Review Roundup: iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Plus – worth the hype?

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Tech enthusiasts and iPhone lovers alike have been holding their breath in anticipation of Apple’s latest offerings, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.

As the dust settles from the launch, it’s time to take a deep dive into what these devices bring to the table.

And since Apple doesn’t provide KnowTechie with early review units, we scoured the web for the most trusted voices in tech to bring you an unbiased, comprehensive review roundup of Apple’s latest flagship.

Design: A Fresh Take or More of the Same?

Apple is renowned for its sleek and minimalistic designs, but with the iPhone 15 series, they’ve taken a slightly different route. 

READ MORE: Best iPhone 15 cases

CNN Underscored notes that while the new iPhones maintain the signature Apple aesthetic, they come with a few noticeable changes.

• Matte Finish: The new “color-infused” glass back sports a matte texture, reducing fingerprint smudges and enhancing grip.
• Color Choices: Available in pink, yellow, green, blue, and black, the color options are more subdued due to the matte finish.
• USB-C Port: The most significant design change is the transition from the proprietary Lightning port to the more universal USB-C port.

While these changes may seem minor, they do impact the overall user experience. However, the switch to more subdued colors could be a hit or miss depending on personal preferences.

Performance: A Giant Leap or Baby Steps?

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are powered by the A16 Bionic chip. While this chip isn’t Apple’s latest offering, Tom’s Guide points out that it still delivers impressive speed and efficiency.

However, there are areas where the iPhone 15 series seems to be playing catch-up rather than leading the pack.

• Display: The Super Retina XDR display is brighter and more vibrant than its predecessors, but it operates at a 60Hz refresh rate, lagging behind competitors like Samsung Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 7 that offer smoother 90Hz or 120Hz displays.
• Processor: Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 series offers impressive performance, but it’s not the latest chip you can get on an iPhone.

Camera: A Significant Upgrade or Just Hype?

One of the standout features of the iPhone 15 series is the upgraded camera system. The new 48-megapixel main camera is a significant leap from the 12-megapixel cameras of previous models.

• Resolution: The new 48-megapixel main camera allows for higher resolution photos, sharper zoom, and more detailed images.
• Portrait Mode: The camera now captures depth data automatically when shooting a person, cat, or dog, allowing users to apply the portrait effect after taking the picture.

However, as The Verge notes, while the camera upgrades are noticeable compared to the iPhone 14, it’s not a big enough leap to justify upgrading just yet.

Battery Life: A Powerhouse or Just Average?

The iPhone 15 series boasts impressive battery life, with Apple claiming up to 20 hours of video playback for the standard iPhone 15 and 26 hours for the iPhone 15 Plus.

READ MORE: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max announced with USB-C and more

However, some reviews have noted that the battery seems to drain faster compared to previous models. Also, the switch to USB-C has not brought any significant improvements to the charging speed.

The Verdict: Worth the Hype or Overrated?

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus offer a host of new features and improvements, making them a worthy upgrade for those using older iPhone models.

However, for those already using an iPhone 14 or newer, the changes may not be significant enough to justify the upgrade.

• Pros: The shift to a USB-C port, the improved camera system, and the addition of the Dynamic Island are all welcome changes.
• Cons: The lack of an always-on display and a higher refresh rate, features that are standard in many of its competitors, are notable drawbacks.

In conclusion, the iPhone 15 series offers a blend of familiar design elements and fresh features. While it may not be groundbreaking, it certainly brings enough to the table to keep iPhone, tech, mobile, and smartphone enthusiasts intrigued.

READ MORE: The best iPhone 15 preorder deals

The ultimate decision on whether to upgrade or not will largely depend on personal preferences and needs.

But one thing is for sure – the iPhone 15 series has once again stirred the tech world and set the stage for the next wave of smartphone innovations.

iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Plus: Quick Specs Comparison

Feature	iPhone 15	iPhone 15 Plus
Display	6.1-inch OLED	6.7-inch OLED
CPU	A16 Bionic	A16 Bionic
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Cameras	48MP main, 12MP ultrawide	48MP main, 12MP ultrawide
Connector	USB-C (USB 2.0)	USB-C (USB 2.0)
Battery Life (claimed)	Up to 20 hours of video playback	Up to 26 hours of video playback

In the end, the true value of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus lies in the eyes of the beholder. As always, the perfect phone for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

READ MORE: iPhone 15 with USB-C means you can kiss all your cables goodbye

The iPhone 15 series may not be a revolutionary leap forward, but it does offer a solid, dependable, and feature-rich smartphone experience that many users will appreciate.

READ MORE: Best iPhone 15 cases

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• iPhone 15 can now charge AirPods and Apple Watch via USB-C
• iPhone 15 Pro will run console versions of some AAA games
• iPhone 15 “Wonderlust” Event: Everything Apple announced 
• How to watch the iPhone 15 launch event

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.