The iPhone 15 is rumored to start at a competitive price of $799.
What’s the pricing for the iPhone 15 series looking like?
This stems from most rumors suggesting that only the iPhone 15 Pro models will see a price increase this year. The cheapest Pro model may see a $100 increase over its predecessor, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max could see a $200 hike. However, one report indicates that the iPhone 15 Pro 128 GB will still cost $999. If true, the iPhone 15 Pro Max might only be $100 more expensive.
Nonetheless, all reports convey the same message. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are expected to be priced similarly to their predecessors, at $799 and $899 for the 128 GB models, respectively, after a typical $30 carrier discount. They’re even offering a free iPhone 15 with a new contract, although users will pay for it incrementally over the contract’s duration. But even if the full iPhone 15 price is paid, it’s still a bargain if users intend to use the phone for at least two years.
iPhone 15 is almost like an iPhone 14 Pro
For $799, users will get a device that closely resembles the iPhone 14 Pro in performance. Apple will discontinue the iPhone 14 Pro, currently priced at $999, after the announcement.
The phone shares many similarities with the premium iPhone 14 Pro.
The iPhone 15’s design brings new color options, rounded rear corners, and a slightly thicker build to accommodate a larger battery. Users will also find only two cameras on the back instead of three. The iPhone 15 will feature the Dynamic Island display, just like the iPhone 14 Pro. Best of all, it will have a USB-C port at the bottom instead of Lightning. USB-C could slightly speed up charging, although that’s not yet clear.
The iPhone 15 will pack the same A16 Bionic chip as the iPhone 14 Pro—a phone that’s proven fast and highly efficient a year into its lifecycle. Hopefully, the iPhone 15 will offer better battery life than the iPhone 14 Pro due to its extra internal space for a larger cell, made possible by the absence of a third camera and its slightly thicker build.
In terms of cameras, the base iPhone 15 will feature the same 48 MP main camera as the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro, but it will debut with a new Sony sensor that significantly improves low-light photography thanks to a similar stacked lens design.
USB-C promises to usher in a new era for the iPhone.
The trade-offs compared to the iPhone 14 Pro lie in the 120 Hz display with an always-on feature, stainless steel frame, and rear zoom camera. But it won’t be a significant sacrifice if users are upgrading from anything older than the iPhone 13 Pro. Once again, they’ll be getting all of this for just $799.
Based on this analysis, the base iPhone 15 is a safe buying option for many, especially those who don’t need any Pro-specific features.
Who should upgrade?
Overall, iPhone 13 owners may consider making the jump to the iPhone 15. This is especially true if users bought the iPhone 13 at its release two years ago, as the battery may soon need replacing. But if on a tight budget, they could stick with the iPhone 13 for at least another year. If using an iPhone 14, it’s practically equivalent to the iPhone 13 Pro, and one more year of use is reasonable.
Additionally, iPhone 14 Pro users probably shouldn’t consider spending $799 to get a similar phone with a USB-C port. The iPhone 15 Pro would be a better upgrade, but that demands a substantial expense.
All of this makes the iPhone 15 a very safe choice for everyone.
Meanwhile, anyone with an iPhone 12 or older will undoubtedly appreciate the iPhone 15 upgrade, even if opting for the cheapest model.
It’s also worth remembering that Apple will discount the iPhone 13 and 14 models they continue to sell after the iPhone 15’s launch on September 12, so those may be considered too. If not planning to buy the iPhone 15 but needing an upgrade from a much older phone, users should wait for Apple to announce discounts on other iPhone models after the iPhone 15 series launch.
