Today, we want to highlight some of the lesser-known features of the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro that we believe make a significant difference in your day-to-day iPhone usage. These features may not be as flashy as other upgrades, but they deserve recognition for their practicality and impact.
One standout feature is the USB-C port on the iPhone 15. While it may not be the Reverse Wireless Charging we anticipated, its ability to charge your AirPods and Apple Watch using a cable is incredibly convenient. Simply connect your accessories to your iPhone via a cable and place them in your pocket or bag until they’re fully charged.
The USB-C port also transforms the iPhone 15 into a gaming console. You can now connect your iPhone 15 to an external display and controller, making it as versatile as a Nintendo Switch. To further enhance the gaming experience, Apple is bringing PC-grade titles like Resident Evil 4 remake, Death Stranding, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and The Division Resurgence to the iPhone 15 Pro. With the new A17 Pro chip and USB-C port, even hardcore gamers will be impressed by the capabilities of these devices. However, it’s worth noting that the A17 Pro chip may run hot during extended gaming sessions, so using an external MagSafe fan could help keep it cool.
Another noteworthy feature is the USB-C port’s ability to connect to external devices such as an SSD or micro SD card. This allows professionals and enthusiasts to shoot ProRes and LOG videos directly onto an external drive. The videos can then be color graded and edited using software like Final Cut. With the iPhone 15 Pro’s ability to record ProRes and LOG videos, it can serve as a viable alternative to dedicated video cameras. The quality of videos shot on the iPhone 15 Pro is already stunning, as evidenced by the short films and videos found on YouTube.
In addition to these features, the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 allows you to connect an external microphone and even connect to a TV via AirPlay, eliminating the need for a stable Wi-Fi connection. Furthermore, the port enables direct connection to an internet router using an Ethernet cable with the appropriate adapter.
For those concerned about repair costs, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max now have significantly lower repair prices, thanks to changes in their internal design. This EU-mandated design alteration has made it cheaper to replace the rear glass on these models, making repairs more affordable compared to previous versions. It’s worth noting that iPhone models in the UK and EU, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, now have repair costs as low as £199 and €220, respectively.
The camera upgrades on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are also worth mentioning. These upgrades cater to photography and videography enthusiasts, offering improved HDR capabilities that no longer overexpose bright portions of photos. The new 24MP standard for taking photos delivers more detailed and less oversharpened results, bringing iPhone photos closer to DSLR quality. The upgraded Portrait mode is particularly impressive, allowing users to change the focus point of their photos. Additionally, the ability to record ProRes and LOG videos with an external SSD elevates the video quality for professionals and enthusiasts.
Lastly, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have become Apple’s “lightest” iPhone upgrades to date. Thanks to a shift from stainless steel to an aluminum-titanium frame mix, these devices are significantly lighter compared to their predecessors. The weight reduction of 20g may not seem like much, but it makes a noticeable difference, particularly for those upgrading from heavier phones like the iPhone 13 Pro/Max, iPhone 14 Pro/Max, or Galaxy S22/S3 Ultra. Even compared to the vanilla iPhone 15, these Pro models are noticeably lighter.
In conclusion, while the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro may not receive the same level of attention as other smartphones, they offer a range of features that greatly enhance the user experience. The USB-C port opens up new possibilities for charging, gaming, video recording, and connectivity. Lower repair costs make owning these Pro models more accessible, while camera upgrades and a lighter design further elevate their appeal. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are true contenders in the smartphone market and deserve recognition for their hidden gems of features.
