iPhone 15 Plus: Key Features and Specs Explained

iPhone 15 Plus

1. Basic Overview

The iPhone 15 Plus is a mid-to-high – end large – screen smartphone released by Apple Inc. on September 13, 2023, at the “Wonderlust” fall event, alongside the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It inherits the flat – edged design of the iPhone 12 series and makes a key shift from the Lightning port to a USB – C port, which is a major change for the non – Pro iPhone lineupApple. Launched with iOS 17, it is compatible with iOS 18 (2024) and later updates, continuing Apple’s tradition of long – term software support. Positioned as an alternative to the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro Max, it targets users who want a large 6.7 – inch screen and long battery life without the Pro – level chip and camera upgrades. It remains available in Apple’s official lineup and refurbished channels as of late 2025.

2. Key Hardware Specifications

Component	Technical Specifications
Display	6.7 – inch Super Retina XDR OLED; 2796×1290 resolution; 458 ppi; 19.5:9 aspect ratio; HDR10 & Dolby Vision support; 1000 nits max brightness (1600 nits peak for HDR); Ceramic Shield front glass; no ProMotion 120Hz refresh rateApple (中国大陆)
Processor	Apple A16 Bionic chip; 4nm 6 – core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores); 5 – core GPU; 16 – core Neural Engine for AI/ML tasksApple (中国大陆)
RAM	6 GB LPDDR5 RAM (non – upgradable)
Storage	128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB (non – expandable, no microSD slot)
Rear Cameras	Dual – lens setup:- 48MP Wide: f/1.7 aperture, sensor – shift OIS, 1.22 μm pixels; supports 24MP (default) & 48MP HEIF/JPEG- 12MP Ultra – wide: f/2.2 aperture, 120° FOV, 1.0 μm pixelsFeatures: Smart HDR 5, Night Mode, Deep Fusion, next – gen Portrait Mode, 4K@60fps video recording
Front Camera	12MP TrueDepth Camera; f/1.9 aperture; 4K@30fps video; Portrait Mode; Face ID; Animoji/Memoji
Battery	Non – removable Li – ion (4,383 mAh); up to 26 hours video playback; 20W wired fast charging (50% in 30 mins); 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi wireless charging
Connectivity	5G (sub – 6 GHz, 4×4 MIMO); Wi – Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; 2nd – gen Ultra Wideband (U1) chip; USB – C port (data/charging); no 3.5mm jackApple (中国大陆)
Dimensions & Weight	160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm; 201 grams
Build & Durability	Aerospace – grade aluminum frame; glass back; IP68 water/dust resistance (6m for 30 mins)
Security & Sensors	Face ID; Crash Detection; HDR gyro, high – g accelerometer, dual ambient light sensors, barometer, UWB chipApple Support
Audio	Stereo speakers; spatial audio; Dolby Atmos; USB – C audio output

3. Core Software & Feature Highlights

3.1 USB – C & Connectivity Upgrade

USB – C Port: Replaced Lightning, enabling direct connection to cameras, external displays, and USB – C accessories. It supports faster data transfer (up to 10 Gbps for some accessories) and simplifies charging with universal cablesApple.
2nd – Gen U1 Chip: Improves spatial awareness for precise device tracking and enhances features like AirDrop and Find My precision.

3.2 Camera & Imaging

48MP Main Sensor: The 48MP wide – angle sensor captures more detail. The default 24MP output balances quality and file size, while 48MP mode is for high – resolution shots.
Next – Gen Portrait Mode: Allows focus adjustment and depth control even after taking the photo, and works better with pets and objects besides humans.
Night Mode & Ultra – Wide: Night Mode is available for both wide and ultra – wide lenses, and Smart HDR 5 optimizes highlights/shadows and skin tones.

3.3 Performance & Software

A16 Bionic: Ensures smooth performance for daily tasks, gaming, and computational photography, maintaining good power efficiency.
iOS 17 Features: Includes StandBy Mode (smart display when charging), Live Voicemail, Check In, and interactive widgets, enhancing usability and personalization.

3.4 Safety & Design

Crash Detection: Uses sensors to detect severe car crashes and automatically call emergency services, sending location dataApple Support.
Eco – Friendly Build: 100% recycled rare earth elements in magnets and 35%+ recycled plastic in multiple components, meeting Apple’s environmental goalsApple.

4. Market Reception & Controversies

4.1 Pros

Large Screen & Battery: The 6.7 – inch display and 4,383 mAh battery offer an excellent media – viewing experience and all – day battery life, which is popular among mainstream users.
USB – C Convenience: The universal port reduces cable clutter and improves accessory compatibility.
Value for Money: It provides a large – screen experience at a lower price than the Pro Max, with core features like the 48MP camera and A16 chip.

4.2 Cons

No ProMotion: Unlike the Pro Max, it lacks a 120Hz refresh rate, which may lead to less smooth scrolling for some users.
A16 vs. A17 Pro: It uses the A16 chip instead of the Pro Max’s A17 Pro, resulting in a performance gap in intensive tasks like 3D gaming and video editing.
No Telephoto Lens: It only has wide and ultra – wide lenses, without the 5x optical zoom telephoto lens of the Pro models.

5. Legacy & Positioning

Sustainable Design: Its recycled materials set an example for mid – to – high – end smartphones, promoting eco – friendly manufacturing in the industry.

USB – C Standardization: It is part of Apple’s shift to USB – C across the iPhone 15 lineup, aligning with global charging port standards.

Large – Screen Accessibility: It makes a 6.7 – inch display more accessible, catering to users who prefer big screens but are unwilling to pay Pro Max prices.