iPhone 15 Plus Review: Battery King That Refuses to Die

The iPhone 15 Plus sits in my hands right now and honestly I’m still impressed by how this phone manages to outlast everything else in my tech collection.

After using it extensively over the past few months I can confidently say this device has earned its reputation as the battery champion of the iPhone lineup. Let me walk you through my complete experience with this big-screen beast and help you decide if it’s worth your money in late 2025.

I’ve tested dozens of smartphones over the years and few have made me rethink my charging habits quite like the iPhone 15 Plus did. This isn’t just another incremental upgrade from Apple. It’s a phone that delivers where it matters most for everyday users like you and me.

Also Read: iPhone 16 Pro Price Drop: How I Grabbed This Premium iPhone Under Rs 70,000

Key Takeaways

• Battery life is exceptional, easily lasting full day or more with heavy use
• 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display perfect for media consumption and productivity
• 48MP main camera delivers excellent photos in all lighting conditions
• A16 Bionic chip provides smooth performance for gaming and multitasking
• USB-C port finally replaces Lightning for universal charging
• Dynamic Island brings Pro-level features to non-Pro models
• 60Hz refresh rate feels dated compared to competition
• iOS 26 updates have caused battery drain issues for some users
• Price drops make it incredible value versus newer models

Display That Commands Attention

The moment I picked up the iPhone 15 Plus I immediately noticed the 6.7-inch screen real estate. This display is pure bliss for someone who consumes content throughout the day.

I watch videos during my commute and the Super Retina XDR OLED panel makes everything pop with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 1290 x 2796 resolution means text stays crisp whether I’m reading articles or scrolling through social media feeds.

My only gripe here is the 60Hz refresh rate. After using phones with 120Hz displays this feels like a step backward especially at this price point. Scrolling isn’t as buttery smooth as I’d like but honestly most people won’t notice unless they’re coming from a Pro model.

The Dynamic Island is a welcome addition though. I love how it seamlessly displays notifications and activities without feeling intrusive.

Brightness levels impressed me too. Peak brightness hits around 1,627 nits in auto mode which means I can easily use this phone outdoors even in harsh sunlight. HDR10 and Dolby Vision support make streaming content look fantastic. I’ve binged entire series on this display and my eyes never felt strained thanks to the excellent color accuracy.

Battery Life That Actually Delivers

This is where the iPhone 15 Plus absolutely shines and why I keep recommending it to friends. The 4,383 mAh battery combined with the efficient A16 Bionic chip creates magic. I’m talking about genuinely impressive endurance that puts other flagship phones to shame. During my testing I consistently got through full days of heavy use without reaching for the charger.

My typical day involves constant messaging, social media scrolling, photography, video calls and streaming music. The iPhone 15 Plus handled all of this and still had 20-30% battery left by bedtime. I’ve even stretched it to two days with moderate use. Compare that to my previous phone which needed a mid-day top-up and you’ll understand why this battery performance feels revolutionary.

Web browsing tests showed exceptional results too. The phone lasted over 14 hours of continuous screen-on time which beats even the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Gaming sessions didn’t drain the battery as quickly as I expected either. I played demanding games for hours and the phone kept going strong.

However I must mention the iOS 26 situation. Some users including a few of my colleagues have reported battery drain issues after updating to iOS 26.2. I haven’t experienced this personally but it’s worth noting if you’re buying a used unit. Stick with iOS 26.1 if possible or wait for Apple to release a fix.

Camera Performance That Surprises

The 48MP main camera was one of my biggest pleasant surprises with the iPhone 15 Plus. Apple finally brought the higher resolution sensor to non-Pro models and the difference is noticeable. Photos come out sharp with excellent detail and accurate colors. I’ve taken portraits, landscapes and street photography with this phone and results consistently impressed me.

The main camera excels in daylight conditions. Colors look natural without the oversaturation you get on some Android phones. Dynamic range is wide enough to capture both highlights and shadows without blowing out details. I particularly love how the sensor handles skin tones in portraits. My family photos look natural and flattering without heavy processing.

Low-light performance is solid too though not quite Pro-level. Night mode kicks in automatically when needed and produces usable shots with minimal noise. I’ve captured cityscapes at dusk and indoor party photos that looked great for social media sharing. The 12MP ultra-wide camera handles group shots and landscapes well though it lacks the detail of the main sensor.

Video recording is another strong point. The phone shoots 4K at 60fps with excellent stabilization. I’ve recorded my kids playing sports and the footage came out smooth even with lots of movement. Cinematic mode adds professional-looking focus transitions though I find myself using it less than standard video mode.

The only missing piece is a telephoto lens. Digital zoom works fine for occasional use but dedicated optical zoom would’ve made this camera setup complete. Still for the price the camera quality easily competes with phones costing much more.

Performance and Daily Use

The A16 Bionic chip might be a generation old but don’t let that fool you. This processor still outperforms most current Android flagships. Apps launch instantly, multitasking feels smooth and I haven’t experienced any lag during normal use. Gaming performance is excellent too with titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile running at high settings without stuttering.

Face ID works reliably in most lighting conditions. I appreciate how quick and accurate it is compared to fingerprint sensors I’ve used on other phones. The Dynamic Island integration makes notifications feel more interactive and useful. I can track my Uber ride or see music controls without leaving my current app.

Storage options start at 128GB which feels tight in 2025 especially with the larger 48MP photo files. I’d recommend going for at least 256GB if you shoot lots of photos and videos. The lack of expandable storage means you’re stuck with what you buy.

USB-C is finally here and it’s about time. I can now use the same cable for my MacBook, iPad and iPhone. No more hunting for Lightning cables. Data transfer speeds are limited to USB 2.0 though which feels outdated. Transferring large video files takes longer than it should.

Build Quality and Design

The iPhone 15 Plus feels premium in hand despite not having the titanium build of Pro models. The aluminum frame and glass back look elegant and the matte finish on the colored glass resists fingerprints better than glossy variants. At 201 grams it’s not light but the weight feels balanced and never bothered me during extended use.

The IP68 water resistance rating gives me peace of mind. I’ve used this phone in light rain and near pools without worry. Durability testing shows the phone can handle everyday drops and scratches though I still recommend a case for added protection.

Button placement feels natural and the silencing switch is something I actually prefer over the action button on Pro models. The camera bump protrudes noticeably but that’s standard for modern phones. Overall the design is refined if not revolutionary.

Should You Buy It in 2025

Here’s my honest take after months of use. The iPhone 15 Plus is absolutely worth buying in late 2025 especially at current prices. With discounts bringing it down to Rs 55,999 or even lower with exchange offers this phone delivers exceptional value. You’re getting flagship-level performance, outstanding battery life and a capable camera system for significantly less than newer models.

I recommend this phone if you prioritize battery life and screen size over having the absolute latest features. It’s perfect for media consumption, gaming and all-day productivity without constantly worrying about charging. The A16 Bionic ensures it’ll stay relevant for years to come.

However skip this if you want 120Hz smoothness, telephoto zoom or the newest AI features. The iPhone 16 Plus or even waiting for deals on Pro models might suit you better. Also consider that iOS 26 updates have caused some battery concerns though this should be resolved with future patches.

For most people though the iPhone 15 Plus hits the sweet spot. It’s the phone I keep reaching for when I know I’ll be out all day. That battery life alone makes it worth considering over flashier but less practical alternatives.

Tags: iPhone 15 Plus review, iPhone 15 Plus battery life, iPhone 15 Plus camera, best iPhone for battery, iPhone 15 Plus price 2025, iPhone 15 Plus vs 16 Plus, A16 Bionic performance

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