I played around with the standard iPhone 15 and didn’t envy the Pro model at all.

There’s something new to celebrate iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. After refraining from going out for a whole year, dynamic island And after missing out on the matte back trend, Apple is finally giving non-Pro iPhones the treatment they deserve.

Also: Everything Apple announced: iPhone 15, Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods

result? His two new devices look great, feel great, and have the performance you expect from a high-end mobile phone. In fact, after my first hands-on experience with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and then switching to the more expensive iPhone 15 Pro model, I was a little less impressed with the latter. That’s how Apple has changed its scale this year.

Because no matter which iPhone model you buy, you get all the great features of iOS 17 with curved edges, a thinner form factor, a matte textured back cover, and a dynamic island display. As a result, the standard model is the iPhone that more people than ever should buy.

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Buy iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus

The latest model features an improved A16 Bionic chip, a sleek design, and a host of fun pastel colors.

following apple “Wanderlust” keynote speech On Tuesday, I spent a few minutes sampling each color of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. If pastel colors suit your taste, this year’s iPhone crop is just right for you. And if you’re a fan of something with less pop, buy the black version. Also only buy the black version.

Also: Compare iPhone 15 models: Key differences you need to know

Personally, the yellow iPhone stood out to me the most.it reminded me 24 inch iMac, they sparkle in similar colorways, giving them personality without making them feel pretentious. This is the first yellow phone that’s safe to use on the crowded New York subway.

What really struck me about the new iPhone wasn’t the color, but the sleeker design, with edges contoured just enough to give you a confident grip without digging too deeply into your palm. This change is subtle and easy to understate on paper. But in reality, this is a big departure from the flat edges of the previous generation, and it’s one of the main reasons I’m bullish on this year’s non-Pro models.

The new textured matte finish, “optimized by a custom dual ion-exchange process” and “polished with nanocrystalline particles,” as Apple elegantly puts it, was another highlight. The atmosphere at the Steve Jobs Theater felt like we’d just woken up in an alien spaceship (read: it was brightly lit), but somehow the iPhone 15 was able to hold its own among hundreds of calm people. No journalist’s fingerprints were left to a minimum. For product photography, it was very nice not to need a microfiber device before every shoot.

About Dynamic Islands: I’m still not sold on the name, but the idea of ​​giving more users new ways to multitask and stay aware of the most popular apps and services is exciting. is. For enthusiasts who follow Apple’s every move, this addition doesn’t make much sense. For people like my parents and college friends, it will be refreshing to see music players and alarm apps seamlessly transform into what used to be Notch.

Also: How to pre-order and get the best deal on iPhone 15, Apple Watch Series 9, and Watch Ultra 2

my limited but intimate experience iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus We left with a very positive outlook on both models. For the first time in a while, buying a standard iPhone doesn’t mean having to settle for an inferior design or limited software features.

There’s a lot more to dig into when you send a device out for review. If there is anything in particular you would like to know, please write it in the comments section below.