iPhone 15 Pro Review: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly!
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Promos
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are refinements of last year's already refined phones. Get $300 off the Pod Cover with code MKBHD until Cyber Monday at eightsleep.com JerryRigEverything durability test: youtu.be Dave2D gaming: youtu.be The Not boring weather app: apps.apple.com MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: youtube.com Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Phone provided by Apple for review. 0:00 Intro 3:11 The Build 5:00 USB-C 7:24 A17 Pro 10:00 Battery and Overheating 12:31 Actually Pro Cameras 20:38 Action Button 22:38 Eight Sleep (Sponsor) 23:48 The Verdict ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
The iPhone 15 Pro represents a refined evolution rather than a monumental leap, according to the reviewer. The build and materials receive notable attention: Apple shifts to a titanium frame, softens the front corner radii, and slightly reduces bezel thickness, making the device feel lighter while preserving a boxy silhouette. The USB-C transition is highlighted as the most consequential change for many users, enabling a single charging/data interface across devices, with practical caveats such as the 25W charging speed and the need for faster USB-C cables for data transfer. The A17 Pro chip marks a meaningful step up, delivering 10 to 20 percent higher CPU/GPU performance and enabling new capabilities like advanced image processing, ProRes data transfer, and AV1/Log support for more professional workflows. Battery life and thermal behavior are scrutinized, with real-world testing showing mixed results: improved endurance in controlled tests but occasional heat spikes and variable screen-on time, influenced by iOS updates and high-intensity tasks. On the camera front, the Pro devices gain a larger 48 MP main sensor, enhanced macro and telephoto capabilities, and a sophisticated multi-sensor processing pipeline that merges 48 MP and 12 MP data into hybrid 24 MP images, yielding richer detail and sharpness with strong dynamic range. Video performance remains a standout strength, featuring auto focus, stabilization, and the new Log capture option, while some haloing around point light sources is acknowledged as a current drawback. The review also delves into user interface and feature nuances like the Action Button, which is versatile but may appeal more to power users who can customize it through Shortcuts, with practicality varying by hand size and how often the button will be used. Finally, the verdict condenses the experience: the phone is largely similar to its predecessor with incremental upgrades, notably USB-C and camera improvements, leaving the decision to upgrade up to the user’s value on those specific enhancements and the priority placed on camera and ecosystem features.
Topics · smartphones · camera_technology · battery_life · design · usb_c · performance · video
Questions answered
- What is the biggest hardware change on the iPhone 15 Pro?
- The biggest hardware change highlighted is the switch to USB-C and the new titanium frame, along with the A17 Pro chip that enables improved performance and camera processing.
- How does the camera performance differ from the previous generation?
- The 15 Pro uses a larger 48 MP main sensor with enhanced processing that combines 48 MP and 12 MP data to produce a 24 MP image, with improved autofocus, macro, and low-light capability, plus Pro video features like Log.
- Is this an essential upgrade for most users?
- The reviewer suggests upgrading is worthwhile mainly for those who value USB-C convenience, camera improvements, and professional video features, while others may see only incremental gains.
- What are the downsides mentioned for the iPhone 15 Pro?
- Downsides noted include battery life variability and occasional overheating, plus haloing in point light sources during video.
- What is the verdict on the Action Button?
- The Action Button is praised for customization and usefulness to power users, but its reach and habit-forming potential may vary, making it less compelling for some users.