As the release of the iPhone 15 series draws near, leaked CAD models have given us a glimpse into what we can expect from Apple’s latest flagship phones. While there are certainly exciting new features to look forward to, there are also some reasons why you may want to hold off on buying the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro.
Update 12th March, 2023
A twitter user @Hanstsaiz has created realistic renders based on aggregated iPhone 15 leaks that appeared in last few weeks.
Static Buttons with Haptic Feedback (No Clickable Buttons)
The new iPhone models will feature static buttons with haptic feedback instead of physical buttons. While this may seem like an innovative move, it also means that the buttons won’t provide the same tactile experience as before. Plus, if the haptic feedback system fails, you’ll be left with buttons that don’t work at all.
Curved Screen and Rounded Frame
The leaked CAD models show that the iPhone 15 series will have a more rounded frame and curved screen. While these features might make the phone more comfortable to hold, they’re not as dramatic as some rumors had suggested. The screen will be curved, but not as much as the Apple Watch, and the frame itself will be thicker.
Larger Display on Non-Pro Model
The iPhone 15 will have a noticeably larger display than the iPhone 14, despite being a non-Pro model. However, this feature is not exclusive to Apple anymore. With the rise of new Android phones such as Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and more, you can get better battery life and security updates while enjoying a larger display at much cheaper cost.
Limited USB-C Connectivity
All models in the iPhone 15 series will have USB-C connectivity. While this is a welcome change, Android phones have had USB-C ports for years now. Apple has already plans to limit the accessories that you connect to your iPhone, which means only Apple approved devices can be connected through USB-C. Even if you manage to connect something to USB-C port, it will have dead slow transfer speeds.
No Significant Camera Upgrades
The leaked CAD models have not shown any significant upgrades to the camera of the iPhone 15 series. While Apple has always been known for its excellent camera quality, the competition has caught up, and Android phones now offer better camera features at a lower price point. The only feature being rumored is periscope lens which will introduce 6x optical zoom, a feature that not used much and kind of pointless without image stabilization.
App Store Design is Outdated
While is not a physical phone feature, but it counts. The App Store design has not changed much since it was first introduced. It feels clunky and outdated compared to the sleek designs of Google Play Store and other Android app stores. Apple has not made any significant changes to its design, which might make you feel like the company is not investing in user experience and design. Simple file sharing applications for transferring files over network share (Samba) are paid, majority of apps are geo-restricted. Android is simply light years ahead in terms of third party mobile applications.
Cost
Last but not least, the cost of the iPhone 15 series will be high. With the base model expected to start at $1,099, it might not be worth the price for some people. With Android phones offering similar features at a lower cost, it might be time to switch to an Android phone and save some money.
Conclusion
While the iPhone 15 series will have some exciting new features, it might not be worth the upgrade for everyone. With an outdated App Store design, static buttons with haptic feedback, and no significant camera upgrades, you might want to consider switching to an Android phone instead. Plus, with the rise of new Android phones such as Google Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and more, you can get better battery life, security updates and customization options while saving some money.
