iPhone 15 Pro _ Pro Max FULL REVIEW [Shot on iPhone]

The iPhone 15 and 15 Pro Max: A New Era in Mobile Photography

In recent years, smartphone cameras have become increasingly important for mobile photography enthusiasts. While many phones still lack the same level of camera quality as their dedicated point-and-shoot counterparts, Apple has made significant strides in improving its camera system with the latest iPhones. But how does the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro Max stack up against last year's models?

One of the most noticeable changes is the warmer white balance on the new 15 Pros. This is likely to be more accurate than previous models, although some users may find it slightly over-sharpened. However, in certain shots, such as those taken with the camera's Pro mode, the 15 Pros seem to retain more detail and natural-looking colors. This is due in part to the new 48MP + 12MP combined sensor, which allows for more precise control over the camera's settings.

When it comes to zoom, the iPhone 15 Pro Max takes a clear lead over its predecessor. While both phones offer similar performance between 1-2.9 times zoom, the Pro Max surpasses the Pros in this range due to its improved hardware. However, in the longer-range zoom (3-4.9x) and ultra-wide angle (0.84-120mm), the pros' camera takes over. This compromise is understandable, given that the Pro Max features a more extensive lens system, which allows for greater flexibility and creativity during shooting.

One of the most exciting features of the iPhone 15 Pros is their ability to switch between different lenses seamlessly while shooting video. In this mode, the camera can transition smoothly between ultra-wide, standard, telephoto, and even the front-facing camera (for self-portraits). This level of flexibility would be hard-pressed to find in other smartphones, making the 15 Pro Max a true powerhouse for mobile videography.

Despite these advancements, there are still some areas where the iPhone 15 Pros fall short. The Cinematic Mode, which was already a standout feature on last year's models, remains unchanged – no 4K60 or proRes/Log options have been added to this mode. While the lens flare is slightly reduced in this new camera system, it's still present and can be distracting at times.

In terms of pricing, Apple has taken steps to make the iPhone 15 Pros more accessible to a wider audience. The regular iPhone 15 starts at £799 (compared to £849 for last year's model), while the Pro is now priced at £999 (down from £1,099). However, the Pro Max remains unchanged in terms of price (£1199) but comes with an additional 256GB of storage.

So, should you upgrade to an iPhone 15 Pro and/or Pro Max? If your current phone is an iPhone 11 or older, it's definitely worth considering. The new camera system offers significant improvements over last year's models, particularly in terms of color accuracy and detail retention. As for the debate between the standard Pro and Pro Max – while both phones are excellent options, I'd recommend going with the larger model if you value a bigger battery and a more comfortable screen.

Ultimately, the iPhone 15 Pros represent a new baseline for mobile photography on iPhones. With their improved camera system, enhanced features like Cinematic Mode, and reduced prices, these devices offer compelling reasons to upgrade – even for those who already own a newer iPhone model without USBC.