We put the Apple iPhone 15 through our rigorous SBMARK Display test suite to measure its performance across six criteria. In this summary of the results, we’ll break down how it performed in a variety of tests and several common use cases.
Overview
Key Display Specifications:
- 6.1-inch AMOLED Retina XDR (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)
- Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm (5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches)
- Resolution: 1179 x 2556 pixels (~460 ppi density)
- Aspect ratio: 19.5:9
- Refresh rate: 60Hz
Pros
- Readable under most lighting conditions tested
- Colors in photos are more vivid than previous models
- Almost no frames are dropped during video playback
Against
- The 60Hz refresh rate negatively impacts fluidity when scrolling and gaming
- Midtones in HDR10 videos lack contrast
- An orange cast affects color rendition and skin tones in photos and videos
The brightness of the Apple iPhone 15 is readable in almost all tested conditions and is particularly suitable for HDR10 content. Colors are more vivid than previous models, but a visible orange cast affects color rendition for both photos and HDR10 videos. Frame drops are rare and motion blur is well handled. While the corners can be difficult to touch, and it lacks a bit of softness, the device is responsive and precise when zooming in the gallery and when playing video games.
Compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15’s display can reach more than 2000 nits in outdoor conditions, compared to around 1000 nits on the previous model. Like the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15 does a good job with all types of video, with no stuttering and almost no dropped frames. The downside is that the 15’s refresh rate of 60 Hz is the same as the 14’s, and this affects fluidity when scrolling and gaming, especially when compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, whose refresh rate is 120 Hz .
Test summary
About SBMARK display tests: For scoring and analysis in our smartphones and other display reviews, SBMARK engineers perform a series of objective and perceptual tests under controlled laboratory and real-life conditions. Please note that we evaluate display attributes using only the device’s built-in display hardware and its still image (gallery) and video apps with default settings. (For in-depth information on how we evaluate smartphones and other displays, see our articles “How SBMARK Tests Display Quality” and “A Closer Look at SBMARK Display Tests.”
The following section brings together key elements of our comprehensive testing and analysis performed in SBMARK laboratories. Detailed performance evaluations in the form of reports are available upon request. Do not hesitate to contact us.
How the display readability score is composed
Readability evaluates the ease and comfort with which users can read fixed content (photos and web) on the display in various real-life conditions. SBMARK uses its display stand to recreate ambient light conditions ranging from total darkness to bright sunlight. In addition to laboratory tests, perceptual analysis is also carried out in real-life environments.
Readability in an indoor environment (1000 lux).
From left to right: Apple iPhone 15, Apple iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, Honor Magic5 Pro
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
Readability in an outdoor environment (20,000 lux).
From left to right: Apple iPhone 15, Apple iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, Honor Magic5 Pro
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
Readability in a sunny environment (>90,000 lux).
From left to right: Apple iPhone 15, Apple iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, Honor Magic5 Pro
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
Measurement of luminance uniformity
This graph shows display uniformity with a gray pattern at 20%. The more visible the green color, the more uniform the display will be.
How the display color score is composed
The color attribute evaluates the device’s ability to accurately reproduce colors. The measurements taken concern fidelity, white point color and gamut coverage. We perform color evaluations for different lighting conditions to see how well the device can handle color in its surroundings. Colors are measured using a spectrophotometer in a controlled lighting environment. The perceptual analysis of the color rendering takes place compared to the reference model displayed on a calibrated professional monitor.
White point under D65 illuminant at 1000 lux
Indoor color rendering (1000 lux)
Clockwise from top left: Apple iPhone 15, Apple iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, Honor Magic5 Pro
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
Color rendering in sunlight (>90,000 lux)
Clockwise from top left: Apple iPhone 15, Apple iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, Honor Magic5 Pro
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
Color fidelity measurements
Apple Iphone 15, color fidelity at 1000 lux in the sRGB color space
Apple Iphone 15, color fidelity at 1000 lux in the Display-P3 color space
Each arrow represents the color difference between a target color model (arrow base) and its actual measurement (arrow tip). The longer the arrow, the more visible the color difference. If the arrow remains inside the circle the color difference will only be visible to expert eyes.
Color behavior on the corner
This graph shows the color shift when the screen is tilted. Each point represents a measurement at a particular angle. The dots inside the inner circle show no color change in the corner; those between the inner and outer circles have changes that only trained experts will see; but those that fall outside the outer circle are noted.
How the Display Video score is composed
Our video attribute evaluates each device’s Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR10) video handling in indoor and low-light conditions. We measure the tone mapping, color gamut, brightness and contrast of the display. We perform perceptual analysis Cons our professional reference monitor (Sony BVM-HX310) to ensure rendering meets artistic intent.
Video rendering in a low light environment (0 lux).
Clockwise from top left: Apple iPhone 15, Apple iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, Honor Magic5 Pro
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
Clockwise from top left: Apple iPhone 15, Apple iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, Honor Magic5 Pro
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
Gamut coverage for video content
Primary colors are measured in both HDR10 and SDR. The extracted color gamut shows the extent of the color area that the device can reproduce. To meet artistic intent, the measured gamma must match the primary color space of each video.
How the Display Motion Score is composed
The motion attribute evaluates dynamic content handling. Dropped frames, motion blur, and playback artifacts are examined using games and videos.
Dropped video frames
These long exposure photos have the number of frame irregularities in a 30 second video. Good performance shows a regular pattern (a flat gray image or a drop-down pattern).
How the Display Touch score is composed
To evaluate touch, SBMARK uses a touch robot and a high-speed camera to play and record a series of scenarios for evaluating smoothness, accuracy and response time.
This response time test accurately evaluates the time that elapses between a single touch of the robot on the screen and the displayed action. This test is applied to activities that require high responsiveness, such as gaming.
How the display artifact score is composed
Evaluating artifacts means checking for performance, image rendering, and motion defects that can impact the end-user experience. SBMARK precisely measures device reflectance and the presence of flicker, and evaluates the impact of residual aliasing when playing video games, among other features.
Aliasing
Apple iPhone 15
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)
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