Unveiling the iPhone 15 Pro – A Comprehensive Review

I must confess that my experience with Apple products and the iOS ecosystem has been quite limited until recently. While I’ve occasionally used an iPhone for tasks like managing Spotify playlists or sending texts on behalf of a friend, I have never made an iPhone my primary device. However, that changed when I had the opportunity to spend a few weeks with the iPhone 15 Pro, one of Apple’s latest and most intriguing smartphones. In this review, I aim to provide a different perspective by evaluating the iPhone 15 Pro from the standpoint of a daily Android user.

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro strikes an impressive balance between performance and price, making it a compelling choice. Despite initial concerns about transitioning from Android to iPhone, I discovered that, once accustomed to the new operating system (especially the absence of a back swipe feature), the iPhone 15 Pro boasts numerous appealing features. These include built-in ray tracing for mobile gaming, multiple lenses for photography, and a swift chipset ensuring smooth multitasking. For Android users contemplating a switch, the iPhone 15 Pro proves to be a worthy device, though an adjustment period to the new ecosystem is advised. Now, let’s delve into my thoughts on design, performance, and more.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Design: Gorgeous and Practical

The design of the iPhone 15 Pro represents a significant and welcome departure, particularly for someone like me, accustomed to the bulkier Android devices. Its slim and lightweight profile feels comfortable in hand, a noticeable departure from the thicker Pixel and Google smartphones I’ve used before. The titanium casing adds both style and sturdiness, making me less inclined to use a protective case. Adopting a USB-C charge port is a welcome change for someone like me who has an abundance of USB-C cables. While it might pose an adjustment for long-time iPhone users with Lightning cables, Apple’s inclusion of a USB-C charging cable in the box makes practical sense.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Display: Looks Great and Hasn’t Changed

The iPhone 15 Pro continues Apple’s tradition of a high-quality display, featuring a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate AMOLED screen. The Always On Display, a feature I hadn’t experienced on Android, proved to be surprisingly useful for quick glances at notifications and the time. The display’s vibrant colors and clarity, combined with features like True Tone and Haptic Touch, contribute to an enjoyable viewing experience.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Performance: Designed With Mobile Gaming in Mind

Adjusting to iOS 17 took some time, especially with the absence of a back swipe feature that I relied on heavily with Android devices. However, the iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Pro chip impressed with its seamless performance during multitasking, app navigation, and even light mobile gaming. The lack of stutters, coupled with the device’s responsiveness, made for a positive overall experience. The inclusion of ray tracing for mobile gaming was a standout feature, delivering impressive visuals.

iPhone 15 Pro Camera: Great Low Light Images

The camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro left a lasting impression. The 48MP lens, combined with Night mode, produced stunning images even in low-light conditions. Video recording in 4K was smooth, automatically adjusting to varying lighting conditions. The camera’s capabilities, both for photography and videography, showcased its power and versatility.

iPhone 15 Pro Battery Life: All-Day Battery Life, Plus Some Extra

The battery life of the iPhone 15 Pro exceeded my expectations, supporting up to 23 hours of video playback. Forgetting to charge overnight didn’t result in anxiety, as the device easily powered through a day of typical usage in New York City. The combination of impressive battery life and the convenience of USB-C charging added to the device’s appeal.

iPhone 15 Pro Verdict: A Great Value Pick

For an Android user making the switch, the transition to iOS may initially be surprising. Still, the iPhone 15 Pro offers features and a robust camera system that makes it a compelling choice. With a more reasonable price tag compared to its Pro Max counterpart, the iPhone 15 Pro provides powerful cameras, excellent battery life, and a user-friendly ecosystem. It’s not only a suitable option for dedicated iPhone enthusiasts but also an ideal device for those exploring the iPhone world alongside their familiarity with Android. In my experience, considering the specifications and cost, the iPhone 15 is now one of my top picks for value.

My Expertise:

I bring over four years of experience as a consumer tech and electronics writer and editor, covering a range of topics from Apple iPhone launches to comprehensive reviews of mobile devices, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. As the consumer and electronics editor at Forbes, I’ve reported on major phone launches, including those from Apple and Google, for the past two years across various publications.

How I Tested The Apple iPhone 15 Pro:

Over the past two weeks, the iPhone 15 Pro served as my primary device. I took it around New York City to capture photos, message friends, make calls, check the weather, navigate the subway system, and more. Rigorous testing involved running multiple apps simultaneously, capturing videos for friends and family, and exploring Apple’s built-in ray tracing for mobile gaming. Camera performance was thoroughly evaluated in diverse settings, comparing it with Google’s camera system to gauge its competitiveness in the market.