Charging Review of Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Compatibility, Performance, and Features
Charging Review of the Apple iPhone 15 Pro
In our recent analysis of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, we received numerous requests for a similar review of the iPhone 15 Pro. With a battery capacity of 3,274 mAh, the iPhone 15 Pro presents itself as a worthy contender. Let’s explore its charging capabilities.
Product Overview
The iPhone 15 Pro comes packaged in a classic iPhone-style box. Our review unit is the white variant with 256GB of storage. One notable upgrade is the USB-C port, which now supports USB 3 transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s, enhancing data transfer efficiency significantly compared to the previous models.
Included with the device is a USB-C cable, designed with a unique pin configuration. However, the ChargerLAB POWER-Z KM003C reveals that this cable does not feature an E-marker chip. The cable measures a convenient 1 meter in length.
Additionally, the button placement has shifted slightly closer to the bottom compared to earlier models, and while the screen size remains the same as the iPhone 14 Pro, the overall dimensions of the iPhone 15 Pro are slightly smaller. This may impact case compatibility for existing accessories.
Charging Optimization Features
Apple has introduced an “80% Limit” charging optimization feature in the iPhone 15 series. This setting aims to protect battery health by preventing the battery from reaching full capacity during charging. However, in our tests, the battery often exceeds this limit, reaching levels above 81%. This suggests that the feature may primarily work when charging and using the device simultaneously, similar to power management settings found in laptops.
Charging Compatibility Assessment
We began our compatibility tests with Apple’s own fast chargers. A bar graph of our findings indicates that the maximum charging power for the iPhone 15 Pro is approximately 20W, which is a slight decrease from the previous generation’s 23W. While some third-party chargers can deliver more than 20W, most remain comparable to Apple’s offerings. Power banks and portable charging stations also seem to cap out at 20W, ensuring a consistent compatibility across the board.
Wireless Charging Capabilities
The iPhone 15 Pro supports both MagSafe and the new Qi2 wireless charging standard. When tested with the Apple MagSafe Charger, it achieved a charging power of roughly 15W. However, when using Qi-only chargers, the power was limited to 7.5W. The introduction of Qi2 chargers in the market is expected to provide a cost-effective alternative, offering the same 15W charging experience as MagSafe.
Reverse Charging Functionality
One of the most exciting features of the iPhone 15 series is its reverse charging capability, allowing it to power other devices. During our tests, using an Apple Watch cable, we were able to provide approximately 2.06W of power to the Apple Watch Ultra. The reverse charging feature also extends to wireless earbuds and can deliver nearly 5W to other iPhones or Android devices, showcasing impressive versatility.
Full Charging Performance
For our full charging test, we utilized the Apple 35W dual USB-C power adapter. The charging curve can be divided into five phases. Initially, the power peaked at 20.5W for the first 20 minutes, then declined to 16W, 11W, and finally 6.5W as the voltage dropped to 5V after 48 minutes. It took a total of 1 hour and 36 minutes to fully charge the device. Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro reached 50% charge in just 22 minutes and 80% in 48 minutes, making it 19 minutes faster than its Pro Max counterpart due to the smaller battery capacity.
Temperature Monitoring During Charging
To assess temperature management, we monitored the iPhone 15 Pro in a controlled environment at 25°C (77°F). After 10 minutes of charging, we recorded a maximum front temperature of 33.3°C (91.94°F) and a back temperature of 34.5°C (94.1°F). After 30 minutes, the front temperature slightly rose to 34.2°C (93.56°F), while the back reached 35.5°C (102.02°F). Interestingly, after an hour, temperatures on both sides dropped significantly, indicating effective thermal management during fast charging and trickle charging phases.
Final Insights
The charging capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro showcase a blend of efficiency and versatility. While it has slightly reduced charging times compared to previous models, it continues to offer robust compatibility with existing and third-party chargers. The new USB-C port significantly enhances ease of use, making it a practical choice for users looking to maximize their charging experience.
