Apple is strategically positioning the regular version of the iPhone as the previous year’s Pro version with a few differences. The iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus, introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro lineup, share much with last year’s iPhone 14 Pro models.
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Should you buy the iPhone 15?
The iPhone 15 is here, and as with every new iPhone, the question on many people’s minds is: Should you buy it? Considering the sheer number of Android phones that will target the new iPhone 15, let’s explore if the iPhone 15 is the right phone for you.
Key Features of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
- The camera gets a big upgrade from 12MP to 48MP and good software tweaks.
- Dynamic Island is now available across all of the iPhone 15 range.
- USB-C replaces the Lightning connector giving you more cable buying options.
- The A16 bionic processor is fast and proven from the iPhone 14 Pro line last year.
- The screen is now twice as bright as the iPhone 14 allowing you to use it easier in the Dubai sun
What is the Price of the iPhone 15 in UAE?
The iPhone 15 is available at a starting price of AED 3,399 for the 128GB version, which is the same price as last year. All storage capacities on the iPhone 15 cost the same as last year’s iPhone 14. Apple has also kept the iPhone 15 Plus pricing identical to last year. This means that the starting price on the iPhone 15 Plus is AED 3,799.
Weight: 171 g | Thickness: 7.8 mm | Screen: 6.1” Retina, AMOLED, 60Hz | Processor: Hexa-core Apple A16 Bionic | RAM: 6GB | Storage: up to 1TB | Cellular: 5G, Nano-SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 48MP Dual Camera | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: N/A, 50% in 30 mins wired charging, 15W wireless charging
Both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus will go on sale on September 22, 2023, though you can pre-order one starting September 15 at 4 PM UAE time. The following table lists prices for all storage capacities available for the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus.
| UAE Price | |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 128GB | AED 3,399 |
| iPhone 15 256GB | AED 3,799 |
| iPhone 15 512GB | AED 4,649 |
| iPhone 15 Plus 128GB | AED 3,799 |
| iPhone 15 Plus 256GB | AED 4,199 |
| iPhone 15 Plus 512GB | AED 5,099 |
Weight: 201 g | Thickness: 7.8 mm | Screen: 6.7” Retina, AMOLED, 60Hz | Processor: Hexa-core Apple A16 Bionic | RAM: 6GB | Storage: up to 1TB | Cellular: 5G, Nano-SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 48MP Dual Camera | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: N/A, 50% in 30 mins wired charging, 15W wireless charging
Keep an eye out for special sales and discounts during White Friday, the festive season or when retailers and telcos like Etisalat or du offer deals to save on your purchase potentially. Also, check out the Apple UAE Store for official pricing and hassle-free returns.
iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus specifications
The iPhone gets new processor and camera upgrades every year, and this year is no different. Here are the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max specs.
| iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1 inches, AMOLED | 6.7 inches, AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels | 2976 x 1290 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz Refresh Rate | 60Hz Refresh Rate |
| Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip | Apple A16 Bionic chip |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP Main camera 12MP Ultra Wide | 48MP Main camera 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 20 hours of Video Playback | 26 hours of Video Playback |
| Charging | USB-C Wired Charging 15W Wireless Charging | USB-C Wired Charging 15W Wireless Charging |
| Operating System | iOS 17 | iOS 17 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm |
| Weight | 171g | 201g |
Design and display
When considering the iPhone 15, the design is likely one of the first things you’ll notice. Let’s dive into what’s new, some of its key features and aspects, including screen sizes, colours and IP rating.
Colours
Like most years, there is a new colour for the iPhone this year and for the iPhone 15 range, it’s a beautiful and mellow shade of pink. This new colour is available on both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus. The returning colours on the iPhone 15 range are Black, Blue, Green and Yellow.
The other design change Apple has made is to change the back of the phone from a glossy to a matte finish which will help reduce any fingerprint marks. The sides are also now contoured which will make the iPhone 15 more comfortable to hold.
Screen Sizes
The iPhone 15 comes in two size variants – a standard 6.1-inch model and the larger iPhone 15 Plus with a 6.7-inch display. Having two options allows you to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. A bigger screen is great for watching videos and playing games, while the smaller model can easily fit in your pocket or handle with one hand.
Dynamic Island
Apple introduced Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro last year; we see it on the iPhone 15 this year. Dynamic Island is a delightful notification centre that expands to different types of notifications. You can also see other apps such as timers or scores on Dynamic island, allowing you to multi-task easily. Now that Dynamic Island is across the entire iPhone range, I think we should see more third-party apps utilizing it.
Resolution and Refresh Rates
Both iPhone 15 models boast sharp and crisp visuals, thanks to their Super Retina XDR displays. They offer a high-resolution viewing experience, with the standard iPhone 15 model packed with 2556 x 1179 pixels, while the iPhone 15 Plus sports a 2976 x 1290 resolution.
These resolutions are identical to the iPhone 15 Pro range, making it easier for developers. However, Apple continues to restrict the refresh rates on the regular iPhone 15 models, which are still stuck to 60Hz. You should not do that on a 2023 phone that costs as much.
Not having dynamic refresh rates also makes the regular iPhone lose out on features such as an Always-On display.
Brightness Levels
The iPhone 15 has received an upgrade on brightness levels, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. With HDR support, the display can reach a peak of 2000 nits for HDR10 and Dolby Vision content while maintaining its maximum brightness of 1000 nits. This means you can enjoy vibrant colours and impressive contrasts – even on bright and sunny days in Dubai, which is pretty much every day!
IP Rating and Glass Protection
The robust build of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus includes an IP68 water and dust-resistant rating, allowing the phone to be submerged for up to 30 minutes at a maximum depth of 6 metres. The iPhone 15’s display also features a durable Ceramic Shield that Apple claims is Tougher than any Ceramic glass.
Features and performance
The iPhone 15 series gets the A16 Bionic processor that was present on the iPhone Pro last year. That’s a theme we’ll continue to see in future iPhones, where features introduced in Pro move to the regular line-up a year or two later.
A16 Bionic Chip
The iPhone 15 get the A16 bionic chip from last year, which is currently the second fastest mobile chip- only behind Apple’s new A17 Pro chip found on the new iPhone 15 Pro. The 16 Bionic is incredibly fast and allows you to play the latest games or run apps with ease. It’s also an upgrade over the A15 Bionic found on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.
Storage
The iPhone 15 can be purchased in storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your media, apps, and documents.
Connectivity
The iPhone 15 comes with all the latest standards of connectivity. You get 5G and eSIM capabilities as well as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for quicker connections to compatible devices.
You also get Apple’s 2nd Gen Ultrawide band that increases the range by up to 3 times and is more precise when finding other Apple devices.
USB-C
Apple finally brings USB-C connectivity to its phones. However the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus only support USB 2 speeds which isn’t very fast. Where it will make a difference is with charging and you’ll be able to use laptop and Android phone charges to juice up your iPhone.
Software
The iPhone 15 range comes with the latest version of Apple’s operating system, iOS 17. The new OS provides smooth animations and excellent features to attract everyone. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or a casual consumer, it meets your expectations.
We have an article highlighting some of the new features on iOS 17 which you should check out.
Cameras
Just like the processor, The iPhone 15 gets a 48-megapixel camera that was introduced on the iPhone 14 Pro last year. By default, the camera will take photos at 24MP resolution for good detail and manageable file sizes. You also get a 12MP ultra-wide camera which was present on the iPhone 14 series as well. Though there is no Telephoto lens, the camera software will allow you to take a shot at 2X by cropping the image.
You also get a good set of software features like Smart HDR, Auto switch to portrait mode and, Focus and Depth control – which lets you switch focus after you’ve taken a shot.
TrueDepth Camera and FaceID
The TrueDepth camera can be found in the notch on the front of the iPhone 15. It’s responsible for the innovative FaceID feature, which securely verifies your identity using facial recognition.
With FaceID, you can unlock your phone and authenticate purchases without a password. The TrueDepth camera also allows for better photography and videos with enhanced portrait mode features.
Selfie Cameras
The iPhone 15 comes with a front-facing camera, including a 12-megapixel sensor. You’ll be able to capture stunning selfies and make video calls with exceptional clarity.
Battery and charging
Capacity
The iPhone 15 comes with a battery that should last you all day. If you’re a heavy user, the iPhone 15 Plus is what you should be looking at. Apple states a battery life of 20 hours of video playback on the iPhone 15 and 26 hours on the iPhone 15 Plus.
Wired Charging
The device uses the USB-C port for charging, which is a welcome upgrade for a more universal charging experience.
Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t taken advantage of the faster USB-C charging speeds we’ve seen on other phones, and the iPhone remains capped at 20W charging, which is quite slow for a flagship phone from 2023.
Wireless Charging
If you’re a fan of wireless charging, the iPhone 15 has got you covered. The device supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, charging your iPhone effortlessly on compatible pads and stations. This feature is particularly convenient for reducing cable clutter on your desk or nightstand.
MagSafe allows you to connect to wireless chargers or other devices magnetically and provides a faster wireless charging than the Qi standard on the iPhone.
iPhone 15 Alternatives
Weight: 240 g | Thickness: 7.9 mm | Screen: 6.7” Retina, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Hexa-core Apple A16 Bionic | RAM: 6GB | Storage: up to 1TB | Cellular: 5G, Nano-SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 48MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 4323mAh, 50% in 30 mins wired charging, 15W wireless charging
- Dynamic Island is delightful
- Faster than any other phone
- Excellent camera
- Big and heavy
- Slow charging
Just because the iPhone 15 Pro is now available, it doesn’t mean the iPhone 14 Pro Max isn’t a great phone. In fact, with the lower prices, it offers the same processor as the iPhone 15, and has a better camera system and ProMotion display.
Weight: 203 g | Thickness: 7.8 mm | Screen: 6.7-inch Retina AMOLED | Processor: Hexa-core Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | RAM: 6GB | Storage: up to 512GB | Cellular: 5G, Nano-SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 12 MP Dual camera | Front camera: 12 MP | Battery: 4323 mAh, Wired 50% in 30 min, 15W wireless
- Excellent battery life
- Great performance
- Good cameras
- Low screen refresh rate
- Specs not a huge improvement from iPhone 13
If you still want a large iPhone but don’t want to spend a lot of money, the iPhone 14 Plus is a great phone that lets you enjoy the Apple experience in an excellent way. The iPhone 14 Plus is also a battery king if that’s what you’re looking for.
Weight: 234g | Thickness: 8.9mm | Screen: 6.8” 1440 x 3088 pixels,, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 12GB | Storage: up to 1TB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 200MP Quad Camera | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5000mAh, 45W Wired charging
- Excellent performance
- Great cameras
- Superb battery life
- Doesn't charge as fast as other Android phones
- Not too big of an upgrade over the S22 Ultra
If you’re looking for an Android alternative, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is your best bet as an alternative to the iPhone 15 Pro series. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has great cameras with better zoom range and an outstanding battery life.
Summing it up
The iPhone 15 is a worthy upgrade over the iPhone 14 lineup, bringing Dynamic Island and a more comfortable design. You also finally get USB-C connectivity, which brings it more in line with the rest of the world.
The A14 Bionic chip is a year old but still impressive. And you get a new camera system with a 48MP sensor that will let you take more detailed shots. Also, there is no price hike this year, which is fantastic for the consumer and makes the iPhone 15 an instant buy for anyone looking to upgrade.
