5 Key Takeaways from the iPhone 15 Plus Review: Upgrade

Having thoroughly examined the iPhone 15 series in recent weeks, my conclusion is that the iPhone 15 Plus stands out as the top choice for most consumers this year. It delivers a Pro-level experience, almost at the price of the standard iPhone 15. Explore India Today Tech’s concise 5-point review of the iPhone 15 Plus to gain comprehensive insights.

It’s been nearly a month since Apple unveiled its latest iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The release of the iPhone 15 series generated a renewed sense of excitement, with crowds gathering outside the newly inaugurated Apple Stores in India to get their hands on one. If you resisted the initial hype and are still pondering which iPhone 15 model to invest in this year, then this concise 5-point review of the iPhone 15 Plus is here to assist you in making an informed decision.

Let me state this right up front: I firmly believe that the iPhone 15 Plus stands out as the most compelling and cost-effective iPhone of the year. I have three compelling reasons to support this viewpoint –

Cost-Effective Choice – The Pro models have become notably expensive. While the iPhone 15 Plus is by no means a budget option, with a starting price of Rs 90,000, it still offers a reasonable balance between features and cost.

Significant Upgrades – It’s worth noting that Apple has introduced meaningful enhancements to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus this year. These upgrades include the dynamic island, a USB Type-C charging port, an improved chipset, and an updated camera system.

Meeting User Needs – Perhaps the most crucial point to consider is that, for the majority of users, the iPhone 15 Plus provides more than enough functionality. While the iPhone 15 Pro Max may be the flagship device of the new lineup, it can be considered excessive for many users.

Here are 5 essential insights you should be aware of regarding the iPhone 15 Plus –

1. Significant Performance Boost

The most notable enhancement in this year’s iPhone 15 Plus lies in its performance. Apple has equipped the phone with the A16 Bionic chip, and the results are undeniably impressive. On benchmark tests, the iPhone 15 Plus achieved a score of approximately 1.3 million on AnTuTu, along with robust single-core (2552) and multi-core (6037) scores on Geekbench 6. This indicates a substantial performance improvement compared to the iPhone 14 Plus, at least on paper.

In real-world usage, the phone exhibits remarkable speed, effortlessly handling everyday tasks such as streaming YouTube videos, multitasking with multiple apps, and responding to text messages. I tested a variety of games, including Asphalt 9 and Call of Duty: Mobile, and they all ran smoothly. Unlike the Pro models, which tend to run a bit warm, the iPhone 15 Plus effectively manages its thermal performance. The only instance it became noticeably warm was during benchmark tests.

2. Significant Camera Enhancements

Apple has made substantial advancements in the camera department this year. Coupled with the camera system’s versatility, the iPhone 15 Plus emerges as an excellent shooter. The primary camera boasts a 48-megapixel sensor, complemented by a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor and a 12-megapixel front-facing camera. Additionally, the phone offers support for high-resolution images at 24 megapixels and the ability to capture 2x pictures using the primary camera, while retaining features like cinematic video.

During my extensive use of the iPhone 15 Plus camera, it was evident that the primary camera is the standout performer. It excels in capturing intricate details, vibrant colors, and impressive dynamic range, resulting in outstanding images. The camera consistently delivers impressive results across various lighting conditions and scenarios. Furthermore, the HDR effect is well-maintained, and the phone doesn’t overexpose shadows in an attempt to brighten the scene.

3. Outstanding Battery Performance

Regardless of whether you prioritize camera capabilities or gaming, the iPhone 15 Plus is a compelling choice primarily due to its exceptional battery life. In fact, it offers the best battery life ever seen on an iPhone. The phone comfortably provides a day and a half of usage under moderate conditions. My typical usage included extensive photography, video streaming, music playback, and everyday tasks.

However, it’s worth noting that the phone’s charging speed leaves room for improvement. It took approximately 30 minutes to charge the phone from 0 to 40 percent, with a full charge requiring over an hour. Even when using MagSafe, it supports only 15W charging.

4. Some Aspects Remain Unchanged

Despite the numerous upgrades, there are certain aspects that have remained unchanged in the iPhone 15 Plus, namely the design and the display. Apple has opted to retain the design language from last year’s iPhone 13 series, featuring diagonally arranged camera lenses, a glass back, and an aluminum frame. While the front has a refreshed appearance with the Dynamic Island, the traditional Lightning port has been replaced with a Type-C port. Nevertheless, the overall look and feel of the phone remain largely consistent. The phone’s lightweight design is appreciated, but for users accustomed to the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, there may not be any groundbreaking changes to pique their interest.

Similarly, the display hasn’t undergone significant upgrades. Apple has reused the same 6.7-inch OLED panel from the previous year, offering a 60Hz refresh rate and HDR support. The peak brightness has been increased to 2000 nits, resulting in a crisp, sharp display with well-balanced color calibration.

5. The Most Valuable iPhone

Taking into account all factors – the pros, cons, improvements, and pricing – my assessment is that the iPhone 15 Plus represents the most prudent investment at the moment. It is priced just Rs 10,000 higher than the iPhone 15, and for that, you receive a larger screen and significantly improved battery life. These two attributes are arguably essential for any smartphone user.

To summarize, having used all the new iPhone 15 series models extensively over the past few weeks, I can confidently say that while the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are undeniably the top-tier iPhones available, the practical side in me struggles to justify spending Rs 2 lakh on a phone. This is precisely why I find the iPhone 15 Plus more appealing, as it delivers a Pro-level experience at a price point closer to that of the iPhone 15.