The iPhone 15 line-up is now officially introduced by Apple. As in the previous few years, we get four new phones for 2023, and as far as model names go, they are the same as last year: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
In this article, we are looking at the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. We have a different article if you want to learn more about the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.
Table of Contents
Should you buy the iPhone 15 Pro or the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have arrived, and as with any new Apple release, the question on many people’s minds is: Should you buy it? With a wide range of smartphones in the market, deciding whether to upgrade can be challenging. This article will explore the various factors to consider when determining if the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max is the right choice for you.
5 Key Features of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
- The new design with Titanium makes the phones lighter but stronger
- New Action Button that replaces the Alert slider.
- USB-C replaces the Lightning connector and offers fast USB 3 speeds.
- The A15 Pro processor is the world’s first built on 3nm technology and has the fastest GPU on any mobile supporting Ray Tracing.
- The Telephoto camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max supports 5x zoom.
What is the Price of the iPhone 15 Pro in UAE?
The iPhone 15 Pro is available at a starting price of AED 4,299 for the 128GB version, which is the same price as last year. In fact, all storage capacities on the iPhone 15 Pro cost exactly the same as the iPhone 14 Pro.
Apple has also kept the iPhone 15 Pro Max pricing identical to last year- except it has dropped the base 128GB model. This means that the starting price on the iPhone 15 Pro Max has gone up to AED 5,099.
Weight: 187 g | Thickness: 8.25 mm | Screen: 6.1” Retina, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Hexa-core Apple A17 Pro | RAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 1TB | Cellular: 5G, Nano-SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 48MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: N/A, 50% in 30 mins wired charging, 15W wireless charging
Both the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
| UAE Price | |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro 128GB | AED 4,299 |
| iPhone 15 Pro 256GB | AED 4,699 |
| iPhone 15 Pro 512GB | AED 5,549 |
| iPhone 15 Pro 1TB | AED 6,399 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB | AED 5,099 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max 512GB | AED 5,949 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max 1TB | AED 6,799 |
I’m glad Apple has gotten rid of the base 128GB storage model on the iPhone Pro Max, as that is very low for a flagship phone and doesn’t even allow you to use all features of the phone, such as recording ProRes video in 4K at 30 frames per second. It should do the same on the non Max models as well but that didn’t happen this year.
Weight: 221 g | Thickness: 8.25 mm | Screen: 6.7” Retina, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Hexa-core Apple A17 Pro | RAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 1TB | Cellular: 5G, Nano-SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 48MP Triple 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 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 | 120Hz Pro Motion Refresh Rate | 120Hz Pro Motion Refresh Rate |
| Processor | Apple A17 Pro chip | Apple A17 Pro chip |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP Main camera 12MP 3x Telephoto 12MP Ultra Wide | 48MP Main camera 12MP 5x Telephoto 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 23 hours of Video Playback | 29 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 | 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25mm |
| Weight | 187g | 221g |
Design and display
When considering the iPhone 15 Pro, 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
Apple has changed the colours in which the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be available. There are usually three standard colours: Black, Silver and Gold and one special colour, such as the Purple on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
For the iPhone 15 Pro line-up, Apple has removed the Gold option, and with a Titanium frame, you now get the Natural Titanium colour. Other colours on the iPhone 15 Pro lineup are Black, White and Blue.
While I haven’t seen one in person yet, based on the images released by Apple, the Natural Titanium looks really good.
Screen Sizes
The iPhone 15 Pro comes in two size variants – a standard 6.1-inch model and the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max 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.
Apple has reduced the bezel size on the new iPhone 15 Pro models, and instead of increasing the screen size, it has chosen to reduce the size and weight of the devices. Apple claims these new Pro models are the lightest iPhone Pro models ever.
Resolution
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 Pro model packed with 2556 x 1179 pixels, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max sports a 2976 x 1290 resolution.
ProMotion Refresh Rates
If you’re a fan of ultra-smooth scrolling and gaming, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models come with ProMotion technology, delivering a 120Hz refresh rate. This feature offers a better experience in browsing, gaming and overall smoother on-screen motion.
Always On + Standby
One of the anticipated features of the iPhone 15 Pro series is the new Standby Features which is an extension to the Always-On Display introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro series. This handy feature lets you glance at your phone to see essential information and widgets when placed in a landscape format on a Magsafe charger- essentially turning your iPhone into a bedside clock.
Brightness Levels
The iPhone 15 Pro display also offers impressive 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 still maintaining its typical 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 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max 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. This is handy for the occasional rain in Dubai, or if you’re like my friend Paul, “accidentally” dropping the phone in the pool.
The iPhone 15’s display also features a durable Ceramic Shield that Apple claims is Tougher than any Ceramic glass. I’d like to pit it against the Kunlun glass with which I’ve cracked walnuts.
The new Action Button
The iPhone 15 Pro. and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature an Action button that replaces the Alert Slider. You can press and hold the button to switch between ringing and vibrating modes while pressing them can also let you launch apps such as the camera or a shortcut. This will make using certain functions on your iPhone much quicker.
Features and performance
The iPhone 15 Pro series expectedly brings a new processor-. In this section, I’ll dive into the details of this new processor, RAM and storage, and connectivity options.
A17 Pro Chip
The iPhone 14 has the powerful A17 Pro chip, which is the world’s first chip built using 3nm technology. It has 19 billion transistors, which sounds insane and offers desktop-level performance. While the CPU cores are faster, and you get a new 16‑core Neural Engine, Apple has worked really hard with the GPU, making it the first mobile device to support Ray Tracing.
This will allow games released on consoles or PCs to natively run on the iPhone 15 Pro and expect to see games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil Village on your iPhone soon.
Storage
The iPhone 14 is available in various storage options to suit your needs. While Apple has not disclosed the specific amount of RAM, the combination of the A17 Pro chip and iOS 17 guarantees a seamless experience.
You can choose from different storage capacities, such as 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, depending on your requirements, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your media, apps, and documents.
Connectivity (Sat, 5G, WiFi, BT)
In today’s world, reliable connectivity options are essential, and the iPhone 15 Pro does not disappoint. With support for 5G, you can enjoy faster download and upload speeds, improved video streaming, and low-latency gaming. Additionally, the iPhone 15 features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for quicker connections with 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.
An interesting addition to the iPhone 14 last year was satellite connectivity; this year, Apple adds roadside assistance to it- however, this feature is only available in the US. Satellite connectivity for text messages has been brought to more countries, but none are in the Middle East.
Furthermore, the iPhone 15 supports eSIM technology, allowing you to have multiple phone numbers on one device without needing a physical SIM card. This feature is particularly convenient for business users and frequent travellers. As with the iPhone 14 Pro models, you can have two active eSIMs simultaneously.
USB-C
Apple finally brings USB-C connectivity to its phones, and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max support USB 3 speeds for faster data transfer. You can now connect an external storage device to the iPhone 15 Pro and directly record video footage.
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
The iPhone 15’s camera system offers many options for avid photographers and casual shooters alike. Let’s dive into the different camera types, the TrueDepth camera, selfie cameras, and video recording capabilities.
Types of Cameras with Specs
The iPhone 15 Pro has a 48-megapixel main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera and a 12MP Telephoto camera at 3x on the iPhone 15 Pro and 5x on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple states that you can effectively choose between seven zoom ranges on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
With features like Smart HDR, Auto switch to portrait mode as well as Focus and Depth control – which lets you switch focus after you’ve taken a shot, the iPhone 15 Pro’c camera system allows you to be super versatile.
TrueDepth Camera and FaceID
The TrueDepth camera can be found in the notch on the front of the iPhone 15 Pro. 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 Pro 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.
Video Recording
Your iPhone 15 camera setup is perfect for recording high-quality videos. With features like 4K ProRes recording at 60fps, slow-motion, and time-lapse, you can create professional-looking video content on the go.
Battery and charging
Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro comes with a battery that offers excellent battery life to cater to your daily needs. Apple states a battery life of 23 hours of video playback on the iPhone 15 Pro and 29 hours on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
With efficient power management, you can enjoy long hours of usage for your everyday tasks, social media browsing, and content streaming. In most cases, the battery can comfortably last a full day on a single charge.
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.
To enjoy the faster 20w charging experience, consider purchasing a higher-wattage charger from Apple or a reputable third-party manufacturer.
Wireless Charging
If you’re a fan of wireless charging, the iPhone 15 Pro has got you covered. The device supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, charging your iPhone effortlessly on compatible charging pads and stations. This feature is particularly convenient for reducing cable clutter on your desk or nightstand.
MagSafe allows you to magnetically connect to wireless chargers or other devices and allows for faster wireless charging than the Qi standard on the iPhone.
iPhone 15 Pro 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 that the iPhone 14 Pro Max isn’t a great phone. In fact, with the lower prices, it could potentially offer better value for some. It doesn’t have the latest processor or the design, but it is still a very capable phone
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 Pro is a worthy upgrade over the iPhone 14 Pro lineup with a new design that’s more comfortable to hold and lighter. The Action button on the side will make accessing some apps and features easier, while the USB-C connectivity brings it more in line with the rest of the world. Both these features have been available on Android phones for years, though.
The new A17 Pro chip sounds impressive, and I’m excited to see its capabilities. Apple is giving the larger Pro Max model a camera upgrade with a higher zoom range and removing the base 128GB model- both of which are good decisions. Also, there is no price hike this year, which is fantastic for the consumer and makes the iPhone 15 Pro an instant buy for anyone looking to upgrade.
