My job involves testing multiple phones throughout the year. However, the iPhone 15 Pro has been in my pocket, either as a primary or secondary device, since it launched last September.
Also: 6 reasons why iOS 18 makes the iPhone 16 a must-upgrade for me
Last year, Apple introduced several cosmetic changes — notably, a new titanium material — to its flagship iPhone model, which resulted in a more durable and better in-hand feel. It’s the most comfortable iPhone I’ve used since the brand shifted to the flat-edge design in 2020. After using the iPhone 15 Pro without a case for a year, here’s how the device has held up and how it all plays into my buying decision with the upcoming iPhone 16.
The good, the bad, and the ugly of Titanium
The titanium has started peeling off around the edges
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
Previously, I had the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which caused wrist pain after months of usage. It was simply unwieldy — and heavy. So I was surprised when I picked up the iPhone 15 Pro Max at the store. It was surprisingly light. However, instead of going with the Max variant, I settled with using my iPhone 15 Pro review unit. The move to Titanium was a welcome change in general; it meant lighter, more comfortable iPhones for everyone.
It also came at the cost of a less premium feel. In some ways, the stainless steel material and weight of the iPhone 14 Pro Max made the phone feel more expensive. The stainless steel build also fared better in the long term.
Also: Why you shouldn’t buy the iPhone 16 for Apple Intelligence
The titanium, on the other hand, has started coming off around the edges of my iPhone. I’ll admit: I’ve scuffed my iPhone 15 Pro with accidental drops in two places, but the areas around the earpiece and front edges have patches of peeled titanium from daily wear and tear. The discoloration is not limited to the titanium sides but can also be found on the camera lenses.
Do I still prefer titanium over stainless steel? Absolutely. I want my phone to feel light and comfortable in the hand instead of holding up its look a year later. If you happen to keep your phone in a case, this wouldn’t even be a concern.
How the iPhone 15 Pro has handled drops
I’ve had three significant accidental drops with my iPhone 15 Pro, where I expected the screen or back to be shattered. Surprisingly, both sides are crack-free. The matte glass back has held up better than expected, with no scratches on the rear panel. Despite keeping it caseless in my pocket — sometimes with coins and keys — the back remains completely scratch-free, not even a minor one. It’s fared exceptionally well.
Also: Apple confirms iPhone 16 event date, and ‘It’s Glowtime’, according to the company
The Ceramic Shield front has also held up well against drops, though there’s room for improvement. I wish Apple would enhance the smudge and fingerprint resistance of iPhone displays. In other words, using a better-quality oleophobic coating. The iPhone 15 Pro gets dirtier than other phones I’ve tested, making it difficult to read, especially outdoors. That said, I’m surprised I haven’t scratched it heavily or broken it, making it a solid phone overall.
What else needs improvement?
The iPhone 15 Pro has been my travel companion over the past year, and I’m happy to report that the HDR improvements and portrait camera have withstood the test of time. The phone has given me some memorable shots. However, if there’s one thing I’d like Apple to improve with the iPhone 16 cameras, it’s the lens flare — a long-standing issue. Lens flare can ruin great night shots and create a ghosting effect on human subjects. I hope this is addressed in the upcoming iPhones.
Using the Camera or Google Maps with 5G enabled is a deadly combination that drains the battery faster than usual. I’m a heavy phone user because I’m always on the go and connected to the internet. But the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, my second most-used device this year, has lasted me longer on a charge.
Generally, the battery life on my iPhone 15 Pro has been a mixed bag. It started off well but then worsened, improved briefly, and went downhill again with recent updates. While I was on the stable iOS version until June, I found myself needing to charge my iPhone twice a day during commutes.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which phone should you buy?
I’ve also noticed my iPhone 15 Pro getting warmer than usual while charging, so I’m hoping the iPhone 16 Pro offers both faster and more efficient charging.
The iPhone 15 Pro has fared well regarding build quality, display, and cameras. The battery life has deteriorated for me, but I also have more charge cycles than I usually do after a year of iPhone usage. I mostly charge the phone over MagSafe and have a 500+ charge cycle count.
Looking ahead at iPhone 16
Apple Intelligence running on iPhone 15 Pro
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
The iPhone 15 Pro brought some decent quality-of-life improvements over the iPhone 14 Pro. Some of these upgrades only become noticeable after using the phone beyond the initial review period.
Also: Why I’m more excited about an iPad Mini with Apple Intelligence than the new iPhone 16 models
That’s to say, I have big expectations for the next iPhone because Apple Intelligence has the potential to change how you use your iPhone in daily life. I’ve been using the public beta version on the iPhone 15 Pro, and features like notification summary have altered how I use my device. It’s surprisingly accurate, which isn’t the norm for AI features… yet. Apple has also nailed the animations with its AI, which I’m sure we’ll talk more about after the upcoming event.
