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Lulu Anderson
- September 24, 2021
Upon the unveiling of the iPhone 15 series by Apple in September 2023, significant anticipation surrounded the new release. Interestingly, this launch captured the attention of individuals typically disinterested in each new iPhone iteration – particularly, Android users.
The inclusion of USB-C in Apple’s latest smartphones this year, influenced by the European Union, has notably increased the genuine curiosity among consumers considering a transition to Apple.
Following close to a month of utilizing the iPhone 15 Pro Max (equally relevant for the smaller 15 Pro model), I’ve developed some reflections and opinions.
Change is good, no matter how small or intangible.
One of the key features in this year’s iPhone lineup is the incorporation of titanium in the external structure of the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. In the prior year’s Pro models, steel frames were utilized, offering a reassuring weight but also making them somewhat heavy. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max now feels notably lighter, being nine and eight percent lighter than their respective predecessors.
Although the numerical difference may appear subtle, the tangible impact is significant. The reduced weight has made the 15 Pro Max a feasible choice for individuals who previously preferred the smaller ‘Pro’ models, including myself.
Furthermore, Apple has enhanced the tactile experience of holding the iPhone 15 Pro (Max) by refining its design to fit more comfortably in the hand. This is achieved through rounded edges that prevent discomfort during prolonged use, sparing your palm or pinky finger from strain. This refinement might seem like a minor and gradual upgrade, but undeniably, it’s a welcomed change, particularly for those who prefer using their phones without a case.
I went without a case for a while with this phone. It was the first time I truly enjoyed using an iPhone without any cover. Similar to earlier iPhone versions, the frosted glass back effectively conceals fingerprints and smudges.
The standout improvement this year lies in the titanium frame, which, while still susceptible to showing smudges and fingerprints, does so with significantly reduced prominence. Admittedly, the darker-colored models such as Black Titanium and Blue Titanium may exhibit more noticeable smudges. Yet, even in these cases, the visibility of smudges is far less pronounced compared to last year’s models.
FineWoven is just fine.
Naturally, most of those reading this would likely intend to use their new iPhone 15 Pro with a case. Apple announced the discontinuation of leather products as part of their sustainability initiative to reduce their carbon footprint. While this decision is understandable, it has prompted many to question if the replacement would be as satisfying, particularly for individuals who appreciated the soft touch of previous leather iPhone cases.
Enter FineWoven, crafted from a “durable microtwill” that feels remarkably similar to suede, as its name suggests. Aligned with Apple’s eco-friendly shift, the FineWoven Case (including the MagSafe Wallet) comprises 68 percent post-consumer recycled material. According to Apple, this significantly minimizes carbon emissions compared to leather production.
Visually, the FineWoven Case is appealing, offering a lineup of natural colors that complement various lighting settings. I had the chance to try the Pacific Blue and Taupe FineWoven cases, alongside their MagSafe Wallet companions. The tactile experience has received mixed reviews. Some dislike it, either due to its distinct and unfamiliar texture or simply because it doesn’t replicate the feel of leather. Conversely, I find it a commendable alternative, while acknowledging room for improvements, especially in terms of long-term durability. It’s possible that Apple will address these aspects in future iterations.
For now, Apple’s FineWoven iPhone cases and accessories are satisfactory — and that’s perfectly fine.
Performance and battery life leave very little to complain about.
Sporting the all-new A17 Pro chip from Apple, the iPhone 15 Pro (Max) impressively delivers remarkable speed and efficiency. I’ve noticed that no matter the task, the phone operates seamlessly without any hiccups. It stands as an incredibly robust device, which isn’t surprising considering it’s Apple’s flagship smartphone. This level of performance is what we’ve grown accustomed to, and Apple has certainly met those expectations.
I had the opportunity for an early look at Resident Evil: Village, which, I must emphasize, is not a watered-down mobile version. It’s the authentic experience, a full console-level game expertly adapted to suit the capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro. The graphics are exceptionally smooth, and the in-game lighting appears remarkably lifelike, all thanks to hardware-accelerated ray tracing that performs four times faster than software-based methods.
The experience is incredibly immersive, feeling akin to playing on an actual gaming console. My limited time with the game is solely due to my aversion to scary and eerie content. The potent, room-filling speakers of the iPhone 15 Pro Max don’t make things easier in this regard.
Moreover, the battery life has been exceptional. Cruising through an entire day with a single charge is almost effortless. I typically find myself charging the phone while unwinding in bed, disconnecting it just before heading to sleep. Gone are the days of battery anxiety, especially with the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The Action Button does see a lot of action from me, personally.
Upon initially acquiring the iPhone 15 Pro Max, my perception of the Action Button was rather limited—I primarily considered it as a switch for silent mode, sticking to the default setting. However, delving into the realm of ‘Shortcuts’ led me to recognize the genuine value of this new button.
I configured it to create a quick-access menu for my frequently used and favorite apps. This customization provides me swifter entry to essential tools like Notes and Calendar, among others. While the average user might not extensively utilize the Action Button in this manner, it’s undeniably a beneficial innovation for individuals constantly on-the-go, accomplishing tasks.
In practical terms, the Action Button has more straightforward applications as well. One notably useful function is assigning it to act as a ‘Shazam’ button. No more navigating through app menus, especially when you’re in outdoor settings.
The flexibility to program the Action Button for a wide range of tasks is virtually limitless—depending on one’s creativity and technical proficiency with Shortcuts. Even without the time or expertise to create custom Shortcuts, utilizing preset options made by other users remains a viable alternative.
Unsurprisingly great cameras, with a unique extra on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
This year, the iPhone 15 Pro series boasts a 48MP camera setup, marking one of the most sophisticated and user-friendly camera systems ever integrated into an iPhone. This is particularly notable considering the inclusion of USB-C and its role in video, which I’ll delve into later.
Both ‘Pro’ models offer a default 24MP setting, producing higher-resolution photos that can be easily cropped and customized for diverse purposes, all without compromising image quality during post-processing.
While the cameras on both ‘Pro’ phones are mostly identical, the 15 Pro Max stands out in one aspect: its 5x Optical Telephoto. This marks a significant shift from last year’s models, which featured 3x telephoto lenses. Although the transition from 3x to 5x might not sound like a substantial change, the difference becomes strikingly evident in real-world usage. This enhancement is also noticeable when capturing video, especially in close-up panning shots, which appear remarkably sharp and clear.
With Pro Log video capability, filming directly to an SSD via USB-C eliminates concerns about utilizing the iPhone’s internal storage. This functionality unlocks a myriad of possibilities for both amateur and professional filmmakers. Notably, Apple’s ‘Scary Fast’ event was entirely filmed using the new iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Worth the upgrade for feel alone.
If you have the resources, upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro (Max) is undoubtedly a worthwhile choice, even if you currently own last year’s model. The new titanium frame significantly reduces its weight, while the rounded edges enhance the phone’s comfort when held—particularly beneficial if you prefer using the phone without a case.
Boasting improved efficiency and consistent battery performance, it serves as a reliable daily companion. Furthermore, with its array of cameras and expanded functionality (including the Action Button), the iPhone 15 Pro (Max) stands as a versatile device suitable for various tasks and settings.
The iPhone 15 Pro commences at RM5,499 for the 128GB base model, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at RM6,499 for the 256GB base model.