iPhone 15: Features, Pros & Cons, and Expected Price in India

Apple’s iPhone series has been a hallmark of innovation and excellence in the smartphone industry for years. With each new release, Apple pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. Apple has unveiled the expected annual updates for its iPhone and Apple Watch line-ups. The headline change for the iPhone 15 series is about finally making the switch to USB C standard, while Apple Watch Series 9 as well as the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, bring improvements including newer processors and functionality.

Somewhat overshadowed by the iPhone and Apple Watch updates are the second generation AirPods Pro wireless earbuds. The highlight here is the new MagSafe charging case, with a USB-C charging interface. This will be priced at ₹24,900. It makes sense to bring the AirPods Pro at par with the rest of Apple’s device ecosystem, including the new iPhones and the iPad Pro line-up.

While the iPhone 15 series is still four models wide, this generation marks the end of an era for the Lightning port and cables. This change is driven by the looming European Union regulations, which mandate the standardisation of USB-C as the charging port on smartphones, computing devices and broader personal technology gadgets. This is already the port type of choice for Android phones globally.

Since 2012, then with the iPhone 5, Apple iPhones persisted with Apple’s proprietary charging port, called the Lightning port. It had its advantages, such as the reversible nature of being plugged in, and had a distinct transfer bandwidth advantage over the USB standard. Before Lightning, Apple iPhones had 30-pin connectors.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are now made of aerospace grade aluminium, colour infused glass at the back, and metallic ions for colour saturation. There are new colours too, including pink, yellow and green. The performance upgrade brings it the A16 Bionic chip, which means parity with last year’s iPhone 14 Pro. This theme, to use an older generation chip, became clear last year.

While the 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch display sizes haven’t changed, the Super Retina XDR display is now brighter. The notch has been replaced by the Dynamic Island cut-out, which apps will be able to use this to generate quickly glanceable updates.

Dual camera setup continues, unlike the ‘Pro’ version iPhones that have three cameras. The big upgrade is the main camera, which is now the same 48-megapixel sensor seen on the iPhone 15 Pro phones, and indeed last year’s iPhone 14 Pro phones.

This is well poised to give iPhone users a significant step-up in terms of photography performance, something Android flagship phones had an advantage in. However, there can always be the argument about megapixel numbers, with many Android phones now featuring camera sensors with 108-megapixels or more.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus pre-orders in India start on September 15, with sale commencing September 22. The price tags start at ₹79,900 and ₹89,900, respectively, which aren’t entirely dissimilar from the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus from last year.

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are now made with a lighter and yet more robust metal – titanium. Screen sizes haven’t changed, with 6.1-inches and 6.7-inches continuing to feature, but the overall footprint is a few millimetres lesser because of thinner frames around the screen.

The toggle key on the left spine, a permanent fixture on iPhones over the years, has finally been replaced by what the company calls a customisable action button. Long pressing will still change the sound profile, but it can now also be customised for more tasks, such as opening apps or specific functionality such as launching the camera or voice memos.

There is the expected new processor, the A17 Pro, which has a 10% faster CPU and 20% faster graphics, compared with the A16 Bionic. Apple is so confident about the gaming performance boost, they have given us the first glimpse at console gaming titles that are arriving on iPhones soon. Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, and Death Stranding will release later this year, while Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be available in the first half of 2024.

Prices of the iPhone 15 Pro start at ₹1,34,900 while the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max comes for ₹1,59,900 onwards. The pre-order and sale timelines in India are the same as the iPhone 15 series.

Expected Features:

1. Cutting-Edge Processor: Apple is known for its powerful processors, and the iPhone 15 is expected to feature an even more advanced chip, likely named the A16 Bionic. This chip will deliver enhanced performance and energy efficiency.

2. Improved Display: The iPhone 15 is rumored to sport a ProMotion LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This will result in smoother scrolling and more responsive touch interactions.

3. Enhanced Camera System: Apple is likely to improve its camera technology, focusing on computational photography and low-light performance. Expect upgrades to both the rear and front cameras, with enhanced AI features.

4. iOS 16: The iPhone 15 will likely run on iOS 16, offering new features, enhanced privacy settings, and improved system-wide performance.

5. 5G Connectivity: Apple will continue its support for 5G networks, ensuring faster download and upload speeds for users.

6. Larger Battery: With each new iPhone iteration, Apple aims to improve battery life. The iPhone 15 is expected to feature a larger battery, offering longer usage between charges.

7. MagSafe Enhancements: Apple’s MagSafe technology may see improvements, making it more versatile and compatible with a wider range of accessories.

8. More Storage: Apple may increase the base storage options, addressing the demand for larger storage capacities.

Pros:

1. Top-Notch Performance: The A16 Bionic chip is expected to provide unmatched performance, making the iPhone 15 incredibly fast and responsive.

2. Outstanding Camera Quality: Apple’s commitment to photography means that the iPhone 15 is likely to offer one of the best smartphone camera experiences on the market.

3. Quality Build and Design: Apple’s premium design and build quality are expected to continue with the iPhone 15, featuring a sleek and elegant design.

4. Regular Software Updates: Apple consistently provides software updates, ensuring that your device remains up to date with the latest features and security patches.

5. Strong Ecosystem: The iPhone 15 will seamlessly integrate with other Apple devices, making it an attractive choice for those already in the Apple ecosystem.

Cons:

1. High Price Tag: iPhones are known for their premium pricing, and the iPhone 15 is unlikely to be an exception.

2. Proprietary Ecosystem: While Apple’s ecosystem is a pro for many, it can be a con for those who prefer more open platforms.

3. No Expandable Storage: iPhones do not support expandable storage options, so you’ll need to choose your storage capacity carefully.

4. Fragility: Like previous models, the iPhone 15 is expected to be made of glass, which can be fragile and prone to damage without a protective case.

5. Notch May Persist: Despite hopes for a smaller or no notch, it’s possible that the iPhone 15 will retain a similar design to its predecessors.

Expected Price in India:

While the exact pricing for the iPhone 15 in India will be revealed at the launch, it’s safe to assume that it will fall within the premium price range. Apple’s devices typically start at a higher price point compared to many Android competitors due to their focus on premium design, features, and user experience. Expect the iPhone 15 to be competitively priced with other flagship smartphones in India.

In conclusion, the iPhone 15 is poised to be another technological marvel from Apple, with improvements in performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. As with any premium device, it will come with a high price tag, but for many, the seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem and the promise of a top-tier smartphone experience will make it a worthwhile investment. Stay tuned for the official launch and pricing details to get a complete picture of what the iPhone 15 has to offer in India.