Apple's iPhone 15 Pro represents the most significant design change to the Pro lineup in years. The titanium construction, Action Button, and USB-C connectivity mark a clear evolution from previous generations. After spending three weeks with this device in Prague, we can confidently say it's one of the best smartphones available in the Czech market today.
Design and Build Quality
The titanium frame immediately sets the iPhone 15 Pro apart from its predecessors. At 187 grams, it's noticeably lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro, which weighed 206 grams. This might not sound like much on paper, but during extended use, especially during commutes on Prague's metro system, the difference becomes apparent.
The brushed titanium finish gives the device a professional, almost tool-like quality. It resists fingerprints better than the polished stainless steel of previous Pro models. The rounded edges make the phone more comfortable to hold, though it's worth noting that a case is still recommended given the premium price tag.
The Action Button, replacing the traditional mute switch, proves useful once you configure it properly. We found ourselves using it primarily for quick camera access, though it can be programmed for various functions including Shortcuts, Focus modes, and accessibility features.
Display Performance
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display remains excellent. With ProMotion technology providing refresh rates up to 120Hz and the Always-On Display feature, the screen delivers smooth scrolling and constant glanceability. Peak brightness reaches 2000 nits outdoors, making the display easily readable even during sunny summer days in Czech Republic.
For content creators, the display's color accuracy is outstanding. It supports the P3 wide color gamut and HDR10, making it excellent for photo editing directly on the device. The Dynamic Island continues to evolve, with more third-party apps now supporting live activities.
Camera System Analysis
The 48MP main camera system produces exceptional results. The ability to shoot at full 48MP resolution in ProRAW format gives photographers unprecedented flexibility. In our testing across various Prague locations, from the Charles Bridge at sunrise to the dim interiors of local cafes, the camera consistently delivered impressive results.
The new 5x telephoto lens on the Pro Max is unfortunately not available on the standard Pro model, which retains the 3x telephoto. While this might disappoint some users, the 3x zoom still proves adequate for most situations. The computational photography improvements in iOS 17 help maximize the potential of the existing hardware.
Low-light performance sees improvements thanks to the larger sensor and improved image processing. Night mode activates automatically when needed, and the results show less noise and better detail retention compared to the iPhone 14 Pro.
| Display | 6.1" Super Retina XDR, 2556x1179, 120Hz ProMotion |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A17 Pro (3nm), 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU |
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.78, sensor-shift OIS |
| Telephoto | 12MP, 3x optical zoom, f/2.8 |
| Ultra Wide | 12MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery | 3274 mAh, up to 23 hours video playback |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3), 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Price in CZ | From 31,990 CZK (128GB) |
A17 Pro Performance
The A17 Pro chip, built on TSMC's 3nm process, delivers impressive performance gains. In our benchmark testing, it outperforms the previous generation by approximately 10-15% in CPU tasks and up to 20% in GPU-intensive applications.
More importantly for everyday users, the chip handles demanding tasks with ease. Video editing in apps like LumaFusion, console-quality gaming, and complex photo edits all run smoothly. The efficiency cores help maintain excellent battery life despite the performance improvements.
The USB-C implementation finally brings USB 3 speeds to the iPhone, enabling faster file transfers up to 10Gbps. This makes a significant difference when transferring large video files or backing up photos to external storage.
Battery Life Assessment
Battery life meets Apple's claims in our testing. With moderate use including browsing, messaging, photography, and occasional gaming, the iPhone 15 Pro consistently lasted through a full day with 20-30% remaining by bedtime. Heavy users might need a top-up by late afternoon, but this matches or slightly exceeds the iPhone 14 Pro.
Charging speeds remain unchanged from last year. With a 20W adapter, expect to reach 50% in about 30 minutes. MagSafe wireless charging caps at 15W, providing a convenient alternative for overnight charging.
Advantages
- Lightweight titanium construction feels premium
- Excellent camera system with 48MP flexibility
- A17 Pro delivers top-tier performance
- USB-C with fast transfer speeds
- Action Button adds useful customization
Disadvantages
- High price point, especially in Czech market
- Only 3x telephoto (5x is Pro Max exclusive)
- Charging speeds could be faster
- Still no charger included in box
Conclusion and Recommendations
The iPhone 15 Pro earns our recommendation for users seeking a premium smartphone experience. The titanium design, powerful A17 Pro chip, and versatile camera system justify the investment for those who will use these capabilities. Czech pricing starts at 31,990 CZK for the 128GB model, which is competitive with European markets.
For users upgrading from iPhone 12 Pro or earlier, the improvements are substantial and easily justify the upgrade. Those with iPhone 13 Pro or 14 Pro models should evaluate whether the titanium design and Action Button are worth the upgrade cost, as camera and performance improvements are more incremental.
In the Czech market, authorized retailers like Alza, Datart, and iStores offer various payment plans and trade-in programs that can make the purchase more accessible. We recommend comparing prices across retailers, as promotions frequently vary.