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Our honest thoughts on the new iPhone 15

9PR: What tech expert Trevor Long really thinks of the iPhone 15

You can plot the release of the iPhone as easily as we do Christmas in the calendar, and it's that time of year again – iPhone season.

This year Apple has made some fundamental changes to the iPhone which make it in some ways a far more compelling device to consider for many people.

But first, here's how to buy your iPhone 15 today!

iPhone 15

128GB – $1,499 in black, blue, green, pink and yellow

256GB – $1,699 in black, blue, green, pink and yellow

512GB – $2,049 in black, blue, green, pink and yellow

iPhone 15 Plus

128GB – $1,649 in black, blue, green, pink and yellow

256GB – $1,849 in black, blue, green, pink and yellow

512GB – $2,199 in black, blue, green, pink and yellow

iPhone 15 Pro

128GB – $1,849 in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium

256GB – $2,049 in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium

512GB – $2,399 in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium

1TB – $2,749 in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium

iPhone 15 Pro Max

512GB – $2,549 in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium

1TB – $2,899 in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium

Apple's biggest change comes with the iPhone 15

The biggest change to iPhone since the iPhone 5 is the addition of USB-C as the charging cable connection on iPhone 15. USB-C is basically the global standard for connectors, and is about to be mandated as the required connector for all consumer electronics in Europe – that's why Apple had to do this.

But it's a big win for consumers. If you've purchased headphones in the last year or so, they are likely USB-C. If you've got a family member with a non-Apple smartphone at your home, that's probably USB-C, which means you can share the same cable across all devices.

9PR: Apple iPhone 15
The new charging cable means you can share with non-Apple devices. (Trevor Long)

Of course, every cable and power brick is different so the rate of charge will be different in different places, but when you need a charge, you can get it.

But there are some added benefits too – your iPhone 15 becomes a power bank for other devices. It will output a slow charge to another device. So, plug in your headphones, boom, they are charging, you can even plug in another iPhone (of any kind if you've got the cable), and if its battery is lower than yours, it will charge it.

For long-time iPhone users, you will need to get a few new cables, because that lightning cable in the car, the office, the kitchen – they're all useless now.

What about the camera?

Perhaps the biggest change for iPhone 15 is the cameras, and this is across all four models of iPhone.

9PR: iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 gang. (Trevor Long)

For the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the sensor is now a 48-megapixel beast – basically from last year's 14 Pro. This means two things, firstly you have the option of taking some higher-quality images.

But most noticeably, when you open the camera, you'll have three zoom options – 0.5x, 1x and 2x, despite the fact there are only two lenses on the camera. This is due to the iPhone 15 cropping into that 48MP sensor to give you a 2x zoom – smart!  

I think this makes the basic 15 and 15 Plus more desirable to those who do take a lot of photos and never had that zoom option on previous models.

Across the range the portrait mode photography is improved, perhaps more than on any previous device since portrait was first launched – so you'll get better depth, better definition – and, you can adjust the focus on a portrait shot after it's been taken – very cool.

Of course, the Pro models are leaps and bounds ahead, but the biggest leap is in the premium larger iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the choice for the best camera in class
9PR: iPhone 15
Introducing the iPhone 15 Pro Max's tetraprism lens. (Apple)

Apple has created a 'tetraprism' lens which allows them to achieve a 120mm lens equivalency – offering you a 5x zoom from the Pro Max device. 5x doesn't seem a lot compared to the 3x of last year or on the iPhone 15 Pro, but it's a lot when you're sightseeing or at kids' sport.

Apple has also introduced a range of steps in the zoom range, made to suit photographers more than the average Joe, they are able to claim seven lenses, but in reality, there are just three and the rest are virtual crops but all are optical and not hybrid zoom which is great.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the choice for the best camera in class no doubt, but I think the standard 15 and 15 Plus are a big win in 2023 with that cropped 2x zoom.

Is the design of the iPhone 15 different?

While many people think the design is the same, and it does look remarkably similar to the iPhone 12, 13 and 14 – there are some subtle differences.

9PR: iPhone 15
The gently curved edges make the phone more comfortable in hand. (Apple)

The sharp squared edges of the iPhone 14 have been gently curved – not rounded like the iPhone X, but just enough to make it feel a touch more comfortable in the hand.

Then there are the colours, with the 15 and 15 Plus coming in pink, blue, yellow, green and black. The pink will be popular in 2023, but the blue is a nice subtle shade and should be a winner too.

For the Pro models, there's been a shift to titanium for the outer edge – this is a more durable and stronger material, but it's also lighter – making those models around 19 grams lighter, doesn't sound like much, but it is noticeable.

And then, the big difference, only in the Pro models, is the removal of the Mute switch. This physical switch has been there since the iPhone launched in 2007.

Replaced on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models by the Action button. This button is programmable to a range of features, but in my use, I've found myself wanting the Mute switch many times, so I think many people will revert back to Mute for the Action – we can only hope Apple make more options here like double or triple press to program other action options.

READ MORE: Cases and accessories made for your new iPhone 15

How to choose between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models

Outside of your budget, the real issue in choice is how seriously you take your photography.

Sure, there are some differences in the screen technology and a purist will tell you the 120hz refresh rate on the Pro models is amazing, but for most people that's unnoticeable.

Options in the cameras on the Pro models make it a really serious device if you love taking photos in all scenarios. Of course, there's also colour, but if you want those fancy colours the Pro models aren't for you.

Is the iPhone 15 worth it?

If you own an iPhone 14 or iPhone 13 you've got to be mad to be throwing money at a new phone today. Even if you're "off contract" you can own the phone you have and save money every month. But, I get it, that message isn't getting through much.

For those people with an iPhone X or older, the iPhone 15 will be a huge leap forward in technology and capabilities. For those with an iPhone XS, 11 or 12, this is a great time to upgrade to get the latest speed, performance and camera technology – no doubt.

Secure your iPhone 15 here:

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

9PR: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max in black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium
(9Product Reviews / iStock)
Buy 512GB for $2,549Buy 1TB for $2,899

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

READ NEXT: Cases and accessories made for your iPhone 15

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