Hello everyone, Kelvin here, helping you to master your technology. Today, we’re diving into an honest review of the Apple iPhone 15 Plus after three months of use. I’ve been using this phone extensively over the past few weeks, and I’m excited to share my experiences and insights with you. So, let’s get started!
Is the iPhone 15 Plus Worth the Price?
When considering the iPhone 15 Plus, one of the first questions that come to mind is whether it feels worth the price. Priced around $899 to $929 (without a carrier), and potentially over a thousand dollars for higher storage capacities, it certainly sits in the premium category.
Reflecting back on the iPhone X from five years ago, which offered a smaller 5.8-inch screen and dual cameras for $999, the iPhone 15 Plus seems like a substantial upgrade with its larger OLED display and additional features such as the 10X zoom. From this perspective, it presents good value. However, compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max with its 120Hz refresh rate, the value proposition becomes more nuanced. In a market filled with competitive options like the Pixel 8 Pro, the iPhone 15 Plus is slightly overpriced without trade-ins or incentives. Yet, it still holds its place for those committed to the Apple ecosystem.
Battery Life: A Key Strength
Battery life has been a standout feature for the iPhone 15 Plus. Currently showing a battery percentage of 77%, I’ve found the battery performance to be highly satisfying. Unlike the 15 Pro Max, which can be jarring when switching between 60Hz and 120Hz in low power mode, the 15 Plus runs smoothly at 60Hz. This allows me to keep it in low power mode more often, extending battery life significantly.
For instance, I took the phone off charge at 3 PM and didn’t need to recharge it until 7 PM the next day. This impressive battery longevity makes the iPhone 15 Plus an excellent choice for users prioritizing battery life.
Design and Feel: Underappreciated Elegance
One of the most underappreciated aspects of the iPhone 15 Plus is its feel. The design reminds me of older Pro models, providing a premium feel without the Pro price tag. The matte black color is particularly striking, reminiscent of the iPhone 7 Plus, which was one of my favorite designs.
The smooth corners and clean edges enhance the overall aesthetics, making it a joy to hold and use. If you don’t need the additional features of a Pro model, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a highly satisfying alternative.
Camera Performance: A Pleasant Surprise
At first glance, the dual camera setup on the iPhone 15 Plus might seem unimpressive. However, the camera capabilities are quite remarkable. The main sensor shoots at 24 megapixels by cropping in on a 48-megapixel sensor, delivering near Pro-level quality. The camera also offers a two-times zoom without relying solely on digital zoom, increasing up to 10 times.
Most users will find this level of zoom more than adequate, especially when retaining the ultra-wide zoom option. The video quality is comparable to Pro models, and the front camera features automatic portrait detection and Smart HDR 5, producing impressive results. For most photography needs, the iPhone 15 Plus camera is more than capable.
USB-C Port: A Necessary Adjustment
Switching to a USB-C port has been a necessary but slightly challenging adjustment. If you have many lightning cables, it takes some time to get used to the new standard. Despite being slower than the iPhone 15 Pro Max and many Android phones, the inclusion of USB-C is a positive change towards a universal standard.
Dynamic Island: A Standout Feature
The Dynamic Island feature truly sets the iPhone 15 Plus apart. Whether you’re listening to music, tracking an Uber Eats order, or monitoring a Lyft ride, the Dynamic Island provides real-time updates in a visually intuitive way. Setting timers, answering calls, and other daily tasks are made simpler and more engaging with this feature.
Display: Quality Over Speed
While the iPhone 15 Plus lacks the 120Hz refresh rate found in Pro models, its OLED display is bright, accurately tuned, and visually appealing. After a few days of use, I stopped noticing the absence of a higher refresh rate. The display’s quality is comparable to previous Pro models without ProMotion, making it a strong offering in its category.
Performance: Smooth and Reliable
Equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 Plus delivers outstanding performance. It handles all tasks smoothly, although the 60Hz refresh rate can make it appear slower compared to Pro models. However, for everyday use, this phone is a robust performer.
Conclusion: A Practical Choice
After three months of use, the iPhone 15 Plus has proven to be a practical and reliable choice. It offers most of the features of higher-end models at a more accessible price point. The matte black design, strong battery life, impressive camera capabilities, and unique Dynamic Island feature make it a compelling option.
While it may not entirely close the gap with the Pro models, the iPhone 15 Plus is an excellent choice for those who don’t need the additional features of a ProMax. As Apple continues to refine its base models, we can expect even more Pro-like experiences in future iterations. For now, the iPhone 15 Plus stands as a strong contender in the market.
Thank you for reading, and feel free to share your own experiences with the iPhone 15 Plus. Until next time, be well and peace.
