Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro was a standout flagship in 2023, but with new competitors and evolving technology, does it still hold up in 2025? This review breaks down its performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value to help you decide if it’s worth buying today.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On Display
- Chipset: A17 Pro (3nm, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine)
- Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- RAM: 8GB
- Rear Cameras:
- 48MP main (f/1.78, sensor-shift OIS)
- 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120° FoV)
- 12MP telephoto (3x optical zoom, f/2.8)
- Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9)
- Battery: 3,274mAh, up to 23 hours video playback
- Charging: USB-C (USB 3.2, up to 27W wired, 15W MagSafe)
- Durability: Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front, IP68 water resistance
- OS: iOS 17 (upgradable to iOS 18 and beyond)
Performance & Software
Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the iPhone 15 Pro remains a performance beast in 2025, handling intensive tasks like gaming, 4K video editing, and multitasking effortlessly. Compared to rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S24+ (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) and Google Pixel 9, it still leads in raw processing power but falls slightly behind in AI-driven features like real-time translation and advanced photo enhancements.
With iOS 18 support confirmed, Apple guarantees long-term software updates, making it a reliable choice for years to come.
Design & Build Quality
The shift to a titanium frame makes the iPhone 15 Pro lighter (187g) and more durable than its stainless-steel predecessors. The matte glass back and slimmer bezels give it a premium feel, though the overall design hasn’t changed drastically since the iPhone 12 Pro.
Compared to the Galaxy S24+ (sleeker curves) and OnePlus 12 (faster 120W charging), the iPhone 15 Pro’s design is refined but not groundbreaking.
Camera Quality
The 48MP main sensor delivers sharp, vibrant images with excellent dynamic range. The 3x telephoto lens is great for portraits but can’t match the Galaxy S24+’s 5x zoom or the Pixel 9’s AI-enhanced computational photography.
Where the iPhone 15 Pro truly shines is video recording—Cinematic Mode, ProRes, and Dolby Vision HDR remain industry-leading. However, low-light photography and ultra-wide shots are slightly better on newer Android flagships.
Pros:
- Outstanding main camera with natural colors
- Best-in-class video recording
- Smooth 120Hz ProMotion display
Cons:
- No periscope zoom (unlike Pro Max)
- Ultra-wide performance lags behind competitors
Battery Life
The 3,274mAh battery provides solid all-day battery life under moderate use. However, heavy users may need a midday top-up, especially compared to the Galaxy S24+ (4,900mAh) and Pixel 9 Pro (5,050mAh).
Charging speeds (27W wired, 15W MagSafe) are still slow compared to 100W+ fast charging on some Android devices.
Unique Features
- Action Button: Replaces the mute switch for customizable shortcuts.
- USB-C (finally!): Supports faster data transfers (USB 3.2).
- Dynamic Island: More interactive than a traditional notch.
Value for Money in 2025
Originally priced at $999, the iPhone 15 Pro can now be found for $799–$899 on sale. Compared to 2025 flagships:
- Better than: iPhone 14 Pro (for performance), Google Pixel 8 (for video)
- Worse than: Galaxy S24+ (for battery, zoom), OnePlus 12 (for charging speed)
Who Should Buy It?
- iOS loyalists who want long-term software support.
- Content creators needing top-tier video capabilities.
- Those who prefer compact flagships without sacrificing power.
Who Should Skip It?
- Android users who want cutting-edge AI and faster charging.
- Photography enthusiasts needing superior zoom.
- Budget buyers (iPhone 15 or refurbished models offer better value).
Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 15 Pro Still Worth It?
Yes, but with caveats. If you prioritize iOS, video performance, and a premium build, the iPhone 15 Pro remains a strong choice in 2025, especially at discounted prices. However, if you want longer battery life, periscope zoom, or blazing-fast charging, newer Android flagships may be more compelling.
For Apple fans, it’s a great buy—but if you can wait, the iPhone 16 Pro (expected late 2025) might bring more significant upgrades.
