iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 15 Pro: What’s New, What’s Better, and Which Should You Buy?

Dee P. β€’ Software Developer β€’ Oct 26, 2023

The iPhone 15 lineup finally brings both the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro, and this year Apple is making some interesting moves. One focuses on being lighter and friendlier to everyday users. The other brings premium materials, advanced features, and serious performance upgrades.

But are these phones actually worth the hype?
And more importantly — which one makes more sense for you?

Let’s break it down.

πŸ’΅ Pricing

Pricing varies by region, but generally:

iPhone 15 Plus (256GB) sits in the upper mid-premium range

iPhone 15 Pro is noticeably more expensive, especially in larger storage variants

Both are premium devices, so expectations are high.

✨ Design & Build Quality
iPhone 15 Plus

  1. The 15 Plus keeps things simple and familiar:
  2. Matte textured glass back
  3. Smooth curved edges
  4. Light and comfortable in hand
  5. Dynamic Island finally included
  6. Several color options, including Black and soft pastel tones

Apple also introduced new glass coloring technology where the color is infused into the glass itself. The phone feels surprisingly light for such a large device, making it one of the most comfortable “big phones” Apple has ever released.

iPhone 15 Pro

This is Apple’s new design statement:

  1. Titanium frame
  2. Noticeably lighter than previous Pro models
  3. Slightly curved edges for comfort
  4. More industrial, premium aesthetic
  5. Natural Titanium finish looks unique

Titanium does not necessarily scream luxury visually compared to the shiny stainless steel of the 14 Pro, but in the hand, the difference is clear. It feels lighter, warmer to touch, and much easier to hold for long periods.

However, darker coated versions can scratch and reveal a lighter tone underneath — something to keep in mind. A case is still a smart idea.

iPhone 15 Pro

πŸ“Ί Display

Both devices bring beautiful Apple OLED panels with:

  1. Great colors
  2. Excellent brightness
  3. Thin bezels (thinner on Pro)

But here is the key difference:

iPhone 15 Plus

  1. 60Hz refresh rate
  2. Smooth, but not flagship smooth

iPhone 15 Pro

  1. ProMotion 120Hz
  2. Much smoother animations
  3. More responsive feel

If you’ve used 120Hz before, it’s hard to go back.

iPhone 15 Plus

βš™οΈ Performance
iPhone 15 Plus

  1. Powered by A16 Bionic
  2. Same chip used in last year’s Pro models
  3. Still incredibly powerful
  4. Handles gaming, productivity, and media flawlessly
  5. So while it doesn’t get the latest chip, it’s nowhere near weak.

iPhone 15 Pro

  1. A17 Pro chip
  2. New architecture
  3. Even stronger performance
  4. Better efficiency

This is the model meant for heavy users, mobile gamers, and creators. If you want the absolute best Apple silicon experience, this is it.

πŸ”Œ USB-C Finally

Both phones now use:

USB-C

But again:

iPhone 15 Plus = USB 2 speeds

iPhone 15 Pro = USB 3 speeds (much faster transfers)

If you shoot a lot of high-quality photos and videos, this difference matters.

πŸ“· Cameras
iPhone 15 Plus

  1. 48MP main camera
  2. 12MP ultrawide
  3. No telephoto lens
  4. Big upgrade from previous non-Pro models
  5. Great detail, color, and sharpness

It produces fantastic photos, especially for everyday use.

iPhone 15 Pro

  1. 48MP main
  2. 12MP ultrawide
  3. 12MP telephoto (3x zoom on Pro, higher on Pro Max)
  4. New image processing improvements
  5. Better stabilization
  6. More flexible shooting experience

This is the one for photography lovers and content creators.

🧲 New Action Button (Pro Only)

The mute switch is gone on the Pro models, replaced by:

Action Button

You can customize it for:

  1. Camera
  2. Voice memo
  3. Focus modes
  4. Accessibility functions
  5. Shortcuts....and more

It’s small but surprisingly useful, and very Apple-like in execution.

πŸ”‹ Battery & Weight
iPhone 15 Plus

  1. Big battery
  2. Strong endurance
  3. Lighter for its size
  4. Comfortable all-day phone

iPhone 15 Pro

  1. More efficient thanks to A17
  2. Titanium reduces fatigue during usage
  3. Also delivers excellent battery

Both are reliable performers in battery life.

πŸ† Final Verdict — Which One Should You Get?
Choose iPhone 15 Plus if:

βœ” You want a big display
βœ” You want excellent battery
βœ” You don’t care about 120Hz
βœ” You want a powerful phone without paying Pro prices

It’s a “sweet spot” device — premium but friendlier.

Choose iPhone 15 Pro if:

βœ” You want the absolute best performance
βœ” You want lighter but premium build
βœ” You want 120Hz ProMotion
βœ” You shoot lots of photos and videos
βœ” You want USB-C with fast speed
βœ” You want the Action Button

This is for users who want the latest and best Apple tech.

⭐ Final Score

iPhone 15 Plus: 8.5 / 10 – Premium simplicity, excellent balance
iPhone 15 Pro: 9.5 / 10 – Powerful, refined, and future-proof