Seeing is believing as they say or, in the case of the new iPhone 15 Pro series, touching is.
Apple has released phones with increased power and efficiency.
There are new finishes and some design cues from the iPhone's previous iterations are gone. Some long-rumoured changes have come to fruition.
That, and many more upgrades, forms the gist of the company's latest top-end flagship smartphone.
We take a look at the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
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Design: a smoother feel
While the iPhone 15 line-up retains the flat-edges and curved-corners design – the classic look last seen in the iPhone 5 and brought back in the iPhone 12 – the Pro models come with a major aesthetic overhaul.
One of the most talked about features is their titanium frame, which Apple says makes the iPhone 15 Pro models lighter but tougher.
In fact, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is nearly 20g lighter than its predecessor, as titanium – used in a variety of industries including medicine, aerospace, engines, aircraft and sports – has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any metal.
Apple specifically used Grade 5 titanium, the most widely-used titanium alloy, which was also used on the Mars rover.
The edges of the iPhone 15 Pro Max now come with a brushed finish.
As subtle as that change seems, the phone does feel smoother to the touch compared with previous models.
And as Apple also eliminated those sharp edges from the iPhone's three previous iterations, we can say that this is the most comfortable in this design series.
Two major hardware shifts
Over to the left above the volume buttons, you'll find another big change: the mute button, ever present since the 2007 original, is now gone and has been replaced by the Action Button.
This makes it more versatile, as you can now assign a specific action for it, including firing up the camera, flashlight, voice memo or magnifier, toggle focus and silent modes, setting an accessibility feature, or assigning a shortcut to any app – or do nothing at all.
You'll have to press and hold the Action Button to activate whatever you've assigned to it. If you've been a long-time iPhone user, you might find that this new button will need some getting used to.
And, of course, the change that has a domino effect of sorts – the switch to USB-C.
As we explained before, USB-C has faster transfer and charging speeds compared to Apple's proprietary Lightning tech (we'll circle back to this later).
This change was coming. And it is for the better: this means one less cable to bring along. For Apple users, this sort of unifies the iPhone-and-MacBook combo – throw in the new AirPods Pro for good measure – as well as other devices you may need to connect.
Lastly, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max are identical in some ways, you still can't use the same protective cases for them. Why? Because of the dimensions: the iPhone 15 Pro Max's width and height are smaller, while its depth is thicker.
Camera through a 'tetraprism'
The triple-lens camera system with a 48MP lead sensor carries over into the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but with one interesting addition.
Apple has used what it has dubbed tetraprism tech, which basically fits a 120mm lens in the device, to achieve 5x optical zoom, or what is also being called a periscope lens. That's compared to the 3x optical zoom, equivalent to 77mm, on its predecessor.
As Apple explains, the tetraprism design is a folded glass structure below the lens that reflects light rays more than four times, allowing light to travel for longer in the same space, giving a new focal length. They've also improved its optical image stabilisation, which is critical when taking photos with long lens.
The results speak for themselves: Apple has been very good at photography, especially in retaining the natural mood of shots, day or night.
In the gallery above, we found ourselves shooting during a rather hazy day, which is captured nicely by the iPhone 15 Pro Max – normal or zoomed in.
While iPhone Pros have been a go-to for photography enthusiasts, with the addition of improved zoom and OIS systems, better light performance and the simplicity of how to use it, the 15 Pro Max should be their new choice. A reminder: the tetraprism tech comes only on the Pro Max.
Battery keeps going
The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a 4,441mAh battery, slightly bigger than its predecessor's 4,323mAh. In our one-hour YouTube-at-full-brightness test, the device lost 6 per cent, at par with the 14 Pro Max. Ditto for how long it lasted: it was good enough for a day-and-a-half, starting early in the morning.
In our charging session, it seems the switch to USB-C is showing its benefits. Within half an hour, the device shot up to 60 per cent, up from the 53 per cent in our review of the 14 Pro Max, using the woven power noodle out of the box and a 30W brick.
We also have to address reports of overheating that have surfaced in recent days.
During our tests, our unit, fortunately, did not encounter any such issue.
As of this review, Apple has said that it has identified the issue, and will be patching things up in a software update.
The verdict
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is, by far, the most complete package for an iPhone. While every iteration comes with some improvement, the combination of a sturdier camera, an even faster chip, the switch to USB-C and that smooth feel of its design make it a versatile device.
Some things that we did find to be disappointing were that battery life that hasn't been bumped up from its predecessor and the Action Button is limited to just one action. However, it's really hard to find a weakness in this iPhone – especially considering the fact its price hasn't moved.
Take note, though, that this year's Pro Max no longer has a 128GB variant, so the base device is now at 256GB.
We're also looking forward to when we can finally play Resident Evil Village and the remake of the legendary Resident Evil 4 – console-level gaming – on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Good times.
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
OPENING FIXTURES
Saturday September 12
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Fulham v Arsenal
Liverpool v Leeds United
Tottenham v Everton
West Brom v Leicester
West Ham v Newcastle
Monday September 14
Brighton v Chelsea
Sheffield United v Wolves
To be rescheduled
Burnley v Manchester United
Manchester City v Aston Villa
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
How to vote in the UAE
1) Download your ballot https://www.fvap.gov/
2) Take it to the US Embassy
3) Deadline is October 15
4) The embassy will ensure all ballots reach the US in time for the November 3 poll
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Teaching in coronavirus times
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Profile of Foodics
Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani
Based: Riyadh
Sector: Software
Employees: 150
Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing
Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.
OPTA'S PREDICTED TABLE
1. Liverpool 101 points
2. Manchester City 80
3. Leicester 67
4. Chelsea 63
5. Manchester United 61
6. Tottenham 58
7. Wolves 56
8. Arsenal 56
9. Sheffield United 55
10. Everton 50
11. Burnley 49
12. Crystal Palace 49
13. Newcastle 46
14. Southampton 44
15. West Ham 39
16. Brighton 37
17. Watford 36
18. Bournemouth 36
19. Aston Villa 32
20. Norwich City 29
THE BIO:
Favourite holiday destination: Thailand. I go every year and I’m obsessed with the fitness camps there.
Favourite book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It’s an amazing story about barefoot running.
Favourite film: A League of their Own. I used to love watching it in my granny’s house when I was seven.
Personal motto: Believe it and you can achieve it.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
The five pillars of Islam
Medicus AI
Started: 2016
Founder(s): Dr Baher Al Hakim, Dr Nadine Nehme and Makram Saleh
Based: Vienna, Austria; started in Dubai
Sector: Health Tech
Staff: 119
Funding: €7.7 million (Dh31m)
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
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MORE ON IRAN'S PROXY WARS
Tottenham's 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):
1). Moussa Sissokho - Newcastle United - £30 million (Dh143m): Flop
2). Roberto Soldado - Valencia - £25m: Flop
3). Erik Lamela - Roma - £25m: Jury still out
4). Son Heung-min - Bayer Leverkusen - £25m: Success
5). Darren Bent - Charlton Athletic - £21m: Flop
6). Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar - £18m: Flop
7). David Bentley - Blackburn Rovers - £18m: Flop
8). Luka Modric - Dynamo Zagreb - £17m: Success
9). Paulinho - Corinthians - £16m: Flop
10). Mousa Dembele - Fulham - £16m: Success
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