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| iPhone 15 Pro Review |
Design and Display:
The iPhone 15 Pro features several noteworthy improvements. It has shed its predecessor's stainless steel sides in favor of titanium, reducing its weight by 19g. This change enhances its overall feel, making it lighter and more comfortable to handle and carry.
The device boasts a stunning 6.1-inch OLED screen, surpassing the quality of similarly-sized displays on the market. With an impressive 2,000nit peak brightness, it ensures exceptional visibility even in bright sunlight. The Face ID system, embedded in the dynamic island at the top of the screen, remains one of Apple's standout features, offering a secure and convenient unlocking experience.
Innovation and Functionality:
Apple introduces the action button, which replaces the mute switch from previous iPhones. This button can be customized to launch various apps or perform specific tasks, such as activating the torch or switching focus modes, adding versatility to your device.
Key Specifications:
- Screen: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) display with a pixel density of 460ppi.
- Processor: Apple A17 Pro, ensuring top-tier performance.
- RAM: 8GB for smooth multitasking.
- Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB to suit your storage needs.
- Operating System: iOS 17, the latest and most advanced Apple OS.
- Camera System: Featuring a 48MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera, 12MP 3x zoom lens, and a 12MP front-facing camera for exceptional photography capabilities.
- Connectivity: 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, Thread, USB-C, Satellite, UWB, and GNSS.
- Water Resistance: Rated at IP68, allowing submersion up to 6 metres for 30 minutes.
- Dimensions: Measuring 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25mm.
- Weight: Weighing 187g, the device is lightweight and portable.
USB-C Integration:
One significant upgrade is the transition from Lightning to USB-C. This change simplifies charging, as you can now use a wide range of chargers and USB-C cables that are compatible with various devices, including Android smartphones, PCs, Macs, and tablets. This versatility reduces the need for proprietary Apple cables and opens up new possibilities for connecting accessories such as display cables, SD card readers, and more.
Impressive Performance:
The A17 Pro chip delivers exceptional speed and supports advanced ray tracing graphics, providing a gaming experience that rivals dedicated gaming consoles. This device is not only fast now but will also remain fast for years to come.
Battery Life:
The iPhone 15 Pro offers impressive battery life for its size. It can last approximately 38 hours between charges, even with five hours of active screen usage. On the most demanding days, with extensive 5G use and photography, the battery still manages to last about 28 hours. This ensures that the device easily lasts through a full day of use.
Sustainability and Repairs:
Apple's commitment to sustainability is evident in the iPhone 15 Pro. The battery is designed to last over 500 full-charge cycles, retaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Should you need a battery replacement, it can be done for £95. Screen repairs, if required, cost £349. While the device maintains a repair-friendly design introduced with the iPhone 14, it received a repairability score of only four out of 10 from iFixit, mainly due to Apple's software restrictions on third-party repair.
The device incorporates recycled materials, including aluminium, cobalt, copper, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tin, and tungsten. Apple also offers trade-in and recycling programs, extending to non-Apple products, further promoting environmental responsibility.
Camera Capabilities:
The iPhone 15 Pro's camera system is highly capable, with an optical zoom range from 0.5x to 3x. While it doesn't match the 5x optical zoom of the 15 Pro Max, it excels in most photography conditions. The main camera captures 24-megapixel photos by default and offers three different focal lengths, including 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm. It can also capture full 48MP photos in ProRaw or HEIF formats, catering to photography enthusiasts. The camera system now automatically captures portrait photos without requiring a dedicated mode, simplifying the photography process.
Pricing:
The iPhone 15 Pro is available starting at £999 (€1,199/$999/A$1,849) for the 128GB model, offering a competitive price point within the premium smartphone market.
Verdict:
Buyers of Apple's top smartphones face a more challenging decision with the iPhone 15 Pro. It stands out as the best smaller phone available, with notable improvements in design, USB-C integration, and battery life. However, it falls short in terms of optical zoom capabilities, offering 3x zoom compared to the 5x zoom of the Pro Max. Despite this limitation, the iPhone 15 Pro is a significant upgrade from previous 6.1-inch iPhone Pros, providing a lighter and more comfortable design. It also offers a cost-saving of £200 compared to the Pro Max, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a premium, pocket-friendly device.
Pros:
- Lighter and easier to hold.
- Outstanding cameras.
- Fantastic screen quality.
- Compact size.
- USB-C support.
- Convenient action button.
- Impressive battery life.
- Top-tier performance.
- Extended software support.
- Secure Face ID.
Cons:
- Relatively expensive.
- Limited to 3x optical zoom, unlike the 5x zoom on the Pro Max.
- Repairability is restricted by software limitations.
In summary, the iPhone 15 Pro offers a compelling package for users seeking a smaller yet powerful smartphone with excellent features and design improvements.