With the launch of Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro, tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike have been quick to explore what the latest model brings to the table. Released alongside its siblings, the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Pro has stirred quite a buzz. But, is it all just hype? Christine Romero-Chan of Digital Trends shares firsthand insights, suggesting reasons to pause and reconsider before making the iPhone 15 Pro your next tech purchase.
A Closer Look at the Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro’s Features
1. Questionable Battery Life
Despite its sleek design and advanced features, the iPhone 15 Pro’s battery life leaves much to be desired. “One of the worst things about the iPhone 15 Pro is the battery life,” notes Romero-Chan. Apple equipped the device with a modest 3,274mAh battery, a size that pales in comparison to its competitors. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S24 sports a 4,000mAh battery, while the OnePlus 12 impresses with a 5,400mAh cell. This discrepancy is not just about numbers—it translates into real-world stamina, where the iPhone 15 Pro struggles to keep up, often requiring a recharge earlier than one might expect.
2. Limited Telephoto Camera Capabilities
While the iPhone 15 Pro retains its allure with a triple-lens camera system, it doesn’t quite measure up when zoom is critical. Unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which boasts a new tetraprism telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, the iPhone 15 Pro is stuck with a 3x optical zoom, akin to its predecessor. “It’s not my most used lens, but it’s very handy,” Romero-Chan adds, pointing out the convenience of a powerful zoom for spontaneous wildlife photography. The lack of a periscope lens in the smaller Pro model feels like a significant compromise for users who favor a more compact device but still crave top-notch camera technology.
3. Sluggish Charging Speed
In an era where quick charging is nearly as crucial as long battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro doesn’t quite catch up. Despite the transition to USB-C, anticipated to introduce faster charging, the iPhone 15 Pro’s charging capability caps at 27W—identical to its predecessors. This is starkly inferior to competitors like the OnePlus 12, which offers a whopping 80W wired charging. “Apple could have at least made the Pro models have a bit faster charging speed,” suggests Romero-Chan, reflecting a common sentiment among users who expect more from a flagship device.
Viable Alternatives to the Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro
The tech market today offers a plethora of smartphones that rival the iPhone 15 Pro, often outperforming it in key areas. The Samsung Galaxy S24, for instance, not only undercuts the iPhone 15 Pro in price but also excels with better battery life and a similar camera setup. Moreover, the OnePlus 12 serves as a formidable contender, with its superior battery life and rapid charging capabilities, making it a more practical choice for power users.
The Anticipation of the Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro
Even for die-hard Apple fans, there might be a reason to hold off on the iPhone 15 Pro. With the iPhone 16 series on the horizon, rumors suggest substantial upgrades, including a larger display and an enhanced camera with a periscope lens for the Pro model. “These are just a couple of things to look forward to with the iPhone 16 Pro,” remarks Romero-Chan, hinting that the next iteration might just address the current model’s shortcomings.
To Buy or Not to Buy?
While the iPhone 15 Pro undoubtedly carries the prestige of Apple’s innovation, it’s clear that it may not be the best option for everyone. With considerable improvements needed in areas like battery life, camera technology, and charging speed, potential buyers might find better value or performance in alternative devices—or might choose to wait for the forthcoming iPhone 16 Pro. As always, the choice will depend on weighing the current benefits against potential future enhancements.
