The Apple iPhone 15 is Apple's standard 2023 iPhone, now a strong value buy since the iPhone 16 and 17 arrived. It was the first standard iPhone with USB-C, the Dynamic Island and a 48MP camera, and with years of iOS updates still ahead it stays current well beyond launch.
iPhone 15: Display
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED has a 1179 x 2556 resolution and quotes 1000 nits in high-brightness mode, with GSMArena measuring 1,643 nits and a 2,000-nit peak for HDR, protected by Ceramic Shield.
The one real limitation is the 60Hz refresh rate, so scrolling looks less fluid than on the 120Hz screens common on Android at this price and on the Pro models.
iPhone 15: Camera
The dual camera pairs a 48MP main sensor with sensor-shift OIS and a 12MP ultrawide, with a 12MP selfie camera. The 48MP sensor also enables a 2x quality zoom by cropping in, covering the most common focal lengths well.
Video is a strength, up to 4K at 60fps with Dolby Vision, though there is no dedicated telephoto lens.
iPhone 15: Battery
The 3,349mAh battery returned an active use score of 13:20 hours in GSMArena's lab, good for its compact size, with wired charging at 50% in 30 minutes plus 15W MagSafe wireless.
Wired charging is slow next to fast-charging Android rivals, so charging speed rather than endurance is the weak point.
iPhone 15: Size, Weight and Build
At 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm and 171g with an aluminium frame, IP68 sealing and USB-C, the iPhone 15 is a compact, well-built phone in colours including Blue, Green and Pink.
There is no microSD slot or headphone jack, the usual iPhone trade-offs.
iPhone 15: Performance
The A16 Bionic with 6GB of RAM remains fast for everything from gaming to editing, launched on iOS 17 and since updated, with years of iOS support still ahead.
The chip is a step behind the Pro models' A17 Pro, but in daily use the difference is hard to notice.
iPhone 15: Who Should Buy
Buy the iPhone 15 at a discount if you want a compact, up-to-date iPhone with USB-C and a strong camera without paying current-model money. Buyers who want a much bigger screen and longer battery life should compare the iPhone 15 Plus. Buyers comparing contract terms will find current network pricing in the table above.