iPhone 15 camera review: still a very nifty device

While average "point and shoot" users might not be likely to notice these differences too much, more serious photographers and people like social media influencers snapped up the iPhone 15 models for their improved camera systems, particularly the higher-specced Pro and Pro Max models.

Now that the iPhone 16 has been released, let's take another look at the iPhone 15 camera quality across all its models, to see which model gives the best value for money, if photography is one of your top priorities in a mobile device.

iPhone 15 camera specs at a glance

The cameras in the base model iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus camera have the same basic specs, with the iPhone 15 Pro camera and iPhone Pro Max camera offering slightly more advanced extra features. However, the differences aren't too important to anyone who isn't a dedicated phone photographer.

Photo quality

The upgrade to a 48MP main sensor has given the  iPhone 15 camera quality a decent shot in the arm. It also has updated pixel binning technology. Without going into super-technical details, this means that all the pixels in an image are seamlessly integrated to create a smoother, more life-like picture. These iPhone 15 camera megapixels and sensor technologies combine to produce more vibrant colours and excellent levels of clarity.

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Plus also have this 48MP main sensor, but these are a bit smarter. They're slightly larger, allowing one to take high-quality pictures in a wider choice of formats, including ProRAW and HEIF. These are advanced Apple photo modes. ProRAW gives finer control over colour, exposure, and white balance. The role of HEIF is to compress the photos into smaller file sizes, while retaining all the sharpness and colour quality of the original.

The iPhone 15 front camera also offers improved low-light performance. This is due to its slightly larger sensors, and the Apple Photonic Engine. This improves low-light detailing and reduces extraneous light interference under these conditions. Portrait photography has had a software upgrade that now allows it to automatically capture depth information. This allows one to make low-level adjustments to focus and bokeh effects once the picture is taken. 

These phones also contain an enhanced version of Apple's Smart HDR system. This reproduces skin tones more accurately, and deals better with the dynamic range when taking high-contrast shots.

The cameras interact swiftly with the A16 and A17 processors in the Series 15 range. A custom signal processor between them gives you faster picture rendering and processing. All of these advances make the iPhone 15 still a good buy for almost anyone who uses their phone a lot as an everyday camera. The iPhone 15 Pro Max camera quality remains especially competitive.

Video editing

The iPhone 5 series compared well with its competitors when it was released. That said, all models shoot in 4K at a frame rate of 60 fps, which is a generation behind more later releases. For instance, the iPhone 16 can record at up to 120 fps. However, it still cuts the mustard pretty easily for home and non-professional video recording and editing. Footage is sharp, even when using the zoom function. Comparing the base model to the top models, the iPhone 15 vs the 15 Pro camera aren't too far apart, with the frame rates the only real differentiator. 

When it comes to battery life for playback time, the iPhone 15 Plus actually has a longer life than the Pro, providing up to 26 hours of continuous play over 23. You'll get up to 20 hours from the base model, while the Pro Max tops out at up to 29 hours.

The iPhone 1 Pro and Pro Max also offer Apple's spatial video feature. This is a digital way of simulating 3D video. It's a software effect, so be mindful that this will not allow you to capture true 3D videos.

The bokeh effect

In simple terms, the bokeh effect is a photographer's technique that's used to blur parts of an image, either to create a visual effect, or to make the subject of the photo stand out more distinctly from the background. One often sees it in movie dialogue scenes, with separate cameras focusing back to forth on each actor's face. They will both blur the background to not distract the viewers focus on the character's facial expressions.

The iPhone 15 incorporates bokeh effect software to create professional-level depth of field for photos, using the blurring functionality to create softening effect on the background. In the more advance Pro and Pro max models, this includes the ability to capture the actual depth information digitally via the Apple Photo app. One can manipulate the values after taking photos. Functions include the ability to change the focus from one subject to another, or to selectively highlight objects in the background.

These capabilities are powered by Apple's Photonic Engine software. It uses machine learning to detect edges and distinguish them from the background features, to create a smooth transition between blurred elements and focused ones. It also enhances features of the focal object, like hair and patterning.

Zoom capabilities

All models of the iPhone 15 series give the ability to use zoom functions without introducing graininess that can spoil the image quality. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models have a 6x optical zoom, plus telephoto abilities. The base model and the Plus model have a 4x optical zoom range, without the telephoto functionality. 

When it comes to digital zoom range, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus each have a 10x digital zoom, with the Pro and Pro plus models pushing this out to 15x. Optical zoom physically changes the focal length of the camera lens, as with traditional cameras. Digital zoom uses software to enlarge the image. Digital zoom essentially simulates optical zoom, but this method loses resolution and quality in the process, so optical zoom is a better guide to a smartphone camera's zoom capabilities.

Main differences

The main differences in the iPhone 15 series are seen in the split between the base model and the iPhone 15 Plus, vs the Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max camera specs.

To briefly summarise on the hardware side, the latter have more lens apertures, with generally higher frame rates and second-gen optical stabilisers. They also have increased optical zoom capabilities. The Pro and Pro Max offer 6x zoom range, while the base model and Plus model have a 4x zoom range. They also have a telephoto rear camera, which is lacking in the two lower models. On the software side, the digital zoom range is also higher, at 15x compared to 10x. 

Video capabilities are also better in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. They have the aforementioned spatial video functionality to simulate 3D videos, which the base and Plus models don't. They also have the additional ability to take night mode portraits. Lastly, only the Pro and Pro Max come with ProRAW to adjust exposure, white balance and colour post-shot.

Our verdict

The iPhone 15 series as a whole makes a great choice for everyday photographers and those who want more a bit more technical control in their photography. Its features are pretty up-to-date, given that it was only released in September 2023. Its upgraded sensors and other refinements give amateur photographers enough new tools to start learning the craft. More serious photographers will need to go for the top-of-the-range iPhone 15 Pro Max to get the most functionality. 

For those considering upgrading from a previous iPhone model specifically for the camera features, it's a worthwhile buy. This is especially true if you get a refurbished model. These have been thoroughly reconditioned and tested against the original benchmarks to ensure virtually no difference between them and new devices. This way, one can get virtually the latest smartphone camera technology at a fraction of the price. It also supports a more sustainable lifestyle, helping to reduce electronic waste by recycling and re-using.