Hands-On With the New iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Models

[MacRumors]

Following today's keynote event that saw Apple introducing the new iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple allowed members of the media in attendance to spend some hands-on time with the new devices. MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera was at Apple Park for the event, so he's able to give us an early look at the iPhone 15 lineup, as well as his first thoughts.

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The iPhone 15 Pro models are made from titanium, and they are noticeably lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro models. There are contoured edges that improve the feel of the iPhone in the hand, and the Pro models are overall much more comfortable to hold. Apple also cut down on bezel size for even more display than ever, and the Action Button that replaces the Mute Switch is super convenient.

Apple added a 5x zoom lens to the iPhone 15 Pro Max and at its 120mm focal length, you can get great portrait shots. There are options on both Pro models to change the focal length of the Main camera, which you can do just by tapping. It can be set to 24mm, 28mm, or 35mm, and the ability to change focal length is useful for pro photographers.

As for the standard iPhone 15 models, they're more Pro-like than ever with the addition of the Dynamic Island and the new matte glass back. Apple say it is using back glass that has color infused throughout the material, and it's a nice look, especially with the pastel color options.

For more on what Dan thought of the iPhone 15 models, make sure to check out his full video, and for more of our coverage, visit our 2023 Apple Event hub.

Article Link: Hands-On With the New iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Models

 

[Populus]

Really disappointed with the Action Button, if it, indeed, is only capable of one configurable action.

 

[Born Again]

most people won’t be feeling that titanium once it’s in the case.

 

[ghostface147]

I’m still curious why the blue for the iPhone 15 is called blue. Based upon pics on the website, it’s the whitest blue in the world.

 

[Velin]

How much lighter is iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 11 Pro Max?

 

[rijc99]

They should make the action button single press, double press or long hold.

 

[macsplusmacs]

Really disappointed with the Action Button, if it, indeed, it’s only capable of one configurable action.

Now. but it is driven by software so maybe later??

 

[Populus]

Now. but it is driven by software so maybe later??

Yeah, there’s the possibility. But it’s a bit underwhelming for the presentation of the feature, in my opinion.

 

[macsplusmacs]

They should make the action button single press, double press or long hold.

Me: Triple click -> shortcut -> mood lighting -> fake fireplace turns on -> Barry White music starts playing....


Ah yeah......

 

[Denzo]

I’m just so disappointed.
I remember with the 6, then 6s, 7 then 8.. I’m like, this is the same shape for way too many years in succession.
Then they started repeating the use of the head processor, recycling last years, increase prices and the innovation this year is a button and more zoom. It’s just ridiculous - take the charger, take the memory card and audio jack - make cable back ups a nightmare to force iCloud I’m just so wanting a legitimate innovation.

 

[ghostface147]

most people won’t be feeling that titanium once it’s in the case.

If it’s anything like the 14, I won’t need a case. If it’s like the 6-11, I’ll need a case.

 

[Kylo83]

Wrong you say the bezels are smaller so you get more display that’s not true the display size is the exact same but because bezels are slightly smaller the overall phone is smaller, I did think the bezels would have been thinner. But you don’t gain any display real estate

 

[Bcash]

The stove-top camera bump design has never been the most elegant but the size and thickness of that bump on the 15P make the back look the most ill-proportioned of all recent iPhones. Colors look better here than in Apple's presentation video though.

 

[Skyscraperfan]

For the focal lengths Apple just tells us the full frame equivalents. The problem is that the f-stop is defined at the ratio of the focal length and the diameter of the entrance pupil of the lens. So with f/2.8 a real 120mm lens would have an entrance pupil with more than 42mm diameter. Or the other way around: If you use the 120mm to calculate the f-stop, you would have to call it a f/27 or so lens. Most other manufacturers use the same cheating trick though.

 

[ghanwani]

OK, we made a mistake by saying Jony needs to go. Bring back Jony. At least his designs looked good.

 

[kyjaotkb]

I have an iPhone XR and I was planning to upgrade but I might just get a new battery instead…

 

[RLRabb]

Dan is wrong about the data transfer speeds on the Pro model. He indicated that only the Pro Max gets USB-3 speeds, but the standard Pro model gets that speed also. Only the non-Pro 15 models are limited to USB-2.

 

[btrach144]

Uh the display is the same size and pixel resolution. That’s not really more display?

 

[mdwsta4]

There are options on both Pro models to change the focal length of the Main camera, which you can do just by tapping. It can be set to 24mm, 28mm, or 35mm, and the ability to change focal length is useful for pro photographers.

I'm still trying to understand the main camera. What is the *actual* focal length? Is it 24, 28, or 35mm? It can only be one and the other two would be digital zoom. If it was somehow 3 different focal lengths with optical zoom, then that would have been a bigger point they'd mention.

 

[ghanwani]

Uh the display is the same size and pixel resolution. That’s not really more display?

More display relative to the face. The face got smaller.

 

[doboy]

wonder if it has 8GB RAM for the Pro.

 

[Kylo83]

Uh the display is the same size and pixel resolution. That’s not really more display?

He made a lot of mistakes it’s a shame because he should get all the info before saying it

 

[Kylo83]

Dan is wrong about the data transfer speeds on the Pro model. He indicated that only the Pro Max gets USB-3 speeds, but the standard Pro model gets that speed also. Only the non-Pro 15 models are limited to USB-2.

Unfortunately he makes a lot of mistakes even watching the podcast he doesn’t know so much; he is a nice guy tho

 

[Paddle1]

I’m just so disappointed.
I remember with the 6, then 6s, 7 then 8.. I’m like, this is the same shape for way too many years in succession.
Then they started repeating the use of the head processor, recycling last years, increase prices and the innovation this year is a button and more zoom. It’s just ridiculous - take the charger, take the memory card and audio jack - make cable back ups a nightmare to force iCloud I’m just so wanting a legitimate innovation.

There are only so many ways to shape a phone that actually make sense. I don't know what you were expecting.

 

[AMTYVLE]

Definitely an “S” model. I feel like the bezels are the same as the 14 Pro…? Idk. I guess I’d have to see it in person.