPhone 15 Plus actually will get proven up right here.
Utilizing a 60Hz iPhone is noticeably much less easy and satisfying in comparison with the iPhone 15 Professional vary. As a result of it’s the show, it impacts actually each side of utilizing the machine. Animations together with merely unlocking your iPhone have a noticeable shudder to them. When you’ve by no means used a 120Hz show, this doubtless received’t trouble you in any respect, however I’ve a 120Hz ProMotion MacBook Professional, and iPad Professional, and a handy guide a rough gaming PC, in addition to an Xbox Collection 6. Frames matter and I’d suggest treating anybody who says they will’t inform the distinction with a great deal of suspicion. Curiously, nevertheless, the one space you may’t inform the distinction is gaming as a result of numerous video games have a tendency to not run on the full chat of the 120Hz show. I’m not suggesting Apple ought to uncork 120Hz and ProMotion within the iPhone 15, however even 90Hz could be a very refreshing improve. Pun completely meant.
The shortage of an All the time-On show is much less noticeable, however that is positively one other promoting level for the 15 Professional and Professional Max. If visible constancy is excessive in your listing of priorities when shopping for a brand new iPhone, I’d actually suggest making the leap to the Professional lineup. The iPhone 15 Plus excels relating to colour, distinction, and brightness, and it’s a pleasure to have a look at, however customers who’ve skilled 120Hz will doubtless not need to make the downgrade.
iPhone 15 Plus: Efficiency
Any cellphone that may run Rome: Whole Warfare performs simply high-quality for my part, and the iPhone 15 Plus packs the blistering A16 Bionic chip from the iPhone 14 Professional. Meaning you get two high-performance cores and 4 high-efficiency cores, in addition to a 5-core GPU that includes 50 p.c extra bandwidth than the iPhone 14’s A15. There’s additionally a brand new 16-core neural engine that may carry out 17 trillion operations per second. What does this imply on paper? Any app you open in your iPhone goes to load in a flash, video games will likely be easy, and that new 48MP digicam will likely be powered by stellar computational pictures that may carry out an eye-watering 4 trillion operations per picture. A cursory look at Geekbench reveals the iPhone 15 Plus sits barely forward of each the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 14 Professional vary by way of efficiency, however these are summary numbers that don’t painting real-world efficiency. For the iPhone 15 Plus, as with the iPhone 14 Professional, the A16 chip means that there’s completely nothing you may throw at this iPhone that it received’t deal with. It additionally means you’ll get good software program updates for a few years to return. My solely gripe with the iPhone 15 Plus’ efficiency really relates again to the 60Hz show, in menus and on the Dwelling Display, it’s clear that Apple’s display can’t sustain with the processor powering the machine, which lends to a number of the day-to-day animations feeling sluggish and juddery.
Whereas Apple hasn’t made any express modifications to Wi-Fi within the iPhone 15 Plus, my 15 Plus was ever so barely quicker than my iPhone 14 in testing, possibly 10% extra, which might be a advantage of the brand new processor. If you need Wi-Fi 6E which is certainly a lot quicker, you’ll need to choose up a Professional mannequin.
One other actually cool inner change is the brand new second-generation Extremely Wideband chip, which trebles the vary of the expertise between two upgraded units. Extremely Wideband powers short-range interactions together with discovering AirTags, so the iPhone 15 Plus is extra helpful than ever in case you’ve misplaced one thing. It will also be used to search out different iPhone 15 customers in crowds by sharing your location. Lastly, when paired with a brand new Apple Watch Collection 9 or Extremely 2, you should use your watch to find your iPhone utilizing Precision Discovering.
iPhone 15 Plus: Digital camera
The digicam is a headline improve within the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus this yr, as each inherit the wonderful 48MP digicam from final yr’s iPhone 14 Professional. It encompasses a quad-pixel sensor and 100% Focus Pixels. Due to that A16 chip, the extra highly effective computational pictures signifies that customers will be capable of take 24MP super-high-resolution photos by default, out of the field. Apple has additionally added a 2x Telephoto possibility, so that you get three “optical-quality” zoom ranges in 05x, 1x, and 2x.
The opposite main upgrades are “next-generation” portraits, which Apple say will ship higher element, colour, and low-light efficiency. There’s even a nifty new characteristic that can take a portrait with out having to change to portrait mode, routinely capturing depth data if there’s an individual, canine, or cat within the shot. Apple has additionally boosted Evening mode and added Sensible HDR 5 for photographs. The proof actually is within the pudding, right here’s how the iPhone 15 Plus carried out in our digicam exams.
Listed here are a few of our pictures within the “out of the field” mode: 24 MP 26mm f.16. That is the default setting on the iPhone 15 Plus, and I used to be actually impressed with its point-and-shootability.
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Portrait mode within the new iPhone 15 Plus continues to be epic, though feisty swans positively pushed it to the restrict.
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And this is that spectacular new 48MP mode, as you may see element is fairly impeccable even on the horizon of the Edinburgh skyline.
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Customers out there for an amazing iPhone digicam might want to resolve between this and the iPhone 15 Professional Max this yr. The latter boasts way more choices by way of versatility, however the 48MP digicam was a significant differentiating issue that not applies this yr. The iPhone 15 Plus is actually no slouch relating to pictures, however there are stronger smartphone digicam programs in the marketplace.
iPhone 15 Plus: Battery, charging, and USB-C
The iPhone 15 Plus boasts a 4,383 mAh battery, ever so barely bigger than the iPhone 14 Plus. The iPhone 15 Plus is the most important iPhone in the marketplace however has fewer power-hungry options in comparison with the iPhone 15 Professional Max, and as such is the very best iPhone for battery life you could purchase. The “Plus” iPhone at all times tops iPhone battery exams reminiscent of those performed by our buddies at Tom’s Information. The 15 Plus battery is rated for precisely the identical battery life because the 14 Plus, and it actually holds as much as that in our testing. It retains its cost very effectively and you’ll simply count on a full day’s use except you’re doing very intensive actions for lengthy durations of time. As a every day smartphone, nevertheless, Apple’s bigger units ought to see you thru a full day no trouble. One factor I’ll be keeping track of is battery put on, as that was actually fairly unhealthy in my iPhone 14 Professional final yr. That is much less problematic in case you change your cellphone incessantly as I do, however some customers who desire a cellphone to final them years and years is perhaps delay by final yr’s efficiency. Naturally, that is one thing we will solely take a look at over time.
The headline improve this yr is USB-C, which leads me to a confession. I’ve had each the iPhone 15 Professional Max and iPhone 15 Plus since launch, and have plugged each of them in a sum complete of as soon as. Everybody stated that USB-C could be extra handy, however I’ve resorted to solely charging my iPhones wirelessly relatively than changing the Lightning cables I’ve in my home. I’ve at all times most well-liked wi-fi charging typically and iOS 17’s StandBy characteristic means I now use my iPhone as a nightstand alarm clock each evening, relatively than linked to a cable. It was good that the one time I did must plug in my iPhone, I may use whichever cable I had mendacity round. But for me, it feels just like the change to USB-C has lowered, relatively than enlarged the variety of methods I can cost my iPhone, and I don’t understand how I really feel about that. As Apple analyst Neil Cybart famous on Twitter, in his home USB-C cables are in excessive demand as a result of they’re used to cost MacBooks and iPads, whereas the Lightning wire was at all times reserved for the iPhone. What I’ll say is that the iPhone 15 Plus’ battery life is such that I’ve but to search out the necessity to cost it in the course of the day. Whereas with my iPhone 14 Professional, I might typically discover myself scrambling for juice at 4 or 5 within the afternoon.
In my thoughts, USB-C is a significantly better improve for audio equipment and for file and knowledge switch. Nevertheless, that is extra keenly manifest within the iPhone 15 Professional vary, which helps USB-C 3 speeds for shifting these hefty photos and movies it may possibly shoot. The USB-C 2 assist here’s a tad disappointing, no quicker than Lightning, however like 60Hz, this can be a key characteristic Apple can use to tell apart between its cheaper and costlier fashions.
iPhone 15 Plus: iOS 17
Apple’s iPhone 15 Plus ships with iOS 17, which would be the cellphone’s OS till iOS 18 subsequent yr. That is positively probably the most refined and feature-rich iOS thus far (you’d actually hope so) and as is at all times the case with Apple’s iPhone, {hardware} and software program mix collectively in excellent concord to create a energetic and fulfilling expertise. I’ve talked about a few options already, however communication within the Telephone, Messages, and FaceTime apps are lots higher this yr. The Telephone app now options Contact Posters, and there are Dwell Voicemails that allow you to learn a voicemail in real-time as its left, so you may choose up in case you actually need to. Messages has extra search options, and FaceTime now options FaceTime voicemail messages.
My new favourite characteristic is StandBy, which I exploit each evening to show my iPhone right into a stealthy bedside alarm clock. It’s a lot much less distracting than simply having my cellphone resting by my mattress, and the evening mode that turns the show crimson can also be very cool.
One other large deal is interactive widgets, which implies now you can really use widgets you place in your Dwelling Display. For instance, the Dwelling Widget now options precise switches you may press to show your lights or plugs on and off with a easy faucet. My solely gripe with iOS 17 to date is that Autocorrect is far much less intuitive and correct than it was. I don’t know what’s gone unsuitable, however iOS appears even worse relating to correcting phrases, even when you’ve rejected a suggestion or try to retype it. On a number of events, I’ve additionally seen iOS change a phrase after I hit ship on a message, regardless of having rejected the instructed correction.
General iPhone customers will love iOS 17, nevertheless, and its excellent fusion with Mac, iCloud, AirPods, and past continues to supply a harmonious expertise.
iPhone 15 Plus: The competitors: iPhone 15 and past
As is commonly the case, the iPhone 15 Plus competes with different iPhones greater than it does any different Android {hardware}. If you’re on the fence between the 2, the Google Pixel 8 is an effective iPhone 15 different, and the Pixel 8 Professional is a bigger 6.7-inch machine that matches the Plus for measurement, nevertheless, it’s costlier. There’s additionally Samsung’s S23 Plus and the S23 FE.
The apparent iPhone different is in fact the iPhone 15 Professional Max, which dominates by way of specs because of its 120Hz ProMotion, All the time-On show, A17 Professional chip, and heftier digicam system. Nevertheless, I desire the design of the Plus and the battery life goes to be higher too. When you’re set on an enormous cellphone, your greatest consideration must be worth. The iPhone 15 Plus is significantly cheaper than the iPhone 15 Professional Max, particularly because it now begins at 256GB, not 128GB. If you’re undecided on display measurement, the iPhone 15 will provide all the identical options because the Plus and will likely be simpler to carry in your pocket or in hand.
On reflection, I believe the very best different machine is definitely the iPhone 14 Professional Max, it has the identical chip and digicam because the Plus, however with extra lenses and taking pictures modes, and it presents a greater show. If yow will discover one at a superb worth then that’s probably the most severe possibility it is best to think about. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus mark a major leap over final yr’s common iPhone 14, so I wouldn’t think about both that or the 14 Plus to be a viable competitor.
Must you purchase the iPhone 15 Plus?
Purchase the iPhone 15 Plus if…
You need the most important iPhone, however not the very best
That is the most important iPhone you should purchase with out forking out for an iPhone 15 Professional Max.
You need the very best iPhone for battery life
With its huge battery however no 120Hz, the iPhone 15 Plus is the king of battery life.
You’ve been ready for USB-C and the Dynamic island
If USB-C or the Dynamic Island are deal breakers, that is the common iPhone you’ve been ready for.
Do not buy the iPhone 15 Plus if…
You need the very best iPhone Apple presents
Apple’s greatest iPhone is the iPhone 15 Professional, which presents a significantly better show and considerably extra highly effective cameras. It additionally has a greater processor and that fancy titanium design.
You need the very best iPhone show
The iPhone 15 Plus can’t maintain a candle to the Professional mannequin’s 120Hz ProMotion expertise, All the time-On can also be a noticeable absence.
You need the very best iPhone for pictures
The iPhone 15 Plus takes nice photographs however is overshadowed by the iPhone 15 Professional Max because of 5x Zoom, Apple ProRAW photographs, Macro mode, and extra.
iPhone 15 Plus: Verdict
I completely love the iPhone 15 Plus, and it’s a valiant improve over final yr’s very disappointing iPhone 14 lineup. The inherited processor may be very snappy, the brand new design is pleasant, and new options abound in USB-C and the 48MP digicam. The Dynamic Island can also be a substantial improve over the notch. General, my expertise to date has been tremendously satisfying, however the lack of a greater refresh charge on the show does dampen the expertise considerably.
Backside line: Apple’s iPhone 15 Plus is a stellar enchancment on final yr’s mannequin and the one to purchase in case you’re all about battery life. The 48MP digicam is great, as is the chip and the brand new design, simply be careful for that 60Hz show.