Apple iPhone 15 Plus

Apple iPhone 15 Plus Review: Big Screen, Big Battery, and a Surprisingly Smooth Experience

I've spent the past few weeks living with the Apple iPhone 15 Plus, and I have to say, it occupies an interesting space in Apple's current lineup. At a starting price of $899, it sits comfortably between the standard iPhone 15 and the Pro models, targeting users who prioritize a larger display and extended battery life without necessarily needing all the professional-grade features. My testing involved a mix of daily use scenarios, from media consumption and social media browsing to photography and light gaming. My initial impression is that Apple has crafted a compelling device for a specific niche, but let's delve deeper into the details.

Market Context: The Pragmatist's iPhone

The iPhone 15 Plus arrives at a time when the smartphone market is saturated with excellent options. Apple's strategy here feels deliberate: cater to the segment that values practicality and longevity. They're offering the expansive screen experience previously exclusive to the Pro Max, but at a more accessible price point. In my opinion, this makes perfect sense. Not everyone needs a telephoto lens or ProMotion display. The pricing, while still premium, feels justifiable for what you get, particularly if you compare it to the flagship Pro models. It's a clear play for those who want a 'big iPhone' without the 'big iPhone' price tag.

Design & Hardware: Familiar, Yet Refined

Picking up the iPhone 15 Plus, the first thing you notice is the size. The 6.7-inch display dominates the front, offering a truly immersive experience. While large phones aren't for everyone, the Plus feels surprisingly manageable, although one-handed use can be a stretch. The aluminum frame, now with subtly contoured edges, feels premium and comfortable in hand. Apple states it uses aerospace-grade aluminum, and the build quality certainly reflects that. Durability-wise, the Ceramic Shield front cover provides a reassuring sense of protection against everyday bumps and scratches. While I haven't intentionally put it through any rigorous drop tests, it's certainly held up well during my regular usage. The matte finish on the back is a welcome change, offering a more premium feel and being less of a fingerprint magnet compared to previous glossy iPhones.

Display: A Visual Treat

The Super Retina XDR display on the iPhone 15 Plus is undoubtedly one of its standout features. In my experience, the brightness levels are excellent, making it easily viewable even under direct sunlight. Media consumption is a joy; colors are vibrant and accurate, and the OLED panel delivers deep blacks and impressive contrast. Watching movies and TV shows is truly engaging. While it lacks the ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate found on the Pro models, scrolling and animations still feel smooth for everyday use and even casual gaming. I didn't find the absence of the higher refresh rate to be a significant drawback in my daily usage. For practical daily use, whether browsing the web, reading articles, or managing emails, the large, crisp display is a definite plus.

Performance: Smooth and Responsive

Under the hood, the iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the same silicon that powered last year's iPhone 14 Pro models. In my real-world testing, this chip provides ample power for everything I threw at it. Gaming sessions, even with graphically demanding titles, were smooth and lag-free. Multitasking is a breeze, effortlessly switching between numerous apps without any noticeable slowdown. Temperature management is also commendable. Even during extended gaming or video editing, the phone didn't get uncomfortably hot. From my experience, the A16 Bionic is more than capable of handling the demands of most users, offering a fluid and responsive experience. There weren't any glaring performance quirks I encountered, solidifying its position as a powerful daily driver.

Camera System: Capturing the Essentials

The camera system on the iPhone 15 Plus is a capable setup, built around a new 48MP Main camera. My experience taking photos has been largely positive. In well-lit conditions, the images are sharp, detailed, and exhibit excellent color accuracy. Apple's computational photography prowess shines through, producing pleasing results in various scenarios. I specifically tested it in challenging lighting conditions, and while it doesn't have the low-light capabilities of the Pro models with their larger sensors and advanced processing, it still manages to capture usable and detailed images. The 12MP Ultra Wide camera is also handy for capturing broader scenes. Video recording is another strong suit, with the iPhone consistently delivering smooth, stable footage with excellent dynamic range, even at 4K resolution. Compared to other phones in this price range, the iPhone 15 Plus holds its own, offering a reliable and user-friendly camera experience for everyday photography and videography. It's a solid all-around performer for capturing your daily moments.

Battery & Charging: Endurance Champion

Battery life is where the iPhone 15 Plus truly shines. With its 4383 mAh battery, it's a marathon runner. In my observed battery performance, I consistently got through a full day of heavy use, including significant screen-on time, social media, video streaming, and photography, with battery to spare. On lighter days, it easily stretched into a second day. Charging speed, while not the fastest on the market, is respectable. Using a 20W adapter, I was able to get a significant charge in a reasonable amount of time. The inclusion of MagSafe wireless charging is a convenient addition, although it's slower than wired charging. Power management seems efficient, with the phone sipping battery when idle. For users who prioritize long battery life, the iPhone 15 Plus is a top contender. Its real-world endurance is genuinely impressive.

Software: The Familiar iOS Experience

The iPhone 15 Plus runs on iOS 17, offering the familiar and intuitive Apple ecosystem. My daily usage has been smooth and stable, with the interface being responsive and easy to navigate. The usefulness of features like the customizable Lock Screen and Focus modes continues to impress. Apple's track record for timely software updates is a significant advantage, and I expect the iPhone 15 Plus to receive updates for years to come. While personal preference plays a role, I find the iOS experience to be polished and user-friendly.

Value Analysis: Striking a Balance

Analyzing the value proposition of the iPhone 15 Plus is crucial. At its price point, it offers a compelling blend of a large, excellent display, fantastic battery life, and a capable camera system, all powered by a smooth and reliable processor. For users who prioritize these aspects and are comfortable within the Apple ecosystem, it represents good value. However, if you need the advanced camera features of the Pro models, like the telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner, or the smoother scrolling of the ProMotion display, you might need to consider spending more. This phone is ideal for those who watch a lot of videos, browse the web extensively, and value all-day battery life. Those who are heavily invested in Android or require cutting-edge camera technology might find better options elsewhere. In a competitive market, the iPhone 15 Plus carves out a niche for users seeking a larger screen and long battery life without the top-tier Pro price.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice for the Big-Screen Enthusiast

The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in key areas. My personal recommendation is that if you're looking for an iPhone with a large, beautiful display and exceptional battery life, and you don't necessarily need the absolute best camera system or ProMotion display, the iPhone 15 Plus is an excellent choice. It offers a smooth, reliable experience within the Apple ecosystem, backed by the company's commitment to software updates. Ultimately, the value proposition is strong for those who prioritize these specific features. This is a phone that gets the essentials right and delivers a satisfying user experience. If a big screen and long battery are high on your list, the iPhone 15 Plus should definitely be on your radar.