By the Numbers: Dive into Apple's iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max

In the realm of contemporary smartphones, noteworthy surprises have grown as scarce as hen's teeth. Pioneering features that once left us awestruck and camera hardware that pushed boundaries have become relics of the early 2010s mobile tech era. Enter the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, stalwarts of the current trends. They don't herald seismic transformations; instead, they embrace an evolutionary approach, subtly refining the foundations laid by their predecessors in myriad ways, each seemingly small but profoundly consequential. Yet, what distinguishes this iteration is the conspicuous ease with which we can encapsulate these enhancements in discernible figures and specifications. We're talking a mere 19 grams, the blazing speeds of USB 3, and a trim of 120mm. This isn't a mere atmospheric shift; these are quantifiable updates, tangible and resplendent in their significance. And, as they say, the sum of these parts is truly greater than the whole.

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• Apple iPhone 15 PRO

• PROS 

1. USB-C!
2. Lots of options for the Action Button
3. Meaningful camera improvements
4. Lighter and nicer to hold

• cons

1. No 5x telephoto on the smaller model
2. Included USB-C cable doesn’t support fast data transfer speeds

• Apple iPhone 15 PRO MAX

• PROS

Amongst the multitude of figures and statistics that have graced my week-long sojourn with these phones, there's one number that has stood out like a beacon: 19. A mere 19 grams, to be precise—the reduction in weight when comparing the Pro and Pro Max to their predecessors. This feat owes much to the introduction of a novel titanium alloy, supplanting the erstwhile stainless steel in the phone's construction. The impact is palpable. The iPhone 15 Pro, while by no means featherlight, now exudes a heightened sense of comfort during extended usage. As for the 15 Pro Max, it has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding weight from its previous 240 grams to a more manageable 221 grams, rendering it akin to a standard phone rather than an unwieldy paperweight.

Examining the contours of these devices reveals subtle deviations from last year's models. The edges, though still possessing a trace of the iconic iPhone flatness, now embrace a slight curvature, a design alteration that bestows enhanced ergonomics upon the user. As for display dimensions, they maintain their former glory—the 15 Pro retains its 6.1-inch screen, while the Pro Max proudly flaunts its expansive 6.7-inch canvas. Astonishingly, the iPhone 15 Pro, amidst the era of gargantuan smartphones in 2023, has managed to undergo a shrinkage, albeit a modest one. It has slimmed down by a solitary millimeter in both height and width. Coupled with its reduced weight and the graceful curve of its edges, this reduction in dimensions coalesces into a noticeably more pleasing user experience compared to its 14 Pro predecessor.

This year's palette of color options maintains its penchant for subtlety. Officially dubbed as natural titanium, white titanium, black titanium, and blue titanium, they all essentially dance within the realm of muted neutrality. If your heart yearns for a splash of vibrancy, the blue variant beckons as the undeniable champion in this arena. No questions asked, it stands as the crown jewel amidst the spectrum of choices.

A word of caution, though: tread lightly when considering the FineWoven cases and associated accessories. A mere misalignment of your fingernail on the fabric can leave behind an inconspicuous yet seemingly indelible scratch—a rather unsavory blemish on the aesthetic front.

In a nod of appreciation to the vigilant overseers at the EU, all four iPhone 15 models embrace the USB-C interface. However, it's worth noting that only the 15 Pro and Pro Max boast USB 3 compatibility, promising swifter file transfers for those equipped with a USB 10Gbps cable. Unfortunately, the cable bundled in the box opts for more pedestrian USB 2 speeds, a curious choice considering the premium price tag of these devices.

Should you be inclined to enhance your charging and data transfer experience, Apple's Thunderbolt 4 data cable beckons at an additional 69$. Yet, here's the practical nugget of wisdom: 10Gbps USB-C cables can be acquired for a mere 15$ on your friendly neighborhood Amazon. As for compatibility, the USB-C port on all four iPhone 15 models exhibits a surprising degree of permissiveness, harmoniously accommodating a multitude of existing dongles, adapters, and hubs—a refreshing departure from Apple's customary rigidity.

Diverging from the ongoing discourse around USB-C, here's a delightful tale: faced with a dwindling battery on the 15 Pro Max, I performed a seamless switch. Unplugging the USB-C charging cable from my trusty MacBook Air and plugging it directly into the phone, there was no frantic search for an alternative cable, no need for bothersome dongles—just the elegant simplicity of a USB-C charger energizing a USB-C iPhone.

The transition to USB-C can be seen through two distinct lenses: one belonging to those who've long yearned for a USB-C-equipped iPhone, eager to liberate themselves from the tyranny of proprietary cords; the other inhabited by those who've dwelled contentedly in the realm of Lightning connectors and now face the vexation of adapting to new cables and accessories. Both perspectives hold merit, but having traversed the landscape of a USB-C iPhone for the past week, let me share a revelation from this side of the divide—it's nothing short of remarkable.

I took a Satechi hub and seamlessly plugged it into the 15 Pro, witnessing the device effortlessly ingest photos from an SD card. Then, with a simple connection of an ethernet cable, I seamlessly transitioned to a wired internet connection, sans any need for dongles or specialized accessories. It was the same breed of hub you'd readily slot into your trusty MacBook, a testament to the sheer versatility and convenience that USB-C brings to the table.

Having immersed myself in the realm of a USB-C iPhone for the past week, I'm compelled to relay a resounding sentiment: it's undeniably splendid.

Many individuals may never venture beyond plugging in a charging cable, and there's no fault in that. However, even for those who approach this shift with hesitancy, a day may dawn when the versatility of USB-C bestows newfound convenience. A friend, bearing an Android device, may graciously offer their USB-C charging cable, and you'll find yourself nodding in appreciation, recognizing the simplicity it brings.

In the ever-evolving landscape of connectivity, the iPhone continues to offer a plethora of options. In the realm of cellular networks, the familiar flavors of 5G persist, purportedly bolstered this year by Qualcomm's latest X70 modem, though the tangible improvements remain somewhat elusive. A notable debut on the iPhone is Wi-Fi 6E, operating at the 6GHz frequency, which diverges from the well-trodden paths of 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands we've relied upon for years. While 6E exhibits the potential for breathtaking speeds, it grapples with a limitation—its signals, at 6GHz, struggle to penetrate obstacles such as walls with the same efficacy. iOS settings offer the choice to set 6E to "off" or "automatic," with the latter option ensuring a seamless transition to 2.4 or 5GHz signals when the 6GHz signal weakens or slows.

In real-world scenarios, the performance of the iPhone 15 Pro on Wi-Fi 6E is a bit of a mixed bag. Our distinguished editor-in-chief, Nilay Patel, enjoys the privileges of synchronous gigabit internet and boasts an Eero Wi-Fi 6E network in the confines of his abode. In the same room as one of these Eeros, the iPhone 15 Pro consistently delivered upload and download speeds ranging between 700 and 900Mbps—a truly remarkable feat for a mobile device operating on a Wi-Fi network.

However, here lies the crux of the matter: iOS 17 exhibits an inclination to cling tenaciously to the 6GHz network. When Nilay ventured to a different floor, distancing himself from the Eero, the speeds dwindled to a rather lackluster 60–90Mbps. It wasn't until he manually toggled the 6E setting to "off" that the phone graciously reconnected to the 5GHz network, promptly elevating speeds to a more standard 300Mbps range. While Apple has previously rolled out a few Wi-Fi 6E devices, the iPhone 15 Pro sets itself apart by virtue of its mobility. A simple indicator denoting the active Wi-Fi flavor, much akin to the various 5G indicators, would undoubtedly enhance user experience in these situations.

In a bygone era, one shrouded in uncertainty, it appeared that Apple might embark on a bold quest to eliminate all physical buttons from its iPhone 15. While that day may indeed dawn eventually, for now, the iPhone 15 Pro bestows upon us an unexpected gift: the long-awaited Action Button. Bid farewell to the mute switch, for the Action Button takes its place as the default guardian of your auditory serenity. But its capabilities extend far beyond the realm of mere muting; it's a versatile virtuoso.

Customization is the name of the game here. Want to summon your flashlight at a moment's notice? The Action Button obliges. Craving an instant segue into the camera app? Consider it done. Perhaps you yearn for the sanctuary of a Focus mode—yes, it can orchestrate that too, among a myriad of other options. If your patience allows, it can even execute a bespoke shortcut, essentially rendering it a digital chameleon capable of performing a multitude of tasks. Fear not, Apple has thoughtfully added a new icon to the control center, ensuring swift access to mute and unmute functions, all the while preserving your customization prowess.

Apple's narrative is one of seamless transition, assuring us that nothing essential has been sacrificed in this shift from switch to button, and it's a narrative I find to be largely accurate. Two distinct haptic signals, discreet and unequivocal, communicate whether your device is set to ring or silence, allowing you to discern without the need for visual confirmation. In this evolution, the iPhone 15 Pro artfully balances the old with the new, proving that progress need not come at the cost of familiarity.

A mute icon appears in control center now.

This settings menu for the Action Button looks like no other Apple settings menu.

The Action Button's true action, it turns out, unfolds when you embark on a long-press journey—no swift short taps here. This lends the experience a subtle sense of delay as you await the hushed tones of your ringer. In stark contrast, the instantaneous flip of the mute switch was a matter of sheer immediacy. It's worth noting, too, that in the throes of urgency, one might inadvertently mistake the long-press of the Action Button for a grip on the volume-up key, potentially setting the stage for an awkward and potentially embarrassing moment. Personally, I consider this shift a step in the right direction, for my rendezvous with the mute switch has always been infrequent. However, it's essential to recognize that this is not an entirely one-to-one substitution.

I ventured to set the Action Button on the 15 Pro Max to summon the camera, a prospect I was eager to embrace. It even serves as a shutter button when summoned via the Action Button—an ode to the tangible delights of a physical shutter. Yet, reality often diverges from anticipation; the stretch to reach the Action Button proved somewhat cumbersome. After a week's dalliance, I can't affirm that it offers a more efficient alternative to the customary swiping of the home screen for camera access or utilizing the volume-down button for capturing moments. However, the allure of the Action Button lies in its malleability. Countless possibilities await experimentation, and who knows, perhaps I'll indulge in the whimsy of an "order me a PSL" button someday.

Apple is raising the curtain on its latest System on a Chip (SoC) within the 15 Pro models, introducing the A17 Pro. Noteworthy is the absence of the customary "Bionic" moniker, replaced here by "Pro." The precise connotation of "Pro" in this context remains somewhat elusive, except perhaps to signify prowess in the realm of gaming. Indeed, the A17 Pro boasts an entirely new GPU configuration, affording it the capability for hardware-based ray tracing—a transformative leap that renders photorealistic gaming experiences, like the likes of Resident Evil Village, akin to their console counterparts.

In my own rendezvous with gaming, I delved into the first 20 minutes of Village, and remarkably, the 15 Pro Max remained surprisingly temperate, defying the tendency to overheat. Interestingly, it exhibits more warmth during video recording or when diligently tracking a live DoorDash order in real-time. Given this potent processing power and the presence of a USB-C port, one might naturally expect the iPhone to offer a full desktop environment when tethered to an external display, following the Samsung Dex paradigm. However, reality falls short of this expectation, granting us mere mirroring, while Dex continues to reign supreme.

While Apple refrains from asserting any substantial battery life enhancements in the 15 Pro and Pro Max models compared to their predecessors, the Pro Max demonstrates admirable resilience in the face of a demanding day's worth of use, which may include copious 4K ProRes video recording. Nevertheless, it does inch perilously close to single-digit battery percentages by day's end.

Yet, a more disconcerting concern surfaces—the rapid deterioration of maximum charging capacity, a phenomenon that plagued the 14 Pro models. Numerous users have reported battery life dwindling to 90 percent or lower within a single year of ownership, a disquieting trend. Apple's response? A reference to its battery support page, which asserts that "a normal battery is designed to retain up to 80 percent of its original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles when operating under normal conditions." However, it's noteworthy that some five-year-old iPhone XR units, along with certain iPhone 14 Pro devices, still maintain 89 percent of their maximum capacity. This incongruity hints at an underlying issue, one that Apple seems disinclined to address at present.

In spite of the novel charging port, the iPhone 15 series proffers identical maximum charging speeds to its 14 series predecessor—capable of reaching up to 27W with a wired charger. Wireless charging remains consistent with the customary 15W via MagSafe and 7.5W via Qi, with the potential for 15W over Qi2, though this remains unconfirmed. For those who opt for a new charging stand for the iPhone 15 Pro, a horizontal orientation is advisable, enabling the utilization of iOS 17's StandBy mode. Given the Pro models' perennially active display introduced last year, StandBy mode offers a convenient at-a-glance information display.

Our old companion, Dynamic Island, makes a triumphant return this year, adorning all iPhone 15 models. Its functionality mirrors that of its 14 Pro predecessor. A convenient blue icon materializes when a USB accessory is connected, providing utility. In general, it serves its purpose admirably, delivering real-time information such as the ETA of your Uber. As long as expectations remain grounded, it promises to be a welcome update for those migrating from any non-iPhone 14 Pro device.

 

In the customary fashion, a multitude of camera software updates graces the spotlight, yet an intriguing addition to the hardware ensemble emerges, an anomaly of sorts: the 15 Pro Max introduces the all-new 5x telephoto lens, supplanting the 3x zoom lens, which, for clarity, still maintains its residence within the 15 Pro. This 5x telephoto lens boasts a 120mm equivalent focal length, marrying a hybrid autofocus (AF) system with a sensor-shift stabilizer. The remaining components of the camera hardware remain largely unaltered across the Pro and Pro Max variants, comprising a 48-megapixel f/1.8 primary camera, a 12-megapixel f/2.2 ultrawide lens, and a 12-megapixel f/1.9 TrueDepth front-facing camera.

The 5x zoom lens, while perfectly serviceable, shines most brightly in the Pro Max configuration. The return of the 2x crop zoom option this year somewhat overshadows the utility of a 3x lens. A 5x lens, on the other hand, grants you more substantial proximity to distant subjects, facilitating creative endeavors such as compression effects or capturing iconic structures without intrusive foreground elements.

It's crucial to acknowledge that the camera grapples with the constraints imposed by a relatively compact image sensor, a limitation dictated by the immutable laws of physics. Predictably, noise levels escalate swiftly, even in moderately lit scenarios. Under specific low-light circumstances, the phone may revert to cropping from the main camera, though it occasionally adheres to the dedicated telephoto lens for nocturnal skyline compositions. It's worth noting that Apple doesn't bestow users with manual control over this decision, necessitating the use of third-party camera applications to lock in the 5x zoom, irrespective of lighting conditions.

When placed side by side with its Pro counterpart flaunting a 5x zoom lens, Google's Pixel 7 Pro, the 15 Pro Max's telephoto lens rises admirably to the challenge. In the realm of dimly lit environments, the Pixel 7 Pro clings tenaciously to its color fidelity, although I discern a tad more intricate detail in the iPhone's rendition of verdant landscapes. Yet, one need not embark on an exhaustive pixel-level scrutiny to discern that the iPhone crafts a marginally darker image overall. The Pixel 7 Pro's image radiates a touch more luminance and precision, even if the level of detail appears relatively consistent. And as for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, it eclipses them both with its formidable 10x lens, even when both phones operate at a 5x zoom within their respective native lens focal lengths, managing to retain superior detail compared to the iPhone's 5x camera.

This year's Pro models usher in a couple of additional "lenses," albeit residing in the realm of software rather than physical hardware affixed to the phone's rear. Alongside the primary camera's 24mm focal length, you'll find 28mm and 35mm options at your disposal. Cycling through these options is a breeze—just tap the 1x icon in the camera app. Furthermore, you possess the freedom to designate either of them as the default primary camera focal length. As you acquaint yourself with the primary camera, you'll observe a significant shift in default output resolution, now a substantial 24 megapixels, a marked departure from the longstanding 12-megapixel standard.

The emergence of the 24-megapixel output resolution plays a pivotal role in the new crop lens options. These aren't mere products of rudimentary digital zoom and upscaling, nor do they merely involve cropping the central sensor region. According to Apple's intricate process—often fondly referred to as the "pipeline"—photos captured at both the native 24mm focal length and the 28mm setting tread a common path. They undergo the conventional Deep Fusion treatment, employing a series of 12-megapixel frames and drawing upon detailed information extracted from a full 48-megapixel frame captured immediately thereafter. A custom neural network takes the helm, weaving this mosaic together to yield a final 24-megapixel masterpiece.

The 35mm setting takes a slightly divergent path due to its unique positioning—occupying the central 24 megapixels of the sensor. Consequently, it doesn't necessitate reference to a full 48-megapixel frame for detail. Instead, it adeptly assembles a final 24-megapixel image, replete with a pristine 1:1 detail derived from those central pixels.

In days of yore, I harbored a specific brand of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) when venturing beyond a phone camera's native focal length. It was almost a "Death before digital zoom" mantra. Yet, I'm gradually warming up to the notion of lossless crop zoom, especially with the advent of these innovative 24mm and 35mm "lens" options. While nothing truly compares to the charm of old-fashioned optical zoom, I must admit that after a week of immersed in this camera system, I'm relishing the versatility it offers. If there's any hint of detail loss or noise in low-light scenarios when employing the 35mm over the standard 24mm, my discerning eyes fail to detect it. It's safe to say that digital lens FOMO is a thing of the past.

Furthermore, the repertoire includes the capability to capture a full 48-megapixel compressed image, available in either JPEG or HEIF formats, in addition to the 48-megapixel ProRAW option introduced in the previous year's models. The compressed high-resolution files deliver a marked reduction in file size; a HEIF file hovers around the 4MB mark, while JPEGs typically occupy about 9 MB. In contrast, the ProRAW files can balloon to a substantial 70MB or more. This wealth of detail provides ample room for creative exploration, offering enthusiasts the freedom to engage in personalized cropping endeavors, should they opt to bypass Apple's crop modes. The availability of these pixels outside of the ProRAW realm is undeniably advantageous.

In the realm of photography, I often find myself engaged in a dance between two distinct modes: portrait mode and the standard camera mode. This perpetual toggle becomes wearisome, and on occasions when I'm capturing moments of my child's exuberance, it can lead to missed opportunities as I fumble with settings. However, the iPhone 15 series, whether the regular variant or the Pro, ingeniously circumvents this photographic conundrum by granting the power to bestow the portrait mode effect retrospectively.

Whenever the camera discerns the presence of a human visage, a feline friend, or a canine companion within the frame, it deftly records the depth information alongside your image file. Remarkably, this occurs seamlessly even when you tap on the frame to designate a focal point, devoid of any human or pet subjects. Upon perusing your image within the confines of the Photos app, a newfound option unveils itself—an invitation to embrace the portrait mode. Here, you regain the ability to fine-tune the depth effect as previously, yet now, an additional facet graces your creative arsenal. You can refocus the spotlight onto an alternate subject, should the artistic urge strike you. Astonishingly, this post-capture portrait mode proves as adept as if you had commenced your photographic journey with this artistic intent from the outset.

The magic of this feature doesn't unfurl automatically when engaged in night mode photography. To unlock its prowess, you must embark on your photographic journey with portrait mode as your chosen path. However, it seamlessly integrates with the telephoto lens and the selfie camera, adding a layer of convenience to your creative arsenal. Even the realm of Live Photos remains accessible in tandem with this feature, as the depth information elegantly weaves itself into your dynamic images, a detail you need not consciously attend to.

Apple's commitment to enhancing HDR processing on the 15 Pro is evident, with a pronounced focus on capturing and preserving intricate highlights. The HEIF file, enriched with an embedded gain map, bears witness to this transformation. The difference becomes vividly apparent as you scroll through thumbnail images within the Photos app and delve into the heart of a photograph adorned with luminous white highlights.

While this isn't an entirely novel concept, with Apple having pioneered it back on the iPhone 15, the impact seems more pronounced than in its predecessor, at least to my discerning eye. It's crucial to note that this visual splendor is exclusive to HDR-compatible displays, predominantly found on iPhones but also gracing select Macs and iPads. Furthermore, it's accessible through designated applications, including the Mac and iOS Photos app. Apple's benevolence extends to third-party developers by offering them access to this API, potentially ushering in a wave of immersive HDR experiences in the not-so-distant future.

In the grand scheme of things, Apple seems to be adhering to its established path in comparison to industry counterparts like Samsung and Google. Night mode photography leans slightly in favor of the Pixel 7 Pro, where the 15 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra occasionally exhibit a touch of the watercolor effect. Apple's adoption of a 24-megapixel image sensor brings forth a trove of intricate details within the default JPEG, though when normalized to the same viewing scale, the three cameras appear to be on par in terms of detail capture.

While the iPhone doesn't seize victory in every category, it does earn a noteworthy accolade for its consistent delivery of desired colors during a week of diverse photographic endeavors. It retains the essence of the quintessential iPhone camera experience while amplifying your creative horizons.

The 15 Pro and Pro Max receive a significant video upgrade this year, a capability that videographers hold dear: the power to shoot in log format. This super-flat color profile bestows control upon videographers, allowing them to meticulously craft the final visual narrative. However, this feature is exclusive to ProRes, and it's worth noting that an abundance of ProRes files can swiftly deplete your precious phone storage. Nonetheless, it's a boon for videography enthusiasts, a sentiment underscored by my firsthand experience while using the 15 Pro Max to capture ProRes log footage. The post-capture color toning flexibility enables seamless integration with other cameras used in a production, such as a formidable Canon camera, which, I might add, likely boasts a price tag exceeding that of my inaugural automobile.

One of the marvels of USB-C lies in its versatility, allowing you to seamlessly tether an external drive and utilize the recording prowess of an SSD. This becomes imperative when your cinematic aspirations demand the pristine clarity of 4K at 60 frames per second. Should you opt for a slightly less cinematic flavor, fear not, as 4K at 24 and 4K at 30 are readily at your disposal, natively embraced by the phone itself. Even the uninitiated in the world of professional videography will find solace in the iPhone 15 Pro's video prowess. While it's important to note that footage from the 5x lens can exhibit a touch of graininess under dimly lit circumstances, beyond this minor caveat, iPhone video clips proudly hold their own, occupying a coveted spot in the upper echelons of the industry.

Yet, there's an intriguing video feature on the horizon, one that has yet to grace our testing grounds: spatial video recording. In the days to come, the 15 Pro will extend its capabilities to capture immersive 3D video, a visual treat designed for playback on a Vision Pro headset. While the opportunity to delve into this exciting dimension awaits, our current resources don't grant us access to this experience. Nevertheless, anticipate a future where you can wield your phone to craft spatial videos with finesse, possibly saving you from the rather conspicuous appearance of sporting a headset for such endeavors.

The era of mind-boggling advancements in mobile technology might have faded into the rearview mirror, but the pulse of progress continues to beat, albeit in a more measured cadence. The iPhone 15 Pro stands as a testament to this gradual evolution, where incremental strides amalgamate into a meaningful leap forward. Its ergonomic design enhances user comfort, the advent of USB-C heralds convenience for the future, and an ingenious button offers boundless functionality. Moreover, the camera innovations promise to enthrall photography enthusiasts of all shades.

Admittedly, the 15 Pro doesn't break entirely new ground. The realm of Android smartphones has long relished the dexterity of USB-C connectivity. Beyond the walls of the Apple ecosystem, rival devices boast greater zoom capabilities, superior multitasking prowess, and astute virtual assistants. However, what distinguishes the 15 Pro is the culmination of these features within the iOS milieu, a momentous juncture for the legions firmly entrenched in Apple's embrace.

As we dissect the DNA of the iPhone 15 Pro, it's evident that myriad external forces, including competitors and regulatory bodies, have sculpted it into its current form. It remains unmistakably an iPhone, yet it has been refined and elevated under the crucible of competition and oversight. This juncture merits celebration, whether you find yourself ensconced within the orchard's confines or venturing beyond.

Do you harbor burning inquiries about the iPhone 15 Pro, queries left unaddressed in these lines? Worry not, for I shall be at your service, poised to respond to your questions from 3-4 PM ET today, Friday, September 22th. Simply deposit your inquiries in the comments section of this brief post, and rest assured, a swift USB-C response shall be forthcoming.

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