When it comes to the latest iPhone 15 update, Apple has unmistakably shown a preference for the iPhone 15 Pro. Features like the cutting-edge 3nm chipset, the sleek and durable titanium build, and the versatile Action button have all found their home in Apple’s premium flagship. Interestingly, the iPhone 15 Pro packs all these features while sporting a price tag $200 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
However, it’s essential to note that not everyone in the market for a new iPhone needs to go Pro. While the iPhone 15 Pro boasts impressive specifications on paper, not all of its features will be indispensable to every user. Furthermore, with a price tag of $999, it’s still a substantial investment for any smartphone.
We’ve had the opportunity for a hands-on experience with the iPhone 15 Pro, allowing us to discuss its strengths as a smartphone. Nonetheless, a comprehensive review will have to wait until we’ve had more time to thoroughly test Apple’s latest flagship. In the meantime, we can delve into the reasons why you might want to consider the iPhone 15 Pro and why you might opt for alternatives.
iPhone 15 Pro: Reasons To Buy
1. A17 Pro Power: Much like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Pro runs on the formidable A17 Pro chipset, a remarkable departure from the norm. Manufactured using a cutting-edge 3nm process, this chip promises significant performance enhancements. While we await benchmark results, this chipset’s touted 10% CPU improvement over the previous A16 Bionic, twice-as-fast Neural Engine, and a GPU claiming to be 20% faster, as well as capable of hardware-accelerated ray-tracing, make it a formidable competitor.
2. Lightweight Titanium Design: Apple’s Pro series has replaced stainless steel with titanium, leading to a noticeable reduction in weight. The iPhone 15 Pro weighs in at 6.6 ounces compared to the iPhone 14 Pro’s 7.3 ounces. This lighter design is complemented by the use of aluminum in the frame, aiding heat dissipation and enhancing overall durability alongside the Ceramic Display and back glass.
3. USB-C and Enhanced Data Transfer Speeds: All models in Apple’s latest lineup adopt USB-C, but the Pro models take advantage of this shift by supporting faster USB 3 transfer speeds. The iPhone 15 Pro, in particular, boasts 10 Gbps speeds, a significant 20x improvement, making it ideal for efficient photo and video transfers.
4. Computational Photography Enhancements: Despite not exclusively sporting the tetraprism telephoto lens found in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Pro is poised to be among the best camera phones. Computational photography improvements promise better colors and details in Portrait shots, even in low light. The integration of Apple’s Photonic Engine and a LiDAR scanner enhances night mode performance, while Smart HDR enhancements result in more detailed shadows and brighter highlights.
5. Customizable Action Button: The mute switch has made way for the Action button in the iPhone 15 Pro, offering a versatile alternative. This button can be customized to perform tasks such as activating the flashlight, camera, voice recorder, and magnification app. Additionally, the Shortcuts app allows further customization, effectively expanding the button’s capabilities.
iPhone 15 Pro: Reasons To Skip
1. Limited Action Button Functionality: While the Action button is a welcome addition, it’s restricted to performing a single action, limiting its versatility. This limitation may prevent users from fully harnessing the button’s potential.
2. Unchanged Charging Speeds: Unlike certain Android phones with rapid USB-C charging, the iPhone 15 Pro continues to charge at the same 20W speed that Apple has used for some time. In a Pro model, some may have expected faster charging to match the competition’s 45W speeds.
3. Unclear Battery Improvements: Apple hasn’t provided substantial details regarding battery life improvements for the iPhone 15 Pro. Promised battery times remain identical to the iPhone 14 Pro, raising concerns about whether the A17 Pro chip’s efficiency or a larger battery (if present) will deliver noticeable enhancements. Battery test results will be crucial for a more informed assessment.
