iPhone 15 camera: what's changed?

iPhone 15 cameras 

After the announcement of the iPhone 15 series during Apple’s Wonderlust event, it was the iPhone 15 camera specs that many fans were talking about. All four models in the iPhone 15 line benefit from slightly improved sensor arrays, with this being the first time that 48MP resolutions are available as standard. Camera modes have also been improved, while optical zoom capabilities have been enhanced across the board. In terms of sensor technology, there is a noticeable improvement on the iPhone 14. However, everyday users are unlikely to be able to see the difference between the two models and it leaves the question open for debate: is the iPhone 15 worth the upgrade?

iPhone 15/15 Plus camera specs 

Source: https://www.apple.com/iphone-15/specs/

iPhone 15 new camera features 

At first glance, the iPhone 15 doesn’t look massively different from the iPhone 14. However, a quick assessment of those camera specs reveals a more powerful piece of hardware. This is the first time that Apple has added a 48MP main camera to flagship models in a new iPhone series. In terms of image-capture capabilities, this puts the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus closer to what you’ll get from the iPhone 14 Pro.

If you currently own a 14 Pro, it’s tempting to consider an upgrade to the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus. However, you need to decide whether it’s worth swapping out those premium Pro features for the no-frills functionality of a flagship iPhone. 

Zoom capabilities 

Although the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus lack a separate telephoto lens, the dual-camera setup still delivers some pretty impressive zoom capability. Thanks to the 48MP main sensor upgrade and pixel binning technology, you’ll be able to utilize a 2x zoom function that delivers exceptional levels of clarity and vibrant colors. You also have a 10x digital zoom to fall back on. If you’re familiar with the zoom capabilities of the iPhone 14 Pro, you’ll know what to expect here. The iPhone 15 camera holds up well against similarly priced smartphones like the Google Pixel 7, but zoom capabilities in general are a few generations behind Samsung’s Galaxy series. 

What about video recording features? 

The new and improved camera array also makes the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus a reliable choice for shooting video. To be honest, there aren’t many upgrades to the video recording capabilities of the iPhone 15. As with most smartphones in this price bracket, you’ll be able to shoot video in 4K at 60fps. The 2x zoom function will prove useful for creating smooth transitions, but recording specs and video modes are pretty comparable to the iPhone 14. 

If you’d like to know more about the iPhone 15 camera, watch this popular video review from a professional photographer:

iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max cameras 

Unlike the dual-camera systems found with the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max bring a third sensor into play. When details of the lineup were first announced, many Apple fans were left scratching their heads at the oversized iPhone 15 camera bump. While it looks a little awkward, this bump plays an important purpose. While the 15 Pro and Pro Max feature a 48MP sensor as well, you’re not dealing with identical hardware here. The Pro’s main sensor is slightly larger than the standard one, allowing you to capture images in formats like HEIF and ProRAW.

iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max specs

Source: https://www.apple.com/iphone-15-pro/specs/

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max new camera features 

Along with an upgraded 48MP sensor, iPhone 15 Pro models feature an additional coating that will help eliminate lens flare. This triple-camera setup also features a 2x telephoto lens, but you’re unlikely to need this if you’re searching for a smartphone that can handle everyday image photography. Along with enhanced focus and depth control, both iPhone 15 models offer minor improvements like an ultra-wide sensor and tweaks to popular shooting features like Portrait mode and Smart HDR. If you struggle to capture clear photos in low-light conditions, the iPhone 15 Pro camera will make life a little easier. However, the more affordable iPhone 14 Pro already boasts one of the most impressive smartphone camera systems on the market. 

Pro and Pro Max zoom capabilities 

While the flagship iPhone 15 model offers something close to telephoto functionality, the 15 Pro lineup takes things a little further. The addition of a telephoto sensor means you can utilize zoom without sacrificing image quality. With the iPhone 15 Pro, the telephoto lens provides you with a 3x optical design. With the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you get a 5x optical zoom to play with. 

What about video recording features? 

With the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can shoot at 4K resolutions at 60fps. While video stabilization is pretty reliable, those resolutions are the same as the rest of the 15 series, not to mention more budget-friendly models from the iPhone 14 lineup. Nonetheless, footage remains sharp when using the 15 Pro Max, even if you’re using the 5x zoom function. You might have heard that this phone allows you to capture 3D videos. However, this is a little bit misleading. Both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max support spatial video capability, but you won’t be able to capture 3D videos just yet. 

What do customers think about the iPhone 15 camera? 

The iPhone 15 series has gone down fairly well with consumers. The upgraded sensors and camera mode refinements offer budding photographers new tools to play with. However, you’ll need to spend a premium on the 15 Pro Max to reap the biggest benefits of Apple’s latest iPhone series. If you’re after a solid dual-camera system and the option to shoot video in 4K, you can make a saving by switching to a refurbished iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 instead. 

The iPhone 15 series is the first time that the Dynamic Island has been rolled out across the board. In the iPhone 14 series, only the Pro models had done away with the notch. This has proved popular with Apple users who’ve previously only been able to afford a flagship device, rather than shell out for the expense of a Pro or Pro Max model. 

Sadly, this is about the only iPhone 14 Pro feature that’s been carried over to the basic 15 models. Many users were expecting the iPhone 15 to feature an always-on display, but that's not the case here. 

Customer feedback on other iPhone 15 features

While it’s good to see Apple finally embrace USB-C, many users aren’t happy about the lack of any improvement to charging speed. In fact, most users report zero change, despite many devices from other manufacturers managing to deliver faster charging and data transfer as standard. 

Issues with overheating have also been heavily reported by users. It’s largely a problem for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users, with some speculating that the titanium housing is the root of the problem. While Apple has admitted that some third-party apps may be contributing to the problem, the ultimate cause remains unknown. 

Don’t want to spend a small fortune on a brand-new iPhone 15? The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max offer similar functionality at a fraction of the cost. If you’re keen to make a saving on a smartphone that will take your photography game to the next level, why not pick up a refurbished iPhone 14 Pro from Back Market? If the iPhone 15 is a must-have for you, then consider waiting a few months until Back Market has refurbished iPhone 15 in stock for less.