
As the dust settles on the Apple Wonderlust event from last night, many will be sat pondering which handset is the right one for them. Even if you're set on upgrading to the latest range, there are still four different model options to choose between.
There's a lot to like across the range. The iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus are packed with new tech – the A16 Bionic chip migrates down, as well as the Dynamic Island and a 48MP camera. The iPhone 15 Pro models push the boat even further. Both models enjoy the first ever 3nm processor, while the Pro Max boasts one of the best cameras of any phone, ever.
But I've already made up my mind. The model which is right for me is also the one which is traditionally the least popular. I'll be opting for an iPhone 15 Plus – no, not just for that sumptuous pink hue – and here are three reasons why.
1. The new camera
While the Pro Max will take all of the headlines in the camera department, the base models also saw a pretty substantial upgrade here. That 48MP main sensor is a big deal, but the range of what you can do with it is even more impressive.
For starters, the quad-pixel sensor enables an effective 2x optical telephoto setting. Sure, it's not the same as having a dedicated telephoto lens, but for most users it won't make a noticeable difference.
That 2x setting has a 52mm focal length too. That's pretty much perfect for snapping images which resemble the perspective of the human eye, and is widely considered to be something of a golden spot for photographers for that reason.
There's also some changes to the Portrait Mode which are useful. The image processor will automatically read depth information for all shots, giving users the option to blur the background after the fact.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
That is such a useful feature. So often, I'll snap a shot with the regular camera on my iPhone 13 and realise later that it could be so much better with the soft background of Portrait Mode. On the iPhone 15, that no longer has to be a regret.
2. The A16 Bionic chip
Okay, I'm well aware that the A16 Bionic is not a "new" chip. Rather, it's a "new-to-me" option for those of us who don't use the Pro model iPhones.
That doesn't stop it from being a big deal, though. It's a step up from the A15 across the board, with a smaller 4nm architecture and overall performance upgrades which should give users a welcome boost in day-to-day activity. Improvements to both power and efficiency should make for a more enjoyable user experience.
3. Dynamic Island
Is the Dynamic Island the most hated iPhone feature ever? It's certainly in with a good shout for that award.
But for me, it's one of the best reasons to upgrade from an older iPhone model. See, while it didn't get a lot of love when it debuted on the iPhone 14 Pro models last year, companies have been quietly employing the feature more and more with their apps.
Now that it's a core part of the entire iPhone range, I would expect that to improve even more. And once more companies get in on the act, it's going to be a really useful thing to have.
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
New Matter leak reveals exciting smart garden tools heading our way – a lot sooner than expected
That was pretty unexpected!
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
HBO’s best sci-fi in recent memory returns for season 2 in just two weeks
The Last of Us season 2 airs on 13 April – I'm counting down the days
By Mike Lowe Published
-
New evidence suggests Apple's taking its foldable iPhone seriously
And it might bring something different to the party too
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
EU paves the way for iPhones and Android devices to ditch USB-C entirely
Clarification enables Apple, Samsung and others to switch to wireless charging only
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Apple's first foldable could come with an unexpected feature, claims expert
If it ends up being true, we'd be absolutely fine with it.
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Google's Pixel 9a does one simple thing that could tempt me away from iPhones after a decade
Google's played a blinder here
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple could have two Studio Displays in the pipeline, but there's mystery behind the second
The great Apple monitor mystery – is Apple making two Studio Displays or something even bigger?
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google Maps design update finally comes to iPhone after Android owners have enjoyed it for months
It should make one-handed use much easier
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
MacBook Air M4 ups the power, battery life and is surprisingly cheaper
Apple announces a new MacBook Air with a big upgrade to M4 processing
By Rik Henderson Published
-
There's an ingenious and cheap way to make sure you never lose your camera
If you're worried about losing your expensive camera, this little device could help
By Chris Hall Published