Apple iPhone 15 Plus : Price, Specs and Best Reviews: Everything You Need To Know and Easy To Understand by CompareLala
| Launch |
| Announced | 2023, September 12 | ||
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September 22 | ||
| Pricing |
| 128 GB | 256 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | |
| Flipkart | 74,999 | 84,999 | 1,04,999 | NA |
| Amazon | 79,900 | NA | NA | NA |
| Jio Mart | 79,900 | 89,900 | 1,09,900 | NA |
| Reliance Digital | 79,900 | 89,900 | 1,09,900 | NA |
| Vijay Sales | 76,990 | 86,990 | 1,07,490 | NA |
| Croma | 79,900 | 89,900 | 1,09,900 | NA |
| Display |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 2000 nits (peak) | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | ||
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) | ||
| Protection | Ceramic Shield glass | ||
| Platform |
| OS | iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 18 | ||
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2×3.46 GHz Everest + 4×2.02 GHz Sawtooth) | ||
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | ||
| Main Camera |
| Double | 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0.7µm | ||
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama) | ||
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound rec. | ||
| Front Camera |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6″, PDAF SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | ||
| Features | HDR, Dolby Vision HDR | ||
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | ||
| Memory |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 512GB 6GB RAM NVMe | ||
| Card slot | No | ||
| Body |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 in) | ||
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | ||
| Build | Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), aluminum frame | ||
| SIM and Certifications | Nano-SIM and eSIM – International Dual eSIM with multiple numbers – USA Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) – China IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min) Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified) | ||
| Network |
| Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G 2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM) CDMA 800 / 1900 3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 4G bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 53, 66 – A3090 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 53, 66, 71 – A2846 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 53, 66, 71 – A3089 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66 – A3092 5G bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 – A3090 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 79, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave – A2846 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 – A3089 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 – A3092 Speed HSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Sound |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | ||
| 3.5mm jack | No | ||
| Comms |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | ||
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | ||
| NFC | Yes | ||
| Radio | No | ||
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort | ||
| Features |
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer Ultra Wideband (UWB) support (gen2 chip) Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite | ||
| Battery |
| Type | Li-Ion 4383 mAh, non-removable | |||
| Charging | Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised) 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) – requires iOS 17.2 update 4.5W reverse wired | |||
| Misc |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink | ||
| Models | A3094, A2847, A3093, A3096 | ||
| Tests |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 1385649 (v10) GeekBench: 6618 (v6) GFXBench: 60fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | ||
| Display | 1642 nits max brightness (measured) | ||
Detailed Review of Apple Iphone 15 Plus
Overall Review Score: 85/100
The iPhone 15 Plus impresses with strong performance, battery life, and camera quality, though it has a few drawbacks like a 60Hz refresh rate and no bundled charger. The overall experience is premium, but some of its features fall short compared to Android competitors.
Display
The 6.7-inch OLED screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and HDR support, making it great for watching media. However, the 60Hz refresh rate feels underwhelming for a flagship in 2023, especially with competitors offering 120Hz and adaptive refresh rates.
Display Score: 76/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vivid colors and deep contrast (OLED) | 60Hz refresh rate feels outdated |
| Excellent brightness (up to 2000 nits) | No adaptive refresh rate |
| Dolby Vision and HDR support | No major display improvements from previous generation |
Design and Build
The iPhone 15 Plus has a sleek, premium design with a metal frame and glass back. Its IP68 rating makes it highly durable, though the 201g weight may feel heavy, and it lacks a fingerprint scanner.
Design and Build Score: 82/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium glass and metal construction | No fingerprint scanner |
| IP68 water and dust resistance | Relatively heavy (201 grams) |
| Multiple color options | No significant design changes from previous models |
Performance
Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 Plus excels in processing power, handling intensive tasks like gaming and multitasking with ease. However, 6 GB of RAM feels limited compared to other flagships, and there’s minimal improvement over previous models.
Performance Score: 89/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful A16 Bionic chip delivers high-end performance | 6 GB RAM may feel limiting for power users |
| Smooth multitasking and gaming experience | Marginal performance upgrade compared to iPhone 14 Pro |
| Efficient power management | Can get warm during heavy use |
Benchmarks
The iPhone 15 Plus achieves excellent benchmark scores, proving its superiority in both CPU and GPU performance. It’s a beast for gaming and productivity but does not offer a dramatic improvement over the iPhone 14 Pro series.
Benchmark Scores:
- Geekbench 6 (Single-Core): 2621
- Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core): 6626
- AnTuTu Benchmark 10: 1,463,567
- 3DMark Wild Life Performance: 9703
- Max Surface Temperature: 41.6°C
- Performance Stability: 80%
Benchmark Score: 89/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent benchmark performance in both CPU and GPU tasks | Marginal improvement over iPhone 14 Pro |
| Stable performance under heavy loads | Can get warm under sustained gaming |
| Great for gaming, with 59 FPS in 3DMark test | Expensive compared to competitors with similar performance |
Memory
With 6 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the iPhone 15 Plus is fast and responsive, but competitors offer more RAM, which might affect future-proofing. The storage options are ample, but the lack of microSD card support is a disadvantage.
Memory Score: 78/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast LPDDR5 RAM | Only 6 GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking |
| Available in multiple storage options up to 512 GB | No expandable memory via microSD card |
| NVMe storage ensures quick read/write speeds | No 1 TB storage option available |
Software
Running on iOS 17 (upgradeable to iOS 18), the iPhone 15 Plus offers a smooth, user-friendly experience with consistent software updates. However, iOS’s limited customization options might not appeal to all users.
Software Score: 85/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| iOS 17 provides a smooth and secure experience | Limited customization compared to Android |
| Regular software updates and great app ecosystem | iOS lacks flexibility in user interface |
| Well-optimized for performance and battery life | System storage footprint is quite large (18 GB) |
Battery
The 4383 mAh battery provides excellent battery life, lasting up to 29 hours in mixed usage. Charging, while decent, is slower compared to other flagships with faster-charging technology, and no charger is included in the box.
Battery Score: 91/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive battery life (up to 29 hours in mixed use) | Max 20W charging speed, which is slower than competitors |
| Supports wireless charging and reverse charging | No charger included in the box |
| Fast charging reaches 53% in 30 minutes | Full charge takes over 1.5 hours |
Main Camera
The 48 MP main camera delivers excellent photos with vivid details and accurate colors, but the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens affects its zoom capabilities. The camera performs well in low-light conditions, and the dual LED flash helps illuminate shots.
Main Camera Score: 84/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 48 MP main sensor produces sharp, vibrant photos | Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens |
| Optical image stabilization ensures steady shots | Only digital zoom available |
| Great low-light and night photography | 8K video recording not supported |
DxOMark Main Camera Tests
The iPhone 15 Plus ranks highly in DxOMark tests, with particularly strong performance in photo and video quality. However, its zoom capabilities lag behind due to the lack of a dedicated zoom lens.
DxOMark Scores:
- Photo Quality: 147
- Video Quality: 153
- Bokeh: 80
- Preview: 84
- Zoom: 114
DxOMark Score: 84/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent photo and video quality in DxOMark tests | Zoom capabilities limited by the absence of a telephoto lens |
| Strong image stabilization for both photo and video | Bokeh could be more refined |
| Autofocus is fast and accurate in most scenarios | Preview image quality is weaker than the final output |
Selfie Camera
The 12 MP front-facing camera captures clear and vibrant selfies, and its ability to record 4K video is a big plus. However, it lacks some advanced portrait effects seen in other flagships, and low-light performance could be better.
Selfie Camera Score: 80/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 12 MP camera captures sharp, detailed selfies | Portrait mode could be more advanced |
| 4K video recording at 60 FPS | No ultrawide front camera for group selfies |
| Phase detection autofocus ensures crisp shots | Average performance in low-light conditions |
Connectivity
The iPhone 15 Plus is equipped with all the modern connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. The USB-C port is a welcome change, but the limitation to USB 2.0 speeds is a letdown.
Connectivity Score: 85/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3 | USB-C limited to 2.0 speeds |
| Dual SIM with eSIM support | No hybrid slot or microSD card support |
| Excellent GPS and NFC support | No infrared port |
Sound and Speakers
The stereo speakers deliver loud and clear sound, with Dolby Atmos support enhancing the audio experience. However, the lack of a headphone jack and FM radio might be inconvenient for some.
Sound and Speakers Score: 82/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loud and clear stereo speakers | No 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound | No FM radio feature |
| Impressive 90.6 dB max loudness in tests | Limited equalizer settings for sound customization |
Other Features
The iPhone 15 Plus includes a wide array of sensors like Face ID, barometer, and gyroscope, but the omission of a bundled charger and fingerprint scanner is notable. Its premium price may also deter potential buyers.
Other Features Score: 80/100
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| IP68 water and dust resistance | No charger included in the box |
| Face ID is secure and fast | No fingerprint scanner |
| Comprehensive set of sensors for various functions | High price point for what is offered |
Apple A16 Bionic Chipset Details
CPU Architecture
The A16 Bionic has a 6-core CPU with 2 high-performance cores (Everest) and 4 efficiency cores (Sawtooth). The high-performance cores handle demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, while the efficiency cores manage lighter tasks such as background processes, providing a balance between power and performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High efficiency in light and moderate tasks | Minimal improvement over A15 Bionic in some use cases |
| Multi-threading enhances heavy task performance | Thermal throttling can occur under intense, sustained workloads |
| Excellent performance in gaming, AI, and ML workloads | Power consumption during peak performance remains high |
The A16 Bionic CPU shows improved power management but provides only marginal performance gains compared to the A15 in certain applications.
GPU
The 5-core GPU is designed to handle graphically intensive applications such as 3D games, AR, and real-time video editing. It’s optimized for high-quality rendering, supporting features like ray tracing and other advanced visual effects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional gaming and graphics performance | No significant improvements in energy efficiency compared to the A15 |
| Handles high-end applications with ease, including AR/VR | Not the top performer in extreme gaming compared to Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Provides smooth, high-FPS gaming | Can run hot during long gaming sessions |
The GPU is highly capable of handling demanding graphics workloads, making the A16 Bionic ideal for high-performance applications like gaming and media creation.
Neural Engine
The 16-core Neural Engine is a specialized unit that executes 17 trillion operations per second, dedicated to AI and machine learning tasks. It powers applications like facial recognition, natural language processing, and real-time enhancements for AR and VR.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Speeds up AI processing in real-time applications | Many third-party applications do not fully leverage AI processing power |
| Ideal for machine learning, AR/VR, and AI-driven photography | Limited usefulness in apps that aren’t optimized for AI/ML |
| Significant improvement in handling real-time tasks like Siri or image recognition | Not a significant change for non-AI-heavy apps |
This Neural Engine drives enhanced AI features for Apple’s ecosystem, providing real-time assistance in complex tasks like voice recognition and image processing.
ISP (Image Signal Processor)
The Image Signal Processor (ISP) in the A16 is a crucial part of Apple’s computational photography setup. It enhances image quality through AI-driven features such as Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and improved night mode. It also enhances video recording in challenging lighting environments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Significantly improved low-light performance | Limited hardware-based improvements over A15 |
| Enhanced real-time image processing, particularly for 4K video | Relies heavily on software optimizations |
| Advanced HDR and night mode capabilities | Software may be responsible for the majority of noticeable improvements |
This ISP is optimized for computational photography, offering enhanced image quality, particularly in challenging lighting, and real-time 4K video enhancements.
Fabrication Process
The A16 Bionic is fabricated using a 4nm process, making it one of the smallest and most efficient processors in the mobile space. The smaller transistors allow for better power efficiency and lower heat generation while maintaining a high level of performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Increased power efficiency, reducing battery drain | Higher cost of manufacturing, reflected in product pricing |
| Lower heat generation during intensive tasks | Incremental gains over the 5nm process of the A15 in real-world usage |
| More efficient thermal management for sustained workloads | Gains in energy efficiency are not always noticeable to end users |
The shift to a 4nm process provides better efficiency, allowing for better battery life, although the real-world difference between 4nm and 5nm may not be very apparent in everyday tasks.
Memory and Storage
The A16 Bionic uses a unified memory architecture, integrating components like the CPU and GPU for better data transfer speeds. Paired with 6GB of RAM in devices like the iPhone 14 Pro, it ensures faster app load times and smoother multitasking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless performance in app switching and multitasking | Still limited to 6GB of RAM, which may not be future-proof in the long run |
| Improves overall system performance and reduces latency | No support for expandable memory in Apple devices |
| Allows for faster data access and better performance in heavy applications | Limited by system constraints when compared to devices with larger RAM (e.g., Android phones with 12GB RAM) |
The unified memory architecture allows for more efficient multitasking, ensuring apps can be accessed quickly and fluidly. However, the 6GB RAM limitation could impact future-proofing as applications become more resource-intensive.
Benchmarks Overview
- AnTuTu Score: Approximately 960,000 points, ranking it among the fastest mobile chipsets.
- Geekbench 5: Single-core performance around 1870, and multi-core performance around 5450, demonstrating excellent processing power, particularly in single-threaded tasks. This places the A16 Bionic ahead of competitors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in many CPU-bound tasks.
- GFXBench 5.0: Achieves over 60 FPS in most graphics tests, underlining its superior graphical performance in mobile devices.
- 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: ~3400 points, showcasing the GPU’s ability to handle intensive 3D rendering and gaming applications.
- SPECint 2006: Consistently leads in CPU single-thread performance compared to other mobile processors.
These benchmarks demonstrate the A16 Bionic’s dominance in mobile performance
Also read the iphone 15 review – Click here to read the Iphone 15 Review
Previous Post
Next Post