Trade in iPhone 15 Plus
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
I’ve always had a soft spot for the iPhone Plus series, and the iPhone 14 Plus, while offering peppy performance, a generous screen, ‘good enough’ photography, and exceptional battery life, didn’t quite garner the same appreciation from others. However, the iPhone 15 Plus might just change that.
Debuting alongside the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Plus comes with several updates that make it feel more like a part of the flagship lineup, which also makes it a more appealing choice for those looking for a larger-screen smartphone.
One noticeable change across the entire iPhone 15 series, including the 15 Plus, is the shift to softer, more rounded edges while retaining the straight sides of the past few iPhone generations. This is especially relevant for the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus, and during my brief hands-on experience, I found it to be more comfortable to hold compared to previous ‘big’ iPhones.
In terms of the display, the iPhone 15 Plus retains its 6.7-inch 60Hz OLED screen but now features the Dynamic Island, previously exclusive to last year’s iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, instead of a notch. It’s powered by the potent Apple-made A16 Bionic chipset, akin to the 2022 Pro iPhones, while the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max receive an even more formidable A17 Pro chip. Additionally, Apple has bid farewell to the Lightning port, and like many other phones, the iPhone now charges via USB-C.
Regarding the camera setup, the iPhone 15 Plus retains a dual-lens configuration but sees the main sensor jump from 12MP to 48MP. This promises improved still image quality across various conditions, including low-light scenarios and when zooming in or capturing portrait shots. Video stabilization has also been enhanced as a result. While the image sensor on the iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) isn’t identical to the one in the Pro models, it incorporates the exciting new photography features found in its more expensive Pro counterpart, such as the ability to make any photo Portrait (even after capture) and a 24MP base image.
Apple has discontinued the 64GB storage option a couple of generations ago, offering the iPhone 15 in 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB configurations. There are five colors to choose from, all featuring new color-infused glass backs.
Out of the box, the iPhone 15 Plus runs on iOS 17, bringing a range of features and improvements showcased since Apple first introduced the experience at WWDC 2023 in June. These include Contact Posters, Interactive Widgets, and StandBy (previously thought to be exclusive to iPhones with always-on displays). These quality-of-life enhancements will be appreciated by long-time iPhone users.
Notably, Apple has maintained its pricing in the US, while the UK enjoys a notable price drop. In Australia, the phone is slightly pricier compared to last year’s model. Pre-orders start on Friday, September 15, with the official sale date set for Friday, September 22.
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HANDS-ON IPHONE 15 PLUS REVIEW: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
- Priced from $899 / £899 / AU$1,649
- Pre-order from September 15
- On sale from September 22
Despite earlier rumors suggesting a potential price increase across the entire range this year, the iPhone 15 Plus, along with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, maintains the same pricing strategy in the US. This means that the base model with 128GB of storage starts at $899, aligning with the starting price of the iPhone 14 Plus from the previous year.
| 128GB | $899 | £899 | AU$1,649 |
| 256GB | $999 | £999 | AU$1,849 |
| 512GB | $1,199 | £1,199 | AU$2,199 |
Apple officially unveiled the entire iPhone 15 family at its ‘Wonderlust’ event on September 12. Pre-orders for the iPhone 15 Plus and other models will commence on Friday, September 15. The devices will then be available for purchase a week later, starting on September 22.
If you’re eager to get your hands on the iPhone 15 Plus or are interested in the latest deals and offers for this device, you can visit our iPhone 15 deals roundup, where we’ll continuously update and feature the best available deals for Apple’s latest addition to the mobile market.
HANDS-ON IPHONE 15 PLUS REVIEW: SPECS
The main upgrades fall to a new camera system, the Dynamic Island and USB-C, but here’s a full breakdown of the hardware on offer.
| Header Cell – Column 1 | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 160.9mm x 77.8mm x7.8mm |
| Weight: | 201 grams |
| Screen: | 6.7-inch 60Hz (2796 x 1290) OLED |
| Chipset: | Apple A16 Bionic |
| RAM: | 6GB (according to the Xcode 15 Release Candidate via MacRumors) |
| Storage: | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| OS: | iOS 17 (at launch) |
| Primary camera: | 48MP |
| Ultra-wide camera: | 12MP |
| Front camera: | 12MP |
| Battery: | 4,912 mAh (unconfirmed) |
| Charging: | 50% in 30 min (advertised), 15W wireless (MagSafe) or 7.5W wireless (Qi) |
| Colors: | Black, blue, green, yellow, pink |
HANDS-ON IPHONE 15 PLUS REVIEW: DESIGN
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
- Similar dimensions to predecessor
- Color-infused glass back
- USB-C instead of Lightning
At first glance, the iPhone 15 Plus may appear similar to its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Plus. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that Apple has refined the design with a newly crafted aluminum frame. This frame has subtle alterations that soften the edges, making the larger iPhone 15 Plus notably more comfortable to hold compared to the iPhone 14 Plus. Additionally, it’s slightly lighter, enhancing the overall user experience.
The iPhone 15 Plus comes in a range of five pastel finishes, including black, blue, green, yellow, and an eye-catching pink. These color options feature glass infused with new color technology, and the camera bump on the back panel blends seamlessly with the design.
The aluminum frame of the iPhone 15 Plus now hosts a USB-C port, replacing the previous Lightning port. This means you can use the same cable to charge your iPhone as your modern MacBook and/or iPad, a convenient change. It’s worth noting that the iPhone 15 Plus lacks the new Action button found in higher-end models, retaining the classic ring/silent switch.
The back of the phone continues to feature Ceramic Shield protection and houses a diagonal dual-camera system. On the front, you’ll notice a Dynamic Island, similar to what was introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro, replacing the notch.
Apple maintains its reputation for providing excellent IP-rated protection, with figures that slightly exceed the IP68 certification for dust resistance and water resistance.
Moreover, the iPhone 15 Plus incorporates recycled materials, from the 75% aluminum frame to precious metals like 100% recycled cobalt in the battery. Apple is committed to making its phones carbon-neutral, although the iPhone 15 Plus represents just one step in this ongoing journey towards sustainability.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
HANDS-ON IPHONE 15 PLUS REVIEW: DISPLAY
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
- 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- 2796 x 1290 resolution w/ 60Hz refresh rate
- Dynamic Island replaces notch
The iPhone 15 Plus offers a satisfying and expansive 6.7-inch screen, even if the bezels aren’t as slim as those on the Pro models. It’s worth noting that both the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 feature a Super Retina XDR OLED screen but are limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, while the Pro models enjoy the smooth 120Hz ProMotion visuals.
In everyday usage, most consumers may not necessarily notice the difference in refresh rates. However, it’s important to mention that the Always On support on this display is somewhat limited compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. When using the iOS 17 Standby mode, the screen won’t remain dimly lit while the device is asleep, and you’ll need to tap to wake it.
Despite these considerations, the Super Retina XDR OLED display is a delight to behold, and it’s said to be a bit brighter this year (with a peak brightness of 1,200 nits rising to 2,000 nits). It maintains the same resolution as its predecessor, resulting in a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch (ppi).
Although the display might seem unchanged from the previous year, the iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) now features the Dynamic Island, a feature found on the iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, as well as the new iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. This means there’s no longer a notch to contend with, and the Dynamic Island can handle various tasks, such as keeping track of directions, controlling music playback, or monitoring your Uber ride. Apple has hinted at the possibility of adding more functionality to this feature through future iOS 17 updates, even though no additional features were introduced during the launch event.
HANDS-ON IPHONE 15 PLUS REVIEW: SOFTWARE
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
- Runs iOS 17 out the box
iOS 17 may come across as a relatively modest upgrade when compared to the more substantial features introduced in iOS 16. Nevertheless, there are several notable enhancements that contribute to an improved user experience on the iPhone 15 Plus.
Some of the noteworthy features include Contact Posters, NameDrop, real-time location sharing (known as Check In) within Messages, automatic nudity blurring in Messages and AirDrop, Live Voicemail with transcription, Interactive Widgets, and more.
For most iPhone and iOS 16 users, the iPhone 15 Plus will feel quite familiar. Many of the significant changes are integrated into various features that may not directly impact the home screen by default. However, the addition of the Dynamic Island lends a fresh and revitalized feel to the overall user experience.
HANDS-ON IPHONE 15 PLUS REVIEW: CAMERAS
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
- 48MP main sensor
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 12MP front-facing camera
While the camera system of the iPhone 15 Plus may appear similar to its predecessors in terms of design, it harbors a significant secret. The primary sensor, which has traditionally been 12MP, follows in the footsteps of the iPhone 14 Pro and makes the leap to a whopping 48MP sensor.
This transition introduces pixel binning into the standard iPhone camera setup for the first time. Alongside improving photography in various environments, including low-light conditions, it should also result in higher-quality 2x zoomed and portrait photography. Additionally, it contributes to enhanced stabilization for both still images and video.
What’s more, the iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) can now capture 24MP images by combining the best 12MP information with the full detail from the new 48MP sensor. This setup also provides an effective 2x optical zoom, achieved without a dedicated zoom lens but by using a sub-section of the full 48MP sensor.
In addition to the megapixel boost, the ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 15 Plus remains at 12MP, as does the front-facing camera, which is now concealed within the Dynamic Island.
While actual photo-taking wasn’t possible during the initial hands-on experience, the images viewed on the iPhone 15 Plus’s large 6.7-inch display appeared impressive. The level of detail achieved through the combination of the 48MP sensor and binned 12MP stills was noteworthy. A comprehensive assessment of the camera’s performance will be included in the full review.
Furthermore, there are some interesting software enhancements in the camera department. It’s now possible to shoot in portrait mode using the standard camera. The phone recognizes the presence of people and depth in the image when you capture a standard photo and saves this information. Later, you can revisit the photo and transform it into a portrait shot, even selecting the subject you want to focus on.
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
HANDS-ON IPHONE 15 PLUS REVIEW: PERFORMANCE & BATTERY
(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
- Apple A16 Bionic
- Up to 512GB of storage
- Battery life is unchanged from the iPhone 14 Plus
Apple’s tradition of offering a two-tier processor lineup continues with the iPhone 15 series in 2023. The iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) are equipped with the previous year’s A16 Bionic chip, while the 15 Pro models feature the potentially more capable A17 Pro.
Although your interaction with the iPhone 15 Plus was limited, it performed well during various tasks, including photography and photo editing. The A16 Bionic chip is undoubtedly capable of handling a wide range of tasks, and if it performs similarly to last year’s Pro models, it should easily compete with the latest Android flagship devices in benchmark tests.
Storage options remain unchanged from the previous year, with a base model offering 128GB of storage, a 256GB option, and a 512GB variant at the top of the range. While the battery size might be slightly larger (though Apple hasn’t provided specific details), the battery life remains the same as the previous year.
Apple continues to tout fast charging capabilities, with the iPhone 15 Plus capable of reaching a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging speeds are also consistent, with 15W for MagSafe and 7.5W for the Qi standard. Overall, the iPhone 15 Plus should provide ample battery life to last all day without any issues, and it’s likely to outperform the smaller and more affordable iPhone 15 in this regard.
HANDS-ON IPHONE 15 PLUS REVIEW: EARLY VERDICT
While the iPhone 15 Plus may appear to be equipped with last year’s chipset and the familiar silent/ring switch, it’s important to recognize that the A16 Bionic chip is still a formidable piece of mobile silicon, offering impressive performance.
Furthermore, the iPhone 15 Plus boasts a slightly updated and more comfortable design, the inclusion of a USB-C port, and the intriguing Dynamic Island feature, which adds a touch of versatility and fun to the device.
The standout feature of the iPhone 15 Plus is its significant camera upgrade, with a 48MP sensor and a range of new camera tricks that bring it on par with some capabilities of the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro models.
For individuals seeking a large-screen iPhone experience without the premium price tag, the iPhone 15 Plus with its enhanced performance and camera capabilities may prove to be a compelling choice. And for those who appreciate aesthetics, the stunning pink color option adds an extra touch of allure.
Source: Techradar
