The iPhone 15 Plus is a beginner-friendly large-screen iPhone boasting Superior Features.

The iPhone 15 Plus is here to address the deficiencies of its predecessor, the 14 Plus, which struggled to carve out its niche in Apple’s product lineup. However, this year’s iPhone 15 Plus, with significant upgrades such as the Dynamic Island technology, a new 48MP camera, and a slightly lower price tag in the UK, offers a more appealing option for those looking for a large-screen iPhone without the need to shell out for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Sure, there are some compromises – the lack of a telephoto sensor, the A17 Pro chipset, and a titanium frame – but these are not major exclusions for the average iPhone user.

Apple didn’t exactly pave the way for triumph this year. Its initial price is €50 less in Europe, which is a promising beginning, but the cost remains the same in the United States. The ongoing official sale of last year’s iPhone 14 Plus is likely to intensify the sibling competition that the 15 Plus will encounter.

My main criticism is that the display is still restricted to a sluggish 60Hz refresh rate, even though Android smartphones under £200 offer a fluid 120Hz refresh rate. I’m optimistic that Apple will rectify this with the iPhone 16 Plus next year.

Check the price of the iPhone 15 Plus on Amazon

Display A 6.7-inch 60Hz (2796 x 1290) Super Retina XDR OLED

RAM 6GB

Internal Storage Options of 128GB / 256GB / 512GB

Battery A non-removable 4,383mAh battery

Charger 20W wired, 15W wireless (MagSafe), 7.5W wireless (Qi)

Camera Main Camera with 48MP, Selfie Camera with 12MP

Operating System iOS 17 (upon release)

Processor/Chipset/Graphics Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)

Hexa-core (2×3.46 GHz Everest + 4×2.02 GHz Sawtooth) Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

iPhone 15 Plus MAIN HIGHLIGHTS

A 60Hz display on a premium phone in 2023 at this price range is simply not defensible. The understated design modification to the frame, the color-intensified back glass, and the USB-C contribute to making this one of the most visually appealing and tactile iPhones to date. A higher peak brightness, exceptional OLED colors and contrast, and the improved functionalities of Dynamic Island make this an excellent large-screen display. However, 60Hz is considerably trailing behind current standards.

The 14 Pro series already held a lead over its contemporary Android competitors, and the Plus is powered by the same processor. Top-tier flagship performance with durability and potential. The Plus’s lower display refresh rate works to its advantage, allowing it to offer the best battery life in the market.

Advantages

Large 6.7-inch OLED screen

Outstanding camera capabilities

Comfortable to hold due to rounded corners

Cons Screen refresh rate limited to 60Hz

Absence of a telephoto camera

Charging is slow, despite USB-C compatibility

APPLE IPHONE 15 PLUS UNPACKING

The iPhone 15 Plus, like its predecessors, arrives in a minimalist package containing user guidelines, a SIM removal tool, and a USB-C to USB-C charging cord. Interestingly, US buyers don’t even receive a SIM card tray pin as these versions exclusively utilize eSIM.

iPhone 15 Plus

Even though you might need to buy a new charger if you don’t already own one, it’s not mandatory to get an iPhone-specific charger. Any charger with PowerDelivery compatibility should suffice. The recommended power output is 20W, but a 30W charger is likely to charge even quicker during the initial 40-50 minutes.

CAMERA

Equipped with 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP selfie cameras.

New standard image resolution of 24MP.

Ability to convert regular photos into portrait images post-processing.

The camera system of the iPhone 15 Plus might appear similar to its predecessors, the iPhone 14 and 13 series, but it harbors a significant secret within its camera setup. The primary sensor, which was previously set at 12MP, is now following the path of the iPhone 14 Pro by upgrading to a 48MP sensor, complemented by sensor-shift OIS (optical image stabilization).

This introduces pixel binning to the fundamental photographic capabilities of the iPhone for the first time, as well as enhancing shooting in all conditions, including low light, and delivering higher-quality 2x zoomed and portrait images. It also provides improved stability for both still images and video.

Apple iPhone 15 Plus

Importantly, the iPhone 15 Plus (along with the iPhone 15) now captures 24MP photos as a standard. This is achieved by combining the top 12MP of data with the full detail of the new 48MP sensor (this leads to significantly larger image file sizes from the primary camera compared to the previous generation’s 12MP stills, so photography enthusiasts might want to consider higher storage options). You also receive an effective 2x optical zoom, which isn’t a zoom lens but rather extracts the central half of the entire 48MP sensor, similar to the 14 Pro’s camera.

Apart from the megapixel increase in the primary sensor, the iPhone 15 Plus’ ultra-wide remains at 12MP, as does the selfie camera (even though it’s now concealed behind the Dynamic Island), ensuring you’re capturing images with robust sensors throughout.

DESIGN AND DISPLAY
A slightly revamped design featuring softer edges.

New matte finish on the rear.

USB-C supersedes Lightning (eventually).

6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED.

Still maintaining a 60Hz refresh rate.

At an initial glance, the iPhone 15 Plus bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Plus. However, upon closer inspection, a newly designed metal frame becomes apparent, which subtly softens the harsh edges, making it significantly more comfortable to hold than the 14 Plus. It also shaves off three grams, weighing in at 201g.

As long as you’re a fan of pastel shades, this year’s iPhone 15 Plus (along with the iPhone 15) offers a color palette of five finishes (black, blue, green, yellow, and an exceptionally beautiful pink). Each color comes with newly infused glass, and the camera bump seamlessly emerges from the back panel. It’s an appealing design, and arguably one of the most sophisticated iPhone finishes to date.

The aluminum frame now also features a USB-C port in place of the previous Lightning port. This allows for charging with a single cable if you also possess a current MacBook and/or iPad – the latter having abandoned the Lightning port on its base iPad 10.9 (2022) model last year.

Apple iPhone 15 Plus – Comprehensive device details

Opting for this non-Pro variant of the iPhone 15, you’ll observe that it’s missing the innovative new Action button. Indeed, both the 15 Plus and the standard iPhone 15 maintain the conventional ring/silent toggle. I don’t object to this older feature, but it doesn’t offer the same convenience as an Action button (although you can employ Accessibility shortcuts like Back Tap to mimic similar functionality).

Apart from minor alterations in material and color, the rear of the phone preserves a diagonal dual-camera configuration. At the front, a Dynamic Island akin to the iPhone 14 Pro has taken the place of the notch, safeguarded by Apple’s Ceramic Shield (a ceramic-infused glass that is resilient to breakages and falls). Apple persists in offering some of the most robust IP-rated protection in the market, quoting figures that marginally surpass its IP68 certification for dust penetration and guaranteed water resistance.

I found the expansive 6.7-inch screen of the iPhone 15 Plus to be incredibly captivating and broad. However, despite boasting an impressive Super Retina XDR OLED screen, the iPhone 15 Plus (and iPhone 15) only supports a 60Hz refresh rate, while the Pro models feature smooth 120Hz ProMotion displays. This has become a somewhat laughable characteristic of Apple’s recent non-Pro iPhones. With each new model, I think, “Surely, this will be the year they surpass 60Hz,” yet the company consistently disappoints my hopes and anticipations. For example, Samsung’s non-Ultra flagships, which are similarly priced, started supporting 120Hz panels in 2020 with the Galaxy S20 and S20 Plus, while Google’s standard Pixels have supported 90Hz displays since 2019, with this year’s Pixel 8 matching its Pro sibling with a 120Hz display. 60Hz at this price range is significantly behind the industry norm, but Apple remains steadfast in its decision to maintain non-Pro iPhones at this level.

The standard iPhone 15 models also inherit the Dynamic Island feature from the 14 Pro series, and trust me, you won’t miss the notch. Although it technically protrudes further into the display than the final version of the notch, it’s a more adaptable and efficient feature, even though I think Apple could have further developed it between generations. Everything the Dynamic Island could do (monitor directions, music, and your Uber) is now accessible on the iPhone 15 Plus, and hopefully, iOS 17 will continue to introduce new features over time.

WHAT ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE?

4nm Apple A16 Bionic processor.

6GB RAM and storage capacity up to 512GB.

Initial thermal issues at launch, which Apple resolved

The iPhone 15 Plus is driven by the 4nm A16 Bionic processor, a name you should recognize. It employs the same processor that was previously exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro, but don’t let that discourage you.

Despite having less RAM (6GB) compared to the Pro models, the A16 Bionic is a robust processor that remains competitive with top-tier Android devices even a year later, as shown by our comprehensive benchmark tests, which highlight the iPhone 15 Plus’s potential.

Indeed, it’s a considerable distance from this year’s 3nm A17 Pro in the Pro series, but the disparity won’t be perceptible in everyday tasks. The iPhone 15 Plus operates as swiftly as any other premium smartphone, enabling you to navigate through media-intensive apps and high-end games like Call of Duty Mobile with high graphics seamlessly.

This might shift in the future, with console-grade titles like Resident Evil Village and Death Stranding arriving on the more potent iPhone 15 Pro, but the majority of users and gamers won’t discern much of a difference.

One of the few disadvantages is the previously mentioned 60Hz refresh rate, which doesn’t provide the same smoothness as the 120Hz panels found in most of its rivals. It’s equally fast, but smoother screens might seem more reactive in regular usage.

In terms of connectivity, expect the standard array of Bluetooth 5.3, NFC for Apple Pay, and Wi-Fi 6 (6E is exclusive to the Pro models). It also only supports eSIM in the United States, as was the situation with the previous year’s series, although this hasn’t broadened as much as some had anticipated with the launch of the iPhone 15.

FINAL THOUGHTS
The iPhone 15 Plus is a more logical addition to Apple’s range than the previous year’s iPhone 14 Plus, partly due to a price reduction in the UK. This allows it to be more distinctly differentiated from the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, without significantly compromising on features and functionality.

Indeed, you may not receive a telephoto lens or the most advanced Apple chipset, but the iPhone 15 Plus boasts numerous features, ranging from the innovative Dynamic Island technology to the upgraded 48MP primary camera, which provides tangible year-on-year enhancements in photo and video capture. It also possesses the most impressive battery life of any iPhone, with even intensive usage not entirely depleting the battery within a day.

Consequently, if you’re seeking a large-screen iPhone without the necessity to pay a premium for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Plus presents a feasible alternative.

Consider purchasing it if…

The build quality is exceptional; it’s IP68 rated.

It features a brighter OLED panel with Dolby Vision and Dynamic Island.

The battery life surpasses that of the previous year.

The stereo speakers emit a pleasing sound.

Despite the chipset not being the latest, it provides performance on par with flagship models.

The primary camera performance has improved; it takes excellent selfies.

The video quality and stability are exceptional throughout, including impressive action clips.

The charging speed is impressively fast, reaching 100% for an iPhone.

Every iPhone is guaranteed a minimum of five years of iOS updates.

Lastly, it features USB-C.

Avoid purchasing if…

It’s considerably more expensive than similar Android alternatives.

The screen operates at 60Hz, and lacks an Always On feature.

The box doesn’t include a charger, and overall charging speed remains slow.

There’s no specific telephoto camera, and the ultrawide’s performance leaves much to be desired.

Apple’s iOS limitations can be daunting for newcomers to the ecosystem.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

Connectivity

Technology

GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G

Release

Announcement

2023, September 12

Availability

On the market. Launched 2023, September 22

Structure

Measurements

160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 in)

Mass

201 g (7.09 oz)

Construction

Glass front (Corning-produced glass), glass back (Corning-produced glass), aluminum frame

SIM

Nano-SIM and eSIM – Global Dual eSIM with multiple numbers – USA Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) – China

The device is resistant to dust and water under the IP68 rating, capable of withstanding up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. It also supports Apple Pay, certified for Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX.

The display type is a Super Retina XDR OLED, with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and a brightness of 1000 nits (HBM), peaking at 2000 nits. The screen size is 6.7 inches, or 110.2 cm2, with approximately 88.0% of the front being the screen. The resolution is 1290 x 2796 pixels, with a 19.5:9 ratio, and a pixel density of around 460 ppi. The screen is protected by Ceramic Shield glass.

The operating system is iOS 17, which can be upgraded to iOS 17.4. The chipset is the Apple A16 Bionic, manufactured with a 4 nm process. The CPU is a hexa-core, with two cores running at 3.46 GHz (Everest) and four cores at 2.02 GHz (Sawtooth). The GPU is an Apple GPU with 5-core graphics.

There is no card slot for memory expansion. The internal memory options are 128GB with 6GB RAM, 256GB with 6GB RAM, and 512GB with 6GB RAM, all using NVMe storage.

The main camera is a dual setup, with a 48 MP wide lens with an aperture of f/1.6, a 26mm focal length, a 1/1.56″ sensor size, 1.0µm pixel size, dual pixel PDAF, and sensor-shift OIS. The second camera is a 12 MP ultrawide lens with an aperture of f/2.4, a 13mm focal length, and a 120˚ field of view.

The camera features include a dual-LED dual-tone flash and HDR for photos and panoramas. The device also supports video recording.

The main camera supports 4K resolution at 24/25/30/60 frames per second, 1080p at 25/30/60/120/240 frames per second, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), Cinematic mode (4K@30fps), and stereo sound recording.

The selfie camera is a single 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6″, PDAF SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor). It features HDR and Cinematic mode (4K@30fps). The video capabilities include 4K at 24/25/30/60 frames per second, 1080p at 25/30/60/120 frames per second, and gyro-EIS.

The device is equipped with a loudspeaker and stereo speakers. However, it does not have a 3.5mm jack.

In terms of connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot, Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, and positioning systems like GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS. It also has NFC, but no radio. The USB port is a Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort.

The device features sensors like Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, and Ultra Wideband 2 (UWB) support. It also supports Emergency SOS via satellite (SMS sending/receiving).

The battery is a non-removable Li-Ion 4383 mAh.

Wired, PD2.0, 50% charge in 30 min (as advertised), 15W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (Qi2) – necessitates iOS 17.2 update, 4.5W reverse wired

Miscellaneous

Color Options

Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

Model Numbers

A3094, A2847, A3093, A3096, iPhone15,5