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iPhone 15 Buyer's Guide - DON'T Make These 10 Mistakes!
Original video published on Sep 13, 2023
The release of the iPhone 15 lineup brings a blend of familiarity and innovation, with models like the regular iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. Despite their similarities to last year’s models, the devil is in the details, and understanding these nuances is key to making the right purchase. Here’s a guide to avoid 10 common purchasing mistakes and some tailored advice to help you choose the best iPhone 15 model for your needs.
#1. Don’t Overlook the Regular Models for Design
The new curved edges and textured matte finish, which prevent fingerprints, are not exclusive to the Pro models. The regular iPhone 15 models boast these features too, ensuring a premium feel in hand.
#2. Display Quality Across All Models
Gone are the days when only the Pro models boasted superior display quality. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus now feature the Super Retina XDR display with up to 2000 nits peak brightness and HDR content support, along with the Dynamic Island feature, eliminating the notch.
#3. Refresh Rate and Always-on Display
However, the regular iPhone 15 models still come with a 60Hz refresh rate and lack the always-on display feature, which are exclusive to the Pro models. This could impact the smoothness of animations and overall display experience.
#4. Camera Capabilities
The upgraded 48-megapixel camera sensor from the 14 Pro is now available in the regular iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, with an even better aperture for low-light photography. This means you don’t necessarily need a Pro model for an advanced camera experience.
#5. USB-C Port Speed Variations
The USB-C port in the regular iPhone 15 models only supports USB 2.0 speeds (up to 480Mb/s), identical to the old lightning port. The 15 Pro models, however, offer USB 3.0 with up to 10 gigabits per second transfer speeds, a significant upgrade.
#6. Understanding the Chip Performance
The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro series shows only a 10% single-core performance increase and a 20% GPU boost, primarily from an added sixth core, over the A16 in the regular iPhone 15. These modest enhancements suggest that the A16 chip’s performance will be adequate for most users.
#7. Choosing the Right Case
With the discontinuation of leather cases, it’s important to invest in a protective case, especially for the pricier Pro Max model. Options like the U-Pro Ostan case from Taurus offer military-grade protection and convenient features like an adjustable kickstand.
#8. Lighter Weight
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have adopted a titanium chassis, making them 10% lighter than previous models. This makes the Pro models more appealing for those sensitive to phone weight.
#9. Camera Differences in Pro Models
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a new 5x telephoto zoom camera, enabling up to 25x zoom for superior long-range shots. However, unlike the 15 Pro, it lacks a 3X telephoto lens, making the Pro a better choice for 3x to 4.9x zoom levels, offering enhanced mid-range zoom quality.
#10. Pricing and Storage
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the only model in the lineup that received a price increase. However, it now starts from 256GB of storage as standard, offering the same value as last year’s model with a similar storage upgrade.
#11. Bonus Tip: Action Button Exclusivity
Remember, the new action button is exclusive to the Pro models. If this feature is a must-have for you, opting for a regular iPhone 15 won’t suffice.
Buyer’s Guide: Which iPhone 15 Should You Buy?
- iPhone 15: Ideal for those on a budget or switching from Android, the iPhone 15 starts at $799 or $33 per month. It brings significant upgrades like the Dynamic Island, Super Retina XDR display, and a 48-megapixel camera, making it an exceptional value choice.
- iPhone 15 Plus: A great option for those desiring a larger screen but not wanting to spend the $1200 for the Pro Max. The 15 Plus offers a fantastic display experience and is a smart middle-ground choice.
- iPhone 15 Pro: Available for $999, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro is for enthusiasts seeking premium features like a 120Hz ProMotion display, always-on display, 3x telephoto camera, a new titanium chassis, and the A17 Pro chip. It’s a powerhouse in a compact form, providing excellent value in today’s market.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: The top-tier option, priced higher than its siblings, is for those who want the best of everything. With the largest display, superior battery life, and exclusive features like the new 5x telephoto camera, the Pro Max is the king of the iPhone 15 lineup.
As you decide on your upgrade to the iPhone 15, consider these insights to avoid common pitfalls and make an informed decision that suits your specific needs and preferences. Share your choice and current iPhone model in the comments, and stay tuned for more tech insights!
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