Apple iPhone 15 continues to refine its smartphone offerings, and with the launch of the Apple iPhone 15 Plus, it has struck a fine balance between performance and affordability within the premium category. As the larger sibling to the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus bridges the gap between standard and pro models by offering a massive display, powerful chipset, improved camera system, and modern design tweaks.
This in-depth review explores all major aspects of the iPhone 15 Plus including design, display, processor, camera performance, battery life, and software, making it easier for consumers to decide whether it’s worth the investment in 2025.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Design and Build Quality: Lighter Sleeker, and Stronger
The design of the Apple iPhone 15 Plus marks a subtle but significant evolution in Apple’s design philosophy. Crafted with an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and back glass made using a new dual-ion exchange process, the phone feels premium and durable. The edges are slightly contoured, making it more comfortable to hold compared to the boxy frame of previous models.
The most noticeable change, however, is the replacement of the Lightning port with a USB-C connector, aligning Apple’s ecosystem with global charging standards. Available in a range of fresh pastel colors including pink, yellow, green, blue, and black, the iPhone 15 Plus is both elegant and expressive.
It weighs just 201 grams and is 7.8mm thick, offering a sleek in-hand feel without compromising on build quality. It is IP68 water and dust resistant, meaning it can withstand occasional splashes and drops without issue.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Display: Expansive and Immersive Super Retina XDR
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and remarkable clarity. With a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 ppi, the visual experience is both crisp and detailed.
The peak brightness goes up to 2000 nits for HDR content, ensuring exceptional visibility even under direct sunlight. Although Apple hasn’t introduced ProMotion with a 120Hz refresh rate to the non-Pro models yet, the 60Hz display on the 15 Plus is still smooth and responsive for most users.
Whether you’re streaming Netflix in Dolby Vision, editing photos, or browsing social media, the screen quality is immersive and consistent. The dynamic island, previously a Pro-exclusive feature, is now integrated into the iPhone 15 Plus, providing contextual notifications and multitasking tools in a fluid, interactive manner.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Performance and A16 Bionic Chip: Power Redefined
Under the hood, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the same processor that powered last year’s iPhone 14 Pro series. Built on a 4nm architecture, the A16 delivers exceptional performance across the board. Everyday tasks like web browsing, gaming, multitasking, and app switching are fluid and lag-free.
The CPU consists of a 6-core setup with 2 high-performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, offering a seamless balance between power and battery conservation. The 5-core GPU ensures that even graphically intensive games and 4K video editing run smoothly without a hiccup. The 16-core Neural Engine enables faster machine learning tasks, from image processing to voice recognition.
In benchmarks, the iPhone 15 Plus scores remarkably close to flagship devices and is future-proof for years of updates and demanding applications. Whether you’re a casual user or a power consumer, this device holds its own in 2025.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Camera System: Smart Upgrades with Photonic Engine
The camera on the Apple iPhone 15 Plus has seen notable enhancements, especially with the implementation of the Photonic Engine and a new 48MP main sensor. This marks a departure from the older 12MP standard sensor on base iPhones. The 48MP wide sensor captures stunning detail, rich color, and impressive dynamic range, allowing for more detailed shots even in challenging lighting conditions.
With pixel binning technology, it outputs 24MP default photos that balance quality with storage efficiency. The 2x telephoto option, though digital, leverages the 48MP resolution to crop high-quality zoom shots without significant degradation.
The secondary 12MP ultra-wide camera supports macro photography and wide field-of-view shots, perfect for landscapes and group images. Night mode is smarter and faster, capturing low-light images with better contrast and noise reduction.
The front-facing 12MP TrueDepth camera supports autofocus and delivers excellent selfies with natural skin tones. For video enthusiasts, the iPhone 15 Plus supports 4K recording at 24/25/30/60 fps with cinematic mode, action mode stabilization, and Dolby Vision HDR, making it a powerful tool for mobile videography.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Battery Life and Charging: Long-lasting and Efficient
Battery life has always been a strong suit of the Plus models, and the iPhone 15 Plus takes that legacy forward. Thanks to its large battery and efficient A16 Bionic chip, the device offers all-day battery life even with heavy usage.
Apple claims up to 26 hours of video playback, which aligns well with real-world tests where the device comfortably lasts through a full day of streaming, calls, social media, navigation, and photography. With the shift to USB-C, charging becomes more versatile. Although Apple has not yet introduced fast-charging speeds beyond 20W for base models
the iPhone 15 Plus can go from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes with a compatible charger. It also supports 15W wireless charging with MagSafe and 7.5W with Qi chargers. Reverse charging for accessories via USB-C is also supported in a limited capacity, offering added flexibility.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Software and iOS 17: Personalized and Intuitive
The iPhone 15 Plus runs on iOS 17 out of the box, bringing several user-centric improvements that enhance the daily smartphone experience. StandBy mode turns your iPhone into a smart display when charging horizontally, offering widgets, clocks, and photos
. Contact Posters let users personalize how they appear on others’ iPhones during calls, bringing more visual flair to communication. Live Voicemail provides real-time transcription of voicemail messages, allowing users to respond immediately if necessary.
NameDrop simplifies contact sharing by bringing two iPhones close together. Improvements to Messages, FaceTime, and keyboard autocorrect add more polish to the already refined iOS ecosystem. Paired with Apple’s commitment to long-term software updates, the iPhone 15 Plus is set to remain relevant and secure for many years.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Connectivity and USB-C Transition A Practical Evolution
Apple’s long-awaited transition from Lightning to USB-C is finally here with the iPhone 15 Plus. This move not only brings the iPhone in line with global tech standards but also allows users to use a single cable for Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
While the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 Plus is limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps), it still supports charging, data transfer, and connectivity with a wide range of accessories including external drives, displays, and dongles.
The device also supports 5G connectivity with more band compatibility for global use, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and U1 Ultra-Wideband chip for improved AirTag precision and device tracking. Emergency SOS via satellite and Roadside Assistance via satellite are available in select regions, enhancing safety during remote travel.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Storage Options and Pricing Strategy
The iPhone 15 Plus is available in three storage variants – 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, catering to different user needs and budgets. While 128GB might suffice for most average users, power users who shoot a lot of videos or use intensive apps may find the 256GB or 512GB options more suitable.
The pricing is positioned strategically, starting slightly below the Pro models, giving users a large-screen iPhone experience without crossing into the premium Pro price range. Apple continues to offer trade-in discounts and financing options through various carriers and official partners, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 14 Plus: Key Differences
When comparing the iPhone 15 Plus to its predecessor, the upgrades are clear. The switch to the A16 Bionic chip, Dynamic Island display, 48MP main camera, USB-C port, and slightly refined design makes the 15 Plus a significant leap forward.
While the iPhone 14 Plus was a capable device, it lacked some of these forward-thinking features that are now essential in 2025. Users coming from an iPhone 13 or earlier will find the 15 Plus a dramatic upgrade in almost every aspect.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Conclusion: Is the iPhone 15 Plus Worth Buying in 2025?
The iPhone 15 Plus stands out as one of the most balanced iPhones Apple has ever produced. It combines the advantages of a large display, powerful performance, improved camera capabilities, and longer battery life, all in a premium package at a more reasonable price point compared to the Pro models.
The introduction of the Dynamic Island, USB-C, and a 48MP camera brings flagship-level features to a wider audience. It’s ideal for users who want a big-screen iPhone without the bells and whistles of the Pro Max or for those upgrading from older models looking for something modern and powerful.
With iOS 17, continued software support, and a refreshed design, the iPhone 15 Plus delivers value, performance, and longevity, making it one of the top smartphones to consider in 2025.
