Apple iPhone 15 Pro

Apple Sep 22, 2023

Overview

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is a 2023-09-22 feature-rich smartphone from Apple, showcasing a diverse palette including Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium. Powered by iOS 17 (upgradable to 18 for extended software support), featuring the Apple A17 Bionic (built on an advanced 3nm process). The device showcases a premium 6.1" OledSuper Retina XDR display with crisp 1179 x 2556 px resolution (461 ppi pixel density) and exceptional peak brightness of 2000 nits for superior outdoor visibility. For smooth multitasking performance, it offers 8GB high-speed RAM LPDDR5X RAM, with multiple storage configurations available: 8GB RAM + 128GB storage, 8GB RAM + 256GB storage, 8GB RAM + 512GB storage, 8GB RAM + 1024GB storage, complemented by the Apple GPU 6 Cores GPU for capable graphics performance. The professional-grade camera system features an impressive 48MP Standard main sensor with a wide f/1.78 aperture for exceptional low-light performance, complemented by a 12MP Wide Angle + Macro for close-up details and a 12MP Telephoto lens for detailed zoom shots. For self-portraits, it features a quality 12MP front-facing camera for clear selfies. Power management is handled by a 3650 mAh Li-Ion battery, supporting 27W fast charging.

Hardware & Performance

ProcessorApple A17 Bionic, Hexa-Core, 3 nm process, Max 3.7 GHz, 64-bit architecture
CPU Configuration
GraphicsApple GPU 6 Cores
Memory8GB RAM (RAM LPDDR5X), 128GB Storage
Performance1,641,883 AnTuTu score (v10)
Additional FeaturesDolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones
1,641,883
AnTuTu Score
8GB
RAM
128GB
Storage
3.7 GHz
Max CPU Speed
Powered by the advanced Apple A17 Bionic built on 3 nm process with 64-bit architecture, reaching speeds up to 3.7 GHz
Enhanced visual performance with Apple GPU 6 Cores graphics, delivering smooth gaming and multimedia experience
Equipped with 8GB RAM LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB storage
Exceptional flagship-level performance with an outstanding AnTuTu score of 1,641,883 (version v10)
Premium audio experience with Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones
Experience exceptional performance with this powerful hardware configuration, featuring advanced processing capabilities, optimized graphics, and comprehensive memory management for demanding applications and smooth multitasking.

Camera Features

Video Resolution
  • 4K
  • 1080p
Frame Rates
  • 24fps
  • 25fps
  • 30fps
  • 60fps
  • 120fps
  • 240fps
Video Features
  • HDR
  • Stereo Sound

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro features a 3-camera setup with a 48MP Standard main sensor (f/1.78) of 1/1.3" size and 1.22 µm pixel size. The Apple iPhone 15 Pro also includes a 12MP Wide Angle + Macro (f/2.2) and a 12MP Telephoto lens (f/2.8). For selfies, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro uses a 12MP front camera with f/1.9 aperture. The Apple iPhone 15 Pro's camera system includes Cinematic Mode, Noise reduction, Face unlock.

DxOMark Scores

Mobile Camera DxOMark Scores

154
Overall
153
Photo
158
Video

Selfie Camera DxOMark Scores

149
Overall
145
Photo
156
Video

Camera details

Rear Camera

Resolution: 48 MP
Aperture: f/1.78
Sensor Model: Sony IMX803
Sensor Type: CMOS
Pixel Size: 1.22 µm
Pixel Binning: 1-4 (2x2)
Sensor Size: 1/1.3"

Resolution: 12 MP
Aperture: f/2.2
Sensor Model: Sony IMX633
Sensor Type: CMOS
Pixel Size: 1.40 µm
Sensor Size: 1/2.55"

Resolution: 12 MP
Aperture: f/2.8
Sensor Model: Sony IMX713
Sensor Type: CMOS
Pixel Size: 1.00 µm

Selfie Camera

Resolution: 12 MP
Aperture: f/1.9
Sensor Model: Sony IMX714
Sensor Type: CMOS

Additional Features

Extra:
  • Telephoto with OIS, 3x optical zoom
  • Ultra wide angle lens 120º
  • Digital zoom 15x
  • Video 4K@24/25/30/60fps 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (60fps).
Front camera:
  • Second sensor SL 3D for depth and biometrics sensor
  • HDR, Cinematic mode (4K@30fps)
  • 4K@24/25/30/60fps Video
  • Gyro-EIS
Flash:
  • Dual LED
Optical Stabilisation:
  • Yes
Slow Motion Video:
  • Yes, 240 fps
Features:
  • Cinematic Mode
  • Noise reduction
  • Face unlock
  • Pro Video Mode
  • 4K Video
  • Digital zoom
  • Optical zoom
  • Triple camera
  • Digital image stabilization
  • Optical Stabilization (OIS)
  • Ultra stable video
  • Autofocus
  • Touch focus
  • Continuous autofocus
  • Manual focus
  • Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
  • Continuous shooting
  • Geotagging
  • Panorama
  • HDR
  • Face detection
  • White balance settings
  • ISO settings
  • Exposure compensation
  • Scene mode
  • Self-timer
  • RAW
  • Night Mode

Display

Size6.1"
TypeOledSuper Retina XDR
Resolution1179 x 2556 px
Pixel Density461 ppi
Aspect Ratio19.5:9
Refresh RateN/A
BrightnessHBM: 1600 nits, Peak: 2000 nits
Contrast Ratio2000000:1
HDR SupportHDR10
ProtectionN/A
Additional Features
  • Hole-punch Notch
  • Brightnes 1000 cd/m² (typ)
  • Always-On Display
  • DCI-P3
  • True Tone display
  • Super Retina XDR
  • Dolby Vision
  • Scratch resistant
  • Corning Gorilla Glass
  • Ceramic Shield
  • Capacitive
  • Multi-touch
  • Oleophobic (lipophobic) coating
  • Frameless
  • Haptic Touch
  • LTPO (Low Temperature PolySilicon oxide)

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1" OledSuper Retina XDR display with 1179 x 2556 px resolution (461 ppi pixel density) in 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The display offers HBM mode reaching 1600 nits, with peak brightness of 2000 nits. It delivers impressive 2000000:1 contrast ratio. The screen supports advanced HDR formats including HDR10. User-centric features include hole-punch notch, always-on display, multi-touch, haptic touch. Technical capabilities include brightnes 1000 cd/m² (typ), dci-p3, true tone display, super retina xdr, dolby vision, corning gorilla glass, ceramic shield, capacitive, oleophobic (lipophobic) coating, frameless, ltpo (low temperature polysilicon oxide). Additional protection features include scratch resistant.

Review

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Review: Polished to a Pro Shine, But Is It Revolutionary?

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Apple iPhone 15 Pro through its paces, and I have to say, it's exactly what you'd expect from an "Pro" iPhone – meticulously crafted, undeniably powerful, and carrying a price tag to match. At a starting price that firmly plants it in the premium segment, the iPhone 15 Pro is clearly targeting users who demand the best from their mobile device. After a thorough period of daily use, photography excursions, and the occasional gaming session, I've gathered some clear thoughts on whether this phone lives up to the "Pro" moniker and if it's the right choice for you.

Market Context: The Incremental Evolution

The iPhone 15 Pro's arrival feels less like a seismic shift and more like a carefully considered evolution. Apple's strategy here seems to be about refining an already strong foundation rather than reinventing the wheel. From my perspective, this makes perfect sense. They've built a loyal user base accustomed to a certain level of performance and polish, and the 15 Pro delivers precisely that.

The introduction of USB-C is the most talked-about change, and while it's a welcome addition for interoperability, it's hardly a groundbreaking innovation in the broader smartphone market. Apple is playing catch-up here, albeit with a typically elegant implementation. The price point remains firmly in "flagship" territory, and in a market increasingly populated with excellent, and often more affordable, Android alternatives, the iPhone 15 Pro needs to justify its premium cost.

Design & Hardware: Titanium Touches and Familiar Comfort

Picking up the iPhone 15 Pro for the first time, the immediate impression is one of refined quality. The new titanium build is noticeable – it feels lighter yet simultaneously more robust than the previous stainless steel. The brushed finish on my Natural Titanium model is understatedly elegant and resists fingerprints remarkably well. The slightly contoured edges make it sit comfortably in the hand, and the weight of 187 grams feels perfectly balanced.

While the overall design language remains familiar, there's a distinct sense of premium materials at play. Durability is always a key concern, and the Ceramic Shield front cover continues to offer impressive scratch resistance. While I haven't intentionally put it through any drop tests (and wouldn't recommend you do either!), the build inspires confidence for everyday wear and tear.

Display: A Visual Feast, As Always

Apple consistently delivers exceptional displays, and the 6.1-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 15 Pro is no exception. In my testing, the brightness and visibility, even under direct sunlight, were excellent. Media consumption is a true pleasure – videos are vibrant, with excellent contrast and deep blacks. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations buttery smooth, enhancing the overall fluidity of the user experience.

Gaming also benefits significantly from this display. Fast-paced action looks sharp and responsive. For daily use, the always-on display is a subtle but appreciated feature, providing at-a-glance access to notifications and widgets. It's a display that simply gets out of the way and lets you enjoy the content, which is exactly what you want from a premium device.

Performance: The A17 Pro Flexes Its Muscles

Under the hood, the Apple A17 Pro chip is a powerhouse. In my real-world testing, the phone handled everything I threw at it with effortless speed. Switching between numerous apps, editing photos and videos, and demanding mobile games – nothing seemed to faze it. Gaming sessions were particularly impressive, with consistently smooth frame rates and no noticeable lag even in graphically intensive titles.

Temperature management seems to have been improved, although extended periods of heavy use can still lead to some warmth, which is typical of high-performance smartphones. Overall, the performance is exactly what you'd expect from a top-tier device – seamless, responsive, and future-proofed for demanding tasks.

Camera System: Capturing Moments with Pro-Level Polish

The camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro is where Apple truly shines. My experience taking photos has been consistently impressive. The 48MP main lens captures an incredible amount of detail and clarity, particularly in well-lit conditions. I tested it in various scenarios, from vibrant street scenes to detailed close-ups, and the results were consistently excellent. The colors are accurate and pleasing, and the dynamic range is impressive.

The 3x optical zoom is a valuable addition, allowing you to get closer to your subject without significant loss of quality. Low-light performance has also seen improvements, producing usable images with good detail and minimal noise, though it still doesn't quite match some of the Android competition in extreme low-light scenarios.

Video recording remains a strong point, with smooth and stable 4K footage and the option for Dolby Vision HDR, which adds a professional touch to your videos. Compared to other high-end smartphones, the iPhone 15 Pro offers a very consistent and reliable camera experience across various shooting conditions. It's a camera system that inspires confidence and makes capturing high-quality photos and videos a breeze.

Battery & Charging: A Familiar Story, But USB-C Makes a Difference

Battery life on the iPhone 15 Pro is adequate for a typical day of use, but it's not a standout feature. In my observation, with moderate usage involving social media, web browsing, some photography, and music streaming, I could usually make it through the day. However, more intensive tasks like prolonged gaming or heavy video recording will necessitate a top-up.

Charging speeds, while improved, still lag behind some of the faster-charging Android competitors. However, the switch to USB-C is a significant improvement. Finally, having a universal port means fewer cables to carry around, and the faster data transfer speeds are a boon for transferring large files. In my testing, using a compatible fast charger did noticeably reduce charging times compared to older iPhone models.

Software: iOS 17 and the Familiar Ecosystem

Daily usage with iOS 17 on the iPhone 15 Pro is a smooth and intuitive experience, as expected. The interface is clean and responsive, and the ecosystem integration with other Apple devices remains a significant advantage for those already invested in the Apple world. Feature usefulness is subjective, but I appreciate the continued focus on privacy and security.

Apple's update policy is generally considered industry-leading, providing several years of software support, which adds to the long-term value of the device. While some may find iOS restrictive compared to Android's open nature, its simplicity and consistent experience are undoubtedly appealing to many.

Value Analysis: A Premium Price for a Premium Experience

The iPhone 15 Pro occupies a specific niche in the market – it's a premium device with a premium price tag. From my perspective, the value proposition comes down to what you prioritize in a smartphone. If you demand top-tier performance, a stunning display, a fantastic camera system, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 15 Pro delivers on all fronts.

However, if you're on a tighter budget, there are excellent alternatives available that offer comparable performance in key areas for significantly less money. This phone is for users who are willing to pay a premium for the polish, performance, and ecosystem benefits that Apple provides. Those who prioritize features like the absolute fastest charging speeds or highly customizable software might find better value elsewhere.

Conclusion: A Refined Flagship for the Apple Faithful

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is a highly refined and capable smartphone that delivers a truly premium experience. It's not a radical departure from its predecessors, but rather a thoughtful iteration that focuses on improving key aspects like build quality, performance, and camera capabilities.

For those already entrenched in the Apple ecosystem and seeking the best iPhone experience available, the 15 Pro is an easy recommendation. It's a powerhouse that handles demanding tasks with ease and captures stunning photos and videos. However, prospective buyers should carefully consider their budget and weigh the premium price against the excellent, and often more affordable, alternatives available in the competitive smartphone market. Ultimately, the iPhone 15 Pro is a top-tier device that reaffirms Apple's position at the forefront of the mobile technology landscape.

Basic Information

Apple iPhone 15 Pro
BrandApple
ModelApple iPhone 15 Pro
Launch DateFriday, September 22, 2023
Release Year2023
Dimensions146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm
Weight187 g
Volume85.9 cm³
Available Colors
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium

Apple iPhone 15 Pro was released on Friday, September 22, 2023. The phone measures 146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm with a volume of 85.9 cm³ and weighs 187g. It features a 6.1" OledSuper Retina XDR display with 1179 x 2556 px resolution (461 ppi pixel density) The device is available in the following colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium.

Battery

Capacity3650 mAh
TypeLi-Ion
Fast Charging27W
Wireless ChargingN/A
Features
  • Non-removable
Additional Info
  • 15W MagSafe Wireless Charging
  • 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
  • Battery capacity rumored

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a 3650 mAh Li-Ion battery. It features fast charging at 27W. The battery system includes non-removable. Additional features include 15w magsafe wireless charging, 7.5w qi wireless charging, battery capacity rumored.

Software

OSiOS
OS Version17
Max OS Version18

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro runs on iOS 17 and is upgradable to 18. It is powered by the Apple A17 Bionic chipset .

Connectivity

WiFi
WiFi Standards
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Other WiFi Features
Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi MiMO
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3 LE Low energy consumption
Bluetooth Features
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), LE (Low Energy), APT-x
GPS
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5)
Network Bands
5G

n1 (2100), n2 (1900 PCS), n3 (1800), n5 (850), n7 (2600), n8 (900), n12 (700), n20 (800), n25 (1900), n26 (850), n28b (700), n28a (700), n30 (2300), n38 (2600), n40 (2300), n41 (2500), n48 (3500), n53 (2400), n66 (1700), n70 (1700), n77 (3700), n78 (3500), n79 (4700)

4G LTE

B1 (2100), B2 (1900), B3 (1800), B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1), B5 (850), B7 (2600), B8 (900), B12 (700), B13 (700), B17 (700), B18 (800), B19 (800), B20 (800), B25 (1900+), B26 (850), B28b (700), B28a (700), B30 (2300), B32 (1500), B34 (TDD 2100), B38 (TDD 2600), B39 (TDD 1900), B40 (TDD 2300), B41 (TDD 2500), B42 (TDD 3500), B46 (TDD 5200), B48 (TDD 3600), B53 (TDD 2400), B66 (1700/2100)

3G

B1 (2100), B2 (1900), B4 (1700/2100 AWS A-F), B5 (850), B8 (900)

2G

B2 (1900), B3 (1800), B5 (850), B8 (900)
SIMDual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM)
USB
Charging, Mass Storage, USB Host, USB Type-C
NFCYes
Experience lightning-fast wireless connectivity with 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), enhanced by advanced features including Dual band, Hotspot, MiMO
Seamless device connectivity through Bluetooth 5.3 LE Low energy consumption, offering enhanced capabilities like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), LE (Low Energy), APT-x
Stay connected globally with Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) card support
Versatile connectivity options including Charging, Mass Storage, Host, USB Type-C
Convenient NFC technology for contactless payments and instant device pairing
Comprehensive network coverage with support for 5G connectivity, 4G LTE connectivity, 3G connectivity, 2G connectivity
This device is optimized for global network compatibility, ensuring reliable connectivity across different regions and carriers.

Sensors

Security Sensors
  • Face ID
Motion Sensors
  • accelerometer
  • gyro
Environmental Sensors
  • proximity
  • compass
  • barometer
Health SensorsN/A

For security, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro features face id. Motion tracking is handled by accelerometer gyro. Environmental monitoring includes proximity compass barometer.