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The iPhone 15 Plus is easiest to recommend when a large screen and long battery life matter more to you than a high-refresh-rate display or a dedicated zoom camera. It remains a capable 2023 iPhone, but whether it is worth buying depends on the price, condition, warranty, and alternatives available where you live.
What the iPhone 15 Plus is
Apple introduced the iPhone 15 Plus in September 2023 as the large-screen option in its non-Pro iPhone 15 lineup; availability began September 22, 2023. Its display measures 6.69 inches diagonally as a standard rectangle, which Apple describes as a 6.7-inch-class screen. The actual viewable area is smaller because of the rounded corners. It uses an OLED display with Dynamic Island, but its refresh rate is 60Hz.
The combination makes it a straightforward fit for people who want more room for video, reading, and everyday apps without choosing a Pro model. The trade-off is that the display does not refresh as smoothly as higher-refresh-rate alternatives, which some people notice while scrolling or gaming and others may not consider important.
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iPhone 15 Plus pros
Large, bright OLED display
The 6.7-inch-class OLED gives video and other content plenty of space, and Apple advertises high outdoor brightness. Dynamic Island is also part of the interface. The main qualification is the 60Hz refresh rate: screen size and brightness do not make motion as smooth as a higher-refresh-rate panel.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Battery endurance is a major strength
Apple’s current technical specifications rate the iPhone 15 Plus for up to 26 hours of video playback, up to 20 hours of streamed video, or up to 100 hours of audio playback. These are manufacturer playback ratings, not a promise of runtime for every owner; actual endurance varies with settings, signal, apps, and use. Independent reviews also identify battery life as a strength.
More capable main-camera hardware
The rear system includes a 48MP main camera. Apple says the default photo output is 24MP and offers a 2x telephoto option. That gives the main camera more flexibility than a basic single-resolution setup, but the phone does not have a separate dedicated telephoto camera. Treat the 2x option as a crop-based zoom choice, not as equivalent to a dedicated optical telephoto lens.
Rank #2
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
USB-C and a capable processor
USB-C replaces the Lightning connector, supporting charging and DisplayPort output. The A16 Bionic is still capable for everyday apps, photography, and gaming, although it was not the newest chip in the lineup when the phone launched.
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The display is limited to 60Hz
People accustomed to higher-refresh-rate screens may find scrolling and motion less fluid. This is a comparative preference rather than a problem that affects every buyer, but it is worth checking in person if display smoothness is important to you.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
No dedicated telephoto camera
The 2x camera option does not give the phone the same camera flexibility as a model with a separate optical telephoto lens. If you regularly photograph distant subjects, compare the camera systems carefully rather than judging them by megapixel counts alone.
USB-C data transfer is USB 2 speed
The connector’s shape does not indicate its data speed. Apple specifies USB 2 transfer up to 480 Mb/s, so moving large video or photo libraries over a cable can take longer than on phones with faster wired transfer.
Rank #4
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Charging is not especially fast
Apple says the phone can reach up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes when used with a USB-C cable and a 20W-or-higher adapter. The adapter is sold separately, and the stated figure is a conditional manufacturer rating. Charging speed is a relative drawback for buyers comparing it with phones that support faster wired charging.
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A large display means a large handset. If you value compactness or often use your phone with one hand, handle the iPhone 15 Plus before buying if possible.
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Specifications that matter in everyday use
| Feature | iPhone 15 Plus detail | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.69 inches diagonally as a standard rectangle; 60Hz | Large viewing area, but not high-refresh-rate motion |
| Battery playback ratings | Up to 26 hours video; up to 20 hours streamed video; up to 100 hours audio | Apple’s published playback ratings, not guaranteed personal runtime |
| Main camera | 48MP; 24MP default photo output; 2x option | Flexible main camera, without a dedicated telephoto camera |
| Wired data | USB 2, up to 480 Mb/s | USB-C charging and video output, but comparatively limited file-transfer speed |
| Fast-charge condition | Up to 50% in around 30 minutes with a USB-C cable and 20W-or-higher adapter | Adapter sold separately; Apple’s stated figure depends on the specified setup |
Is the iPhone 15 Plus worth buying?
It can be a good buy if you want a large-screen iPhone, prioritize battery endurance, and find it at a price that makes sense against the phones currently available in your market. Macworld’s 2024 update continued to recommend it when found at a good discount. That is not a 2026 price assessment: stock, pricing, and competing models vary by region, and a current offer should be checked locally.
Be more cautious if you expect a 120Hz-class display, fast wired file transfers, a dedicated optical zoom camera, or fast charging. Those trade-offs may make another model a better fit even if the 15 Plus is discounted.
Quick Recap
How to compare an offer before buying
- Check the local price and condition. Compare the exact offer with current alternatives in your region, including whether the phone is new, refurbished, or used.
- Confirm storage, warranty, and returns. Make sure the listing’s storage capacity and condition suit you, and review the seller’s warranty and return policy.
- Match the screen to your preference. Compare the 6.7-inch-class size and 60Hz refresh rate with alternatives, especially if smoother scrolling matters to you.
- Assess your camera needs. If you often shoot distant subjects, look for a phone with a dedicated telephoto camera rather than assuming the 2x option is the same thing.
- Consider how you connect and charge. Account for USB 2 transfer speed and the separately sold adapter needed for Apple’s stated fast-charge condition.
- Choose for ecosystem as well as specs. Your preference for iOS, existing devices, and services can matter as much as a specification difference.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
