My job entails testing a number of telephones all year long. Nevertheless, the iPhone 15 Pro has been in my pocket, both as a major or secondary system, because it launched final September.
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Final yr, Apple launched a number of beauty modifications — notably, a brand new titanium materials — to its flagship iPhone mannequin, which resulted in a extra sturdy and higher in-hand really feel. It is essentially the most comfy iPhone I’ve used because the model shifted to the flat-edge design in 2020. After utilizing the iPhone 15 Professional with out a case for a yr, here is how the system has held up and the way it all performs into my shopping for resolution with the upcoming iPhone 16.
The great, the dangerous, and the ugly of Titanium
Beforehand, I had the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which precipitated wrist ache after months of utilization. It was merely unwieldy — and heavy. So I used to be stunned once I picked up the iPhone 15 Professional Max on the retailer. It was surprisingly gentle. Nevertheless, as an alternative of going with the Max variant, I settled with utilizing my iPhone 15 Professional evaluate unit. The transfer to Titanium was a welcome change usually; it meant lighter, extra comfy iPhones for everybody.
It additionally got here at the price of a much less premium really feel. In some methods, the stainless-steel materials and weight of the iPhone 14 Professional Max made the telephone really feel costlier. The stainless-steel construct additionally fared higher in the long run.
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The titanium, however, has began coming off across the edges of my iPhone. I am going to admit: I’ve scuffed my iPhone 15 Professional with unintended drops in two locations, however the areas across the earpiece and entrance edges have patches of peeled titanium from every day put on and tear. The discoloration shouldn’t be restricted to the titanium sides however can be discovered on the digital camera lenses.
Do I nonetheless choose titanium over stainless-steel? Completely. I would like my telephone to really feel gentle and cozy within the hand as an alternative of holding up its look a yr later. When you occur to maintain your telephone in a case, this would not even be a priority.
How the iPhone 15 Professional has dealt with drops
I’ve had three vital unintended drops with my iPhone 15 Professional, the place I anticipated the display screen or again to be shattered. Surprisingly, each side are crack-free. The matte glass again has held up higher than anticipated, with no scratches on the rear panel. Regardless of protecting it caseless in my pocket — generally with cash and keys — the again stays fully scratch-free, not even a minor one. It is fared exceptionally effectively.
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The Ceramic Protect entrance has additionally held up effectively towards drops, although there’s room for enchancment. I want Apple would improve the smudge and fingerprint resistance of iPhone shows. In different phrases, utilizing a better-quality oleophobic coating. The iPhone 15 Professional will get dirtier than other phones I’ve examined, making it tough to learn, particularly open air. That mentioned, I am stunned I have not scratched it closely or damaged it, making it a strong telephone total.
What else wants enchancment?
The iPhone 15 Professional has been my journey companion over the previous yr, and I am joyful to report that the HDR enhancements and portrait digital camera have withstood the check of time. The telephone has given me some memorable photographs. Nevertheless, if there’s one factor I might like Apple to enhance with the iPhone 16 cameras, it is the lens flare — a long-standing concern. Lens flare can wreck nice night time photographs and create a ghosting impact on human topics. I hope that is addressed within the upcoming iPhones.
Utilizing the Digital camera or Google Maps with 5G enabled is a lethal mixture that drains the battery sooner than common. I am a heavy telephone consumer as a result of I am at all times on the go and linked to the web. However the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, my second most-used system this yr, has lasted me longer on a cost.
Typically, the battery life on my iPhone 15 Professional has been a blended bag. It began off effectively however then worsened, improved briefly, and went downhill once more with latest updates. Whereas I used to be on the secure iOS model till June, I discovered myself needing to cost my iPhone twice a day throughout commutes.
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I’ve additionally seen my iPhone 15 Professional getting hotter than common whereas charging, so I am hoping the iPhone 16 Professional presents each sooner and extra environment friendly charging.
The iPhone 15 Professional has fared effectively relating to construct high quality, show, and cameras. The battery life has deteriorated for me, however I even have extra cost cycles than I normally do after a yr of iPhone utilization. I principally cost the telephone over MagSafe and have a 500+ cost cycle rely.
Wanting forward on the iPhone 16
The iPhone 15 Professional introduced some first rate quality-of-life enhancements over the iPhone 14 Professional. A few of these upgrades solely turn into noticeable after utilizing the telephone past the preliminary evaluate interval.
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That is to say, I’ve huge expectations for the following iPhone as a result of Apple Intelligence has the potential to alter how you utilize your iPhone in every day life. I have been utilizing the general public beta model on the iPhone 15 Professional, and options like notification abstract have altered how I take advantage of my system. It is surprisingly correct, which is not the norm for AI options… but. Apple has additionally nailed the animations with its AI, which I am certain we’ll discuss extra about after the upcoming occasion.