Apple iPhone 15 Blue 128GB

If you're coming from an older iPhone, the 15's upgrades like USB-C and the 48MP camera feel like a real leap. The A16 chip keeps things zippy, but that 60Hz screen feels dated for the price. For most people, it's a solid buy, especially if you find it on sale.

Apple's iPhone 15 finally ditches Lightning for USB-C, adds the Dynamic Island from the Pro line, and bumps the main camera to 48MP. On paper, it's a solid update. In hand, the color-infused glass back feels premium, and at 171g it's noticeably light. The A16 Bionic isn't breaking any speed records in our database, it sits in the 74th percentile for raw performance, but iOS flies on this hardware for everyday tasks.

The elephant in the room is that 60Hz display. In 2025, when even budget Androids pack 120Hz, scrolling on the iPhone 15 feels slow. And the battery life, as our benchmarks show, is mediocre at best. The 3349mAh cell scored just 52.8 in our tests, landing at the 61st percentile. You'll make it through a day with light use, but don't skip a charge if you're a power user.

The A16 Bionic with 6GB of RAM plows through apps and games without breaking a sweat. In synthetic benchmarks, it's not top-tier, more like comfortably mid-pack, but you'd never know it in daily use. The 48MP main camera captures tremendous detail, and the 2x optical-quality zoom is a handy addition. Lowlight shots are solid, though the ultrawide could be sharper. Video recording at 4K60 is buttery. The real performance letdown is the 60Hz panel; it makes everything feel a beat behind.

At around $550 on sale, the iPhone 15 is a compelling package. You get a modern camera system, USB-C, and a design that'll last you years. But if you're paying the full $630, the value wavers because for a bit more you can snag a Pro model or an Android with a 120Hz screen and faster charging. The real deal is grabbing this at a discount.

Stacked against the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, the iPhone 15 loses on display smoothness and camera versatility, but iOS integration keeps it ahead for Apple die-hards. The OnePlus 15 offers faster charging and a 120Hz screen for similar money, but the iPhone's build quality and software support are hard to beat. Even the mid-range Motorola G Stylus gives you a smoother display, though it can't touch the iPhone 15's processor or camera processing. In this crowd, the 15 is the safe, boringly reliable option.

Skip the iPhone 15 if you've already owned an iPhone 13 or 14. The upgrades aren't dramatic enough to justify the cost. Also, if you're a heavy gamer or video streamer, the 60Hz display and mediocre battery life will leave you wanting. Go for the 15 Pro or an Android with a 120Hz panel instead.

Buy the iPhone 15 if you're upgrading from an iPhone 11 or older. The jump to USB-C, Dynamic Island, and a vastly better camera is night and day. It's also a great pick for anyone who just wants a no-fuss iPhone that's not massive. Skip it if you crave a high refresh rate screen or all-day battery under heavy use.