The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A feature-packed large phone offering excellent battery life and ease of use for those not seeking cutting-edge technology.What's good
- Impressive battery life
- Bright, vibrant display
- USB-C charging
- Improved 48MP camera
- Dynamic Island feature
What's bad
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
- No telephoto lens
- Limited USB 2 data speed
- No charger included
- A16 chip dated
Design
The iPhone 15 Plus exhibits subtle design changes over its predecessor. It has softened edges and a lightweight build, weighing just 7.09 ounces. The softer frame and matte back finish offer a secure grip and a stylish look. Color-infused glass adds a pastel hue to the aesthetics.
Apple introduces USB-C for charging, aligning with industry standards and simplifying cable usage across devices. Reviewers appreciated the comfort improvements, noting "it feels great" in hand.
Display(s)
The iPhone 15 Plus stands out with its 6.7-inch display, offering a vivid and expansive view. It's perfect for watching videos and enjoying photos, with its stunning Super Retina XDR OLED technology.
According to experts, the "brighter screen is brilliant for outdoor viewing," making it a great choice for those who spend significant time outside or under bright lights.
While it maintains a classic 60Hz refresh rate that doesn't match some competitors, the display's resolution and color performance ensure an excellent visual experience.
Performance
With the A16 chip originally seen in the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 15 Plus offers dependable performance for daily use, handling apps and multitasking with ease. It's equipped to support your needs for social media, browsing, or streaming video content effortlessly, even when compared to newer models.
Reviewers note the phone's capability in "handling anything we throw at it," including demanding apps and games, affirming the A16 chip's efficiency.
However, the lack of support for upcoming AI features exclusive to Pro models might give pause to those interested in the latest enhancements in software capabilities.
Software & Storage
The iPhone 15 Plus runs on iOS 17, which delivers a user-friendly interface and several new updates that enhance daily usability.
The device lacks the capabilities for upcoming AI features in the latest Apple software, according to experts at Insider, due to its A16 chip.
Still, most users will find its smooth operation and rich feature set more than adequate without needing Pro-exclusive updates, providing a well-rounded Apple experience.
Cameras
The camera system features a 48MP main sensor, boosting photo detail and low-light performance significantly. Reviewers praise the iPhone 15 Plus for capturing vibrant and clear images across various settings. "The 15 Plus excels in low-light conditions and offers excellent zoom quality," they note.
The dual camera setup, including a 12MP ultrawide lens, ensures you have the flexibility to shoot from different perspectives, even though a telephoto lens is absent. Plus, the ability to turn regular images into Portrait shots after capture enhances your creative options without needing a special mode.
Battery
The iPhone 15 Plus shines when it comes to battery life, ensuring you can get through a full day with ease. Reviewers note its enduring power, even for heavy users.
You'll likely end your day with around 30% left, as reported by several sources, removing the anxiety of searching for an outlet mid-day.
Charging is convenient and versatile, supporting USB-C for wired rapid charging and wireless options like MagSafe for those busy on the move.
While the wired charging speed isn't the fastest in its class, being capped at 20W, having a piece of mind with a long-lasting battery more than compensates for this factor.
Audio
The audio experience on this phone stands out, with reviewers praising its ability to deliver clear and dynamic sound. "The improvements are there," shared What Hi-Fi?, and you'll particularly enjoy this when watching movies or playing games, as high-quality speakers produce crisp and compelling sound that captures every detail.
When it comes to calls, the microphone ensures your voice comes through clearly, reducing background noise effectively. This enhances your call quality, making conversations feel more natural and engaging without the need for any extra setup.
Whether you're listening through wireless headphones or using the built-in speakers, you'll find the audio performance reliable and enjoyable, making this phone a great choice for audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
The Bottom Line
This phone provides notable gains with the Dynamic Island and the 48MP main camera, offering a refined experience reminiscent of pricier models. The battery life is commendable, ensuring all-day power for heavy users. USB-C integration adds convenience, though it supports slower speeds than some might prefer. Reviewers say, "The iPhone 15 Plus is a solid performer that most people will find serves them very well indeed" (What Hi-Fi?). You will find it particularly appealing if you value a bigger screen at a fair price.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Antonio Villas-Boas, Business InsiderFor $100 more than the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus gets you a larger display and a long-lasting battery at a starting price of $899. For many people, that's an incredible value that justifies the premium, and if you prefer a larger phone, we highly recommend the iPhone 15 Plus.
- What Hi-FiThe iPhone 15 Plus is a big-screened phone with a lot to love, for those who don’t need the bells and whistles of the Pro family
- Chris Martin, Tech AdvisorThe iPhone 15 Plus is one of the best big phones out there and hits a nice sweet spot in Apple’s 2024 range. It even undercuts some Android rivals on price but with less storage and lags behind in some other areas if you care about the latest and greatest hardware.
- Alex Walker-Todd, TechRadarThe previous Plus was a bit like an unloved stepchild, in that it didn't sell in the same number as, for instance, last year's Pro Max. This year's model gets all the same benefits as the standard iPhone 15 – USB-C, the Dynamic Island, the A16 Bionic chip and a 48MP main camera – alongside exception...
- Mariam Gabaji, FinderThe iPhone 15 Plus is a beautiful, albeit pricey handset, that finally has legs to stand on its own compared to previous years.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Apple iPhone 15 Plus prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Apple's suggested retail price is $899.00. You can compare iPhone 15 Plus prices from around the web here on The Informr.
Apple backs up the iPhone 15 Plus with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your iPhone 15 Plus has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Apple support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Apple's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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