Should I Upgrade to the iPhone 15? A One-Month Review

It's been one month since the release of the iPhone 15, and now that the hype is dying down you might be wondering if it's really worth the upgrade. Let’s take an in-depth look at the base model iPhone 15 and help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

frank mobile iPhone 15 colors black blue green yellow pink

Assess Your Current Phone

Before diving into the iPhone 15, it's crucial to evaluate your current smartphone. Is your current device still performing well? Have you been suffering from a cracked screen? Is your phone running slowly? If you own an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, which are relatively recent models, you might not need to rush into an upgrade. Is your device suffering from battery issues? You could always consider a battery replacement before splurging on a new phone. On the flipside, If you're already invested in a USB-C ecosystem, the transition can be pretty convenient. (Chances are you already know that the iPhone 15 series has eliminated the lightning port and changed over to USB-C.)

If you have decided to upgrade, you’ll generally make the most money selling your device yourself. In Australia, you can check out our reputable friend Mobile Monster. Then go ahead and put that cash towards your new phone. 

iPhone 15: The Base Model

 Design and Build 

The iPhone 15, like its predecessor, is available in a range of eye-catching colors, including Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink. However, it's worth noting that while the Pro models (iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max) feature an aerospace-grade titanium design, the base model and the iPhone 15 Plus feature an aluminum design with a color infused glass back. While it maintains a robust and durable profile, it’s not groundbreaking. However, in true Apple style, it's elegant and tough.

 Display 

The device boasts a Super Retina XDR display, measuring 6.1 inches and delivering an OLED display with a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels at 460 ppi. It supports Dynamic Island, HDR, True Tone, and wide color, making it a visually immersive experience. No complaints here. 

 Performance 

At the heart of the iPhone 15 lies the A16 Bionic chip. While this chip is indeed one of the latest innovations, it's important to mention that the base model of the iPhone 15 shares the same A16 chip as the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. The A16 Bionic chip features a 6-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine.This configuration delivers improvements in CPU and GPU performance, providing a boost for augmented reality (AR) and gaming applications. The Pro models in the series get an upgrade to the A17 bionic chip for more power and speed. 

 Camera System 

The iPhone 15 base model features a dual-camera system, with a 48MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP 2x telephoto camera. This camera setup allows for versatility, with various focal lengths and creative control. The 48MP main camera offers features like Smart HDR 5, Night mode, and Panorama (up to 63MP). It's important to mention that the camera system on the iPhone 15, while versatile, might not be significantly different from its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Bottom line is, you're almost guaranteed stunning images and video. The camera is powerful and offers many options. 

 Charging and Connectivity 

The transition from Lightning to USB-C is a notable change in the iPhone 15 series. This shift offers significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to USB 2.

 Pricing and Trade-In 

The base model of the iPhone 15 is available in different storage capacities, starting at $1499. The capacities include: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. Higher-end options, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, offer various finishes and storage capacities, with prices starting at $1849. 

iOS 17: A Companion for Your iPhone 15

With the arrival of Apple's latest software update, iOS 17, iPhone 15 users can look forward to a range of exciting features and enhancements designed to enhance their mobile experience. 

With its A16 Bionic chip, versatile camera system, and transition to USB-C, iOS 17 complements this device by introducing features that enhance your overall interaction and engagement with the phone. With Contact Posters, it's easier than ever to customize your calling experience and bring a personal touch to your communication.

The combination of the iPhone 15 and iOS 17 offers an enhanced mobile experience that is both powerful and user-friendly. Whether you're embracing the new Contact Posters or exploring the broader enhancements of iOS 17, this update serves as a valuable companion for your iPhone 15.

In summary, iOS 17 enhances the capabilities of the iPhone 15, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable package for users who seek an interactive and personalized mobile experience.

In a Nutshell 

The iPhone 15 base model is a great piece of tech, with a powerful A16 Bionic chip, a versatile camera system, and the convenience of USB-C. It's an attractive choice for those who want a premium smartphone experience. If you’re in need of a new device, the iPhone 15 certainly isn’t a bad choice.

However, whether you should upgrade to the iPhone 15 ultimately depends on your current smartphone's performance and your specific needs. If you're satisfied with your current device, it might be wise to wait for the next iteration as the iPhone has 15 lacks groundbreaking features that make it a must have.