Which iPhone 15 model should you buy? Comparing regular, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max
When Apple unveiled the iPhone 15, they introduced not one, not two, not three, however 4 new iPhones abruptly, so there’s principally a mannequin for each kind of consumer, proper? Sure, however there are positively some factors to think about.
Additionally: Apple wants you to know what you’re missing by not upgrading to an iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 collection begins at $799 and ranges up to $1,199, so I would not go so far as to say that it is a simple shopping for determination for budget-minded buyers. For those who do fall into that group nonetheless, permit me to direct you to ZDNET’s best iPhone deals information as an alternative.
However in case you’re lifeless set on the newest era of Apple handsets, let this determination tree enable you to make the very best buy on your wants, use instances, and preferences. I assure that one of many 4 iPhone 15 fashions will resonate with you greater than the others.
Specs
|
iPhone 15 |
iPhone 15 Plus |
iPhone 15 Professional |
iPhone 15 Professional Max |
|
|
Show |
6.1-inch OLED with 60Hz |
6.7-inch OLED with 60Hz |
6.1-inch OLED with 120Hz |
6.7-inch OLED with 120Hz |
| Weight | 6.02 oz (171 grams) | 7.09 oz (201 grams) | 6.60 oz (187 grams) | 7.81 oz (221 grams) |
|
Processor |
A16 Bionic |
A16 Bionic |
A17 Professional Bionic |
A17 Professional Bionic |
|
RAM/Storage |
4GB RAM with 128GB/256GB/512GB |
4GB RAM with 128GB/256GB/512GB |
8GB RAM with 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB |
8GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB |
|
Digital camera |
48MP Large, 12MP Extremely-wide, 12MP entrance | 48MP Large, 12MP Extremely-wide, 12MP entrance | 48MP Large, 12MP Extremely-wide, 12MP 3X Telephoto, 12MP entrance | 48MP Large, 12MP Extremely-wide, 12MP 5X Telephoto, 12MP entrance |
| Software program | iOS 17 | iOS 17 | iOS 17 | iOS 17 |
| Battery | As much as 20 hours of video playback | As much as 26 hours of video playback | As much as 23 hours of video playback | As much as 29 hours of video playback |
|
Connectivity |
4G LTE, 5G, eSIM, Satellite tv for pc |
4G LTE, 5G, eSIM, Satellite tv for pc |
4G LTE, 5G, eSIM, Satellite tv for pc |
4G LTE, 5G, eSIM, Satellite tv for pc |
|
Sturdiness |
IP68 |
IP68 |
IP68 |
IP68 |
|
Colours |
Pink, Yellow, Blue, Inexperienced, Black | Pink, Yellow, Blue, Inexperienced, Black | Pure Titanium, Blue, White, Black | Pure Titanium, Blue, White, Black |
|
Value |
You should purchase the iPhone 15 Professional Max if…
1. You need the very best iPhone digital camera expertise, interval.
This yr, Apple has made its iPhone 15 Pro Max mannequin extra becoming of its identify by giving it the unique good thing about a brand new periscope zoom lens. How is that this completely different than the telephoto lens discovered on the smaller Professional mannequin? A periscope lens permits the iPhone to seize distant topics with a 5x optical zoom versus a digital one, which interprets to higher element and fewer blurriness.
Additionally: iPhone 15 Pro review: Coming from iPhone 12 Pro or earlier? This upgrade will wow you
2. You are a multimedia connoisseur
Moreover the superior digital camera, the iPhone 15 Professional Max additionally affords the very best multimedia expertise of the 4 fashions launched. With a big 6.8-inch AMOLED show that refreshes at 120Hz and highly effective dual-channel audio system, the Professional Max variant stays the cellphone of alternative in case you usually end up watching reveals, short-form movies, and extra, in your cell gadget.
It is quite heavy at 221 grams, however the thinner bezels and lighter Titanium materials this yr make the Professional Max extra ergonomic than ever. The identical could not be stated concerning the older 14 Professional Max.
You should purchase the iPhone 15 Professional if…
1. You need the Professional advantages with out the Professional Max measurement
Greater shouldn’t be at all times higher, because the smaller iPhone Professional mannequin has proved yr after yr. For most individuals, the 6.1-inch type issue of the usual Professional cellphone is greater than sufficient. I personally discover it to be extra fulfilling to make use of than the Professional Max due to its mixture of portability and energy.
Additionally: How to capture spatial video with the iPhone 15 Pro (there’s a trick)
Other than the periscope lens and bigger proportions, the iPhone 15 Pro affords nearly each different utility that the Professional Max does, together with the up to date A17 Professional Bionic chip, iOS 17 features, and new Motion Button. The truth is, the Motion Button is way more reachable on the smaller 15 Professional. And for images and movies, it shares the identical 48MP major sensor, which is what you may depend on probably the most.
2. You may’t justify the $200 Max Tax
As a result of {hardware} hole, Apple is charging an additional $100 for the Professional Max mannequin this yr, making a $200 distinction between the larger gadget and the common Professional. That is a hefty sum, and is sufficient to cowl a case, display screen protector, and USB-C charging case — do you have to need to replace your AirPods Professional to Apple’s new port customary. Or, you possibly can simply save the $200 and keep it up.
You should purchase the iPhone 15 Plus if…
1. You desire a big-screen iPhone at a extra accessible value
Whereas the brand new iPhone 15 Plus is not essentially low cost at a beginning value of $899, it’s the most inexpensive possibility if you’d like a big-screen iPhone that does not value $300 extra. Just like the Professional Max, the iPhone 15 Plus encompasses a 6.8-inch panel with a similar-behaving Dynamic Island interface.
Additionally: iPhone 15 review: I spent a month with Apple’s base model and found it more ‘Pro’ than ever
The show does not get fairly as easy with a 60Hz refresh price, and the audio system aren’t as punchy because the Professional Max’s, however in case you simply need an iPhone that will get the fundamentals proper, and appears good doing them, then the 15 Plus is the way in which to go.
You should purchase the iPhone 15 if…
1. You need the newest iPhone for much less
If options like ProRes video recording, 120Hz ProMotion show, and an A17 Professional Bionic chip do not elevate your eyebrows, then the usual iPhone 15 could also be the most suitable choice for you. It is also probably the most accessible of the bunch, with a beginning value of $799, and most carriers providing buy-one-get-one (BOGO) or “free with trade-in” offers for this mannequin particularly.
2. One of many colours fits your vibe
Smartphones are arguably our most private piece of know-how, so one thing as primary as colour is usually a deciding issue when buying one. Apple tends to offer the non-Professional iPhones the extra poppy and adventurous colours, with this yr’s crop getting splashes of pastel yellow, pink, blue, white, and black. If a type of colours speaks to you, then it could be your calling to go for an iPhone 15 as an alternative of an iPhone 15 Professional.