The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is one of the most exciting smartphones in Apple’s latest lineup. Positioned as a step up from the standard iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a larger display, exceptional battery life, and premium features at a more affordable price than the Pro models.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Apple iPhone 15 Plus, including its design, performance, camera, battery life, and why it might be the perfect choice for you.
Larger Display for an Immersive Experience
One of the key highlights of the iPhone 15 Plus is its larger screen:
- 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR Display: The iPhone 15 Plus offers a stunning OLED display with vibrant colors, sharp details, and deep blacks, perfect for watching videos, gaming, or browsing social media.
- Ceramic Shield Protection: The display is toughened with a Ceramic Shield, making it more resistant to scratches and drops.
- True Tone Technology: This feature adjusts the screen’s color temperature to match your environment, making it easier on the eyes.
Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series or working on the go, the larger display of the iPhone 15 Plus enhances every experience.
Read More: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Redesigned with Durability and Style in Mind
Apple has introduced a fresh design for the iPhone 15 Plus, making it both elegant and durable:
- Durable Build: The phone features an aerospace-grade aluminum frame combined with a textured matte back glass for a premium feel.
- Dynamic Island: Just like the Pro models, the iPhone 15 Plus includes Dynamic Island, an interactive notch that adapts to show notifications, alerts, and ongoing activities.
- Vibrant Colors: Available in five gorgeous colors—Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Black—the iPhone 15 Plus is as stylish as it is functional.
Performance Powered by A16 Bionic Chip
The iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the same processor used in last year’s Pro models, ensuring fast and efficient performance:
- 6-Core CPU: The powerful CPU handles demanding tasks with ease, making multitasking smooth and responsive.
- 5-Core GPU: Graphics-intensive activities like gaming and video editing run seamlessly, with stunning visuals and no lag.
- Energy Efficiency: The A16 chip is designed to be more power-efficient, ensuring the iPhone 15 Plus delivers all-day battery life.
Whether you’re gaming, editing photos, or streaming in 4K, the iPhone 15 Plus ensures a lag-free experience.
Camera System: Capture Every Moment in Stunning Detail
The iPhone 15 Plus boasts an upgraded dual-camera system that takes mobile photography to the next level:
- 48 MP Main Camera: The primary sensor captures sharp, detailed images with excellent low-light performance.
- 2x Telephoto Lens: The new telephoto mode lets you zoom in without losing clarity, offering greater versatility for your shots.
- Night Mode: Capture stunning photos in low light with enhanced Night Mode, which brings out more detail and reduces noise.
- Smart HDR 5: This feature improves contrast and color accuracy, ensuring your photos look vibrant and true to life.
- Cinematic Mode: Record professional-quality videos with a bokeh effect, now available in 4K resolution.
Whether you’re taking selfies, landscapes, or videos, the iPhone 15 Plus ensures every shot looks incredible.
Battery Life That Lasts All Day
Apple has designed the iPhone 15 Plus to keep up with your busy day:
- Exceptional Battery Life: The larger battery allows up to 26 hours of video playback, making it perfect for power users.
- USB-C Charging: For the first time, the iPhone 15 Plus features a USB-C port, allowing for faster charging and universal compatibility.
- MagSafe Compatibility: The phone supports MagSafe accessories, including wireless chargers, battery packs, and wallets.
Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working, the iPhone 15 Plus won’t let you down when it comes to battery life.
USB-C Port: A Welcome Upgrade
Apple has finally replaced the Lightning connector with a USB-C port in the iPhone 15 Plus:
- Faster File Transfers: The USB-C port supports faster data transfer speeds, making it easier to share photos, videos, and files.
- Universal Compatibility: Use the same cable to charge your iPhone, MacBook, iPad, and other USB-C devices, simplifying your tech setup.
This long-awaited change is a major convenience for iPhone users.
iOS 17: Smarter and More Intuitive
The iPhone 15 Plus runs on iOS 17, Apple’s latest operating system (at the time of release), which brings a host of new features, improvements, and optimizations to enhance the user experience. Here’s a breakdown of the key iOS features on the iPhone 15 Plus:
Key iOS Features on iPhone 15 Plus:
1. Custom Lock Screen
- iOS 17 introduces a customizable Lock Screen where you can change fonts, and colors, and add widgets like calendar events, weather updates, and app shortcuts. You can also set different lock screens for different Focus modes (e.g., work or personal).
2. Standby Mode
- A new StandBy Mode allows the iPhone 15 Plus to display useful information when charging in a horizontal orientation. This can include photos, clocks, calendar events, or even widgets, effectively turning your phone into a smart display while charging.
3. Interactive Widgets
- Widgets are now more interactive. You can directly interact with them on the Home Screen and Lock Screen, like controlling music playback or checking off reminders without opening the app.
4. Live Voicemail
- With Live Voicemail, you can see a real-time transcription of voicemail messages as they’re being left. You can choose to pick up the call if you understand the voicemail or let it go to voicemail for later review.
5. Improved Focus Mode
- Focus Mode is further improved with more customization options, allowing you to filter notifications and apps depending on the time of day or your current activity, and integrate with lock screen changes.
6. Contact Posters
- iOS 17 allows you to create Contact Posters with your favorite image or avatar, making your contact information more personalized when you make calls. You can customize how your contact information appears when others see it.
7. Autofill Enhancements
- Autofill for passwords and other credentials is smarter in iOS 17, automatically filling out forms and improving security with better integration with Apple’s iCloud Keychain.
8. AirDrop and NameDrop
- AirDrop has been improved with the introduction of NameDrop, allowing users to easily share contact information by bringing two iPhones close together. It’s an easy way to share data without needing to rely on internet connections.
9. Improved CarPlay
- iOS 17 introduces more capabilities for CarPlay, including deeper integration with vehicle features, such as controlling air conditioning, adjusting seat settings, and monitoring the car’s battery and range, if supported.
10. Enhanced Privacy Features
- Privacy continues to be a focus with features like App Privacy Reports, App Tracking Transparency, and improvements to how personal data is handled across apps. The iPhone 15 Plus benefits from all these security features to protect user data.
11. Safari Updates
- Safari in iOS 17 introduces profiles for different browsing sessions, allowing you to keep work and personal browsing separate. It also has improvements for password management, auto-fill, and enhanced privacy features.
12. Better Multitasking
- Multitasking in iOS 17 is improved, making it easier to switch between apps, split the screen, and organize apps. The iPhone 15 Plus’s larger screen size further enhances multitasking, giving users more space for app windows.
13. Improved Maps and Offline Functionality
- Apple Maps adds offline map support, allowing users to download maps and access them without needing an internet connection. This is useful when traveling to areas with limited connectivity.
14. Enhanced Siri
- Siri’s integration and accuracy continue to improve. You can now trigger Siri with just the “Siri” command (no need to say “Hey Siri”), making it quicker to activate and use the assistant.
Performance Optimizations:
- iOS 17 is designed to run efficiently on the iPhone 15 Plus, making the most of the A16 Bionic chip for smoother performance and improved battery efficiency.
- Background App Refresh and Low Power Mode options help conserve battery life without compromising on the features you use daily.
iOS 17 Updates on the iPhone 15 Plus:
- The iPhone 15 Plus will continue to receive regular iOS updates for several years, ensuring the device stays up-to-date with the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.
iOS 17 enhances the iPhone 15 Plus with customization, new functionalities, improved privacy, and seamless integration across Apple’s ecosystem. Whether it’s the personalized Lock Screen, interactive widgets, or smarter multitasking, iOS on the iPhone 15 Plus is designed to provide a highly efficient and user-friendly experience.
Pricing and Storage Options
The iPhone 15 Plus comes with different pricing based on storage capacity. Here’s an overview of the pricing and storage options available:
Pricing:
- 128GB: USD 899
- 256GB: $USD 999512GB: USD 1,099
Prices can vary slightly depending on your region and any ongoing promotions or discounts from Apple or authorized retailers.
Storage Options:
- 128GB: Ideal for users who store a moderate amount of photos, videos, apps, and documents. However, it may feel limiting for those who store large amounts of media, such as 4K videos or high-resolution photos.
- 256GB: A good middle ground for users who need more space for apps, photos, videos, music, and games. This is the most popular option for many iPhone users, providing ample storage for most people.
- 512GB: Best for users who need a large amount of storage for 4K video, large apps, or who prefer not to worry about running out of space. This is ideal for people who use their phone for professional work, like photographers or video editors, or those who store large libraries of media.
Considerations of iPhone 15 Plus:
- The iPhone 15 Plus lacks a microSD card slot for expandable storage, so it’s important to choose a storage option that will suit your long-term needs.
- iCloud storage options are available separately, allowing you to offload photos, videos, and documents to the cloud for a monthly fee.
iPhone 15 Plus: Pros and Cons
iPhone 15 Plus Pros
- Larger Display
- 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display offers an immersive viewing experience, perfect for streaming, gaming, and reading.
- Improved Battery Life
- Excellent battery performance thanks to the large battery capacity, providing up to 26 hours of video playback—better than most competitors in its range.
- Dynamic Island
- Introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro, the Dynamic Island replaces the notch and enhances interactivity for notifications, music, and live updates.
- USB-C Port
- Faster and more universal charging and data transfer with the USB-C port, replacing the Lightning cable.
- A16 Bionic Chip
- Powerful performance with the A16 Bionic processor, delivering smooth multitasking and gaming capabilities without lag.
- Excellent Camera System
- 48MP main camera provides sharper photos, 2x optical zoom, and improved low-light performance.
- Upgraded portrait mode with depth control.
- Lightweight Design
- Despite its larger size, the iPhone 15 Plus remains lightweight due to its aluminum frame and durable glass build.
- Enhanced Durability
- Ceramic Shield front and IP68 water resistance offer better protection against drops and spills.
iPhone 15 Plus Cons
- No 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Unlike the Pro models, the iPhone 15 Plus still has a 60Hz display, making animations and scrolling less smooth compared to ProMotion displays.
- No Always-On Display
- Lacks the Always-On Display feature found in the Pro models.
- No Telephoto Lens
- The camera system does not include a telephoto lens or support for 3x optical zoom, limiting its versatility for distant shots.
- No Pro Features
- Features like ProMotion (120Hz), Always-On Display, and LiDAR Scanner are exclusive to the Pro lineup.
- Limited USB-C Speed
- The USB-C port only supports USB 2.0 speeds, which are slower compared to the Pro models’ USB 3.0 for data transfer.
- Size May Not Be for Everyone
- The large 6.7-inch display may feel too big for some users, making one-handed use difficult.
- No Titanium Frame
- Unlike the iPhone 15 Pro models, the 15 Plus uses an aluminum frame, which feels less premium.
The iPhone 15 Plus is an excellent choice for users who want a large display, great battery life, and top-tier performance without the need for Pro features. However, the absence of ProMotion, a telephoto lens, and slower USB speeds might deter those seeking the latest premium enhancements.
Common iPhone 15 Plus Issues and How to Fix Them
Here are common technical problems reported by users of the iPhone 15 Plus, along with possible solutions:
1. Battery Draining Quickly
Problem: The battery drains faster than expected even with moderate use.
Solution:
- Check Battery Usage: Go to Settings > Battery to identify apps consuming more power.
- Disable Background App Refresh: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off for apps that don’t need it.
- Use Low Power Mode: Turn on Low Power Mode in Settings > Battery.
- Update iOS: Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.
- Turn Off Unnecessary Features: Disable Bluetooth, Location Services, and Wi-Fi when not needed.
2. Overheating During Use
Problem: The iPhone 15 Plus gets unusually hot during gaming, charging, or heavy app usage.
Solution:
- Avoid Heavy Use While Charging: Limit the use of power-hungry apps while charging.
- Remove the Case: If you use a case, remove it temporarily while the device is overheating.
- Close Unnecessary Apps: Double-press the Home/Swipe up to close apps running in the background.
- Software Update: Make sure your phone is running the latest iOS update as overheating issues may be addressed in newer versions.
- Turn Down Screen Brightness: Reduce brightness or enable Auto-Brightness.
3. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
Problem: Wi-Fi drops frequently or Bluetooth devices fail to connect.
Solution:
- Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, select the network/device, and click Forget. Then reconnect.
- Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Restart Your iPhone and Router: Restart both the iPhone and your Wi-Fi router to refresh connections.
- Disable Low Data Mode: Ensure Low Data Mode is turned off for both Wi-Fi and cellular data.
4. Screen Flickering or Display Issues
Problem: Screen flickering, unresponsive touch, or color distortion on the display.
Solution:
- Force Restart the iPhone: Press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, and hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears.
- Adjust Display Settings: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and adjust settings like True Tone or Night Shift to see if it resolves the issue.
- Disable Automatic Brightness: If screen flickering occurs in bright environments, disable the Auto-Brightness feature.
- Update iOS: Sometimes display bugs are addressed in software updates.
5. Touchscreen Not Responding or Ghost Touch
Problem: The screen becomes unresponsive or exhibits ghost touch (random touches on the screen).
Solution:
- Clean the Screen: Use a microfiber cloth to clean the screen and remove any oils or debris.
- Remove the Case or Screen Protector: Sometimes, cases or screen protectors can interfere with touch sensitivity.
- Restart the Device: A simple restart can often resolve touchscreen issues.
- Update iOS: If it’s a software-related bug, make sure your phone is on the latest iOS version.
- Reset All Settings: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings (this won’t delete data, just settings).
6. Camera Not Focusing Properly
Problem: The camera fails to focus or takes blurry photos.
Solution:
- Clean the Camera Lens: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the camera lens to ensure clear focus.
- Restart the Camera App: Close the camera app and reopen it.
- Force Restart: If the app continues to malfunction, force restart the iPhone.
- Update iOS: Ensure you’re running the latest version of iOS as camera-related bugs are often fixed in updates.
- Reset Camera Settings: Go to Settings > Camera and reset settings to their defaults.
7. Bluetooth or AirDrop Issues
Problem: Problems with connecting Bluetooth devices or using AirDrop.
Solution:
- Toggle Bluetooth Off/On: Turn Bluetooth off and on again by going to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Reset Bluetooth Settings: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings (this also resets Wi-Fi and VPN settings).
- Ensure Proper AirDrop Settings: Make sure AirDrop is set to Everyone or Contacts Only in Settings > General > AirDrop.
- Restart Your iPhone: Restarting the phone often resolves connectivity issues.
8. App Crashing or Freezing
Problem: Apps randomly crash or freeze.
Solution:
- Force Close the App: Double-press the Home button (or swipe up on Face ID models) and swipe away the app causing issues.
- Reinstall the App: Delete and reinstall the app that is malfunctioning.
- Update the App: Ensure that the app is updated from the App Store.
- Update iOS: If your iOS version is outdated, update it to the latest version as app crashes may be fixed in newer releases.
9. Face ID Not Working
Problem: Face ID fails to recognize the face or works intermittently.
Solution:
- Clean the TrueDepth Camera: Wipe the front of your iPhone where the TrueDepth camera is located to remove any dirt or smudges.
- Check Lighting Conditions: Ensure you’re in proper lighting for Face ID to work effectively.
- Reset Face ID: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID and set it up again.
- Update iOS: Software bugs affecting Face ID may be fixed in updates.
10. Charging Issues (Slow or Not Charging)
Problem: The iPhone 15 Plus charges slowly or doesn’t charge at all.
Solution:
- Use Apple-Certified Charger and Cable: Ensure you’re using an Apple-certified charger and USB-C cable.
- Clean the Charging Port: Dirt or debris in the charging port can block the connection. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean it.
- Try a Different Power Source: Plug into a different wall adapter, or try charging via a computer’s USB port to rule out adapter issues.
- Reset the iPhone: A restart can sometimes fix charging issues.
- Update iOS: Check for any updates in Settings > General > Software Update that may address charging bugs.
If the issues persist after trying the solutions above, it’s a good idea to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for a hardware diagnosis.
Top Reasons to Choose the iPhone 15 Plus
Larger Display for an Immersive Experience
- The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, perfect for streaming, gaming, and browsing, making it ideal for those who enjoy large screens but don’t need the Pro models.
Excellent Battery Life
- With up to 26 hours of video playback, the iPhone 15 Plus offers outstanding battery performance that can easily last a full day of use, even for heavy users.
High-Quality Camera System
- The 48MP main camera ensures sharp and clear photos with great detail, while the enhanced Night Mode and Portrait Mode improve low-light and bokeh effects, making it a solid choice for photography enthusiasts.
USB-C Charging
- The iPhone 15 Plus comes with a USB-C port, allowing faster charging and data transfer. This also aligns with industry standards, making it more compatible with other devices.
A16 Bionic Chip
- The powerful A16 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance, from running demanding apps to gaming and multitasking. It provides high efficiency and longevity for future software updates.
Dynamic Island for Enhanced Interactivity
- The Dynamic Island, replacing the notch, offers an interactive experience for notifications, live activities, and quick access to controls, enhancing usability and functionality.
Durable and Stylish Design
- The Ceramic Shield front cover provides better durability against drops, and the sleek, aluminum frame with a matte finish adds to its premium feel without the higher cost of the Pro models.
IP68 Water and Dust Resistance
- With an IP68 rating, the iPhone 15 Plus is resistant to water and dust, making it ideal for use in various environments without worrying about accidental spills or splashes.
Affordable Option Compared to Pro Models
- The iPhone 15 Plus provides much of the high-end iPhone experience at a more affordable price compared to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, making it an excellent value for those who don’t need every premium feature.
Future-Proof with iOS Updates
- As with all iPhones, the iPhone 15 Plus will receive long-term iOS updates (typically for 5+ years), ensuring you have the latest features and security improvements over time.
The iPhone 15 Plus offers a great balance of premium features, performance, and value, making it an ideal choice for users who want a large screen and strong battery life without the extra features of the Pro models.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 15 Plus?
Users Who Prefer a Larger Screen
- If you enjoy watching videos, gaming, or browsing the web on a larger screen but don’t need the advanced features of the Pro models, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a generous 6.7-inch display that strikes the perfect balance between screen size and portability.
Photography Enthusiasts on a Budget
- If you’re interested in high-quality photography but don’t want to pay for the Pro models, the 48MP main camera and improved Night Mode on the iPhone 15 Plus will still deliver sharp, vibrant images in most scenarios.
People Seeking Great Battery Life
- With up to 26 hours of video playback, the iPhone 15 Plus is ideal for users who need long-lasting battery performance throughout the day, whether for work, entertainment, or travel.
Apple Users Looking for USB-C Compatibility
- If you’re looking for a USB-C port for faster charging and more universal compatibility with other devices, the iPhone 15 Plus is a great choice, especially if you’re already using other USB-C-enabled gadgets.
Those Who Want a High-Performance iPhone at a Lower Price
- The A16 Bionic chip provides excellent performance, ensuring smooth multitasking, gaming, and app use.
- The iPhone 15 Plus gives you a premium experience at a more affordable price than the Pro models.
Users Who Prefer a Premium, Durable Design Without Paying for the Pro Models
- If you want a sleek and durable device with a Ceramic Shield front cover and IP68 water resistance, but don’t feel the need for the extra features like a ProMotion display or telephoto lens, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a great design at a lower price.
Those Who Need a Reliable Daily Driver
- The iPhone 15 Plus is a solid all-around phone for daily use, offering reliable performance, excellent camera capabilities, and long battery life.
- It’s perfect for people who need an iPhone that handles everything from messaging to media consumption and productivity.
iPhone Users Wanting a Future-Proof Device
- The iPhone 15 Plus will receive iOS updates for many years, ensuring it remains relevant and functional for future app updates, security patches, and new features.
The iPhone 15 Plus is ideal for those who want a large screen, great battery life, and solid performance without the need for the extra features found in the Pro models. It’s perfect for everyday users, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who values affordability while still getting a high-quality iPhone experience.
Where to Buy the iPhone 15 Plus
The iPhone 15 Plus is available for purchase directly from Apple, major retailers, and carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Be sure to check for trade-in offers and carrier promotions to get the best deal.
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus Worth It?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus strikes the perfect balance between features and price. With its larger display, powerful performance, and exceptional camera system, it’s an excellent choice for users who want premium features without going all-in on the Pro models.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or making the switch to Apple for the first time, the iPhone 15 Plus offers incredible value for its price. Stylish, durable, and packed with advanced technology, it’s a smartphone that’s built to impress.
If you’re looking for a phone that combines power, style, and functionality, the iPhone 15 Plus is a top contender.
