iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro: Key Differences and Which One to Choose

HomeComparisonsiPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro: Key Differences and Which One to Choose

Highlights

  • iPhone 15 starts at $799, iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999
  • iPhone 15 Pro features a 120Hz ProMotion display and Always-On technology
  • iPhone 15 Pro has an advanced camera system with a telephoto lens and macro photography
  • iPhone 15 Pro includes the new Action Button for customized shortcuts

The latest flagship(well almost even if they are about to be year old) smartphones from Apple, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, offer a range of features to cater to different users’ needs and budgets.

While the iPhone 15 Pro commands a premium price tag of $999, the standard iPhone 15 is more accessible at $799.

Let’s explore the key differences between these two devices to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Specification iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Pro
Starting Price $799 $999
Display 6.1″ Super Retina XDR (2556×1179), 60Hz refresh rate 6.1″ Super Retina XDR (2556×1179), 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On display
Rear Cameras 48MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide 48MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, Telephoto (3X optical zoom)
Front Camera 12MP TrueDepth 12MP TrueDepth
Processor A16 Bionic A17 Pro Bionic
RAM 6GB 8GB
Battery Life Up to 20 hours video playback Up to 23 hours video playback
Design Aluminium body, 172g Titanium frame, 206g
Additional Features Action Button, Macro Photography, Apple ProRAW, Night Mode Portraits
Storage Options 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

Design and Build Quality

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iPhone 15 Design and Build Quality

One of the most notable distinctions between the two models lies in their design and build materials.

The iPhone 15 Pro flaunts a sleek and robust titanium frame, providing superior durability and a premium feel.

First iPhone 15 Pro Max CAD
iPhone 15 Pro Design and Build Quality

In contrast, the iPhone 15 features an aluminium enclosure, which is still sturdy but not as robust as the Pro variant.

The Pro model is slightly heavier at 206 grams compared to the iPhone 15’s 172 grams.

Display and User Experience

Powered by Apple's A16 Bionic or A15 Bionic chip
iPhone 15 Display and User Experience

Both phones sport a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels and support for HDR content.

However, the iPhone 15 Pro boasts ProMotion technology with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, ensuring smoother scrolling, animations, and overall responsiveness.

iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Display and User Experience

Additionally, the Pro model features an Always-On display, allowing you to view essential information like the time, widgets, and notifications without fully waking the screen.

Camera Capabilities

Apple’s strategic price cuts drive massive consumer demand.
iPhone 15 Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced camera system found in the iPhone 15 Pro.

In addition to the 48MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide cameras shared with the iPhone 15, the Pro variant includes a telephoto lens with 3X optical zoom, enabling better zoomed-in shots and improved subject separation.

iPhone 15 Pro models
iPhone 15 Pro Camera Capabilities

The Pro model also supports macro photography, Apple ProRAW, and Night Mode portraits, features absent in the standard iPhone 15.

That and the fact that there is also 8K recording that is restricted for the iPhone 15 Pro model, makes the former a very enticing option.

Performance and Battery Life

iphone-15-084541573-16x9_4
iPhone 15 Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the iPhone 15 Pro is powered by Apple’s latest A17 Pro Bionic chip, while the iPhone 15 utilises the previous generation’s A16 Bionic.

This performance gap translates to smoother multitasking, faster app load times, and better handling of demanding tasks like high-fidelity gaming on the Pro model.

Apart from all that, the iPhone 15 Pro has 8GB of RAM compared to 6GB in the iPhone 15, further enhancing its multitasking capabilities.

iPhone 15 series front glass
iPhone 15 Pro Performance and Battery Life

This becomes especially pertinent due to the upcoming Apple Intelligence AI features that are said to require a minimum of 8GB of RAM.

As a result, only the iPhone 15 Pro and onwards devices are going to benefit from these revolutionary features.

In terms of battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro edges out its sibling, lasting up to 23 hours during video playback tests, compared to 20 hours for the iPhone 15.

Additional Features

iPhone-15-General-Feature-Green
iPhone 15 Additional Features

The iPhone 15 Pro introduces a new Action Button feature, located on the left side of the chassis.

This customisable button can be programmed to launch specific apps or perform specific tasks, enhancing convenience and productivity.

iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Additional Features

The standard iPhone 15, however, retains the traditional mute switch.

While both phones feature the Dynamic Island notch design and can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits (according to Apple), the iPhone 15 Pro’s superior display and camera capabilities make it a more compelling choice for power users and content creators.

Which One is Better for You?

iPhone 15 starts at $799, iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999
iPhone 15 starts at $799, iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999

In summary, while the iPhone 15 offers a capable and affordable option, the iPhone 15 Pro justifies its premium price with superior design, display technology, camera capabilities, performance, battery life, and additional features like the Action Button.

However, if these advanced features are not essential to your needs, the standard iPhone 15 may be a more practical choice.

At least in India the difference between the two models is quite huge, and in some cases the device may actually cost upto double during sale offers.

Have a look at what you can actually afford versus what you need in a smartphone and then make an informed decision.

FAQs

What are the main differences between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro?

The iPhone 15 Pro offers a 120Hz ProMotion display, a more advanced camera system including a telephoto lens, and an additional Action Button for customized shortcuts.

It also uses the newer A17 Pro Bionic chip and has more RAM compared to the iPhone 15.

Is the display quality different on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro?

Yes, while both have a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, the iPhone 15 Pro supports ProMotion technology with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz and includes Always-On display functionality.

Does the iPhone 15 Pro have better battery life than the iPhone 15?

The iPhone 15 Pro offers slightly better battery life, lasting up to 23 hours of video playback compared to the iPhone 15’s 20 hours.

Are there any exclusive features on the iPhone 15 Pro not available on the iPhone 15?

Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro includes the new Action Button, macro photography capabilities, and support for Apple ProRAW and Night Mode portraits.

Which iPhone should I choose if I need more storage options?

The iPhone 15 Pro offers more storage options, including 1TB, which is not available for the iPhone 15.

Also Read: iPhone 15 Pro Max Leads in Ookla Speedtest, Outperforming Rivals in Latest US Smartphone Rankings

Also Read: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra: Who Wins in the Ultimate Durability Showdown?

Also Read: Caviar Unveils Luxury iPhone 15 Pro Inspired by Apple Vision Pro: Check Out its Price

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