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The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max could end up being the finest phones of the year, and the iPhone 15 Pro blow away iPhone 15. At least, that is the impression I get from all the rumors and disclosures thus far.

I’ve been following all the rumors surrounding the iPhone 15 Pro series, and it appears that Apple is positioning the two phones to be in a league of their own, creating an even larger disparity than the one between the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14.

The iPhone 15 versus the iPhone 15 Pro. From the processor and design to the cameras and display, here are the reasons why the Pro may be the best option this year. Yes, even if the rumored price increase for the iPhone 15 Pro is realized.

7 Ways iPhone 15 Pro Blow Away iPhone 15

1. A17 Bionic chip 

In terms of Apple Silicon, it appears that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will once again receive second-hand devices. Apple’s new A17 Bionic chip, which will purportedly be the first to use a 3-nanometer process, is expected to be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Despite both phones having a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 15 Pro should outlast the iPhone 15. The same applies to the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max with 6.7-inch displays.

Moreover, the first benchmarks for the A17 Bionic that have been released appear to be quite impressive, assuming they are accurate. The rumored iPhone 15 Pro’s Geekbench 5 single-core score of 2,317 annihilates the iPhone 14 Pro Max (1,882) and the Galaxy S23 Ultra (1,050). (1,578). And the iPhone 15 Pro’s multi-core score of 6,750 also outperforms the iPhone 14 Pro Plus (5,333) and the S23 Ultra (5,081).

2. Periscope Zoom Lens (Pro Max)

This is a long-postponed upgrade, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max (and not the iPhone 15 Pro) is rumored to be the first to feature a periscope zoom lens. According to reports, this would enable the device to provide an optical magnification of 5x or 6x, doubling the iPhone 14 Pro series’ 3x telephoto zoom.

The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are rumored to lack telephoto zoom once again, which is a significant disappointment.

3. Titanium Design 

Apple is reportedly replacing the stainless steel band on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Plus with titanium alloy, despite the fact that there is nothing wrong with the stainless steel band. This material is stronger than aluminum while also being lighter, so the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max should be more durable and simpler to carry.

Unfortunately, the ordinary iPhone 15 series is anticipated to once again feature an aluminum design. Another benefit? The iPhone 15 Pro Max is rumored to feature the narrowest bezels ever on an iPhone, but it’s unclear whether the same will be true of the iPhone 15 Pro.

4. Displays

We expect display distinctions between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro to persist. Apple is likely to retain the 120Hz ProMotion technology exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro, despite our desire for at least a 90Hz display on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.

Expect two 6.1-inch and two 6.7-inch models, as we believe Apple will maintain the four models unchanged. It is probable that the iPhone 15 Pro will have a brighter display than the iPhone 15.

As for the notch versus Dynamic Island, according to a recent rumor, Apple may add the latter feature to non-Pro models next year. This would undoubtedly make the iPhone 15 more exciting, as it would no longer resemble the iPhone 13 and 14.

5. Faster USB-C 

Apple is widely expected to transition from the Lightning port to USB-C for the iPhone 15 this year, at least in part because the EU is cracking down and has set a 2024 deadline for Apple to comply with a USB-C-only future. This action is intended to simplify matters for consumers juggling multiple varieties of cables and to benefit the environment.

If the speculations are true, Apple may decide to offer faster charging and transfer speeds on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max compared to the standard iPhone 15. Apple may even roll out a Made for iPhone certification program for USB-C accessories, ensuring superior performance at a premium price. The EU has already stated that such a move would be unlawful, so it remains to be seen how true this rumor is.

6. Wi-Fi 6E and 5G

In 2023, all iPhones will utilize Qualcomm’s next-generation X70 chips with enhanced AI for faster processing speeds, greater coverage range, greater power efficiency, and reduced latency.

The speedier Wi-Fi 6E standard will likely be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Wi-Fi 6E provides more bandwidth than Wi-Fi 6, resulting in quicker connectivity speeds, reduced latency, and increased capacity. Wi-Fi 6E provides an additional 1.2GHz of spectrum in the 6GHz band, and it can support gigabit coverage for the entire home, multi-gigabit connectivity for venues, and bandwidth for higher data streams, such as those used for AR and VR experiences.

7. Solid State Buttons

As someone whose iPhone 12 Pro Max has a blocked volume-up button, I applaud this rumor. Both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to abandon mechanical buttons in favor of solid-state ones. This would be the case for both the volume controls, which are rumored to be merged into a single rocker button, and the mute switch, which is also expected to become a button.

The target? Make the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max more durable and resistant to damage and detritus accumulation under the buttons. In addition to providing haptic feedback for a physical button feel, the capacitive buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro are predicted to function well with both cases and gloves.

These buttons, as well as the rumored titanium design, narrower bezels than the iPhone 15 standard model, and solid-state buttons, are depicted in a new set of iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max renders.

iPhone 15 Pricing

According to tech analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max could be more expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Pu believes there will be a price increase due to the titanium frame, solid-state buttons, A17 processor, and other features, but he did not offer a price prediction.

The starting price for the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max is $999 and $1099, respectively, and Apple has not altered its high-end iPhone pricing since the release of the iPhone 12 Pro models.

Conclusion

I am not suggesting that the standard iPhone 15 series will not be worth purchasing. The iPhone 15 is rumored to feature the same Dynamic Island as the Pro series for notifications and Live activities, and the iPhone 14 Pro models’ faster A16 Bionic processor should be sufficient for most users.

In addition, both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to feature the same 48MP primary sensor as the iPhone 14 Pro series. Therefore, you should obtain sharper images in all lighting conditions. But ultimately, the message appears to be quite clear. If you want the finest iPhone this year, the only option is the iPhone 15 Pro.