The inclusion of USB-C for charging and data transfer, LOG video recording, and a configurable action button collectively elevate this iPhone to be the most advanced Pro model to date.
- 1. The iPhone 15 Pro introduces subtle yet highly valued improvements that truly justify its “Pro” designation, such as the adoption of USB-C, the addition of LOG Video Recording, and the customization options for an Action Button.
- 2. Arguably, the iPhone 15 Pro represents Apple’s most comprehensive smartphone offering to date, minimizing compromises and delivering a well-rounded experience.
- 3. The native support for LOG video recording in the iPhone 15 Pro is a transformative feature for content creators, empowering them with increased dynamic range and expanded flexibility in their video capturing endeavors.
We’ve become accustomed to seeing incremental updates in our iPhones, and while that still holds true, this year’s iPhone 15 Pro provides a bit more substance to ponder. Apple’s latest Pro model doesn’t flaunt a dramatic makeover, but it arrives with a collection of subtle yet highly appreciated enhancements that, when combined, elevate these smartphones to a higher level of “Pro” status than ever before.
The introduction of USB-C marks a significant (albeit compelled by the EU) step in addressing a significant barrier that has deterred devoted Android users from embracing the Apple ecosystem. Beyond the convenience of standardized charging, the iPhone 15 series, particularly the Pro and Pro Max, addresses a long-standing drawback of using an iPhone: the lack of support for external accessories and painfully slow data transfer speeds.
It’s safe to say that this is arguably Apple’s most well-rounded smartphone to date. It has become my favorite iPhone upgrade thus far.
However, a pressing concern looms over this parade. It appears that a combination of the new Titanium construction, a sleeker profile, and the enhanced processing power of the A17 Pro chip has led to widespread reports of overheating and thermal throttling in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. While potential software remedies are on the horizon, one must wonder if these new Pro models have taken on more than they can comfortably handle.
Initial Costs and the Possibility of Subsequent Price Increases
The starting price for the iPhone 15 Pro base model remains unchanged at $999, offering 128 GB of storage, consistent with last year. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has undergone a pricing adjustment, commencing at $1,199. This cost aligns with the storage and price point of the 256GB 14 Pro Max. For those who don’t require the extra 128 GB of storage, this $200 difference between the two Pro models may sway them towards the smaller Pro version.
I suspect that Apple may be implementing a broader strategy aimed at gradually phasing out the 128 GB storage option within their Pro lineup, potentially extending this shift to their entire product range. This strategy might serve as a precursor to Apple making 256 GB the new standard baseline storage option for all their devices. In the event of such a change, we could anticipate a $100 price increase across their entire product spectrum.
What Are the Latest Additions to the iPhone 15 Pro?
Operational Efficiency
Performance has consistently been a focal point during Apple’s iPhone presentations, and the iPhone 15 Pro lives up to this legacy. As anticipated, it stands as the swiftest iPhone thus far, which is only natural. This leap in speed is attributed to the all-new 3nm A17 Pro processor. While it may not markedly enhance everyday tasks such as launching apps, web browsing, or gaming, it does introduce some noteworthy enhancements.
Beneath the surface, the A17 Pro incorporates a 6-core CPU, promising a 10 percent performance boost in comparison to the A16. On the other hand, the 6-core GPU takes things a step further, offering a remarkable 20 percent increase in performance. What truly excites is the GPU’s newfound support for mesh shading and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. These state-of-the-art graphic technologies have the potential to introduce features typically associated with PC gaming or contemporary gaming consoles.
Apple has offered us a glimpse of what lies ahead with previews of upcoming games, including titles like Death Stranding, Resident Evil Village, and Resident Evil 4. These games are expected to leverage the added GPU performance available on these new Pro smartphones. However, let’s face it, given the substantial storage requirements of these games and the relatively compact smartphone screens, one might question the need for such gaming capabilities on a mobile device.
While iPhones may not be on the verge of dethroning dedicated gaming platforms like the Steam Deck in the near future, this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. It becomes particularly significant when considering Apple’s continuous efforts to attract developers and expand its gaming ecosystem. Beyond gaming, the iPhone 15 Pro takes a pragmatic stride by increasing RAM from 6 GB to 8 GB. This enhancement isn’t solely about raw power; it allows the device to keep more apps in memory in the background, resulting in slightly improved multitasking capabilities. It’s these subtle improvements that often contribute significantly to the overall user experience.
USB-C: Beyond Power Delivery
The introduction of USB-C into the iPhone ecosystem opens up a multitude of opportunities. For years, my iPhone felt like the odd one out among my tech devices, requiring me to remember to carry around an outdated lightning cable wherever I went. Embracing USB-C represents a welcome change, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most significant transformations. While Apple may have been compelled by the EU to make this transition, the advantages extend beyond mere charging convenience.
True to Apple’s style, the iPhone 15 Pro comes bundled with a USB 2.0 cable. They may emphasize their sustainability initiatives, yet they still encourage users to purchase an additional cable later on. The provided cable serves its purpose for charging, but if you possess or acquire a faster USB 3 cable, you can unlock the full potential of 10 Gbps transfer speeds. This means that copying those substantial “Pro” video and photo files becomes a significantly more convenient task. While the inclusion of USB 3.2 Gen 1 is exclusive to the 15 Pro series this year, it wouldn’t be surprising if Apple continues to feature it as a hallmark Pro characteristic in future models.
What’s even more exciting is that, with the increased USB-C speeds, you now have the capability to record videos directly onto external SSDs or even SD cards! Interestingly, within Apple’s default camera app, this isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity if you intend to record LOG at 4K60FPS. I’m intrigued to see the potential of future third-party cases and accessories that seamlessly integrate these external storage solutions or accessory adapters.
For now, it’s astonishing that I can record video directly onto an SD card and then effortlessly transfer that footage to my MacBook without complicated procedures. Even if you don’t plan on using LOG, this is a significant step forward that simplifies the recording process and streamlines the post-production workflow for content creators.
Function Button
Although some of us may reminisce about the tactile satisfaction of sliding to silence and instantly knowing that our phone won’t disrupt a solemn occasion like a wedding, the new Action Button proves to be far more versatile.
I’ve configured mine to swiftly launch the camera in video mode, which has proven invaluable for those spontaneous video captures. As straightforward as this may sound, it was a pleasant surprise to me.
Credit goes to Apple for allowing users to customize this button to their liking, without restricting the actions solely to Apple’s own apps or shortcuts. This marks a remarkable stride toward flexibility: could we see a Google Assistant shortcut button on an iPhone in the future?
However, at present, it feels somewhat underwhelming and is a bit of a mixed bag for me.
The absence of support for double clicks to trigger additional actions beyond what you’ve assigned to a single press seems like an oversight or perhaps a deliberate limitation. It leaves us yearning for the convenience of silencing our phones while also enjoying an extra function.
While some third-party workarounds employ other apps, I’m hopeful that Apple will introduce native support for this in a future update. It’s one of those features with immense potential, just waiting for a bit more development to fully blossom.
Does the 5X Telephoto Justify the Upgrade?
The iPhone 15 Pro features three familiar cameras: a 24mm 48MP Main Camera with an f/1.78 aperture, an f/2.2 13mm 12MP Ultra Wide camera, and an f/2.8 77mm 12MP telephoto. These cameras are quite similar to the 14 Pro, especially when capturing photos in daylight. As is often the case with iPhone upgrades, the advantages become more evident in low-light conditions. Both the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are equipped with a larger 48-megapixel sensor on the main camera, which aids in capturing more details.
During tests conducted with the iPhone 15 Pro and the 14 Pro, particularly in the late afternoon, at sunset, and at night, it was clear that the new iPhone 15 Pro required activating night mode less frequently. The improved photonic engine works discreetly behind the scenes, resulting in low-light photos with better noise control and retained sharpness.
One noteworthy convenience, thanks to its faster processor, is the elimination of the need to switch between photo and portrait modes. When a person, cat, or dog is detected in the frame, the camera automatically collects depth data, allowing you to choose later whether you prefer a standard photo or a portrait. In my experience, I rarely used portrait mode, as I knew the results were inconsistent, or I was photographing subjects that didn’t necessitate that look, so I typically stuck with the regular photo mode.
The 5X tetraprism telephoto lens, exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, might make you ponder whether it’s worth the extra expense and an upgrade to the larger model. It’s an excellent choice for capturing distant subjects, particularly landmarks. However, it has certain drawbacks that might make the 3X lens found on the Pro a more practical choice for most other scenarios. Notably, the 5X lens shows reduced performance in low-light conditions and lacks effective stabilization for video.
More significantly, which Apple conveniently overlooked in their presentation, is the substantial gap it creates in focal ranges from 24mm to 120mm. With the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s shift to 5X optical zoom, anything between 24mm and 120mm becomes digital zoom, resulting in a noticeable drop in quality. The 5X zoom can often be excessive, making it challenging to frame shots, especially for portraits. You often need to step back considerably to fit a person’s face into the frame, let alone their entire body. While it may excel in specific scenarios like sports photography or even some street photography, for everyday versatility, the 3X / 77mm lens found on this Pro model remains the more sensible choice overall.