A Comprehensive Review of the iPhone 15 Pro by Nothing CEO Carl Pei
In a recent development, Carl Pei, the co-founder and CEO of Nothing, has taken a moment to review the iPhone 15 Pro on his company’s YouTube channel. Notably, he sat down with an Apple Store employee to discuss the upgrades and changes in the latest iPhone model and to help potential buyers make an informed decision. In this review, we delve into the key highlights of this candid conversation between Pei and the Apple Store employee and explore the fascinating insights they offer.
A Unique Perspective
Carl Pei’s reviews are always unique, given his background in the smartphone industry. Having co-founded OnePlus and now heading Nothing, he brings a fresh outlook to the tech world.
A Blind Camera Test
The review starts with a blind camera test, where both Pei and the Apple Store employee attempt to identify the source of photos taken with the iPhone 15 Pro and the Nothing Phone (2). The daylight images were similar in quality, but there was a slight exposure issue with the latter.
Low-Light Performance
Pei emphasizes that the true test of a smartphone’s camera lies in low-light conditions and capturing fast-moving objects. This is where the iPhone 15 Pro truly shines. It manages to capture exceptional photos even in challenging scenarios.
The USB-C Port
One notable change in the iPhone 15 Pro is the inclusion of a USB-C port, which many users have been demanding for years. However, Pei suggests that Apple’s decision may have been influenced by government regulations more than user demand.
Environmental Considerations
The Apple Store employee comments on the irony of a brand known for its environmental consciousness still requiring users to buy extra cables. Pei explains that Nothing has learned from Apple and aims to reduce materials in its products while incorporating more recycled materials.
Design Changes
While the overall look of the iPhone 15 series remains consistent, Apple has made substantial changes in terms of materials, opting for a titanium body instead of stainless steel. Despite some negative comments online, the Pro models are selling well.
The Action Button
An intriguing change in the Pro models is the introduction of an action button, which replaces the mute switch and offers additional functionalities. Pei finds this decision somewhat confusing but speculates that Apple has future plans for this button.
UI Changes
Pei expresses his disappointment with the iPhone 15 Pro’s user interface, which he describes as “crazy” and “a mix between digital and lifelike.” He reminisces about Apple’s earlier, more visually pleasing icons.
Should You Upgrade?
The Apple Store employee, who currently uses a 12 Pro Max, questions whether the significant changes in the iPhone 15 Pro are relevant for him. He’s also hesitant about switching to Android due to the convenience of the Apple ecosystem.
Pei’s Final Thoughts
Carl Pei asks the Apple Store employee for his final verdict on the iPhone 15 Pro and whether an upgrade is justified. The employee acknowledges that it’s a superior phone compared to its predecessor but suggests waiting another year if you already own a 14 Pro, especially considering the high price tag of the iPhone 15 Pro.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive review, Carl Pei and an Apple Store employee provide valuable insights into the iPhone 15 Pro, covering camera performance, design changes, and the user interface. They also discuss the dilemma of upgrading for existing iPhone users and the loyalty the Apple ecosystem commands.
| Key Specs | |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Processor | Apple A17 Pro |
| Rear Camera | 48 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP |
| Battery | 3274 mAh |
| Display | 6.1 inches (15.49 cm) |
| Launch Date | September 13, 2023 (Official) |
| Operating System | iOS v17 |
| Performance | |
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro |
| CPU | Hexa Core (3.78 GHz, Dual core + 2.11 GHz, Quad core) |
| Architecture | 64 bit |
| Fabrication | 3 nm |
| Graphics | Apple GPU (six-core graphics) |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 |
| Display | |
| Display Type | OLED |
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches (15.49 cm) |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 19.5:9 |
| Pixel Density | 461 ppi |
| Screen to Body Ratio (calculated) | 88.06% |
| Screen Protection | Yes |
| Bezel-less display | Yes with punch-hole display |
| Touch Screen | Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch |
| Brightness | 2000 nits |
| HDR 10 / HDR+ support | Yes |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Design | |
| Height | 146.6 mm |
| Width | 70.6 mm |
| Thickness | 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 187 grams |
| Build Material | Back: Gorilla Glass |
| Colours | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium |
| Waterproof | Yes, Water resistant (up to 30 minutes in a depth of 6 meters), IP68 |
| Ruggedness | Dust proof |
| Camera | |
| MAIN CAMERA | |
| Camera Setup | Triple |
| Resolution | 48 MP f/1.78, Wide Angle, Primary Camera (24 mm focal length, 1.28″ sensor size, 1.22µm pixel size) |
| 12 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera (13 mm focal length, 2.55″ sensor size, 1.4µm pixel size) | |
| 12 MP f/2.8, Telephoto Camera (77 mm focal length, 1µm pixel size) | |
| Sensor | Sensor-shift Image Stabilization |
| Autofocus | Yes, Phase Detection autofocus, Dual Pixel autofocus |
| OIS | Yes |
| Flash | Yes, Dual-color LED Flash |
| Image Resolution | 8000 x 6000 Pixels |
| Settings | Exposure compensation, ISO control |
| Shooting Modes | Continuous Shooting |
| High Dynamic Range mode (HDR) | |
| Burst mode | |
| Macro Mode | |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom |
| Apple ProRAW | |
| Auto Flash | |
| Face detection | |
| Touch to focus | |
| Video Recording | 3840×2160 @ 24 fps |
| 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
| Video Recording Features | Slo-motion |
| Video HDR | |
| Night Time-Lapse | |
| Macro Video | |
| Action Mode | |
| ProRes Video | |
| Audio Zoom | |
| Stereo recording | |
| FRONT CAMERA | |
| Camera Setup | Single |
| Resolution | 12 MP f/1.9, Wide Angle, Primary Camera (23 mm focal length, 3.6″ sensor size) |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Flash | Yes, Retina Flash |
| Video Recording | 3840×2160 @ 24 fps |
| 1920×1080 @ 30 fps | |
| Battery | |
| Capacity | 3274 mAh |
| Type | Li-ion |
| Removable | No |
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
| Quick Charging | Yes, Fast, 20W: 50% in 30 minutes |
| USB Type-C | Yes |
| Storage | |
| Internal Memory | 128 GB |
| Expandable Memory | No |
| Storage Type | NVMe |
| Network & Connectivity | |
| SIM Slot(s) | Dual SIM, GSM+GSM |
| SIM Size | SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM |
| Network Support | 5G Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G |
| VoLTE | Yes |
| SIM 1 | 5G Bands: FDD N1 / N2 / N3 / N5 / N7 / N8 / N12 / N20 / N25 / N26 / N28 / N30 |
| TDD N38 / N40 / N41 / N48 / N53 / N66 / N70 / N77 / N78 / N79 | |
| 4G Bands | TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 2100(band 34) / 1900(band 39) / 3500(band 42) |
| FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 700(band 13) / 700(band 17) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 800(band 20) / 1900(band 25) / 850(band 26) / 2300(band 30) | |
| 3G Bands | UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz |
| 2G Bands | GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz |
| GPRS: Available | |
| EDGE: Available | |
| SIM 2 | 5G Bands: FDD N1 / N2 / N3 / N5 / N7 / N8 / N12 / N20 / N25 / N26 / N28 / N30 |
| TDD N38 / N40 / N41 / N48 / N53 / N66 / N70 / N77 / N78 / N79 | |
| 4G Bands | TD-LTE 2600(band 38) / 2300(band 40) / 2500(band 41) / 2100(band 34) / 1900(band 39) / 3500(band 42) |
| FD-LTE 2100(band 1) / 1800(band 3) / 2600(band 7) / 900(band 8) / 700(band 28) / 1900(band 2) / 1700(band 4) / 850(band 5) / 700(band 13) / 700(band 17) / 850(band 18) / 850(band 19) / 800(band 20) / 1900(band 25) / 850(band 26) / 2300(band 30) | |
| 3G Bands | UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz |
| 2G Bands | GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz |
| GPRS: Available | |
| EDGE: Available | |
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) 5GHz 6GHz, MIMO |
| Wi-Fi Features | Mobile Hotspot |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v5.3 |
| GPS | Yes with A-GPS, Glonass |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | Mass storage device, USB charging |
| Multimedia | |
| FM Radio | No |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Audio Jack | USB Type-C |
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus |
| Sensors | |
| Fingerprint Sensor | No |
| Other Sensors | Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
FAQs
- What makes Carl Pei’s review of the iPhone 15 Pro unique?
Carl Pei, with his background in the smartphone industry, brings a fresh perspective to the review, making it unique. - How does the iPhone 15 Pro perform in low-light conditions?
According to the review, the iPhone 15 Pro excels in capturing high-quality photos in low-light situations. - What is the significance of the USB-C port in the iPhone 15 Pro?
The USB-C port is a notable change, and the review suggests that it might have been influenced by government regulations rather than user demand. - Why does the review mention environmental considerations in relation to Apple’s products?
The Apple Store employee points out the irony of an environmentally-conscious brand still requiring users to buy extra cables. - Should you upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro from a previous model?
The review suggests that if you already own a 14 Pro, it might be worth waiting another year due to the iPhone 15 Pro’s high price tag.
