📆 Released: September 2023
🧭 iOS at Launch: iOS 17
🔌 What made headlines? The switch to USB-C, the move to titanium Pro models, and the introduction of Apple’s first 5x telephoto lens.
With the iPhone 15 series, Apple finally gave users what they’d been asking for — and then some. The shift to USB-C unified the Apple ecosystem, while the Pro Max brought a real camera leap. One year later in 2025, it’s still among the best iPhones you can buy.
| Model | Display | Chip | Main Camera | Port | Notable Firsts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | 6.1" OLED (60Hz) | A16 Bionic | 48MP wide | USB-C | Dynamic Island on base model |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 6.7" OLED (60Hz) | A16 Bionic | 48MP wide | USB-C | Best battery in base line |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 6.1" OLED (120Hz) | A17 Pro | 48MP main + 3x | USB-C | Titanium body, console gaming |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 6.7" OLED (120Hz) | A17 Pro | 48MP main + 5x tetraprism zoom | USB-C | Thinnest Pro Max yet |
Battery Performance
| Model | Avg Screen-On Time |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | 7–8 hrs |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 9.5–10 hrs |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 8–9 hrs |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 10+ hrs (top-tier) |
The Plus and Pro Max are still among the longest-lasting phones on the market in 2025 — with efficient chips and optimized software under iOS 18.
Camera Upgrades (Especially Pro Max)
All models got:
48MP main sensor (vs 12MP on iPhone 14)
Better Smart HDR 5 processing
24MP default shooting for detail + smaller file size
Next-gen Photonic Engine for more accurate skin tones
Pro models added:
ProRAW, ProRes, Log video
New nanoscale coating reduces lens flare
5x tetraprism zoom (Pro Max only) = best zoom Apple has ever done
🎥 Creators loved it — from short films to mobile documentaries, 15 Pro Max pushed iPhone videography forward.
USB-C – Finally!
Replaces Lightning after over a decade
Pro models support USB 3 speeds (~10Gbps)
Base models: USB 2.0 speeds (~480Mbps)
⚠️ Caveat: Only Pro models transfer ProRes video fast. Regular 15/15 Plus have slow USB-C.
Still, this was a huge win for users carrying USB-C iPads, Macs, power banks, and accessories.
Titanium & Lighter Design (Pro Models Only)
Brushed titanium frame replaces stainless steel
Up to 19 grams lighter
New rounded edges feel way more comfortable to hold
Improved thermals (less heat while gaming or charging)
15 Pro/Pro Max are arguably the most comfortable Pro iPhones ever built.
Dynamic Island Comes to All Models
Even iPhone 15 and 15 Plus got the Dynamic Island, which was previously Pro-only. It’s now a core part of iOS 17/18, showing:
Music playback
Live sports scores
AirDrop status
Timers, Maps, Phone calls, and more
Colors – Expressive vs. Elegant
iPhone 15 & 15 Plus Colors:
Pink
Yellow
Green
Blue
Black
Soft pastel finishes with a matte, frosted glass back — very lightweight feel, some said almost toy-like in hand.
iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max Colors:
Natural Titanium
Blue Titanium
White Titanium
Black Titanium
🔩 Clean, muted tones matching the raw titanium material. Apple leaned into the “pro tool” aesthetic — minimalist, industrial.
How iPhone 15 Feels in 2025
| Category | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Performance | Still excellent (especially Pro models) |
| Cameras | Among the best in mobile, esp. Pro Max |
| Build | Titanium holds up, very durable |
| Software | Fully optimized for iOS 18 + AI |
| Value | Still expensive but better deals on used units now |
iPhone 15 Used Prices in 2025 (Estimates):
| Model | Price Range |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | $500–550 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | $550–600 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | $750–800 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $850–900 |
✅ Best pick for creators or gamers? 15 Pro Max
✅ Best for all-day battery + Dynamic Island? 15 Plus
✅ Balanced value + long iOS support? iPhone 15
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 15 series didn’t just check boxes — it cleaned the slate. USB-C, titanium, 5x zoom, and Dynamic Island across the board made it feel like the start of a new iPhone era.
In 2025, the 15 Pro Max is still one of the best phones in the world, and the 15 Plus is an underrated battery beast. If you skipped it last year, now’s the perfect time to revisit — or grab one used.
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