Several tests of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have been published. We offer you a small press review full of praise for the new smartphones, especially the most expensive ones which are more generous in new features.
iPhone 15. iPhone 15 Plus. iPhone 15 Pro. iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple recently announced four new smartphones with a range of new features more or less provided depending on the device. The first tests are out, the opportunity to do a little press review.
We based ourselves on articles published by Numerama, The Verge, Mashable, XDA Developers And BFM Tech&Co. We also relied on the video shared by the YouTuber MKBHD who specifies that he has not yet had time to do a test which he considers complete, but still provides more detailed feedback than in his take. hand.
Focus on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
On the one hand, it should be noted that most of the media have so far been content to test the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. In addition, among those who also share an opinion on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus (more classic), we feel that there is less to say than about the more sophisticated models.
To put it another way, and as is often the case, the real new features can be seen in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. For the other two variations, The Verge straight title “ mainstream crossovers» specifying that these phones benefit from interesting updates, “ but nothing we haven’t already seen elsewhere “.
So, as we will see, the opinions will be very positive, but especially with regard to the iPhone 15 Pro… and in fact, especially the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
USB-C: the big relief
It was pretty predictable, but the move to USB-C is very well received. The arrival of the new connectivity is unanimously welcomed, even if it must be remembered that Apple was forced to do so by the EU. We were already able to detail what this change brings compared to the old Lightning port, but it is always interesting to see the feedback from testers.
“ The first reflex to have will be to stop looking for your Lightning cable “, writing BFM. “ Excellent news for the universality of charging “, For Numeramawho is delighted to no longer have to alternate between USB-C and Lightning cables depending on the device to be charged.
The iPhone Pro’s USB-C ports also support external hard drives and monitors (the non-Pro iPhone 15 does not, which uses an older USB-C port). Apple insists that this will allow professional photographers to quickly transfer files from phone to MacBook, but honestly, AirDrop works so well and so quickly that I don’t really see the point in it unless moving more than 10 GB of files.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max differ in particular by integrating a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (up to 10 Gb/s) unlike the USB 2 of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus – which therefore remain at similar transfer speeds at the Lightning. Be careful though, to take full advantage of the USB-C of the Pro models, you will need to purchase the appropriate cable in addition, the one provided does not benefit from the same standards.
XDA Developers reminds in passing that the iPhone 15 Pro also supports external hard drives and monitors and emphasizes professional uses with their faster transfers, “ but honestly, AirDrop works so well and so quickly that I don’t really see the point in it unless I’m moving more than 10GB of files “.
Titanium and we have the banana
Another reason to be particularly interested in the iPhone 15 Pro (Max): titanium. A material ” much nicer than steel, although it’s not something people will notice from afar », we read on Mashable . The media, however, goes on to indicate that there is one element that is immediately felt: the “ these new Pros are light. Very light“.
The Verge is on the same wavelength. “ If there’s one number I’ve appreciated the most when using these phones over the past week, it’s 19, which is how many grams less than the Pro and Pro Max compared to their predecessors. »
This is not the only advantage of titanium since it also provides a better feeling in the hand. It’s subtle, but it’s more refined. Be careful though, MKBHD emphasizes that, contrary to what it hoped, this material continues to mark fingerprints. In terms of handling, it also highlights the more rounded edges of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro. A good way to make them “ more pleasant in the hand» while keeping a rectangular look.
The Action button: yes
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max also have an Action button on the edge and it is “more practical than the old switch ” according toNumerama. Our colleagues particularly welcome the customization possibilities. Switch from silent to ring mode, trigger the camera, a particular application or function, launch an accessibility option, a specific concentration mode or even a voice recording. There is plenty to do. You can even turn it off if you don’t care.
The VergeHowever, points out a small downside. You must keep pressing the button in question for the associated action to be triggered. “This gives the impression of a slight delay while you wait for your ringtone to go silent“. Delay which did not exist on the switch of old models. Also note that you cannot yet configure an action for a double tap.
A well-received x5 optical zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro Max
“Versatile“. This adjective is used byBFMand byNumeramato welcome the improvements on the photo side of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It must be said that despite only having three cameras, it prides itself on offering… 7 lenses! Apple is indeed communicating on the capabilities of its most sophisticated iPhone to take macro shots, but also in 13 mm, 24 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 48 mm and 120 mm equivalents.
In reality, the three focal lengths offering a truly optical level of magnification are 13 mm (ultra wide-angle), 24 mm (wide-angle) and 120 mm (telephoto). Concerning the main sensor, we note in particular thatXDA Developersappreciates the colorimetric processing offered by the iPhone 15 Pro Max more than its predecessor.
However, it is the x5 periscopic telephoto lens that attracts all the attention and in particular high praise. “The choice of an f/2.8 aperture pays off, since Apple’s x5 zoom does remarkably well in low light“, writingNumerama.The Vergealso appreciates this novelty, although he moderates its quality by comparing the iPhone 15 Pro Max to the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. The latter, in particular, remains better in the exercise according to the American media.
Some frustrations about autonomy
On the performance side, MKBHD shares scores obtained by the iPhone 15 Pro and its A17 Pro chip. On the program: very powerful smartphones as always. The various testers unfortunately cannot yet test the big new features on the gaming side, because they are not yet available. The iPhone 15 Pro indeed promises ray tracing and upscaling by MetalFX to become gaming beasts, but you still have to wait.
On the other hand, for the battery,Mashabledeplores an autonomy which has not been improved on the Pro models. She “remains less good than the 11, 12 and 13 Pro Max“, according toNumerama.
It is more positive however for the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus orThe Vergeevokes excellent autonomy.
The Pros steal the show
Everything suggests that the Pro will be the models most popular with the press, experts and the public. This does not necessarily mean that they will be the best sellers, even if Apple knows very well how to sell high-end and expensive smartphones. On the other hand, these are clearly those that you will see highlighted everywhere and whose merits will be widely praised by those won over until the next keynote, in September 2024.
This is also an opportunity to clearly highlight Apple’s strategy which wants to create a very distinct separation between the classic models and the Pro models. And this is even more true for the iPhone 15 Pro Max which benefits from the x5 zoom which will undoubtedly succeed in arousing the desire of many people. It remains to be seen whether they will have the necessary budget.