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I used my iPhone 15 Pro without a case for a year. Here's how it looks now
My job involves testing multiple phones throughout the year. However, the iPhone 15 Pro has been in my pocket, either as a primary or secondary device, since it launched last September. Before I turn it in for an iPhone 16 Pro, I have one last story to report.
Also: Why I'm recommending the standard iPhone 16 over the Pro this year (and I'm not alone)
Last year, Apple introduced several cosmetic changes -- notably, a new titanium material -- to its flagship iPhone model, which resulted in a more durable and better in-hand feel. It's the most comfortable iPhone I've used since the brand shifted to the flat-edge design in 2020. After using the iPhone 15 Pro without a case for a year, here's how the device has held up and how it all played into my buying decision with the new iPhone 16 Pro.
The good, the bad, and the ugly of Titanium
The titanium has started peeling off around the edges
Previously, I had the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which caused wrist pain after months of usage. It was simply unwieldy -- and heavy. So I was surprised when I picked up the iPhone 15 Pro Max at the store. It was surprisingly light. However, instead of going with the Max variant, I settled with using my iPhone 15 Pro review unit. The move to Titanium was a welcome change in general; it meant lighter, more comfortable iPhones for everyone.
It also came at the cost of a less premium feel. In some ways, the stainless steel material and weight of the iPhone 14 Pro Max made the phone feel more expensive. The stainless steel build also fared better in the long term.
Also: iPhone 16 Pro upgrade: If you have a 3 year-old iPhone, here are all the new features you'll get
The titanium, on the other hand, has started coming off around the edges of my iPhone. I'll admit: I've scuffed my iPhone 15 Pro with accidental drops in two places, but the areas around the earpiece and front edges have patches of peeled titanium from daily wear and tear. The discoloration is not limited to the titanium sides but can also be found on the camera lenses.
Do I still prefer titanium over stainless steel? Absolutely. I want my phone to feel light and comfortable in the hand instead of holding up its look a year later. If you happen to keep your phone in a case, this wouldn't even be a concern.
How the iPhone 15 Pro has handled drops
I've had three significant accidental drops with my iPhone 15 Pro, where I expected the screen or back to be shattered. Surprisingly, both sides are crack-free. The matte glass back has held up better than expected, with no scratches on the rear panel. Despite keeping it caseless in my pocket -- sometimes with coins and keys -- the back remains completely scratch-free, not even a minor one. It's fared exceptionally well.
Also: Why my new iPhone 16 cost me way more than its retail price
The Ceramic Shield front has also held up well against drops, though there's room for improvement. I wish Apple would enhance the smudge and fingerprint resistance of iPhone displays. In other words, using a better-quality oleophobic coating. The iPhone 15 Pro gets dirtier than other phones I've tested, making it difficult to read, especially outdoors. That said, I'm surprised I haven't scratched it heavily or broken it, making it a solid phone overall.
What else needs improvement?
The iPhone 15 Pro has been my travel companion over the past year, and I'm happy to report that the HDR improvements and portrait camera have withstood the test of time. The phone has given me some memorable shots. I just wished Apple would fix the biggest issue with the iPhone camera: the lens flare. Lens flare can ruin great night shots and create a ghosting effect on human subjects. I hope this is addressed in the upcoming iPhones.
Using the Camera or Google Maps with 5G enabled is a deadly combination that drains the battery faster than usual. I'm a heavy phone user because I'm always on the go and connected to the internet. But the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, my second most-used device this year, has lasted me longer on a charge.
Also: The iPhone 16 is the most-repairable iPhone yet, according to iFixit
Generally, the battery life on my iPhone 15 Pro has been a mixed bag. It started off well but then worsened, improved briefly, and went downhill again with recent updates. While I was on the stable iOS version until June, I found myself needing to charge my iPhone twice a day during commutes.
The iPhone 15 Pro has fared well in terms of build quality, display, and cameras. The battery life has deteriorated for me, but I also have more charge cycles than I usually do after a year of iPhone usage. I mostly charge the phone over MagSafe and have a 500+ charge cycle count.
A different story with iPhone 16?
The iPhone 15 Pro brought some decent quality-of-life improvements over the iPhone 14 Pro. Some of these upgrades only become noticeable after using the phone beyond the initial review period. I've also noticed my iPhone 15 Pro getting warmer than usual while charging, so I'm glad the iPhone 16 Pro offers both faster and more efficient charging. The latest model also features better thermal management, reducing heat generation when the device is being pushed.
That's to say, I have big expectations for the iPhone 16 Pro, which, according to Apple, is easier to repair than previous models. iFixit found similar claims when disassembling a retail model. I'll be testing the iPhone 16 Pro for the long run, and you can bet that I'll be back again to report how it ages.
This article was originally published on August 30, 2024, and was updated on September 25, 2024.