iPhone 15 Review: Sass Meets Standard in the Tech Runway!
- Blake Sterling
- Feb 14, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 8, 2024
by Blake Sterling published February 6, 2024
Photo by Jayanth Muppaneni on Unsplash
iPhone 15 Overall Review
Oh, girl, Apple's new budget iPhone is finally stepping up its game, no longer playing second fiddle to the flagship. Out with the old notch, in with the fabulous Dynamic Island on all the new phones, especially the iPhone 15. The screen tech is a dream, paired with sleek materials, contoured edges, a fierce A16 Bionic CPU, and, of course, that new USB-C port. Photography got a major glow-up with a 48MP camera and snazzy portrait processing. If you're after a fresh iPhone without breaking the bank, this is your chicest option. No FOMO, just pure glam!
Apple iPhone 15 available on Amazon.com
Pros | Cons |
+ Smoother design and soft-feel, color-infused rear glass | - No macro capabilities |
+ A16 Bionic chip & 48MP image sensor | - No zoom lens, sorry! |
+ Dynamic Island replaces the notch | - She can run a lil' hot |
iPhone 15 Specs
Dimensions: | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80mm |
Weight: | 171g |
OS: | iOS 17 |
Screen size: | 6.1-inch OLED |
Resolution: | 2556 x 1179 pixels |
Chipset: | A16 Bionic |
RAM | 6GB |
Storage: | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Rear Cameras: | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide |
Front Camera: | 12MP |
iPhone 15 Short Review
Welcome to the dazzling world of the iPhone 15, where sass meets innovation. This sleek and stylish device is not just keeping up with trends; it's setting them. Picture a phone that bids farewell to the notorious notch, welcoming the same Dynamic Island featured in its high-end siblings. The iPhone 15 is all about that glow-up moment, combining style with unmatched performance.
Let's talk about that display – it's not just bright; it's brighter than your future, darling! With a radiant 2,000-nit brightness, the screen is a little piece of sunshine you can hold in your hands. The design complements the brilliance, featuring contoured edges for a comfortably chic grip. And of course, it boasts the essential USB-C port because, well, it's 2023!
Adding a touch of uniqueness, the iPhone 15 sports a color-infused back glass, now brushed for that extra touch of glam. It's not just about looks; it feels divine, making it less slippery than its predecessors. The iPhone 15 effortlessly merges fashion with function.
Now, let's talk camera – the main camera got a serious upgrade, darling! The 48MP shooter is here to capture your moments with style and finesse. While it may not steal the spotlight from the Pro models, it's no slouch. With zoom options and pixel magic, your pictures are about to dominate the social media scene.
Zoom, you ask? It's there, but not stealing the show. A 2x optical zoom keeps it real, not challenging the Pro's optical prowess or the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's grand 10x optical zoom. But who needs a zoom pageant every day?
Compact and pocket-perfect, the iPhone 15 is your ideal wingman. With the brightest screen, no notch drama, a powerful chip, and ample megapixels for stunning selfies, it's the best palm-sized choice for those who want to keep it chic without breaking the bank.
In the grand finale, meet the iPhone 15 – your ticket to the Apple glamour party. If you're eyeing the same vibe with a larger-than-life screen, check out the iPhone 15 Plus. Feeling a bit more Pro? The iPhone 15 Pro is ready for you. But if you're all about that sass and want to join the iPhone family without the hefty price tag, the iPhone 15 is your golden ticket. Work it, tech diva!
iPhone 15 Price + Availability
Hey, tech-savvy divas! Ready to dive into the fabulous world of the iPhone 15? Buckle up because we've got the deets on this chic gadget that Apple dropped at its 'Wonderlust' event. Picture a tech runway, and the iPhone 15 is strutting its stuff, stealing the spotlight alongside its siblings – the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It's time to get into this glam gadget.
Now, darling, we know you're itching to get your hands on the latest and greatest, and the iPhone 15 hit the stores on September 22. Apple kept us on our toes, and the lineup is turning heads, promising a tech journey like no other.
Despite the rumors of a wallet-draining price hike, Apple surprised us with the iPhone 15 maintaining the same price tag as its predecessor in the US. The base model, flaunting 128GB of pure sass, starts at $799. Yes, you heard it right – no need to break the bank for a taste of the iPhone 15 magic.
Across the pond in the UK, where the iPhone 14 saw a sneaky price jump, the iPhone 15 comes as a breath of fresh air, starting at £799. That's right, a delightful price drop! And for our mates in Australia, it's a tad higher than last year, but hey, we all deserve a little luxury, right?
Now, let's talk about priorities – the iPhone 15 has its pricing game on point, making it a chic and affordable choice for the tech enthusiasts who crave the latest trends without the hefty price tag. Get ready to slay with your new iPhone 15, darling – because you deserve nothing less!
Storage | US Price | UK Price | AU Price |
128GB | $999 | £999 | AU$1,849 |
256GB | $1,099 | £1,099 | AU$2,049 |
512GB | $1,299 | £1,299 | AU$2,399 |
1TB | $1,499 | £1,499 | AU$2,749 |
iPhone 15 Design
Alright, fabulous tech enthusiasts, buckle up because we're diving into the glittering world of the iPhone 15. It's not just a phone; it's a style statement, and we're here for all the sassy details.
Picture this – the iPhone 15 struts onto the scene with dimensions that scream iPhone elegance, giving you all the glam without compromising on those sleek vibes. The size (146.7 x 71.6 x 7.8mm) is practically a twin to its predecessor, the iPhone 14, and it's holding its own against the Samsung Galaxy S23. Can you say, "Chic competition"?
Now, darling, what sets the iPhone 15 apart is that it's not just another pretty face in the lineup. It's got a fresh chassis design, a swanky glass back, and the pièce de résistance – the Dynamic Island. Goodbye, notch; hello, fabulous! The iPhone 15 is serving up attractive and versatile realness.
Between the contoured edges that could cut glass and the sleek USB-C port, the iPhone 15 is strutting its stuff in harmony with the rest of the new lineup. And can we talk about that color-infused glass back? It's an upgrade that's like adding the perfect accessory to a killer outfit – it just works.
Now, about those pastel hues – they're cute, but are they making a statement? The yellow on my review unit is giving me muted vibes, and the other options – Blue, Pink, Green, and Black – are playing it safe with pastels. If you want bold, go for Pink – it's the showstopper.
Of course, the front screen is still rocking the ceramic shield, and 75% recycled aluminum is giving us eco-friendly realness. Apple even threw in some recycled materials inside, because saving the planet is always on-trend.
The iPhone 15's body hasn't undergone major surgery since the iPhone 14, but it's had a little nip and tuck. The buttons are where they should be, and while the iPhone 15 Pro gets the fancy Action button, we're not complaining. The classic ring/silence switch is iconic, darling.
Now, let's talk about the bottom – it may look familiar, but there's a game-changer. Say hello to the slightly larger, new USB-C port. It's the talk of the town, and yes, your old Lighting cables won't make the cut. Fear not, Apple's got you covered with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable in the box.
In the grand scheme of things, the iPhone 15 is not just a phone; it's a design upgrade that's turning heads. It's not reinventing the wheel, but it's giving the iPhone 14 a run for its money.
iPhone 15 Display
Grab your glitter, because we're about to spill the sass on this display dynamo.
First things first, Apple didn't just throw a coat of paint on the iPhone 14 and call it a day. They sashayed into the room and made subtle changes that give the iPhone 15 a little extra glam. The screen resolution didn't play a makeover game, but by snipping off a few millimeters from the black bezel, it gained more pixels – we love a good optical illusion. Clocking in at 2556 x 1179 with 460ppi, it's a cheeky upgrade from its predecessor.
Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the Dynamic Island. It's like having your personal assistant at your fingertips, dishing out info about your Uber, directions, and the tunes you're jamming to. Give it a little tap, and voilà, more info at your service. This fabulous feature has stepped out of the shadows of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max to join the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus party.
But darling, the glam doesn't stop there. Apple cranked up the brightness to 2,000 nits on the iPhone 15's screen. In real-life terms, it's like upgrading from regular lighting to Broadway spotlight – you'll notice the difference. The Super Retina XDR OLED, spanning 6.1 inches, flaunts a wide color gamut and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio for those inky blacks. Translation: Everything looks downright stunning.
ProMotion and Always On didn't make the cut for the iPhone 15. Sure, it's not playing in the Pro-level features sandbox, but honey, it's a $799 phone – it knows its lane. ProMotion with its swanky variable refresh rates might be cool, but it comes at a price. The Samsung Galaxy S23 might have those features, but it's not bringing that price tag to the budget ball.
In the grand scheme, the iPhone 15 struts around with a display that's serving looks and functionality. It's like your favorite pair of designer shades – not everyone can afford them, but damn, do they make a statement.
iPhone 15 Camera
We're diving into the glam world of iPhone 15's camera. Say goodbye to the mundane and hello to the fabulous – we've got lenses, we've got pixels, and we've got the sassiest low-down you need.
So, what's the T on the camera game? Still two lenses at the back, but darling, they've upgraded the main act. The 12MP ultrawide is giving déjà vu from the iPhone 14, but the main camera? Oh, honey, it's rocking the same 48MP lens as the iPhone 14 Pro. No, not the behemoth inside the Pro Max, but still, it's a major glow-up.
Don't let the millimeters confuse you; we're talking lenses, not dick size. The ultrawide is strutting a 13mm lens, and 2x zoom is serving 52mm realness. Here's the camera lineup:
Main: 48MP f/1.6
Ultrawide: 12MP f/2.4
Front-facing TrueDepth: 12MP f/1.9
Hold your stilettos, there's a 2x optical zoom sneakily tucked into the 48MP lens. It's like having a live crop party without compromising quality. Need more zoom drama? Check out the Samsung Galaxy S23 – it's got a 10MP, 3x optical zoom camera.
Oh, darling, the iPhone 15 is all about that pixel power. All main camera shots are default 24MP, thanks to Apple's sassy photo processing magic. It's not just a filter; it's optical quality snatched to perfection. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23, the iPhone 15 serves a more truthful slice of reality. Less over-ripened colors, more sophistication – eat your heart out, Samsung.
Portrait photography is getting a makeover. Any shot with a recognizable person or pet can be transformed into a Portrait Mode masterpiece post-click. No more FOMO for not choosing "Portrait Mode" initially – just tap, adjust the depth, and slay.
Now, let's talk video glam. Shoot up to 4K 60 fps – yes, it's a cinematic fantasy. Cinematic mode adds a sprinkle of focus magic to your videos. Edit and switch your focus subject if your first choice isn't giving you life. Flexibility, darling, it's a vibe.
Low-light photography? Serving it hot. The 12MP TrueDepth front camera is your selfie BFF, and guess what? Transform any selfie into portrait mode with a cheeky tap.
These cameras are giving life to the iPhone 15 base model. No, they're not stealing the Pro Max's spotlight, but for the price, they're serving all you need. Stronger telephoto and macro capabilities? If you crave it, be ready to splash more cash. But for the sassy, non-Pro iPhone fantasy, this camera setup is your new best friend.
iPhone 15 Software + Performance
Dive into the glitzy world of the iPhone 15? Hold onto your bedazzled phone cases because we're about to spill the sequins on this sparkly sensation.
So, darling, Apple has birthed the iPhone 15, and trust me, it's more fabulous than a runway at Fashion Week. Picture this: the sassiest phone parade where style meets power, and iOS 17 struts in with its own brand of magic. It's basically the tech equivalent of a runway walk – and honey, this iPhone knows how to WERK!
Now, let's talk power. The iPhone 15 is flaunting the A16 Bionic, last year's tech heartthrob. Six-core CPU, a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural engine – it's like having a personal glam squad for your phone. While it might not out-sprint the A17 Pro in its posh siblings, it's like having your own tech superstar – reliable, fierce, and ready to conquer.
Oh, storage drama! We may yearn for a 256GB starting point, but remember the days when 64GB was the VIP section? We've come a long way, darling. The real-world performance is where the iPhone 15 takes its bow. Streaming, editing, gaming – it's a tech diva that knows how to own the stage. Asphalt 9: Legends? Child, it looked smoother than a Beyoncé dance routine. But, beware, darlings, after some heavy gaming, the back gets a tad warm. Like a tech-hot-flash, if you will.
Now, let's talk about iOS 17. It may not be the Met Gala of updates, but it's got its own charm. A redesigned iMessage menu – the phone's version of a wardrobe makeover. And FaceTime? Darling, there's a new emoji control feature. Express yourself with a flick of the wrist – it's like voguing for your texts.
Contact Posters and Name Drop are the VIPs of iOS 17. Sharing contact info is as easy as an air-kiss – just a centimeter apart, darling. But beware of the "Bring Devices Together" feature in AirDrop; it's the tech version of matchmaking, and it might just connect your devices when you least expect it. A word of caution: turn it off or let the digital love unfold – your choice.
And there you have it, tech trendsetters! The iPhone 15 struts onto the scene with sass, power, and a touch of glamour. It's the diva of the smartphone world, ready to steal the spotlight. So, snatch up your own piece of tech fabulousness because this iPhone is more than just a phone – it's a lifestyle!
iPhone 15 Battery Life
Did someone day battery?... it's got the battery to keep up with your glam lifestyle.
Now, Apple might keep the battery size hush-hush, but let me tell you, the promises are as big as the drama at a drag show. The iPhone 15 is flaunting a 20-hour video playback promise, 80 hours of audio-only allure, and a 50% recharge in just 30 minutes with the optional 20W charger. Talk about snatching wigs!
In my oh-so-glam tests, the iPhone 15 delivers a solid day of battery life, though not a full 24 hours. It's more like a diva that graces you with around 15 glamorous hours. And when it's time to recharge, honey, the 20W adapter struts its stuff just as Apple claimed. But let's be real, we all wish for a bit more oomph in the wired fast-charging department – the faster, the better, right?
And when you're ready to plug in, the iPhone 15 serves up a stylish USB-C cable. No more basic rubber and plastic – we're talking woven covering, darling. It's the little things that make all the difference.
Now, the iPhone 15's battery is a bit smaller than its Plus sibling, and the chip, oh honey, it's running on the A16 Bionic, a 4-nanometer dream, not as snazzy as the 3-nanometer A17 Pro. But hey, we all make choices, don't we?
If you're a battery queen, eyeing those extra hours, consider flirting with the iPhone 15 Pro (rated for 23 hours of video playback) or go big with the iPhone 15 Plus, boasting a whopping 26 hours of video playback. Choices, choices!
So, there you have it, tech trendsetters! The iPhone 15, serving sass and battery life like a seasoned queen on the runway. It's a 4 out of 5 – not perfect, but darling, it knows how to keep the party going.
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