Initial thoughts on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: It’s time to retire your old iPhone.

Bella Brown September 19, 2023

Macworld

Reviews of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have surfaced online. It seems that for those who are upgrading from an older iPhone, the iPhone 15 offers significant improvements. If the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max is out of your budget, there is no need to be embarrassed as the non-pro models cater to the majority of users.

The design of the iPhone 15 includes a rounded aluminum frame, which according to MobileSyrup’s Patrick O’Rourke, makes it easier to hold and distinguishes it from previous models. However, this slight change may go unnoticed by some users. Additionally, the back of the phone is made of a matte color-infused glass rather than glossy glass, giving it a unique washed out appearance that can appear bold under specific lighting.

The latest addition to the non-pro iPhone is the Dynamic Island, which has been praised by The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern for its impressive capabilities. One standout feature is its compatibility with travel apps such as United, which displays information about gate and seat numbers while at the airport.

A significant update for the iPhone is the transition from Lightning to USB-C. According to CNet’s Lisa Eadicicco, “The switch to USB-C may not be immediately convenient, especially for those who own other devices that use Lightning, such as AirPods or older iPads. However, it will ultimately be beneficial.” Eadicicco also notes that USB-C offers more efficient and faster charging capabilities.

One of the main updates is in regards to the camera. The iPhone 15 now features the 48-megapixel main camera found in the iPhone 14 Pro, but with a new sensor that was specifically designed for the iPhone 15. According to Dan Seifert from The Verge, the new sensor captures photos that are easily identifiable as taken with an iPhone, but with improved HDR algorithms that allow for brighter highlights. This results in photos that feel more dynamic and less flat compared to previous iPhone models.

The initial evaluations specifically mention the new camera’s capability to capture depth information while photographing a person, dog, or cat. This allows the user to add a portrait effect to a non-portrait photo. John Velasco from Tom’s Guide explains, “This is convenient as it allows me to take photos without concern, knowing that I can later select a face and apply the appropriate portrait effect in the Photo app.”

When it comes to how long the battery lasts, Wired’s Lauren Goode found that the iPhone 15 caused her less “range anxiety” compared to her usual experience with the iPhone 13 Pro. It also nearly matches the battery life claim of the iPhone 14. She was able to use the phone throughout the day with heavy usage of Spotify, maps, phone calls, texting, and some social media browsing.

The iPhone 15 is the latest model that may finally convince those who have been using their old iPhone for a long time to upgrade. According to GQ’s Robert Leedham, this time you’ll actually see and appreciate the new features, which are mostly improvements.

Macworld is currently in the process of creating its own evaluations for the iPhone 15 series, so keep an eye out for them in the near future. While you wait, take a look at our comprehensive guide to the iPhone 15 for additional details.