Is iPhone 15 Worth Buying? 6 Months With The iPhone 15

It's been half a year since I took the plunge and upgraded to the iPhone 15. While the initial excitement has settled, my experience with this phone continues to impress. Here's a closer look at what the iPhone 15 offers after months of daily use.

Design That Feels Right

At first glance, the iPhone 15 might seem like more of the same. But some clever tweaks make a big difference. The ever-so-slightly rounded frame feels far more comfortable in hand compared to the sharper edges of previous models. It's a subtle change that makes a noticeable improvement during extended use. Another welcome update is the frosted glass back. Gone are the days of battling fingerprint smudges - the frosted finish offers a cleaner aesthetic and a better grip. Plus, the color options feel more mature this time around. 

The pink, for example, has a sophisticated air thanks to the matte texture, making it stand out from the usual flashy phone colors. The addition of Dynamic Island might seem like a minor software tweak, but it elevates the overall experience. It seamlessly integrates with notifications and background tasks, offering a more intuitive and interactive way to multitask. It's a clear step up from the notch, adding a touch of futuristic functionality.

Powerhouse Performance

While the A16 Bionic chip isn't the absolute latest, it delivers a noticeable performance boost compared to previous iPhones. Everything from app loading to multitasking feels smooth and responsive. Animations are buttery, and even graphically demanding games run flawlessly. The battery life has been another pleasant surprise. I consistently average around 7 hours of screen time, which is enough to get me through a full day of moderate to heavy use. This efficiency is likely due in part to the omission of a high refresh rate display, a point I'll touch on later.

Camera That Captures Every Moment

The camera on the iPhone 15 is a beast. The new 48-megapixel sensor is a significant upgrade, capturing stunningly detailed photos. The sensor-shift technology provides excellent image stabilization, resulting in crisp low-light pictures. The 2x lossless zoom is a game-changer, offering more versatility without sacrificing image quality. While it doesn't offer the RAW shooting capabilities of the Pro model, the overall camera experience on the iPhone 15 is fantastic. 

A Few Shortcomings

The biggest letdown for some users, myself included, is the lack of a high refresh rate display. The 60Hz refresh rate feels dated compared to the smoother scrolling and animations offered by higher refresh rate displays. While iOS still manages to feel smooth at 60Hz, switching back to a high refresh rate phone highlights the difference. Another missed opportunity is the new USB-C port. While the switch from Lightning is appreciated, Apple didn't fully embrace the possibilities. Data transfer speeds haven't improved, and there's no support for features like faster charging or DeX-like functionality seen on some Android phones. Hopefully, future iterations will leverage the full potential of USB-C.

Underrated Champion

Despite these shortcomings, the iPhone 15 offers exceptional value for its price tag. It's a powerful phone with a fantastic camera, long-lasting battery life, and a comfortable design. The subtle design tweaks and the addition of Dynamic Island elevate the user experience. Overall, the iPhone 15 feels like an underrated flagship. If you're looking for a powerful and versatile iPhone without all the absolute top-of-the-line features, the iPhone 15 is a compelling option that delivers a delightful user experience for everyday use.