From my perspective, the most notable distinction between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro centers around their screens. If you’re contemplating the purchase of one of these new devices and find yourself uncertain about which model to choose, this article, presenting my take on the subject, might help you decide.
While both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro offer exceptional performance and unmatched quality, the pivotal difference lies in the display technology. That’s precisely what we’ll delve into in this article.

The Advancement of ProMotion Technology
One of the most significant disparities between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro is the incorporation of “ProMotion” technology in the latter, a feature previously seen in models such as the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. ProMotion technology enables an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a feature notably absent in the iPhone 15. But what does this mean in practical terms?
Screen refresh rate refers to the number of times per second that the screen refreshes. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother and more fluid the viewing experience becomes. With its capacity to reach up to 120Hz, the iPhone 15 Pro stands out compared to the iPhone 15 when it comes to content consumption. This distinction mirrors the experience of the iPhone 14 versus the iPhone 14 Pro.
The iPhone 15 Pro’s 120Hz display is truly impressive. If you have the chance to compare the navigation between both devices at an Apple store, you’ll instantly notice the exceptional smoothness when scrolling through applications, web browsing, and playing games on the iPhone 15 Pro. Screen transitions and application switching happen remarkably fast and more smoothly than on the base model.

Unveiling the Benefits of ProMotion in User Experience
To fully grasp the significance of ProMotion technology, it’s essential to explore how it enhances various daily activities on an iPhone 15 Pro:
- Gaming: The 120Hz screen delivers an incredible gaming experience on the iPhone 15 Pro. If you frequently use your iPhone for mobile gaming, you’ll experience the improvement right from the start.
- Browsing and Multitasking: Navigating apps and multitasking become more efficient with the high refresh rate. Haptic responses are instantaneous, making it easier to switch between apps and manage tasks more effectively.
- Content Viewing: Watching multimedia content, whether it’s movies, series, or online videos, becomes a sheer pleasure on the 120Hz screen. While the iPhone 15’s screen quality is by no means subpar, everything feels even more fluid on the iPhone 15 Pro.

The iPhone 15: Still a Solid Choice
Nonetheless, it would be unfair to dismiss the iPhone 15. Despite lacking ProMotion technology, it remains a high-performance device with a high-quality screen, now featuring the dynamic island for the first time. For many users, the iPhone 15 presents a viable choice if the need for a 120Hz refresh rate is not paramount.
In the end, the decision between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro hinges on each user’s personal preferences and priorities. If you’re seeking a smoother screen experience and exceptional responsiveness, the iPhone 15 Pro is the obvious choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a top-tier Apple device without the immediate need for ProMotion technology, the iPhone 15 remains an excellent option. Personally, transitioning back to a base iPhone after months of using ProMotion technology on the Pro models would be a challenging decision.