iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Apple’s latest offerings, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, are up for pre-order, and the big question on every iPhone user’s mind is whether it’s time for an upgrade. With the rapid pace of smartphone evolution, deciding when to make the leap to a new device can be a tough call. Here’s our advice for users of various iPhone models:

iPhone 14 Pro Max Should you upgrade: Yes Why? The iPhone 15 Pro Max represents a significant leap forward from the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s 20 grams lighter and features a 6X telephoto camera, a faster chip, a refined titanium design, USB-C for faster data transfers, and an Action button for quick access to the camera and other app actions. *Who shouldn’t upgrade: If you’re content with the weight of the iPhone 14 Pro Max and don’t require a zoom lens for photography, and you want to stick with your Lightning port.

iPhone 14 Pro Should you upgrade: No Why? While the iPhone 15 Pro is a solid phone, it doesn’t bring substantial improvements over the iPhone 14 Pro. The titanium frame shaves off some weight, but it’s not as significant as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The camera system remains largely unchanged. *Who should upgrade: Users who appreciate titanium construction and use their iPhones for intense gaming due to the new A17 Pro chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

iPhone 14/14 Plus Should you upgrade: No Why? The iPhone 15 inherits some Pro features from the previous year, like the A16 chip and a 48MP main camera. However, it remains quite similar to the iPhone 14 Pro, lacking the Pro’s display quality and a telephoto lens. *Who should upgrade: Individuals heavily involved in photo editing may find value in the 48MP camera, but for most users, the new camera might not offer noticeable benefits.

iPhone 13 Pro Max Should you upgrade: Yes Why? We advised iPhone 14 Pro Max users to upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the recommendation is even stronger for iPhone 13 Pro Max owners. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is lighter, faster, features a Dynamic Island, always-on display, significantly improved camera system, and added safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite. *Who shouldn’t upgrade: Those on a tight budget might hesitate due to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s price. However, Apple offers trade-in deals that can help offset the cost.

iPhone 13 Pro Should you upgrade: Probably Why? For the same $999 price as the 2021 model, the iPhone 15 Pro brings substantial improvements, as mentioned for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, except for the absence of a 6X telephoto lens. *Who shouldn’t upgrade: If you’re satisfied with your iPhone 13 Pro’s performance and features, sticking with it might make sense as it should still offer excellent battery life and performance.

iPhone 13 Should you upgrade: Yes Why? The iPhone 15 essentially matches the iPhone 14 Pro in most aspects, except for the dedicated telephoto camera and always-on display. It brings an A16 chip, a 48MP main camera, the Dynamic Island, and several smaller enhancements like 2X digital zoom, improved portraits, and longer battery life. *Who shouldn’t upgrade: If you love your iPhone 13’s color and don’t need the additional features, sticking with it is a valid choice.

iPhone 13 mini Should you upgrade: Probably not Why? The iPhone 13 mini appeals to those who prefer smaller phones. As Apple no longer offers a 5.4-inch display iPhone, holding onto your mini for as long as possible makes sense. You’ll still receive several years of iOS updates. *Who should upgrade: If you desire a larger screen or a better camera, it might be time to part ways with your mini.

iPhone 12 Pro/12 Pro Max Should you upgrade: Definitely Why? The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max represented significant improvements over the iPhone 12 Pro models. You’ll enjoy nearly 10 hours of additional battery life, 50% better performance, a ProMotion display, Macro mode, ProRes video, Cinematic Mode, and enhanced camera capabilities. *Who shouldn’t upgrade: If budget constraints are a concern, squeezing another year out of your iPhone 12 Pro is possible.

iPhone 12/12 mini Should you upgrade: Yes (with a caveat) Why? Upgrading to the iPhone 15 brings better performance, longer battery life, and substantial camera and display improvements. *Who shouldn’t upgrade: If you’re on a tight budget, the iPhone 12 still holds up as a capable phone. If you adore small phones, sticking with your iPhone 12 mini might be the way to go.

iPhone 11 Pro/11 Pro Max Should you upgrade: Absolutely Why? The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max have come a long way since their debut, lacking features like 5G, MagSafe, or Night mode. *Who shouldn’t upgrade: There’s hardly a reason to hold onto your iPhone 11 Pro Max at this point. However, if you’re attached to the design with curved edges, it’s the last model featuring this style.

iPhone 11 Should you upgrade: YES Why? The iPhone 11 is the last model equipped with an LCD screen, making the leap to the iPhone 15 a substantial improvement. *Who shouldn’t upgrade? Unless you have a strong aversion to OLED displays, it’s time for an upgrade.

iPhone XR/XS/XS Max or earlier Should you upgrade: Seriously. Why? The iPhone XS is the last model compatible with iOS 17, so performance may be starting to lag. Numerous improvements await with one of the iPhone 15 models. *Who shouldn’t upgrade? At this point, there’s little reason not to consider an upgrade.