Well if our reaction video above didn’t get you a quick primer, and the Apple event video at the top didn’t explain the features enough for you, here’s the quick version: the basic iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are the biggest ones to get this year. If you’re coming from an iPhone 13 or older, even the 11 Pro or 12 Pro, chances are these phones have everything you need.

The base iPhone 15 now has the Dynamic Island style screen that the 14 Pro models brought on last year, along with the same 48MP main cameras as the 14 Pro last year as well. Add in the telephoto lens from that phone too and some variable focal lengths to make up for the lack of a wide angle sensor, and you basically have a 14 Pro with USB-C, though unfortunately lacking the fast data transfer and charging speeds that the newest USB standards offer(that’s what Apple saved for the 15 Pro this year). And honestly, that’s already a pretty good package.

Anyone in their right mind wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) upgrade from the 14 Pro to the 15 Pro this year, and this phone is almost exactly the 14 Pro, right down to the processor being the A16 bionic from last year as well. Technically a way of heaping out, but honestly it’s still a killer processor that rivals even the best of this year. Where Apple IS cheaping out is the screen. 60hz for a $800 phone in 2023 is honestly just unacceptable. Doesn’t matter how you spin it. And yes, if you’re coming from an iPhone 13 and before, it’s probably not something that will bother you. But if you’ve seen the 13 Pro, 14 Pro or basically any Android Flagship since 2020 in action, you’ll see why 90 or 120hz screens matter. They just feel faster. And why Apple isn’t giving that experience to a Flagship device is a clear sign of the company’s childish cost cutting and propping up the Pro models “just because”.

All that aside though, this almost a perfect iPhone, and one more than worthy of an upgrade at least for Apple die-hards.

iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max

And as for the Pros? Well the 15 Pro and Pro Max are a little more confusing of an up sell this year. Mostly because their approach Apple is trying to differentiate them in subtle ways. We already mentioned that they are the only phones that gain the full benefits of USB C, getting faster transfer speeds and potentially charging speeds too. This is what allows them to access external storage such as an SSD and record 8k ProRes video directly into it. Next up is the camera lens improvement and variable focal lengths for the main 48mp camera. Add in a new 5X telephoto only on the Pro Max that’s $100 more expensive, and you get some marginal camera improvements that do admittedly add more “Pro” to the Pro models.

The other 2 big changes are a little more subjective: the Action Button and the Titanium finish on the phones. The former is replacing the mute switch on the iPhone, and instead making it a customisable button for almost everything you want, be it turning on a flashlight, starting a custom shortcut, Siri and so on. It’s.. Not new.. To say the least, but it makes sense.

As for the titanium finish on the phone, it’s definitely something you have to experience to appreciate, but it does seem to be a superior material though the stainless steel that’s come in iPhones before. And at the very least, it’s a more durable metal so that should help. But chances are you may understand that unless you want a specific feature mentioned here, these phones aren’t exactly a must-by if you have the 14 Pro models. Don’t get us wrong they are impressive, but in a sheer comparison to predecessors approach, they are a bit lacking. And as for iPhone 13/12 Pro owners, if they hadn’t upgraded already to the 14 Pro, now their choice is likely going to be based more on future proofing with USB-C than the features these new phones bring. And that’s fine, but it does make these objectively a less compelling buy.

Spec Table:

And that’s really the jist of Apple’s new iPhones. Yes USB-C does open up a lot in terms of how you can use them (some guy on has already confirmed that you can use a USB-C to ethernet dongle and literally use wired internet on your iPhone for example), but that aside, it really seems like the iPhone 15 is the one worth getting. The 15 Plus gets disqualified by the Pro being within reach while both Pro models are ruled out unless you’re really into the USB-C upgrade and turning your iPhone into a professional camera rig. Or even want to try the new Assassins’ Creed game on an iPhone too. Both compelling features, but not a do or die if you really want a new iPhone, hence why the regular 15 might be good enough. You guys can decide of course, and hopefully this helped you decide. Tell us your thoughts in the comments or on our socials.

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