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What the iPhone 15 Plus is
Apple introduced the iPhone 15 Plus in September 2023, with availability beginning September 22 that year. It is the large-screen version of the standard iPhone 15, rather than a Pro model. Apple measures its OLED display at 6.69 inches diagonally as a standard rectangle; the actual viewable area is smaller. The screen includes Dynamic Island and supports high outdoor brightness, but its refresh rate is 60Hz.
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That distinction matters: the Plus gives you more screen space than a compact phone, not the smoother motion offered by higher-refresh-rate displays. If you are sensitive to scrolling smoothness, compare the screen in person or look closely at alternatives before choosing.
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Large, bright OLED display
The 6.7-inch-class screen is useful for video, reading, maps and other content where extra room helps. Dynamic Island provides a compact area for alerts and ongoing activities. Apple also advertises high outdoor brightness, a practical advantage when using the phone in daylight.
#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 life is a standout
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 playback and up to 100 hours of audio playback. These are manufacturer playback ratings, not a promise of the same runtime for every owner; brightness, network conditions, apps and usage affect real-world battery life. Independent reviews also identify endurance as one of the phone’s strengths.
A more capable main camera
The rear system centers on 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-lens setup, and GSM Arena’s review described the main-camera package as an improvement over the previous generation.
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
The 2x option should not be confused with a separate optical telephoto camera. It does not provide the same camera flexibility as a system with a dedicated telephoto lens, particularly when you want longer-distance zoom.
USB-C for charging and display output
The switch from Lightning to USB-C makes the phone compatible with a wider range of cables and accessories, and Apple lists DisplayPort support. For charging, Apple says the phone can reach up to 50% in around 30 minutes when used with a USB-C cable and a 20W-or-higher power adapter; the adapter is sold separately. That is a specified fast-charge condition, not a guarantee for every cable, adapter or charging situation.
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
Still-capable performance
The iPhone 15 Plus uses Apple’s A16 Bionic chip. Independent reviews describe it as capable, although it was not the newest chip even in the phone’s launch-period lineup. That makes it a credible option for everyday use, but buyers comparing newer devices should consider each model’s current software support and performance needs rather than assuming the 15 Plus leads on speed.
Cons and compromises to weigh
The 60Hz screen is less fluid than high-refresh-rate alternatives
Scrolling and animations may feel less smooth than on phones with higher-refresh-rate panels. Whether that is a deal-breaker is subjective: buyers moving from a 60Hz phone may not mind, while people accustomed to a faster screen are more likely to notice.
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
No dedicated telephoto camera
The 2x camera option does not replace a separate telephoto lens. If zoom photography is a priority, compare the actual camera hardware and zoom range of the phone you are considering rather than relying on the word “telephoto” for the 2x option.
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USB-C data is still USB 2
Apple specifies USB 2 data transfer up to 480 Mb/s. The port’s shape is USB-C, but that does not make large wired file transfers as fast as they are on phones with faster USB standards. This matters most if you regularly move large video or photo files over a cable.
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
Charging is a relative limitation
Apple publishes the approximate 30-minute, 50% charge figure only with a 20W-or-higher adapter and USB-C cable. Independent reviewers regard charging speed as a compromise compared with faster-charging competitors. If quick top-ups are important, compare charging capabilities and the cost of any adapter you need.
The large body will not suit everyone
A 6.7-inch-class phone takes up more space in a pocket and can be awkward to use one-handed, depending on your hand size and habits. If comfort is a priority, handle the phone before buying rather than judging it from screen size alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the iPhone 15 Plus worth buying in 2026?
It can be, if your priorities are a big display, long battery life and the iPhone ecosystem, and the offer is compelling against the alternatives available locally. Macworld’s 2024 update continued to recommend it at a good discount. That is not a current price check: prices, stock and refurbished-device terms vary by market, and no live 2026 offer is established here.
Before paying, compare the exact offer with newer or competing phones available in your region. Check storage, whether the device is new or refurbished, its condition, the warranty and return policy, as well as local price. Assess display refresh rate, camera zoom, battery performance under comparable review methods, wired charging and data-transfer speeds, and your preference for iOS or another platform. Older review-period comparisons do not establish which phones are the best alternatives in 2026.
Verdict
The iPhone 15 Plus remains appealing for a reader who values screen size and endurance more than a 60Hz panel, dedicated optical zoom or fast wired data transfers. Its camera, USB-C connectivity and A16 performance make it a well-rounded older iPhone, but its age means the buying decision should rest on the actual local deal—not a blanket recommendation at an unknown price.
Quick Recap
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