iPhone 15 Plus

Apple's non-Pro lineup has long been the go-to choice for those seeking the Apple experience without the hefty price tag. The new iPhone 15 Plus, along with its sibling, the iPhone 15, brings some meaningful updates to the table. However, it faces stiff competition from both its predecessors and rival Android devices.

Design and Pricing:

While the iPhone 15 Plus offers a slight price drop in Europe, the US pricing remains unchanged. Furthermore, last year's 14 Plus is still on sale, creating more choices for consumers looking for a large-screen iPhone.

USB-C Port:

The most significant change this year is the shift to a USB-C port, a welcome move that allows for greater compatibility with other devices and accessories. This change opens up a world of possibilities, from easy file transfers to versatile external connections.

Display:

The iPhone 15 Plus features an upgraded 6.7-inch OLED display, bringing it closer to the 15 Pro Max in terms of quality. While it sticks with a 60Hz refresh rate (lagging behind industry standards), it impresses with its brightness, color accuracy, and HDR capabilities, supporting HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

Battery Life:

With a slightly larger battery and the efficient A16 Bionic SoC, the iPhone 15 Plus offers significantly improved battery life. It now rivals the 15 Pro Max, making it competitive in the market.

Charging Speed:

While Apple claims a 50% charge in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter, our tests with a 30W PD charger showed even faster results, making it a compelling choice for users in a hurry. Additionally, the phone supports 4.5W reverse wired charging via the new USB-C port.

iOS 17:

The iPhone 15 Plus ships with Apple's iOS 17, which introduces several new features like Standby mode, Contact Posters, Password sharing, and interactive widgets. It retains the familiar iOS interface with customizable Focus modes and widgets.

Camera Improvements:

Apple has equipped the iPhone 15 Plus with a new 48MP main camera that performs admirably in daylight, offering impressive sharpness and detail. The 2x zoom is also commendable. Portraits are excellent, even in challenging conditions, and selfies are sharp and well-exposed.

Low-Light Performance:

In low-light conditions, the main camera maintains consistency, offering good detail and natural-looking results. However, Night mode is somewhat inconsistent in triggering. The ultrawide camera struggles in low light, even with Night mode.

Video Recording:

The iPhone 15 Plus excels in video recording, supporting 4K at 60fps. It provides sharp, detailed, and well-exposed footage with wide dynamic range.

Performance and Memory:

Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 Plus offers strong performance, even though it's a year old. It comes with 6GB of RAM and various internal storage options.

Conclusion:

The iPhone 15 Plus brings significant upgrades in display, battery life, camera performance, and charging. However, its pricing, lack of some Pro-level features, and intense competition pose challenges for its market success. While a solid device in isolation, its position in the market may hinder its appeal.