Apple iPhone 15 Plus: A Complete Review of the Bigger, Better iPhone

Apple's iPhone 15 Plus, launched in September 2023, builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Plus. Combining a large display, excellent battery life, and the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 Plus delivers flagship-level performance at a more accessible price than the Pro models. Positioned between the standard iPhone 15 and the high-end iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Plus strikes a balance that will appeal to users who love large screens without the steep cost of Pro-tier devices.

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 15 Plus retains the sleek design Apple has become known for but introduces several subtle refinements. This year, Apple has replaced the glossy aluminum back with a color-infused matte glass, giving the phone a softer, more premium feel. The aerospace-grade aluminum frame provides strength and durability while keeping the weight manageable for a large device.

The iPhone 15 Plus is available in five attractive colors:

• Black

• Blue

• Green

• Yellow

• Pink

At 6.7 inches, the phone offers a vast screen ideal for watching videos, gaming, or browsing content. The Super Retina XDR OLED display is stunning, delivering crisp visuals, vibrant colors, and excellent brightness levels—up to 2000 nits in outdoor sunlight.

Despite the large size, the iPhone 15 Plus is relatively comfortable to hold, thanks to the smooth edges and balanced weight. However, users with smaller hands may find one-handed use challenging.

Performance and Hardware

Apple has brought the A16 Bionic chip, previously exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro models, to the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. This 5-core GPU and 6-core CPU chip delivers smooth performance across all use cases, from multitasking and gaming to video editing.

Key performance highlights:

• 6GB RAM for seamless app switching

• A16 Bionic chip based on a 4nm process

• 5-core GPU enhances graphics-intensive tasks

Whether you're editing 4K videos, playing high-end mobile games like Call of Duty or Genshin Impact, or just switching between apps, the iPhone 15 Plus doesn’t break a sweat. Thermal management is also excellent, keeping the phone cool even during extended gaming or camera use.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the standout features of the iPhone 15 Plus. With its large body, Apple has managed to pack a bigger battery, delivering up to 26 hours of video playback. This is more than sufficient for heavy users who need a phone that can last all day and beyond.

Charging options include:

• USB-C port (a first for non-Pro iPhones)

• 20W fast charging (50% in around 30 minutes)

• MagSafe wireless charging (15W)

• Qi wireless charging (7.5W)

The switch to USB-C from Lightning is one of the most welcomed changes in the iPhone 15 lineup. It simplifies charging for users who already own MacBooks, iPads, or Android devices with USB-C.

Camera System

The iPhone 15 Plus features a dual-camera system on the rear:

• 48MP Main Camera (f/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift OIS)

• 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera (f/2.4 aperture, 120° field of view)

Apple's major camera upgrade this year is the introduction of a 48MP main sensor (up from 12MP in the iPhone 14 Plus). By default, photos are binned down to 24MP, offering a balance between detail and file size.

Camera features include:

• Night mode

• Smart HDR 5

• Portrait mode with depth control

• 4K video recording at 24/25/30/60 fps

• Cinematic Mode

• Action Mode for smooth videos

The photo quality is excellent, especially in good lighting. Low-light performance has also improved, and the new sensor captures more light and detail. While there’s no dedicated telephoto lens, the 2x digital zoom from the 48MP sensor produces impressive results.

Software Experience: iOS 17

The iPhone 15 Plus ships with iOS 17, bringing new features and refinements:

• Contact Posters for personalized caller IDs

• NameDrop to share contact info with a tap

• StandBy Mode, turning your phone into a smart display when charging in landscape

• Improved Messages, FaceTime, and AirDrop features

Apple’s software support is industry-leading, with updates likely to continue for at least 5 years. The tight integration between hardware and software ensures a smooth, bug-free experience.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity features:

• 5G support (Sub-6GHz and mmWave in supported regions)

• Wi-Fi 6

• Bluetooth 5.3

• Second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip for Precision Finding

Security:

• Face ID with improved accuracy

• No fingerprint sensor

The Dynamic Island, first introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro models, now makes its way to the iPhone 15 Plus. This pill-shaped cutout replaces the notch and offers interactive alerts for music, calls, timers, and more. It's not just a visual refresh; it's a functional upgrade that enhances multitasking and interactivity.

Pricing and Availability in India

As of April 2025, the iPhone 15 Plus is priced as follows (subject to variation depending on sales or offers):

• 128GB – ₹89,900

• 256GB – ₹99,900

• 512GB – ₹1,19,900

It’s available at all Apple authorized resellers, major e-commerce platforms, and Apple’s official website. Trade-in and EMI options are also available. During festive seasons in India, expect discounts and cashback offers from HDFC, ICICI, and other banks.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Gorgeous 6.7-inch OLED display

• Excellent battery life

• Powerful A16 Bionic chip

• USB-C port for universal charging

• 48MP camera produces sharp, vibrant photos

• iOS 17 offers great new features

Cons:

• No 120Hz ProMotion display (still 60Hz)

• No telephoto camera

• Larger size may not suit everyone

• Pricey for a non-Pro model

Who Should Buy the iPhone 15 Plus?

The iPhone 15 Plus is perfect for users who:

• Want a big-screen iPhone without spending over ₹1.5 lakh

• Need long-lasting battery life

• Value camera performance but don’t need Pro-level features

• Prefer Apple’s software ecosystem but aren’t chasing specs

It’s a great choice for professionals, students, and creators who enjoy streaming, photography, and multitasking.

Final Verdict

The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is a well-rounded flagship that brings many Pro features—like the A16 chip, 48MP camera, and Dynamic Island—into a more affordable package. With its gorgeous display, excellent battery life, and polished iOS experience, it offers strong value for those wanting a premium iPhone experience without going all the way to the Pro Max tier.

If you don’t need the extra camera zoom or 120Hz refresh rate of the Pro models, the iPhone 15 Plus might just be the perfect iPhone for you in 2025.