What each model brings to the table

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What each model brings to the table

iPhone 15 Plus

  • It shares many of the core design and features with the iPhone 15, like Dynamic Island, USB-C, good OLED display, etc. Apple+3Business Today+3Apple+3

  • The display is large — 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR. PhoneArena+3Apple+3Business Today+3

  • One of its standout strengths is battery life. In tests and reviews it shows up as having among the best battery among iPhones. For mixed usage (video, social media, etc.), it lasts very long. PhoneArena+3Digit+3India Today+3

  • Charging is modest: wired charging is around 20 W, wireless/MagSafe slower. It means charging from zero to full takes a while. PhoneArena+2Digit+2

iPhone 15 Pro

  • Pro adds several “premium” features: newer chip (A17 Pro) which is more efficient and more powerful, better GPU, hardware-accelerated ray tracing etc. Apple+2The Times of India+2

  • Display is more advanced: variable refresh rate up to 120Hz (“ProMotion”) which gives smoother scrolling, animations and better responsiveness. PhoneArena+2Beebom Gadgets+2

  • Camera setup is superior: you get a telephoto lens, LiDAR (for better depth sensing / AR / low light), larger main sensor etc. Higher imaging features like ProRAW, etc. Apple+3The Times of India+3Beebom Gadgets+3

  • Premium build materials: Pro uses titanium frame (more rugged/durable, lighter in hand per volume) and more refined finishing. Business Today+1

What you lose or compromise

With iPhone 15 Plus you miss out on:

  • 120Hz display — everything is good but scrolling/smoothness won’t be as fluid as Pro.

  • Telephoto lens / LiDAR — less zoom capability, less capability in special photography/enhanced AR/low-light depth work.

  • Some of the “Pro” niceties: always-on display (on Pro), faster data transfers over USB (Pro supports USB 3 speeds) etc. Apple+2Beebom Gadgets+2

  • Slightly older chip (A16 Bionic) so in raw performance and future-proofing you give up some headroom vs Pro. PhoneArena+2Business Today+2

With iPhone 15 Pro, the trade-offs include:

  • Something less in battery life (though still good) compared to Plus. Because many Pro features consume more energy (120Hz, more powerful GPU, extra sensors etc.). PhoneArena+2Reddit+2

  • More expensive up front. The price differential in India is significant. Business Today+2Zee Biz+2

  • Slightly more delicate / higher expectations in handling/follow-ups (you may want to use a case, maintain condition etc). Also, the benefits (ProRaw, telephoto, etc.) matter more if you really use them; otherwise they might be under-utilised.

Prices & value in India

At launch, the Plus version is cheaper by a sizable margin compared to the Pro. For example, iPhone 15 Plus 128 GB was about ₹89,900 Business Today+1 while iPhone 15 Pro 128 GB was ~₹1,34,900. Business Today+1

Because of that gap, what you pay extra for Pro is for premium features — smoother display, better camera, better chip and build. Whether that “extra” is worth it depends on how much you will use those features.

Also, there are discounts occasionally, depending on bank offers, trade-in, etc. If you find a Pro at a big discount then the value proposition improves. The Times of India+2The Times of India+2

Which one should you buy — depending on your priorities

Here are some scenarios:

  • If your priority is battery life + large screen for media, reading, long lectures, or travel — go with the iPhone 15 Plus. You get excellent stamina, a big display, and solid overall performance.

  • If you are into photography / videography and want better zoom, better low light performance, use AR or creative tools (ProRAW / editing), then iPhone 15 Pro makes more sense.

  • If you care a lot about fluid experience (smoother scrolling, gaming, transitions), then the 120Hz display of Pro is a meaningful upgrade.

  • For one-hand use or more compact size, Pro being smaller might actually feel better.

  • Also consider your resale value / how long you plan to keep the phone. Pro models tend to retain more value and get slightly better updates over time given the premium hardware.

  • Budget constraint is real in India — the difference in price means many will find the Plus offers “good enough” for much less.

My suggestion

If I were you, buying in 2025, I would go with the iPhone 15 Plus if I value battery and screen for content / travel / everyday usage. Unless the camera/Pro features are something I will consistently use, the Pro extra isn’t worth the extra cost in many cases.

If cost is less of an issue and you want the best camera or want the smoother screen / premium build, then get the iPhone 15 Pro — it just gives you better hardware “for the sake of power and features.”

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