iPhone 15 or 15 Pro: Which is right for you?
The price difference is significant. The Pro has better cameras, a 120Hz screen, and a titanium casing. Sounds like a no-brainer for those on the budget. But here's what Apple isn't telling you: for 85% of users, those Pro features are complete overkill. That triple camera? Most people take snapshots for Instagram. That ProMotion display? Only noticeable during intensive scrolling or gaming. And that titanium casing? It's going in a case anyway.
The real difference lies in how you use your phone . Are you a content creator or photographer? Then the Pro is worth it. Otherwise, you're better off getting the standard iPhone 15 and investing the money you save in good accessories or maybe even new AirPods . After all, a complete setup is more valuable than one over-specced phone.
Useful links
- iPhone accessories - cases, cables and screen protectors
- AirPods collection - the perfect addition to your iPhone
- Refurbished iPhones - sustainable and affordable
Display: ProMotion makes the difference
The screen is what you look at every day, so there's an important distinction here. The standard iPhone 15 has an excellent 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Completely sufficient for everyday use. The Pro variant has the same size, but with ProMotion technology that goes up to 120Hz.
What does this mean in practice? When scrolling through social media, reading articles, or playing games, everything feels smoother on the Pro. The difference is especially noticeable if you scroll a lot or play games. For WhatsApp, email, and browsing, you'll barely notice it. The screen also adjusts automatically: for static content, the refresh rate is reduced for better battery life.
Cameras: Three Lenses vs. Two
The camera differences are substantial. The regular version has a dual-camera setup:
- 48 megapixel main camera
- 12 megapixel ultra-wide angle
The Pro model adds a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. You also get ProRAW and ProRes video recording, macro photography, and improved low-light performance. For the average user taking photos for Instagram or sharing family snapshots via WhatsApp, the standard camera is more than sufficient. The 48-megapixel main camera delivers excellent results.
Are you serious about photography? Do you create content for YouTube or TikTok? Then the Pro's extra capabilities justify the price premium. The telephoto lens is handy for portraits and close-ups, while ProRAW gives you more control in post-processing.
Material and weight
Apple chooses different materials. The regular version has an aluminum frame with a glass back. It's sturdy, reliable, and relatively light at 171 grams. The Pro model uses titanium for its frame, which is stronger and lighter than stainless steel. However, this model weighs 187 grams due to the extra camera and larger battery.
In practice, you'll barely notice the weight difference. Both phones feel premium. The Pro's titanium frame is more scratch-resistant, but most people still put their phones in a case. That largely negates this advantage.
Performance and memory
Both models run on the A16 Bionic chip, so you're in good hands when it comes to speed. The Pro does have 8GB of RAM compared to the standard model's 6GB. You'll especially notice this difference when multitasking intensively or editing large video files. For everyday use like browsing, social media, and streaming, 6GB is more than enough.
The storage options are identical: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. The Pro also offers a 1TB version for those who really need a lot of space. Keep in mind that cloud storage is becoming increasingly common. With iCloud or Google Photos, you don't have to store everything locally.
Battery life in practice
Apple promises a full day of battery life for both models. In practice, the standard version gets about 15-16 hours of normal use. The Pro model adds an hour thanks to its larger battery. Both support wireless charging and fast charging with a 20W adapter (sold separately).
The Pro's ProMotion display can actually save battery life with static content, but consumes more power during intensive scrolling. The difference is minimal for most users.
Action Button exclusive for Pro
A notable difference is the Action Button on the Pro model, which replaces the traditional mute switch. This programmable button can be configured for various functions: open the camera, activate the flashlight, start a voice memo, or execute a shortcut. Convenient, but not a dealbreaker. The mute switch on the standard version works perfectly well for its purpose.
Which one suits your use?
The choice depends on your priorities and budget. Choose the standard iPhone 15 if:
- Mainly calls, texts and uses social media
- Occasionally takes photos for personal use
- Rather spend the price difference on accessories
- Don't need the latest bells and whistles
Get the iPhone 15 Pro if you:
- Takes lots of photos and videos for work or hobby
- Want the smoothest experience while gaming and scrolling
- Values premium materials
- You have the budget for the best specifications
Conclusion
The price difference between the two models is significant, but the added value of the Pro is situational. For content creators, photographers, and tech enthusiasts, the extra features justify the investment. For most users, however, the regular version offers everything they need for daily use. The money saved is better spent on good accessories, an extra charger, or perhaps AirPods for the complete Apple experience.
Making the right choice
The difference between the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro boils down to one simple question: do you actually use the extra features? For most people, the standard version is more than enough. Those few hundred euros difference are better spent on a complete setup with good accessories or AirPods .
Only if you 're serious about photography or content creation will the Pro justify its price premium. Otherwise, save yourself the hesitation and go for the regular version. It does everything you need, without making you pay for features you won't use anyway.
