Navigating the iPhone 15 lineup can feel overwhelming. With four distinct models – the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max – each boasting a unique set of specifications and features, finding the perfect fit requires careful consideration. This comprehensive guide simplifies the comparison process, placing all the essential details in one accessible place.
We’ll delve into the specifications of each iPhone 15 model, highlighting both the similarities and the crucial differences. Whether you’re seeking a detailed specs comparison or aiming to understand the nuances of each model, this article provides the insights you need to make an informed decision. For deeper dives and hands-on perspectives, we encourage you to explore our individual reviews of each iPhone 15 device.
Want to know our expert opinions? Our team has rigorously tested all four iPhone 15 models. Our detailed reviews, based on extensive hands-on experience, are available to help you further in your decision-making process.
iPhone 15 Models: Detailed Specs Comparison
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| Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Starting) | $799 | $899 | $999 | $1,199 |
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz (ProMotion) | 120Hz (ProMotion) |
| Chip | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic | A17 Pro | A17 Pro |
| Base Storage | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 256GB |
| Main Camera | 48MP | 48MP | 48MP | 48MP |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto Camera | None | None | 12MP (3x Optical) | 12MP (5x Optical) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C (Fast Transfer) | USB-C (Fast Transfer) |
| Battery Capacity (Rumored) | 3,349 mAh | 4,383 mAh | 3,274mAh | 4,422mAh |
| Battery Life (Web Surfing) | 11 hrs 05 mins | 14 hrs 14 mins | 10 hrs 53 mins | 14 hrs 02 mins |
| Dimensions | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in | 6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 in | 5.77 x 2.78 x 0.32 in | 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 in |
| Weight | 6.02 ounces | 7.09 ounces | 6.6 ounces | 7.81 ounces |
| Colors | Pink, Yellow, Blue, Black, Green | Pink, Yellow, Blue, Black, Green | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium |
iPhone 15 Release Date and Price Points
The entire iPhone 15 lineup became available for pre-order shortly after their announcement, with official in-store availability commencing on September 22nd. However, it’s important to note the price variations across the models, catering to different budgets and feature priorities.
The iPhone 15 stands as the most affordable entry point into the series, starting at $799. Stepping up in size, the iPhone 15 Plus begins at $899. For users seeking professional-grade features, the iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999, while the top-tier iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its expanded storage and advanced capabilities, starts at $1,199. It’s worth highlighting that the iPhone 15 Pro Max initiates with 256GB of storage, unlike the base 128GB for the other models.
For those looking to maximize value, exploring iPhone 15 deals can lead to potential savings on your preferred model. Prospective buyers should also be aware of potential shipping delays for iPhone 15 Pro models due to high demand. Planning your purchase accordingly is advisable.
Design and Display: Key Differences and Similarities
Apple maintains its commitment to both 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen sizes in the iPhone 15 series, offering size choices to suit user preferences. While the fundamental design language remains consistent across the range, subtle yet significant distinctions emerge in build materials and display technology.
A notable design refinement across all iPhone 15 models is the introduction of a subtly contoured edge. This ergonomic tweak enhances in-hand comfort, providing a more pleasing tactile experience without drastically altering the iconic flat-sided design.
iPhone 15 Pro Action Button: A close-up view of the new Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro, showcasing its textured surface and placement on the side of the device.
(Image credit: Apple)
A key differentiator between the standard and Pro models lies in the chassis material. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max boast a premium titanium alloy construction. This material choice not only reduces the weight of the Pro models, making them surprisingly lighter than their predecessors, but also enhances their durability. Conversely, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus retain the robust yet lighter-weight aluminum frames.
Another point of divergence is the introduction of the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Replacing the traditional mute switch, the Action button is a customizable press-and-hold control. Users can assign various functions to it, from quickly muting the phone to launching the flashlight, opening specific apps, and more, adding a layer of personalized control. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, however, preserve the familiar mute switch for straightforward sound control.
Transitioning to connectivity, all iPhone 15 models embrace the USB-C port, a significant shift from the Lightning connector. This universal standard simplifies charging and expands compatibility with a wider range of accessories. Furthermore, the Pro models capitalize on the USB-C upgrade by incorporating faster data transfer speeds, reaching up to 10Gbp/s. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for professionals and content creators who frequently transfer large files, enabling rapid data exchange with external drives and other devices, significantly outperforming the 480Mb/s transfer rates of the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
Apple iPhone 15 in Hand: A person holding the standard iPhone 15, demonstrating its size and sleek design in hand.
(Image credit: Future)
In terms of display, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max continue to offer ProMotion technology with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This technology delivers exceptionally smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive user interface. Additionally, the Pro models feature an Always-On display, allowing key information like the lock screen and notifications to remain visible at a glance. While the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus also utilize vibrant OLED displays with comparable resolution and brightness to their Pro counterparts, they maintain a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Importantly, the Dynamic Island, initially exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro models, is now standard across the entire iPhone 15 lineup. This interactive, pill-shaped cutout dynamically adapts to show alerts, notifications, and activities, providing quick access to active apps and Live Activities while maximizing usable screen space compared to traditional notches.
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| Display Feature |
|---|
| Peak Brightness (nits) |
| iPhone 15 |
| iPhone 15 Plus |
| iPhone 15 Pro |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max |
Apple has also elevated the display brightness of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. These models now match the Pro models’ impressive 2,000 nits of peak brightness, enhancing outdoor visibility significantly. Real-world testing confirms that all iPhone 15 displays are remarkably bright, although the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max slightly edge out the standard models in measured peak brightness.
Camera Capabilities: Zooming into the Details
The camera systems represent a significant area of differentiation within the iPhone 15 family. While all models benefit from a 48MP main rear camera, variations in aperture and additional lenses create distinct photographic capabilities.
All iPhone 15 models boast a 48MP primary sensor for their main camera, a notable upgrade for the standard models. While both standard and Pro versions capture images at 24MP and full 48MP resolution, the Pro models offer the added flexibility of ProRAW format. ProRAW provides photographers with greater control over image editing and post-processing.
iPhone 15 Pro Camera System: A detailed close-up of the triple-lens camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro, highlighting the advanced sensor technology and lens arrangement.
(Image credit: Future)
The 12MP ultrawide camera is consistent across all iPhone 15 models, enabling expansive perspectives in your photography. However, the iPhone 15 Pro models again feature a superior ultrawide lens with a wider aperture, enhancing low-light performance and enabling macro photography for detailed close-up shots. Similarly, a 12MP front-facing camera is standard across the entire iPhone 15 range, ensuring consistent selfie quality.
The most prominent camera distinction lies in the telephoto capabilities. The iPhone 15 Pro incorporates a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, mirroring the telephoto system of previous Pro iPhones. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max elevates the zoom capabilities with an advanced 12MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom. This enhanced zoom range allows for significantly closer perspectives on distant subjects with minimal image quality loss.
Notably, the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus do not include a dedicated telephoto lens. However, leveraging the high-resolution 48MP main sensor, these models can achieve a 2x zoom function by cropping the sensor. This digital zoom method still produces detailed 12MP images at 2x zoom, offering a degree of zoomed-in capability without a dedicated telephoto camera.
Performance and Battery: Power and Endurance Under the Hood
Performance and battery life are critical factors for smartphone users, and the iPhone 15 models present clear performance tiers driven by their underlying chipsets.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are powered by the A16 Bionic chip. This processor, inherited from the iPhone 14 Pro models, remains exceptionally powerful and capable, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. However, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max step up to the cutting-edge A17 Pro chip. This new generation chip boasts an enhanced GPU with an additional core and other architectural improvements, delivering a significant leap in processing and graphics performance. Benchmark tests consistently place the A17 Pro as a leader in smartphone performance.
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| Benchmark | iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench (Single-core) | 2,518 | 2,551 | 2,890 | 2,783 |
| Geekbench (Multi-core) | 6,179 | 6,280 | 7,194 | 6,945 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited (fps) | 72 | 74 | 94 | 92 |
In terms of storage options, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations, catering to varying storage needs. The iPhone 15 Pro mirrors these options but adds a larger 1TB storage tier for users with extensive media libraries or professional storage demands. The iPhone 15 Pro Max distinguishes itself by starting at 256GB of base storage and offering 512GB and 1TB options, acknowledging the storage needs of its top-tier user base.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Gaming: A user engrossed in gaming on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, highlighting its powerful A17 Pro chip and smooth graphics capabilities.
(Image credit: Future)
Apple typically refrains from disclosing precise battery capacities, but official video playback estimates provide a comparative view of battery endurance. Apple estimates video playback times of 20 hours for the iPhone 15, 26 hours for the iPhone 15 Plus, 23 hours for the iPhone 15 Pro, and a class-leading 29 hours for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Leaked information from regulatory filings in China offers more specific battery capacities. The iPhone 15 is reported to have a 3,349mAh battery, the iPhone 15 Plus a 4,383mAh battery, the iPhone 15 Pro a 3,274mAh battery, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max the largest at 4,422mAh.
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| Battery Life (Web Surfing) |
|---|
| iPhone 15 |
| iPhone 15 Plus |
| iPhone 15 Pro |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max |
Real-world battery testing reveals that all iPhone 15 models exceed the average smartphone battery life. While the iPhone 15 Pro registered the shortest battery life in testing at 10 hours and 53 minutes, this still surpasses the average smartphone. The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max, leveraging their larger batteries, achieved impressive battery life, securing positions on lists of phones with the best battery performance, both exceeding 14 hours of web browsing on a single charge.
Charging speeds across the iPhone 15 series aim for convenience. Apple claims that using a 20W charger, all models can reach at least a 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes, with a slightly longer 35-minute target for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus due to their larger batteries.
Software and Special Features: iOS 17 and Beyond
All iPhone 15 models ship with iOS 17 pre-installed, granting users access to the latest Apple software innovations. Key iOS 17 features include StandBy mode for enhanced bedside clock functionality, Messages Check-in for safety and peace of mind, and offline Apple Maps for navigation even without cellular connectivity. Detailed insights into iOS 17 can be found in dedicated reviews.
Beyond the standard iOS updates, the iPhone 15 series introduces new hardware-driven features. Enhanced ultrawideband connectivity improves the precision of locating AirTags and other Find My-enabled devices. Building upon the iPhone 14’s safety features, the iPhone 15 adds Roadside Assistance via satellite. This potentially life-saving feature allows users to request roadside assistance even in areas without cellular coverage.
Apple iPhone 15 Display: A close-up of the iPhone 15 screen showcasing the vibrant display and iOS 17 interface.
(Image credit: Future)
Exclusively on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are further advanced features. These Pro models support Wi-Fi 6E, an upgrade from Wi-Fi 6, enabling faster and more stable wireless connections with compatible routers. Additionally, the Pro models incorporate Thread network support, a technology poised to enhance compatibility and integration with future smart home devices.
iPhone 15 Models: Final Verdict
The perceived differences between the iPhone 15 models can vary greatly depending on the comparison points. The most significant divide exists between the Pro and non-Pro models, reflecting their distinct feature sets and target users. However, even within these categories, subtle yet meaningful distinctions exist between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, influencing purchase decisions.
Ultimately, the iPhone 15 Pro Max represents the pinnacle of the lineup, offering the most advanced features and improvements, albeit at the highest price point. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus inherit many desirable features from the previous generation Pro models, making them compelling upgrades for users seeking value and enhanced features without the Pro price tag. The iPhone 15 Pro strikes a balance, packing many of the Pro Max’s premium features into a more compact and slightly more affordable form factor. Choosing the “best” iPhone 15 truly depends on individual needs, priorities, and budget considerations.
