Is the new iPhone 15 worth the wait? Features, Tips, and Price

The iPhone 15 has finally gone on sale worldwide, and if you’ve been eyeing an upgrade, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a lot to love about Apple’s latest generation of smartphones.

It’s not just because of the shift to USB-C connectors too. There’s already been a good amount of praise online for the iPhone 15 Pro Max camera, and Apple fans certainly seem to be enjoying the other improvements as well.

From the new Action Button to the premium (albeit Pro-exclusive) titanium alloy construction, there’s actually a fair bit of ground to cover for this dazzling new entry, so let’s find out what makes the iPhone 15 the iPhone to get.

iPhone 15 Features

Just like its predecessor, the iPhone 15 offers 4 different variants – the base iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

In addition, screen sizes will also remain the same. Folks who are comfortable with a compact 6.1” screen can check out the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, while those who prefer having more screen real estate can home in on the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which offer larger 6.7” displays.

• USB-C Port

The shift from Lightning to USB-C connectors is undoubtedly one of the biggest changes Apple has ever introduced for the iPhone. Letting users do away with pesky workarounds or adaptors is already a big plus in terms of day-to-day convenience, but with USB-C having become an industry staple for so many other devices, there are now many more accessory options open to users.

• Aircraft-grade Titanium

Alongside the shift to USB-C, the new iPhone 15 also welcomed an aircraft-grade titanium band for the Pro and Pro Max models.

As a result, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are noticeably lighter and more durable than their iPhone 14 counterparts. For example, the former weighs in at just 187g versus the iPhone 14 Pro’s 206g, and though a 9.2% reduction might not seem like much on paper, it’s quite significant when you realise just how much processing power and utility we can fit into our pockets nowadays.

• Dynamic Island

Originally introduced for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, the pill-shaped Dynamic Island feature brought iPhone users a much-needed boost to accessibility last year, and it seems Apple has decided to implement it across the board this time round. Being able to access frequently used apps like Spotify without having to unlock your phone – well, that solves a pet peeve some might have had with the conventional iPhone design!

• Action Button

This year, we also bade goodbye to the iPhone’s classic mute switch. Taking its place on the iPhone 15 is the new Action Button, which can be programmed by users to execute one of eight different tasks, on top of toggling silent mode like its predecessor did. This octet of potential functions includes the Flashlight, Accessibility, Shortcuts, Camera, Focus, Magnifier, Translate, and Voice Memos.

• Camera

Arguably one of the more notable improvements this generation behind the USB-C switch, the iPhone 15’s camera has seen a significant boost. Specifically, it now offers a 48-megapixel main camera offering captures of up to 4x resolution with a 2x Telephoto lens. On the Pro models, the latter goes all the way up to a 5x Telephoto lens.

Take the iPhone 15 Pro Max for instance. Apple has adopted a tetraprism periscope lens design that bounces light up to four times before it hits the sensor, and the further the light travels, the higher the zoom. In addition, the new phones also ship with photographic tech like SmartHDR and TrueDepth to really help users nail that perfect shot.

Maximizing your iPhone 15

With so many noteworthy improvements to consider, it’s no stretch to think that some types of apps now offer even better returns compared to previous iterations of the iPhone.

• Creative Apps

Need examples? Think Adobe Lightroom or VSCO. Having a better device camera means getting better captures and better captures mean more vivid memories for you and yours. Naturally, you might still need a laptop or desktop for larger-scale projects, but these (or any other creative app you prefer!) should still make editing that Friday night collage a cinch. After all, if you’ve got a 5x telephoto camera at your beck and call, might as well put it to good use!

• Streaming and eBook apps

Improved displays translate to more immersive entertainment experiences, and the iPhone 15 is no exception to the rule. If you’ve ever missed some on-screen action during your favourite Netflix drama or Twitch stream because of environmental glare, you’d know how frustrating it can be. But with the display now accommodating a brightness of up to 2000 nits, users can now say goodbye to such situations even in sunny Singapore.

By that same token, if you’re more of a bookworm, the increased brightness coupled with the larger screens of the iPhone 15 Plus and Pro Max should make those on-the-go reading sessions more enjoyable. Try looking up the Amazon Kindle app if you’d like to give it a shot.

• Games

Finally, for our gamer friends, fret not – you’ll get great mileage upgrading too. The processing power offered by the new 3nm A17 Pro chips will make mobile gaming experiences absolutely stellar - Apple has even gone so far as to buy out TSMC's entire stock for 2023!

Variety-wise, if you don’t mind the occasional spook, Capcom has recently announced that Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil Village will be playable on the new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max later this year. Bring a friend. 

Should you make the leap from a previous iPhone?

Broadly speaking, the iPhone 15 is a solid upgrade for any Apple user – arguably the best in recent years.

With that in mind, you can probably expect the best returns on your investment hopping over from an iPhone 12 or earlier, given the vast improvements to durability, power, and utility, such as the formerly Pro-exclusive Dynamic Island.

Frankly, even if you’re using an iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, the camera improvements on the corresponding iPhone 15 models are worth looking into. Granted, some of the newer introductions, like the Action Button, might take some getting used to, but hey, that goes for any new piece of tech.

Plus, why not sweeten the deal with more value, like a mobile plan with great savings? Admittedly, the iPhone 15 might be one of the more expensive eye candies around, but StarHub plans offer loads of flexibility if you’re looking to pick one up. In fact, you can pick one up for as low as $54 per month through our Star Plan.

So, whether you’re looking for a value-added plan with no 2-year contracts, or a hassle-free SIM Only plan – we’ve got you covered on our Online Store!

Listed prices accurate at the time of publication; please check StarHub's online store for the most current prices and offers.