iPhone 15 Review: The Good, The Bad, and The Accessories
Blog created using AI and edited by humans from iOS Today 672
Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard, co-hosts of iOS Today, recently convened to share an in-depth review of Apple's newly released iPhone 15 lineup.
Exciting Camera Upgrades
Rosemary Orchard and Mikah Sargent were particularly excited by the camera improvements enabled by the new "tetraprism" technology inside. This allows optical zoom up to 5x at 120 mm on the Pro Max model, letting users capture clearer, sharper photos of distant subjects.
Mikah's favorite new capability was the automatic Portrait Mode that detects faces as well as dogs and cats. The iPhone 15 can sense depth and add background blur for these subjects after the fact, eliminating the need to manually switch into Portrait Mode.
Both hosts were eager to thoroughly test the zoom capabilities and improved image processing powered by the new Photonic Engine. The 48MP quad-pixel sensor also promises better detail and low-light performance.
Lightweight Yet Sturdy Design
Both Rosemary and Mikah opted for the higher-end iPhone 15 Pro Max models in a matching blue titanium color. Right out of the box, they immediately noticed the lighter weight compared to previous models. Rosemary attributed this to the titanium alloy frame, which also gives it a more durable feel than aluminum.
The pair referenced a recent blog post by Dr. Drang wherein the writer calculated the new iPhone's "moment of inertia," and suggested the overall lightness of the new iPhone may have more to do with the moment of inertia than the actual drop in weight, itself.
Despite the larger screen size, Rosemary felt the Pro Max model was easier to maneuver thanks to the centered weight distribution from the titanium frame. The rounded edges were also more comfortable to hold than the squared-off sides of recent iPhones.
USB-C Accessories and Connectivity
The iPhone 15 models' switch to USB-C has also opened up new accessory options. Both hosts were excited to take advantage of USB-C flash drives for extra storage and external video capture. Rosemary found the USB-C port handy for faster ethernet downloads during setup.
Mikah also mentioned the new $29 2-meter USB-C cable from Apple, praising it for its durability and high 240W power delivery.
Assessing the Fine Woven Case Controversy
You likely didn't miss the vast number of complaints aimed squarely at Apple's new Fine Woven accessories, the company's replacement for its premium leather accessories. Mikah defended Apple's new case option, arguing it's no more prone to scratching than leather cases based on scratch tests by iFixit and others. Mikah suggested Apple never marketed it as invulnerable, so having marks from fingernails or keys should be expected.
Rosemary acknowledged the texture may bother some users, but she recommended trying it in person first, since leather cases can also show wear over time. The hosts agreed charging compatibility issues due to the smaller USB-C cutout were a more valid complaint about the Fine Woven case.
Favorite New Accessories
Rosemary and Mikah also shared some of their favorite early accessories for the iPhone 15 lineup:
- UKON Phone Lanyard - Clever plastic insert allows attachment without adhesive
- ESR HaloLock MagSafe Ring - Adds grip and kickstand functionality
- Spigen Screen Protector - Bubble-free install with included alignment kit
- Razer Phone Cooler Chroma - Clips on for active cooling during intensive tasks
Key Takeaways
While the changes may have seemed subtle at first, the co-hosts found the new Portrait Mode, 5x optical zoom, Photonic Engine, and USB-C to be compelling upgrades. The lighter weight and titanium build also felt like meaningful improvements over past models.
Both Rosemary and Mikah are looking forward to putting the iPhone 15 Pro models through their paces. With the right accessories, the latest iPhones offer excellent new capabilities for photographers, videographers, and power users alike. While not a revolutionary leap, the refinements add up to keep Apple's smartphones among the most versatile mobile devices available.
