Apple iPhone 15

Despite what its name suspects, the iPhone 15 is Apple's 17th iPhone. Truly innovative, this iPhone 15 is not. We saw many of its new features last year with the Pro. Still, the difference from its predecessor is considerably more significant for the first time in years.

Screen with Dynamic Island, though slow 60Hz

Like in previous years, you can get the iPhone 15 in two sizes. With a 6.1" screen and a larger 6.7" variant, the iPhone 15 Plus. Both, however, come with the innovative Dynamic Island that we saw introduced with the Pro versions last year. Instead of a bite out of the screen, the Face ID components sit in a pill-shaped cutout in the screen. Notably, when you get notifications, this shape expands and displays information. The software plays with the hardware in a way only Apple can. New to the Super Retina XDR screen is that it is brighter, up to 2,000 nits outdoors. This makes it very similar to the screen on last year's Pro version. Except for one key difference: the screen refresh rate. That is still very slow at 60Hz compared to the smooth 120Hz ProMotion screens.

48MP with 2x zoom and improved portrait mode

Turning to the back, we can choose between five fresh new colors. All except for black have a light hue. However, our attention goes to the camera system. While we still see two cameras, they perform three functions. Also, the 12MP resolution that Apple has used since the iPhone 6s (ahem) is gone. Using a 48MP camera, the iPhone 15 can zoom in. By zooming in on the sensor, combined with some software trickery, you now have access to 2x zoom. Improvements have also been made to portrait mode. You don't have to select it manually now; instead, the iPhone 15 automatically recognizes when a person is in the frame. Depth information is then automatically saved to adjust focus and other settings afterward.

Main Apple iPhone 15 Specifications

• 6.1" screen with Dynamic Island and 2000-nits maximum brightness
• 48+12MP camera with 2x zoom, ultra-wide angle, and new portrait mode
• 12MP TrueDepth selfie camera with autofocus and Retina flash
• Apple A16 Bionic chip with 128, 256 or 512GB of storage
• Waterproof housing with IP68 rating for 30min to 6mtr deep
• USB C connector for charging and data transmission
• Wireless charging with MagSafe or Qi2 chargers

Recognizable power source, recognizable cable

Inside the iPhone 15, we find the A16 Bionic processor we saw in last year's Pro. It remains somewhat remarkable to find a year-old chipset in a new iPhone, but the fact is that this chip is powerful enough for the majority of users. Partly because Apple is ahead of the competition. The same goes for satellite communications capabilities. It will not happen everywhere, but should you be stranded with car trouble somewhere without mobile coverage, you can call for help via satellite. Just check beforehand whether the service is available in your country and language to avoid surprises.
Last but not least, charging is now done with USB C. This universal cable can be found on many other electronics, including Apple. This ends those fragile Lightning cables that break every so often.

Pro and cons Apple iPhone 15

• Dynamic Island looks fresh
• 2x brighter screen
• Contemporary 48MP camera
• Charging with universal USB

• Still with a slow 60Hz screen