Is it worth buying the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro
Miscellaneous / / September 13, 2023
Let's look at the pros and cons.
On September 12, the long-awaited presentation of Apple took place, where new lines of smartphones and watches were presented. Pre-orders for iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are already open in Russia, but the question of whether it’s worth buying the latest models is difficult to answer unequivocally.
If you can afford to upgrade your iPhone every year, then it's certainly worth getting. With a limited budget and a more balanced approach, buying all the iPhones in a row is not justified, and the rule of updating after one or even two generations still works. During this time, devices work out their value, and new ones manage to accumulate a sufficient number of changes.
However, let's try to understand the details.
Is it worth buying the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus?
Basic line smartphones will traditionally be in greatest demand. This year they have excellent balanced characteristics and will give a lot of positive emotions to all owners. Especially for those who are upgrading from older generations.
Why is it worth buying
Bright display without notches and thin frames
Finally, all current Apple smartphones have gotten rid of the notch, which has irritated many since 2017. Isn't this a reason to upgrade? Instead of a bang, Dynamic Island is now used - a pill-shaped area where useful information is displayed such as the status of orders, the running timer, and navigation tips. Through this island you can quickly interact with applications without launching them.
Other notable changes include thinner and less noticeable bezels around the screen, which are now less noticeable, as well as twice the brightness (up to 2,000 nits). Any content on such a display looks much nicer.
Powerful processor
As the leaks predicted, Apple has equipped the iPhone 15 with the A16 Bionic chip that was used in the iPhone 14 Pro. Now this processor will no longer be the most powerful, but its performance reserve will be enough for several years.
Improved camera
The traditional camera upgrade for the iPhone 15 in this generation is quite impressive. The main module is now 48 megapixels, which will allow you to take clearer and brighter photos. Portrait mode is activated automatically and can be applied to already captured frames.
Universal USB-C port
All smartphones from the current line are now equipped with what is already familiar, including in computers and Apple tablets, USB-C connector. Now you can charge all your gadgets with one cable. Especially if you get an updated case for AirPods Pro 2 with a USB-C connector.
New colors
It is unlikely that this will be a decisive argument for purchase, but as a pleasant addition it is quite possible. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are available in five new colors, with some pretty nice pastel shades.
Why you shouldn't buy
Unfortunately, Apple skimped on the 120 Hz screen in regular iPhones and only got by with an upgrade in the form of a dynamic island in this generation. So if you were counting on ProMotion, you should look towards the Pro line or wait until next year.
Lack of full USB-C support
The regular iPhone 15 has a USB-C connector, but unlike the iPhone 15 Pro, it does not support the latest standards. This means that the charging time and data transfer speed will be the same as Lightning (USB 2.0).
An alternative in the form of iPhone 14 Pro
With the release of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple traditionally discontinues last year's models so that they do not compete with the new ones. Prices for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are expected to drop, and they will be an excellent alternative to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. You will get much more options and even save money.
Big size
After a recent presentation, it became obvious that Apple had finally buried the iPhone mini. Therefore, if you are looking for a smartphone that is convenient to operate with one hand, it is better to wait for the next generation iPhone SE or look towards other manufacturers.
High performance of previous models
If you have an iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, or even the 13 series smartphones, buying a new device is unlikely to be justified. Their power is more than enough for any task, and the batteries are still normal.
The same is true if you have an older smartphone, but you're completely satisfied with it and don't mind waiting for the next generation iPhone. In this case, the new thing will be more profitable and will bring even more emotions.
Should you buy the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Flagship models with the Pro prefix are still niche devices. They arouse genuine interest among everyone, but their real buyers will be those who really needs advanced features or wants a top-end iPhone, pushing the cost to a second level plan.
Why is it worth buying
New titanium case design
One of the key innovations and difference from the regular iPhone 15 is the use of a titanium alloy frame in the iPhone 15 Pro. Thanks to this, the smartphone has become stronger and lighter. This is the type of titanium that is used in Mars rovers, according to Apple.
The new design also brings smoother edges, which, combined with the brushed titanium surface and four color options, provide a completely different look.
Impressive performance
The new A17 Pro chip is the industry's first 3nm processor, giving iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max incredible processing power.
The new products support ray tracing technology, and the performance is now enough to run games such as Resident Evil Village, Resdent Evil 4 Remake and Assassin’s Creed Mirage. You can try them this year.
Due to a more advanced technological process, the A17 Pro microchip is also energy efficient, which will have a positive effect on the operating time of smartphones on a single charge.
Professional camera
This time, Apple has again taken photo and video capabilities to a new level. iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have a new, larger 48-megapixel sensor with support for modes ProRAW photos and immersive 3D spatial video capture for viewing with upcoming mixed reality glasses Vision Pro.
In Pro Max models, the optical zoom now provides 5x instead of 3x magnification, which will significantly improve the quality of the final photos taken using it.
Versatile and fast USB-C
Both Pro models have a full USB-C port, and not just a different connector format like the regular iPhone 15. This will allow you to transfer data at speeds of up to 10 Gb/s, output video and charge your smartphone as quickly as possible with a current of 3 to 5 A.
New scenarios for interaction with Action Button
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the first in the line to receive a new physical Action Button, which replaces the silent mode switch that has become almost useless. Using this button, you can instantly and without looking at your smartphone perform programmed actions. For example, activate the camera, launch quick commands or turn on the same silent mode.
Why you shouldn't buy
High price
The main factor that keeps you from buying the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is their almost astronomical price. Contrary to the leaked information about the rise in price of smartphones, the cost remained unchanged. Except that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is no longer available in a 128 GB version and the entry-level model costs $100 more, but already has 256 GB of internal memory.
However, the cost of new devices is still very high for the average buyer, especially in the Russian Federation. Junior iPhone 15 Pro 128 GB available at pre-order for 154,990 rubles, and iPhone 15 Pro Max with 256 GB - for 189,990 rubles.
Good performance from last year's iPhones
If you have an iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max, there is no point in upgrading to the new generation - there are not many changes. Even iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max owners can safely skip the 2023 lineup. The performance of two-year-old models is still enough for everything.
Expected innovations in the next generation
Again, if you are happy with your current smartphone and it is not critical for you to go through another year with it, then it is better to do so. In 2024, the iPhone line, and especially the Pro models, will be much more interesting. The next generation will bring many long-awaited changes, such as under-screen Face ID and more.
It is likely that Apple will release an Ultra model, which according to rumors was supposed to come out this year. And judging by the fact that the company has kept this name, the update should be really promising.
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