Apple recently unveiled its latest iPhone 15 series, and while it didn’t deviate too far from expectations, there were a few surprising additions that will surely excite gamers and photography enthusiasts. The event focused heavily on portable gaming, showcasing popular titles such as Resident Evil: Village, Resident Evil 4, Death Stranding, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage on the powerful smartphones, which now have the capability for ray tracing.

However, it’s understandable to feel less enthused about the new iPhone when its physical design remains largely unchanged year after year. Upgrading annually may not bring noticeable benefits compared to waiting a few years for a significant upgrade.

iPhone 15 Pro – Featuring USB-C for Enhanced Compatibility and Convenience

This year, Apple surprised many with the inclusion of a long-awaited feature: USB-C. Yes, the same USB-C standard that Android smartphones have been utilizing since 2015. This move shows Apple finally acknowledging the need to collaborate with other devices and chargers, making it one of the most liberating decisions the company has made.

iPhone 15 Pro – Sleek Design and Impressive Features

While the iPhone 14 Pro and its predecessor, the iPhone 13 Pro, didn’t undergo any radical design changes, the iPhone 15 Pro might easily be mistaken for its recent predecessors at first glance. However, taking a closer look reveals some subtle differences. It’s worth noting that these differences may be easily covered up when using a phone case, although it’s recommended for protection.

The new titanium chassis of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max boasts an exquisite appearance. The glossy steel sides of the iPhone 14 Pro often attracted fingerprints, but the titanium sides of the iPhone 15 Pro resist them beautifully. The back of the phone features frosted glass that resists fingerprints, hides scratches, and offers a comfortable grip. Additionally, both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have reduced size and weight without compromising their 6.1 and 6.7-inch OLED screens. These screens feature Apple’s Ceramic Shield glass, known for its durability, eliminating the need for screen protectors.

The Pro and Pro Max models dynamically adjust up to 120Hz with Apple’s ProMotion technology, offering support for P3 wide color, haptic touch, HDR, and Apple’s True Tone. The new models also provide a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits (typically between 1,000 and 1,600), making them even more visible in sunlight compared to the iPhone 14 Pro.

Another notable addition is the Action Button, which replaces the traditional switch on the side of the phone that toggled between ring and silent/vibrate mode. The Action Button can be assigned various tasks, such as opening the camera, recording a voice memo, activating the flashlight, or even a Shortcut of the user’s choice. This quality-of-life improvement brings convenience to everyday use.

Enhanced Usability with USB-C Support

Undoubtedly, the most significant improvement in usability comes from the inclusion of USB-C. No longer restricted to the Lightning connector, the iPhone 15 series allows for seamless compatibility with a wide range of devices and accessories. This means you can reduce the number of cables you carry and utilize accessories without the need for adapters. It also enables cross-compatibility, allowing iPhone 15 Pro users to charge their device using a Google Pixel Fold, and vice versa.

However, it’s worth noting that while the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max support USB-C, they don’t offer the same level of fast charging found in many modern Android phones. Apple claims the Pro Max can achieve a 50% charge in 35 minutes with a 20W adapter or higher (not included), while the Pro achieves the same charge in 30 minutes. While this is decently fast, it falls short of expectations for those transitioning from Android devices. MagSafe, introduced with the iPhone 12, makes a return, providing wireless charging at 15W (compared to Qi’s 7.5W) and support for various peripherals.

In terms of storage, Apple now offers twice the capacity of last year’s models, with up to a terabyte of storage available. Additionally, the expanded iCloud service can hold up to an additional 12TB for a monthly fee of $60. These improvements cater to users with high storage demands.

Overall, the iPhone 15 series brings a mix of expected and surprising features, making it a noteworthy upgrade for gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking enhanced compatibility and convenience with the inclusion of USB-C. While the visual design may not drastically differ from its predecessors, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max offer subtle improvements in size, weight, and screen brightness. With these enhancements and the versatility of USB-C, Apple continues to solidify its position in the smartphone market.