If your iPhone is three years old or more, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are sure to dazzle you with their significant upgrades. However, here’s a pro tip to save $300 if you can afford to forgo a few features.
How I tested the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
Having used the iPhone since its debut in 2007, I’ve upgraded annually, offering insights into each model. My testing involves using the new iPhones as my primary devices for at least a week, focusing on battery life, new features, camera capabilities, charging speeds, app usage, design changes, and overall performance.
iPhone 15 Pro’s Best Features
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max enhance what users love about iPhones, offering improvements in speed, efficiency, refinement, power, and capabilities. Key features include:
- Advanced Titanium Finish: Replacing the stainless steel, the brushed titanium casing is not only lighter but also durable.
- Pro-Level Camera System: The cameras continue to evolve, offering more professional capabilities. The 5x zoom on the Pro Max is particularly noteworthy, providing high-quality shots.
- Smooth, Bright Display: The OLED HDR display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers vibrant colors and crisp text. The brightness has been upgraded to 2000 nits peak, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- Zippy Data Transfers: With USB-C support, the pro models benefit from faster data transfers, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Fast, Powerful Performance: The A17 Pro chip, with its 3-nanometer technology, makes the iPhone 15 Pro series exceptionally powerful, especially for video and gaming. However, the emphasis on gaming capabilities could be viewed differently, as longer battery life might be more beneficial for many users.
What’s it like coming from iPhone 12 Pro or earlier?
For those upgrading from an iPhone 12 Pro or earlier, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max offer a plethora of significant enhancements, including:
- Longer Battery Life: Up to two hours of additional usage time compared to iPhone 12 Pro models.
- Always-On Display: For checking time and basic info without unlocking the phone.
- Brighter Display: A substantial upgrade with 2000 nits peak brightness on the iPhone 15 Pro, compared to 1200 nits on the iPhone 12 Pro.
- Promotion Display: With a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother graphics and animations.
- Dynamic Island: Introduces a new notification system.
- Standby Mode: Displays useful widgets when the phone is docked.
- USB-C Charging: Universal cable compatibility for faster charging.
- Action Button: Provides fast access to the camera or other regular features.
- New Camera Features: Including 48-megapixel photos, LiDAR Scanner, Macro photography mode, Cinematic Mode video, ProRes video recording, and Action mode.
Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 5x zoom worth the upgrade?
The addition of a 5x zoom lens in the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a noteworthy upgrade, especially for those interested in long-distance photography. The quality of the 5x zoom lens is highlighted by its detailed and crisp output, making it a valuable feature for capturing distant subjects.
What about iPhone 15 Pro overheating and FineWoven accessories?
Overheating concerns have been addressed through software updates (iOS 17.0.3), resolving issues related to camera testing and fast charging. While the problem is no longer a concern, limiting fast charging is advisable for long-term battery health.
Regarding FineWoven accessories, designed for sustainability, the cases are made from 68% recycled materials. However, their durability and wear resistance, especially compared to traditional leather cases, raise concerns. Alternative cases with better protection and longevity are recommended.
Alternatives to consider
If you’re considering the iPhone 15 Pro Max, don’t overlook the black iPhone 15 Plus. It boasts a premium feel, dynamic features, and a $300 cost saving, making it a compelling alternative. The only trade-offs are the absence of the zoom lens and the 120Hz display, which may not be critical for users not heavily invested in long-distance photography or high-end gaming.
ZDNET’s Buying Advice
- Upgrade from iPhone 12 or earlier: Highly recommended for a significant boost in features and performance.
- Upgrade from iPhone 13 or 14: Wait until next year unless facing issues. Battery problems in iPhone 13 or 14 can be addressed by replacing the battery rather than upgrading.
- Consider iPhone 15 Plus: A viable alternative to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, offering substantial savings without sacrificing core features. Avoid FineWoven accessories due to concerns about durability.
In conclusion
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max come with immense features such as upgraded titanium coating, pro camera system performance high-resolution screen for smooth transfer of data at faster speeds. The Pro models further better users’ iPhone experience, upgrading of things they enjoy most with changes in speeds as well as efficiency refinement power and capabilities. A significant improvement for long-range photography is the fivefold zoom lens of Pro Max.
However, issues of overheating have been addressed with software updates while FineWoven accessories are sustainable but may present durability and wear resistance problems. Recommended for users who require a bigger screen, more battery capacity, and an improved zoom lens. Airlines with no such specs should prefer to go in favor of the iPhone 15 Pro Forbes believes that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the phone to beat, but both phones are endowed with power and durability as well as excellent photography..
