New iPhone 15 models compared: iPhone 15 vs. Plus vs. Pro vs. Pro Max

Apple this week unveiled not one, not two, not three, however 4 new iPhones, so there’s mainly a mannequin for each sort of person, proper? Sure, however not likely.

Additionally: All the pieces Apple simply introduced: iPhone 15, Apple Watch Extremely 2, AirPods

The iPhone 15 collection begins at $799 and ranges as much as $1,199so I would not go so far as to say that the shopping for determination for budget-minded buyers might be made simply. If you happen to do fall into that group, permit me to direct you to ZDNET’s greatest iPhone offers information as an alternative.

However when you’re useless set on the following era of Apple handsets, let this determination tree show you how to make one of the best buy in your wants, use instances, and preferences. I assure that one of many 4 iPhone 15 fashions will resonate with you greater than the others.

Specs

You should purchase the iPhone 15 Professional Max if…

1. You need one of the best iPhone digicam expertise, interval.

This 12 months, Apple has made its iPhone Professional Max mannequin extra becoming of its title by giving it the unique good thing about a brand new periscope zoom lens. How is that this completely different than the telephoto lens discovered on the smaller Professional mannequin? A periscope lens permits the iPhone to seize distant topics with a 5x optical zoom versus a digital one, which interprets to higher element and fewer blurriness.

Additionally: iPhone 15 Professional hands-on: I discovered a variety of causes to improve and one to attend till subsequent 12 months

2. You are a multimedia connoisseur

Apart from the superior digicam, the iPhone 15 Professional Max additionally gives one of the best multimedia expertise of the 4 fashions launched. With a big 6.8-inch AMOLED show that refreshes at 120Hz and highly effective dual-channel audio system, the Professional Max variant stays the telephone of selection when you usually end up watching exhibits, short-form movies, and extra, in your cell gadget.

It is somewhat heavy at 221 grams, however the thinner bezels and lighter Titanium materials this 12 months make the Professional Max extra ergonomic than ever. The identical could not be mentioned about final 12 months’s 14 Professional Max.

You should purchase the iPhone 15 Professional if…

1. You need the Professional advantages with out the Professional Max measurement

Greater is just not at all times higher, because the smaller iPhone Professional mannequin has proved 12 months after 12 months. For most individuals, the 6.1-inch kind issue of the usual Professional telephone is greater than sufficient. I personally discover it to be extra pleasing to make use of than the Professional Max due to its mixture of portability and energy.

Additionally: iPhone 15 Professional vs. iPhone 14 Professional: Which mannequin is greatest to purchase?

Other than the periscope lens and bigger proportions, the iPhone 15 Professional gives nearly each different utility that the Professional Max does, together with the up to date A17 Professional Bionic chip, iOS 17 options, and new Motion Button. In truth, the Motion Button is way more reachable on the smaller 15 Professional. And for photographs and movies, it shares the identical 48MP major sensor, which is what you will depend on probably the most.

2. You may’t justify the $200 Max Tax

As a result of {hardware} hole, Apple is charging an additional $100 for the Professional Max mannequin this 12 months, making a $200 distinction between the larger gadget and the common Professional. That is a hefty sum, and is sufficient to cowl a case, display screen protector, and USB-C charging case — must you wish to replace your AirPods Professional to Apple’s new port commonplace. Or, you’ll be able to simply save the $200 and keep it up.

You should purchase the iPhone 15 Plus if…

1. You desire a big-screen iPhone at a extra accessible value

Whereas the brand new iPhone 15 Plus is not essentially low cost at a beginning value of $899, it’s the most inexpensive choice if you need a big-screen iPhone that does not price $300 extra. Just like the Professional Max, the iPhone 15 Plus incorporates a 6.8-inch panel with a similar-behaving Dynamic Island interface.

Additionally: Must you purchase an iPhone 15? Here is how my spouse and I are deciding

The show would not get fairly as clean with a 60Hz refresh price, and the audio system aren’t as punchy because the Professional Max’s, however when you simply need an iPhone that will get the fundamentals proper, and appears good doing them, then the 15 Plus is the way in which to go.

You should purchase the iPhone 15 if…

1. You need the newest iPhone for much less

If options like ProRes video recording, 120Hz ProMotion show, and an A17 Professional Bionic chip do not elevate your eyebrows, then the usual iPhone 15 could also be the best choice for you. It is also probably the most accessible of the bunch, with a beginning value of $799, and most carriers providing buy-one-get-one (BOGO) or “free with trade-in” offers for this mannequin specifically.

Additionally: Apple iPhone 15 hands-on: New options left me with no Professional mannequin envy in any respect

2. One of many colours fits your vibe

Smartphones are arguably our most private piece of know-how, so one thing as primary as colour could be a deciding issue when buying one. Apple tends to present the non-Professional iPhones the extra poppy and adventurous colours, with this 12 months’s crop getting splashes of pastel yellow, pink, blue, white, and black. If a type of colours speaks to you, then it might be your calling to go for an iPhone 15 as an alternative of an iPhone 15 Professional.

Alternate options to contemplate

BEST IPHONE 15 ALTERNATIVE

iPhone 14

Final 12 months’s iPhone 14 would not have a Dynamic Island, nevertheless it’s almost as succesful because the iPhone 15 in each different regard. At $100 much less, it is nonetheless a viable choice to purchase in 2023.

BEST PRO MAX ALTERNATIVE

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely

I do not at all times advocate an Android telephone as an iPhone different, but when peak digicam efficiency is what you are after, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Extremely might give the iPhone 15 Professional Max a run for its cash.