The iPhone 15 reviews have crashed the internet, including our own in-depth look into the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Every tech site from TechCrunch and The Verge to CNET and Wired has dropped its thoughts on the new iPhone 15 models.
Hell, even Good Housekeeping and GQ rolled out iPhone 15 reviews.
As we said in our own review, Apple’s brand spankin’ new flagship phone line is "close to perfection." The Pro models have a snazzy new action button that reviewers love, and the priciest model, the Pro Max, is equipped with a crisp 5X telephoto camera (up from 3X). And finally, Apple no longer needs to hear us whining about its slower, less efficient Lightning ports – iPhone 15 has USB-C all across the board now.
Apple Credit: USB-C on iPhone 15But about that USB-C port. While many reviewers are relieved to see that Apple has succumbed to the EU mandate demanding the adoption of the popular I/O standard, many have expressed some disappointment. Why? I’ll get into it when I list the top three things people dislike and love about the iPhone 15.
3 things reviewers dislike about the iPhone 15
There’s not much to dislike about the iPhone 15. As mentioned at the outset, every year Apple gets closer to peak perfection, but of course, no gadget is without its faults. Allow me to break down the most common unfavorable critiques about the iPhone 15.
SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max review: Close to perfection1. Thermals could be improved
Both CNBC and TechRadar mentioned that the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro models’ run hot, but only during intensive gaming sessions. (This isn’t too surprising since mobile gaming can be taxing on internal components.) For example, CNBC mentioned that the iPhone 15 Pro Max got “too hot to hold,” particularly around the titanium frame, while playing Apple Arcade’s “Zookeeper World.”
Mobile gaming on iPhone 15 Pro Credit: AppleTechRadar ran "Asphalt 9: Legends" on the entry-level iPhone 15. The reviewer praised the device for looking smooth and visually pleasing, but pointed out that the back chassis got “noticeably warm.” However, neither publication's reviewer experienced issues with thermals during casual use.
2. Why USB 2.0?
Yes, the iPhone 15 line is equipped with USB-C, but as Apple mentioned during the “Wonderlust” livestream event, only the Pro Max models have USB 3.0. The entry-level iPhones have USB 2.0. Publications such as Pocket-Lint and TechCrunch lamented this. What’s the difference between USB 2.0 and 3.0? Well, USB 2.0 only delivers data-transfer speeds of up to 480Mbps, which is no different from Lightning technology. The iPhone 15 Pro models, on the other hand, support USB 3.0, which supports data-transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, but you’ll need a compatible cable to take advantage of this, which brings me to my next point.
3. Can we get a better cable, Apple?
Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max are USB 3.0 compatible, but as The Verge pointed out, you’ll need to have a USB 10Gbps cable to use alongside it. The problem is, however, the cable that ships with the Pro models only supports USB 2.0 transfer speeds. The Verge joked that it would have been awfully nice of Apple to toss in the better cable with a $1,200 phone. No worries, though. That’s why we have Amazon, which offers 10Gbps USB-C cables for like $15.
3 things reviewers love about the iPhone 15
Sure there are a few foibles here and there, but there’s a lot of love out there for the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 line never earned less than 4-star ratings across all reviews. Aside from the addition of USB-C, slimmer bezels, and noteworthy camera improvements, let’s dive into the most praised aspects of the iPhone 15.
1. The iPhone 15 is much lighter
Almost every outlet mentioned that the iPhone Pro models are a joy to hold, thanks to Apple’s switch to titanium. This metal is lighter, sturdier, and more scratch resistant than its predecessor’s stainless-steel chassis.
iPhone 15 Pro Credit: Apple“The phone is so light compared to the iPhone 14 Pro that it initially felt cheap, but I quickly got used to it,” Wired’s Julian Chokkatu said. Engadget’s Cherlynn Low quipped that she feared the iPhone 14 Pro Max would fracture her skull if it fell on her face, but with the new model (iPhone 15 Pro Max), those concerns have been abated.
And it’s not just the Pro models that are lighter. CNN Underscored pointed out the entry-level iPhone 15 is a smidge lighter than its predecessor. "I could definitely notice a difference when I held both phones at once," Mike Andronico said.
2. Cheaper repairs
Both CNBC and CNET praised Apple for rolling out iPhone 15 Pro models that are cheaper and easier to repair. As such, if you’re a bit clumsy and you end up damaging the phone’s back glass, you’ll spend less on repairs than you would with the previous generation.
As CNET points out, the cost of replacing the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s back glass is $549. That figure has dropped down to just $199 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Win!
3. Enhanced Portrait mode
Reviewers can’t stop talking about how much they love the iPhone 15’s updated Portrait Mode. According to IGN, it engages by default. If the camera senses a person or pet in the frame, the iPhone 15 auto-captures a depth map, allowing users to add a bokeh effect later (if they want to). Why do people love this change? Because many users forget to use Portrait Mode while snapping photos, which means you’ll miss out on the opportunity of taking cool photos with that "professional-looking blurry background," as Good Housekeeping calls it.
Portrait Mode on iPhone 15 Credit: AppleSo even if it slips your mind to turn on Portrait Mode, you can still play around with the focus and depth control effects after you take the photo.
Be sure to check out our own in-depth review on the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
