Apple iPhone 15 Pro hands-on review 2024: first look

Similar to the revolutionary iPhone X that was released in 2017, the new iPhone 15 Pro versions represent a big step forward in the progression of iPhone upgrades. After the Apple event that took place in Cupertino, I went to the Steve Jobs Theater to check out the newly released iPhones, the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. My first thoughts regarding them were really favorable, particularly in regards to their reduced weight, slightly thinner design, and the tactile sense of the new brushed titanium material. I also found their look to be rather attractive.

The fact that the iPhone 14 Pro Max was the model that sold the most units of any iPhone model in the previous year suggests that the addition of Apple’s new 5x telephoto lens to the model for this year is likely to make it even more appealing and ensure that it continues to lead the pack in terms of sales.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro hands-on Specifications

In this in-depth review of the iPhone 15 Pro, we delve into the aspects of Apple’s newest flagship smartphone that we adore.

Design and Build Quality

In my opinion, one of the most important design modifications that Apple made to the iPhone 15 Pro was switching from a frame made of stainless steel, which had been the standard ever since the iPhone X, to a frame made of titanium alloy, which is both more lightweight and more resistant to wear and tear. as I first handled it, my initial reaction was one of skepticism; but, as I had it in my hand, I was pleasantly surprised by the discernible change in weight.

The iPhone 15 Pro has ergonomics that have been improved thanks to its curved edges, making it more comfortable to handle than the iPhone 14 Pro, which has a stainless steel band that is more pointed. After having used the iPhone 14 Pro Max for almost a year, the rounded feel of the new iPhone’s frame made of titanium alloy is an enhancement that is very much appreciated.

The removal of the mute switch on the left side, which has been replaced by the Action button, serves as a reminder of how well it fits in my hand. I had nearly forgotten how comfortable it is. This modification enables new and exciting possibilities by making it possible for the Action button to carry out a wide range of tasks, including more complicated tasks with the assistance of the Shortcuts app.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Display

From my own experience, it is difficult to say whether the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display on the iPhone 14 Pro is superior to the display found on the iPhone XS. While I was looking at a trailer for a movie, its vivid colors immediately drew my attention to it. However, I am interested in learning whether or not it is capable of producing a higher level of brightness. The characteristics are relatively comparable, including the resolution of 2556 by 1179, the pixel density of 460 pixels per inch.

The display refresh rate of 120 hertz, and the peak brightness of 2000 nits for use outside. It is possible that it will offer colors that are more true to life and have a peak brightness that is significantly brighter, however this will be verified by benchmark testing. Apple emphasises the fact that it has the smallest boundaries ever seen on an iPhone, which is similar to its counterpart in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This is despite the fact that it does not appear to have undergone a significant redesign.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Cameras

Let’s have a look at the photographic capabilities of the various iPhone Pro versions from the perspective of my own personal use. Despite the fact that the iPhone 15 Pro Max has been the center of a lot of attention this year, the iPhone Pro still sports a camera configuration that is quite capable. It has a primary sensor with a resolution of 48 megapixels and an aperture of 1.78, although it only takes pictures at a resolution of 24 megapixels by default.

On the other hand, if you so choose, you have the ability to shoot in the full 48-megapixel resolution. In addition to the primary sensor, the camera consists of a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens with an aperture of f/2.2, as well as a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with an aperture of f/2.8 and a focal length of 77 millimeters. Even while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a different camera configuration than the iPhone Pro, including a 5x optical zoom and a 120mm focal length, the iPhone Pro has nevertheless included both hardware improvements and advances in computational photography.

Notably, enhancements have been made to portrait mode in both of these models. It is now able to distinguish persons within an image, which enables you to apply the effects of portrait mode after the photo has been taken rather than having to pick it before you take the picture. In post-processing, you also have the ability to modify the focus as well as the blur in the depth of field.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Software

According to my own direct experience with using the iPhone 15, it runs on iOS 17, and it offers a broad variety of capabilities. Some of these features include Check In, messaging advancements, AirPods functionalities, and more. The majority of these features are not unique to the iPhone 15, as they are also accessible on previous generations of the iPhone. Despite this, there are a few features that can only be found on the iPhone 15.

One feature that distinguishes the iPhone 15 Pro models from the ordinary iPhone 15 is the addition of an action button. This function is not present on the standard iPhone 15. Voice Isolation, on the other hand, is a feature that is available on the iPhone 15 and is designed to improve call quality in areas that have a lot of background noise. Since I’ve been using Voice Isolation, I’ve observed a substantial improvement in voice clarity, which makes it so that the person on the other end of the call experiences interactions that are more engaging.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Performance

My personal experience and understanding lead me to believe that the upcoming Apple iPhone 15 Pro will include the game-changing A17 Bionic chip, which will be produced utilizing a cutting-edge manufacturing method that utilizes a 3-nanometer technique. When compared to the A16 Bionic chip that is present in the iPhone 14 Pro, this technological breakthrough predicts that the A17 chip will be more energy efficient, smaller in size, and faster than its predecessor.

My anticipation is that in terms of performance, the iPhone 15 Pro will be head and shoulders above any other smartphone that is currently on the market. As a result of the exciting developments in chip technology, it ought to be capable of handling demanding jobs with ease, such as gaming and video editing, and excel at doing so.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Battery Life

Based on how I use it, the iPhone 15 Pro’s battery life is great and matches the 23-hour claim for the iPhone 14 Pro. It still works with both MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, and its fast charging is the same as it was on the last model, though it is slower than some Android phones. It’s important to keep in mind that USB-C doesn’t automatically make charging faster.

I’ve always been able to get more than 10 hours of screen time on a single charge, which is enough for a full day of games and video streaming. This is made possible by the speed of the A17 Pro Bionic chip and a new screen that uses less power. Also, iOS 16’s power economy makes the iPhone 15 Pro’s battery life even better, making it one of the device’s best features.

Early Verdict

The iPhone 15 Pro is now just one step behind its bigger brother, the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This is not a good place to be. Yes, that phone’s screen was always bigger, but that was usually the only difference. Some users will be disappointed that the zoom lens hasn’t been updated or made stronger. The good news is that this phone does have the A17 Pro chip, which I think is Apple’s newest and most powerful chip ever.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro hands-on review: The good and The bad