Apple iPhone 15 Plus review
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, making it a compelling choice for those looking for a high-end smartphone without the hefty price tag. One of the standout features is the impressive battery life, with reported screen times exceeding 10 hours in normal usage. This is particularly notable given the phone's large screen size, which makes it ideal for those who want a bigger display without breaking the bank. The camera also receives significant upgrades, including improved portrait mode capabilities and night portrait shots. The new software features allow for more flexibility when editing photos, with the ability to automatically detect subjects and adjust the level of blur. This is particularly useful in situations where multiple subjects are present. In terms of design, the iPhone 15 Plus maintains a premium feel, with a sturdy build and sleek aesthetic. However, it's worth noting that it doesn't quite match the Pro Max model in terms of features and performance. Pricing-wise, the iPhone 15 Plus starts at $899, which is significantly lower than the Pro Max's starting price of $1,299. This makes it an attractive option for those who want a high-end smartphone without the hefty price tag. Overall, the iPhone 15 Plus offers excellent value for its price and is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their mobile experience. While not perfect, the iPhone 15 Plus brings significant improvements over its predecessor and offers a compelling alternative to more expensive options on the market.
Build Quality and Design
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is a powerhouse of a device that boasts impressive battery life, a massive screen, and more features than its predecessor. However, its build quality and design have undergone significant changes this time around. The first thing you'll notice when handling the iPhone 15 Plus is its sleek new design. The device feels solid in the hand, with a weighty feel that's both reassuring and comforting. The edges are slightly rounded, making it easier to grip and reducing any sharp corners or points. One of the most notable improvements is the build quality itself. The iPhone 15 Plus features a tougher glass back that's designed to withstand scratches and drops more effectively than previous models. This, combined with its IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, makes it an excellent choice for those who want a device that can keep up with their active lifestyles. Inside, the phone feels premium, with each component working seamlessly together to deliver an exceptional user experience. The aluminum frame provides a sturdy base, while the glass back adds an element of sophistication and style. The iPhone 15 Plus also boasts a stunning 6.7-inch screen that's perfect for watching movies, browsing the web, or playing games. The display is crisp and vibrant, with colors popping out in vivid detail. Whether you're scrolling through social media or reading a book, this phone's display will not disappoint. In terms of design, the iPhone 15 Plus has a timeless look that won't go out of style anytime soon. The clean lines, rounded edges, and elegant color options make it a device that looks as good as it performs. Whether you're into minimalist designs or prefer something more eye-catching, there's an option to suit every taste. Overall, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is a triumph in terms of build quality and design. Its sturdy construction, tough glass back, and premium internal components make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Plus is its impressive battery life. In my testing, I was able to achieve an impressive screen-out time, with a day's use still showing significant juice left in the tank. However, please note that my usage patterns are likely more extreme than average, with multiple photo shoots and heavy app use. For a more typical user, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a substantial battery life boost over its predecessors. While I wouldn't say it's the best on the market, it certainly holds its own in this regard. What really sets the iPhone 15 Plus apart is its balance of power and price. Starting at $899, it's significantly more affordable than the top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max, yet still offers a huge screen and impressive battery life. If you're looking for an upgrade from your older iPhone or want to save some cash without sacrificing too much performance, the iPhone 15 Plus is definitely worth considering. Its improved battery life and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice in Apple's latest lineup. While it may not be the most exciting device on paper, the iPhone 15 Plus delivers where it counts: in real-world usage. With its impressive battery life and substantial features at an attractive price point, it's hard to go wrong with this phone.
Display
The iPhone 15 Plus boasts an impressive display that sets it apart from its competitors in this year's lineup. With a massive screen size and vibrant colors, this device is perfect for those who want a cinematic experience without breaking the bank. One of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Plus display is its stunning color accuracy. The colors are rich and vivid, making it ideal for watching movies or browsing through your favorite websites. The display also gets plenty bright, making it easy to use in well-lit environments. In addition to its excellent color reproduction, the iPhone 15 Plus display is also highly responsive. Whether you're scrolling through social media or playing games, the screen responds quickly and smoothly, providing a seamless user experience. Another notable feature of the iPhone 15 Plus display is its massive size. At 6.7 inches, this device has one of the largest screens in its class, making it perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in their favorite content. Despite its large size, the screen is still easy to hold and maneuver, thanks to a clever design that makes it comfortable to grip. Overall, the iPhone 15 Plus display is a major selling point for this device. With its stunning color accuracy, high responsiveness, and massive size, this display is perfect for anyone looking for a premium viewing experience without breaking the bank. While some may prefer the even larger screen of the Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Plus offers an excellent compromise between size and affordability. In terms of pricing, the iPhone 15 Plus starts at $899, which is a significant saving compared to the Pro Max. However, it's worth noting that if you want to compare apples to apples, you'll need to upgrade to the 256GB storage model, which adds another $200 to the price tag. Ultimately, the iPhone 15 Plus display is a major highlight of this device, and its impressive features make it a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a new smartphone.
Camera
The latest addition to Apple's iPhone lineup, the 15 Plus, has garnered significant attention for its impressive camera capabilities. As one of the most anticipated features of this device, I delved deeper into what makes the 15 Plus' camera stand out. One of the most exciting aspects of the 15 Plus' camera is its revamped portrait mode feature. This update allows for automatic detection of people, dogs, and cats, even when not using portrait mode. The added depth data automatically captures the F symbol, signifying aperture control over bokeh or blur behind a subject. This feature enables users to convert regular photos into portrait mode shots after the fact, making it easier than ever to achieve professional-grade portraits. Another significant improvement is the ability to capture night portrait shots, something that was previously impossible with previous iPhone models. This new feature ensures that subjects remain well-lit and in focus, even in low-light conditions. Apple's updated HDR (High Dynamic Range) algorithm also promises a more natural look for photos. While not the same as the 15 Pro or Pro Max's triple lens setup, the 15 Plus boasts a 48MP camera that can be used to achieve decent two-times crop shots by selecting the middle 12 megapixels. This feature may seem limited compared to other models, but it still offers respectable performance and convenience. Throughout my review of the iPhone 15 Plus, I found that its camera capabilities have made significant strides forward. The new portrait mode features and night portrait shots are undoubtedly game-changers for those seeking better low-light photography. Although the 48MP camera may not be as robust as other models, it still delivers solid performance in good lighting conditions. Overall, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a compelling camera experience that's worth considering, especially at its relatively affordable price point. For users who value excellent battery life, a massive screen without breaking the bank, and improved photography features, the 15 Plus is an attractive option compared to other iPhones in this year's lineup.
Price and Value
In a year where flagship phones have become increasingly pricey, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus offers a compelling alternative for those looking for a high-quality device without breaking the bank. Priced at $899, the iPhone 15 Plus sits comfortably in the mid-range category, offering a significant price advantage over the top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max. While the Pro Max starts at $1,099, the Plus model offers many of the same features, including a large screen and impressive camera capabilities. One of the standout aspects of the iPhone 15 Plus is its battery life. In our tests, the device delivered excellent endurance, making it an ideal choice for those who need a phone that can last all day without needing to be charged. In terms of value, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a great balance between price and performance. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the Pro Max, it still delivers a premium experience that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning users. Ultimately, the decision to choose the iPhone 15 Plus over the Pro Max comes down to one's priorities. If you're looking for the best battery life possible and don't need the extra features of the top model, then the 15 Plus is a great choice. However, if you're willing to pay a premium for the latest and greatest technology, then the Pro Max may still be the better option. At $899, the iPhone 15 Plus offers an impressive value proposition that is sure to appeal to many buyers.
Performance
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus boasts impressive performance credentials. In terms of battery life, it delivers the longest screen time among its peers in this year's lineup, making it an attractive option for those seeking optimal power efficiency. While the phone's camera capabilities are not as extensive as those found on the top-tier models, such as the Pro Max, it still offers a decent two times crop by utilizing the middle 12 megapixels from its 48 megapixel sensor. This is similar to the functionality offered by an APS-C lens on a full-frame camera, and although it compromises low-light performance, it provides a respectable feature set for non-pro models. The phone's software features also receive notable upgrades, including a new portrait mode that can automatically detect subjects (people, dogs, or cats) and capture depth data. This allows users to edit photos and turn them into portraits after the fact, adjusting blur levels as needed. The ability to take night portraits is another welcomed feature. In addition to these camera enhancements, Apple has also refined HDR for photos, aiming to produce a more natural look. While individual results may vary, this update should improve overall image quality. When comparing the iPhone 15 Plus to its counterparts, it's essential to consider storage size, as the Pro Max now starts at 256 GB, whereas the Plus begins with 128 GB. To compare directly, users would need to select the 256 GB storage option for the Plus, resulting in a $200 price difference. Ultimately, the iPhone 15 Plus stands out due to its excellent battery life and more affordable starting price point ($898) compared to the Pro Max. While it may not match the latter's feature set or camera capabilities, it offers a solid mid-range experience that justifies its price tag.
Pros
1. The iPhone 15 Plus has excellent battery life, making it perfect for those who want to use their phone all day without worrying about running out of juice.
2. The huge screen is a major advantage over other iPhones, and the starting price of $599.99 is relatively affordable compared to the Pro Max model.
3. The new software features, such as the updated portrait mode with night portrait shots and improved HDR for photos, make the camera experience even better.
4. The phone's design and overall build quality are top-notch, making it a great choice for those who value aesthetics.
5. The iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB storage size, which should be sufficient for most users' needs.
6. The phone's price point of $599.99 is relatively reasonable compared to the Pro Max model.
Cons
1. The camera, while improved, still lags behind the Pro and Pro Max models in terms of low-light performance and overall image quality.
2. The lack of a telephoto lens means that zoomed-in photos may not be as sharp or detailed as those taken with a dedicated zoom lens.
3. The phone's processor, while fast, may not be as powerful as some other high-end smartphones on the market.
4. Some users may find the price point to be a bit steep compared to last year's model.
5. The iPhone 15 Plus does not have any significant upgrades in terms of design or build quality over previous models.