Design and Build
The iPhone 15 Plus continues Apple’s premium design tradition, featuring an aerospace-grade aluminum frame with a Ceramic Shield front. Its 6.7-inch display size gives it a larger footprint, offering users more screen real estate. The back retains the familiar dual-camera setup with slight design refinements. The iPhone 15 Plus is available in several vibrant colors, providing a fresh aesthetic.
Display
The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display delivers excellent visual quality. The OLED panel offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high brightness, with 2000 nits peak outdoor brightness, making it highly visible in bright conditions. The 60Hz refresh rate, while not as smooth as Pro models, still provides a fluid experience for most users. The larger display is perfect for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks.
Performance
The iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the same as the iPhone 14 Pro models. This chip provides fast, efficient performance with its 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, allowing for seamless multitasking, gaming, and app usage. The 16-core Neural Engine also enhances machine learning tasks, optimizing features like photography and augmented reality.
Camera System
The dual-camera system consists of:
- 48MP main sensor – This is a major upgrade, capturing sharper, more detailed photos. It excels in both daylight and low-light photography, with improved Night Mode and Smart HDR 5 for better dynamic range.
- 12MP ultra-wide lens – Allows for expansive landscape shots and group photos.
The iPhone 15 Plus supports 2x optical zoom thanks to the improved sensor. It also includes Cinematic Mode and Action Mode for high-quality video recording at 4K resolution.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Plus is its excellent battery life. With a larger battery than the standard iPhone 15, it offers up to 26 hours of video playback. Combined with the A16 chip’s power efficiency, it easily lasts through a full day of heavy use. It supports MagSafe and 20W fast charging, reaching 50% charge in about 30 minutes.
Software and Features
Running on iOS 17, the iPhone 15 Plus introduces new features like StandBy Mode, Live Voicemail, and enhanced Messages functionality. The software is optimized for smooth performance, privacy, and personalization. Dynamic Island—previously exclusive to Pro models—now offers a more interactive experience for notifications and multitasking.
Connectivity
The iPhone 15 Plus introduces USB-C for charging and data transfer, aligning with the new standard across devices. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity. The move to USB-C also improves data transfer speeds and allows for broader compatibility with accessories.
Durability
With an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, the iPhone 15 Plus can withstand submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Ceramic Shield front glass is one of the toughest in the smartphone industry, enhancing durability against drops and scratches.
Conclusion
The iPhone 15 Plus is a well-rounded upgrade, offering excellent performance, great battery life, and camera improvements. It strikes a balance between size and functionality, making it ideal for users who want a larger display without jumping to the Pro models. The shift to USB-C and A16 Bionic chip further enhances its value.