Let’s kick things off with a straightforward truth: the iPhone 15 series isn’t the hottest gadget on the market anymore. With the launch of the iPhone 16 and Apple hinting at AI enhancements in iOS 18 that the 15 won’t receive, it’s easy to question the relevance of the iPhone 15 in 2025. But here’s the catch – consumers are still clamouring for reviews, diving into camera comparisons, curating shopping lists, and debating whether to opt for the iPhone 15 or hold out for the iPhone 16.
Why does this happen? Because the iPhone 15 continues to offer impressive features – speed, style, and sufficient future-readiness to remain competitive. Let’s unpack whether it’s a worthy investment in 2025.
The Speed Saga: A16 Bionic & A17 Pro Still Powerful
You might expect the older A16 and A17 Pro chips to fade into the background with the A18 chip in the spotlight – but that’s not the case. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus (featuring the A16 Bionic) along with the Pro models (powered by the A17 Pro) continue to handle everyday tasks with ease.
Whether you’re indulging in heavy-duty gaming, flipping through apps like Instagram, Spotify, and Chrome without lag, or even editing 4K videos on the fly – this duo still holds its ground.
For those eyeing the Pro or Pro Max models, the A17 Pro introduces remarkable enhancements. Game developers have already begun releasing console-level titles like Resident Evil Village, running impressively well on the device. Imagine gaming on your phone that rivals your gaming rig from just a couple of years ago.
Design Evolution: Embracing USB-C
One of the most monumental design changes is Apple’s switch to USB-C – a move many have impatiently awaited. Forget the cumbersome Lightning cables; now you can easily charge all your devices with one cable, whether it’s your MacBook, iPad, or iPhone – even in the year 2025, this shift simplifies your tech life.
The iPhone 15 lineup continues to exude the signature Apple polish: sleek edges, solid construction, and a lighter feel thanks to the titanium frame on the Pro versions. The matte finish conveys a high-quality appearance without being ostentatious. For anyone seeking a flagship device, the iPhone 15 Pro Max certainly delivers.
The Camera: A Game-Changer for Photography
Let’s be real; many consumers gauge a phone’s worth by judging its camera capabilities. The iPhone 15 Pro Max excels in this category. With its 5x optical zoom, it transforms the photography experience, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects—whether you’re snapping wildlife, streaming concerts, or documenting those awkward wedding dance moves.
Meanwhile, the standard 15 and 15 Plus models may have more modest camera upgrades but still offer crisp, well-balanced photos. Night mode and portrait shots remain top-notch.
However, some critics argue that competitors like Google’s Pixel 9 Pro have outshined the iPhone with their AI photography capabilities. While it’s true that the Pixel performs exceptionally well, the iPhone consistently delivers reliable results—whether you’re snapping selfies, capturing videos, or getting that perfect shot of your pet zooming through the living room.
iPhone 15: An Appealing Choice Despite Newer Models
Timing is key in the smartphone market. With the iPhone 16 here, the iPhone 15’s price is dropping faster than your morning Wi-Fi connection—creating curiosity among consumers asking, “Is the iPhone 15 worth it in 2025?”
The answer is a resounding yes.
Consider this: you’re investing in a flagship phone that features robust hardware, an exceptional display, and dependable battery life—all wrapped in an attractive package. The camera is more than capable of competing with the latest Android titans. As long as you’re not interested in coding your own personal AI assistant or running heavyweight Neural Engine tasks, the iPhone 15 remains a strong contender.
Additionally, resale value plays a significant role. iPhones tend to maintain their value better than most other brands, making the iPhone 15 a savvy long-term choice.
Battery Life & Charging: Greater Compatibility, Smooth Performance
Apple may not have wowed us with groundbreaking new battery capabilities, but the existing performance is robust and reliable.
In regular usage—calls, browsing, streaming videos, scrolling through Instagram, and perhaps indulging in a gaming session—they comfortably last throughout the day. The Pro Max models even stretch that longevity further, thanks to larger battery packs and software optimization.
Now, with USB-C charging, convenience has finally arrived. You can connect just one charger to power your MacBook, iPad, and iPhone, ushering us into a more harmonious tech lifestyle in 2025.
The iOS 18 Dilemma: Missing the AI Boat
This is where things get sticky. The new Apple Intelligence suite—Apple’s cleverly branded set of AI enhancements—skips the iPhone 15 series entirely. Features like refined on-device chats, smart text rewriting, and automatic notification sorting require the advanced hardware of the iPhone 16 and newer models.
This doesn’t mean your iPhone 15 is obsolete—it continues to function efficiently. However, for early adopters excited about the latest AI features, the iPhone 15 may feel outdated when compared to its successors.
iPhone 15: A Hot Pick in 2025?
Despite these nuances, the iPhone 15, particularly the Pro Max variant, remains a frequently searched phone online. Why? Simply put, it’s a well-rounded offering.
Combining high performance, an elegant aesthetic, impressive camera quality, and solid longevity with appealing pricing post-iPhone 16 launch makes it a smart choice. It’s like letting someone else be the first to purchase a new car model, and you get a top-tier vehicle that’s been fine-tuned.
In essence, the iPhone 15 embodies the seasoned player—proficient and reliable, existing without the pressures of debut enthusiasm or emerging competition.
A Few Quick Hits: Pros and Cons of the iPhone 15
What we love:
- A17 Pro chip offers exceptional performance for serious users
- The zoom feature on Pro Max is both practical and enjoyable
- USB-C brings added convenience
- Sustained long-term performance
- Reduced prices make it more attractive
What we’re side-eyeing:
- Missing out on the latest AI tools in iOS 18
- Base models could benefit from additional features (still lacks 120Hz refresh rate)
- Not visually distinct from the iPhone 14
Should You Buy the iPhone 15 Mid-2025?
In short? Yes, if you’re not fixated on obtaining cutting-edge AI capabilities—or if your preference leans toward a cost-effective, solid-performing device—the iPhone 15 remains an excellent choice.
Consider skipping it only if:
- You’re an early adopter eager to explore AI features
- You own an iPhone 14 Pro and don’t see significant improvements
- You’re transitioning from Android and want the absolute latest technology
However, for the majority of users—including those who are tech-savvy and value-conscious—the iPhone 15 hits the sweet spot, especially with its new, more competitive pricing.
Don’t be surprised if the phone you purchased a year later outlasts the excitement surrounding the latest iOS upgrades.
FAQs
Q: Is the iPhone 15 worth buying in 2025?
Absolutely. With its strong performance, excellent camera system, and now better pricing, it’s a compelling choice—especially if the latest AI features aren’t on your wishlist.
Q: What distinguishes the iPhone 15 from the 15 Pro?
Power and photography are the main differences. The Pro features the A17 Pro chip, enhancing speed for gaming, while the Pro Max boasts an addictive 5x optical zoom.
Q: Does the iPhone 15 have superior battery life compared to older iPhones?
Yes, particularly for Plus and Pro Max variants. Most users report all-day usage even with moderate gaming and streaming.
Q: Can I use any USB-C charger with the iPhone 15?
Yes! Apple has transitioned to USB-C across all iPhone 15 models, allowing you to rely on your favorite charger.
Q: Will the iPhone 15 support all iOS 18 features?
Not entirely. It will receive the iOS 18 update, but the new Apple Intelligence AI features will not be available for this generation.
