iPhone 15 Pro Review

The iPhone 15 Pro has caught attention not just for its additions but also for what Apple has removed. The familiar Lightning port is no more, replaced by the versatile USB-C. The iconic ringer switch has evolved into the Action button, offering more than just call muting, but a range of shortcuts. Additionally, the phone has shed some weight and dimensions, thanks to a lighter yet stronger titanium build and slimmer bezels.

What remains is what could be aptly described as the “iPhone 15 Pro mini.” This flagship delivers nearly everything the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers but in a more compact form factor. This includes the blazing-fast A17 Pro chip and an enhanced camera system for superior portraits and low-light photography. However, the divide between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max has become more pronounced, with the Pro Max offering an extended 5x optical zoom and significant differences in battery life, as per our testing. While the iPhone 15 Pro certainly stands among the best iPhones and merits a spot on our list of top phones, it doesn’t quite clinch the top spot in my estimation. Here’s a detailed overview of the pros and cons in my assessment of the iPhone 15 Pro.

Design

The iPhone 15 Pro exudes the aura of a scaled-down flagship, and this is a compliment. Apple has replaced the stainless steel band with a lighter and sturdier aluminum, and the difference is immediately noticeable when holding the device. Weighing in at 6.6 ounces, it’s lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro at 7.27 ounces, although the Samsung Galaxy S23 still retains the title of the lightest at 5.93 ounces. Moreover, the iPhone 15 Pro has become even more compact than the Galaxy S23, thanks to Apple’s slimmest bezels ever seen on an iPhone. The device also boasts a new contoured design, featuring rounded edges for a more comfortable grip, reducing any sharp edges that might dig into your hands. In terms of color options, the iPhone 15 Pro’s choices might not be overly exciting. I tested the Blue Titanium, which is the most striking option, but the Natural Titanium provides a minimalist look that I find appealing. The Black Titanium and White Titanium models, on the other hand, are somewhat underwhelming.

USB-C

Apple has transitioned from the Lightning connector to USB-C, a move that carries several advantages for users. Firstly, it allows you to charge your iPhone, MacBook, and iPad using the same cables. Although a cable is included in the box, there’s no charger, aligning with the trend seen in recent iPhone releases. The iPhone 15 Pro supports USB 3 transfers to your MacBook or external storage devices at speeds of up to 10Gbps, a notable improvement over the USB 2 speeds featured in the standard iPhone 15 series.

Action Button

The mute switch has been retired, replaced by the new Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro. By default, a long press toggles Silent mode on and off, ensuring that you don’t lose any functionality. Additionally, you can sense the vibration in your pocket, allowing you to discern the phone’s mode. A short press provides information on the current ringer status.

Where things get interesting is in the Settings app, where you can assign various shortcuts to the Action button through an intuitive interface. This feature lets you launch the camera, flashlight, voice recorder, magnifier, and more. Some options even allow you to customize actions within specific apps, such as launching directly into a selfie with the Action button.

Display

The iPhone 15 Pro boasts a 6.1-inch display that doesn’t introduce groundbreaking changes but continues to offer one of the best OLED screens available on a smartphone. The reduced bezels provide a more immersive viewing experience. Two valuable features from the iPhone 14 Pro make a return. The Dynamic Island facilitates live alerts and activities at the top of the screen, offering quick access to information such as your Uber ride status, Spotify track selection, or flight details with United Airlines.

Another appreciated feature is the always-on display, which allows you to check the time, battery status, and notifications without needing to unlock your phone. With a peak brightness of 1,600 nits for HDR content and 2,000 nits in direct sunlight, the iPhone 15 Pro’s display is impressively bright, surpassing the Galaxy S23’s 1,340 nits in our testing.

Cameras

The iPhone 15 Pro introduces several notable camera upgrades, including a larger 48MP primary sensor that captures 24MP default photos. Users can opt for higher-resolution 48MP ProRAW photos or choose the HEIFF format for space-saving. Portrait shots can be taken without entering Portrait mode, as the phone can detect depth information in your photos. After capturing an image, you can not only adjust the depth effect but also select your preferred focus point with a tap. The Night mode receives a boost with a Photonic Engine, resulting in improved low-light photography.

In extensive camera testing against other top camera phones, the iPhone 15 Pro consistently delivers exceptional results with impressive dynamic range. However, it’s essential to note that it doesn’t excel in zoom capabilities. In a comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro showcased more texture and detail in a photo of produce, even though the Galaxy S23 Ultra produced a brighter image.

The iPhone 15 Pro retains the same 3x telephoto zoom as its predecessor, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max takes the lead with a 5x optical zoom thanks to its tetraprism lens. Additionally, the new 15 Pro offers a shorter digital zoom range at 15x, compared to the Pro Max’s 25x. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 boasts a 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom, while the Pixel 7 Pro features a 5x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom.

Performance

The iPhone 15 Pro’s speed is nothing short of impressive, thanks to its A17 Pro chip. However, what truly matters isn’t just its benchmark scores but the capabilities this processor unlocks. As the world’s first 3nm chip, the A17 Pro promises a 10% improvement in CPU performance, up to 2x faster performance in machine learning tasks (think autocorrect and on-device Siri interactions), and up to 20% faster graphics speed with its 6-core GPU. Apple also outperforms Samsung in graphics performance, albeit by a slight margin. The iPhone 15 Pro registered 94.3 frames per second on 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited, surpassing the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 87 fps. This result was a notable 20 frames higher than the iPhone 14 Pro. Ultimately, the iPhone 15 Pro, along with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, stands as one of the best gaming phones available. The iPhone maintains its lead in tasks like video editing, transcoding a 4K video to 1080p in just 25.5 seconds, while the Samsung took 40 seconds.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone 15 Pro boasts improved battery endurance compared to its predecessor, although it doesn’t quite secure a place on our list of phones with the best battery life. In our battery test, which involves continuous web browsing at 150 nits of screen brightness, the iPhone 15 Pro managed to last 10 hours and 53 minutes. This is an improvement of 40 minutes over the iPhone 14 Pro and nearly 2 hours longer than the Pixel 7 Pro. We consider any result above 11 hours to be excellent.

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max

Choosing between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max isn’t straightforward. Personally, I lean towards the iPhone 15 Pro Max due to its larger display (6.7 inches compared to the Pro’s 6.1 inches) and an extra 3 hours of battery life. Moreover, only the Pro Max features a 5x telephoto zoom. While the choice between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max presents a dilemma, it ultimately hinges on your priorities. If you value a more compact form factor and find a 6.1-inch display sufficient, along with the exceptional capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro, it may be the right choice for you. However, if you desire a larger screen and are willing to trade off some portability for extended battery life and enhanced zoom capabilities, then the iPhone 15 Pro Max becomes the more appealing option.

Summary

In conclusion, the iPhone 15 Pro embodies a blend of innovation and continuity. While it marks the removal of some familiar elements like the Lightning port and ringer switch, it introduces improvements in design, functionality, and performance. The compact and lightweight build, the introduction of the Action button, the USB-C transition, and the impressive A17 Pro chip collectively contribute to its appeal.

The display remains among the best in the industry, offering a vibrant and immersive experience, while the camera enhancements, particularly in low-light conditions and portrait photography, are commendable. The device excels in tasks demanding speed and graphics performance, cementing its status as a formidable gaming phone. Although its battery life has improved compared to its predecessor, it falls slightly short of claiming a spot among the best in that regard. Ultimately, the decision between the iPhone 15 Pro and its larger sibling, the Pro Max, boils down to your preference for display size, battery longevity, and zoom capabilities. In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, the iPhone 15 Pro undeniably stands out as a compelling choice, adding to Apple’s legacy of innovative and high-quality devices. Check out the latest Apple products in Kenya on this website