(Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo is not only a public servant but also a tech enthusiast. She was the chairperson of the Build, Build, Build Committee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), where she oversees the implementation of various infrastructure projects nationwide. She is also an avid user of the latest gadgets and devices, especially those from Apple. She was among the first to get the iPhone 15 Plus on the same day it was released. I have asked her to review this new smartphone and share her honest opinions and insights with us. Let’s see what she has to say about the iPhone 15 Plus. --Art Samaniego, Technology Editor)

As an avid Apple user since my high school days (and let's say that was quite a while ago), I've had the opportunity to witness the evolution of iPhones over the years. But with the arrival of the iPhone 15 Plus, I can confidently say that this is, without a doubt, my most favorite iPhone to date. Apple has truly outdone itself with this exceptional device, combining stunning design, unrivalled performance, and a plethora of cutting-edge features that have left me in awe. From its sleek aesthetics to its powerful internals, the iPhone 15 Plus has exceeded my expectations and solidified its place as a true flagship among smartphones.

In this review, we will delve into the key aspects of the iPhone 15 Plus and explore why it is a device worth considering for tech enthusiasts and Apple aficionados.

Design and Display:
With its sleek and premium design, the iPhone 15 Plus continues Apple's tradition of excellence in aesthetics. The device features stunning glass and metal construction, blending beauty and durability seamlessly. The immersive 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display showcases vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an impressive pixel density, making it a visual treat for multimedia consumption and gaming. The improved refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness, enhancing the overall user experience.

In comparison to Samsung S23: 
The iPhone 15 Plus comes with a Super Retina XDR display, known for its vibrant colors and high resolution. On the other hand, the Samsung S23 features a Dynamic AMOLED display, renowned for its deep blacks and vivid visuals.

Performance:
Under the hood, the iPhone 15 Plus packs a powerful A16 Bionic chip, delivering lightning-fast performance and efficient power management. The device effortlessly handles resource-intensive tasks, including multitasking, gaming, and video editing. The integration of next-generation neural engines and machine learning capabilities further enhances the performance, enabling advanced features like real-time language translation, augmented reality (AR) applications, and intelligent photography.

Battery Life and Charging:
The iPhone 15 Plus ensures all-day battery life thanks to its optimized power management features and larger battery capacity. The device supports fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up their battery levels. Moreover, the introduction of reverse wireless charging enables convenient charging for compatible accessories and devices, further enhancing the iPhone 15 Plus' versatility.

In comparison to the Apple 15 Pro Max
The battery life of the iPhone 15 Plus surpasses all previous records set by Apple, including the iPhone Pro Max.

Software and Features:
Running on iOS 15, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a seamless and user-friendly experience. The latest iteration of iOS introduces new features such as enhanced privacy settings, improved FaceTime capabilities, redesigned notifications, and enhanced multitasking. The device also benefits from regular software updates, ensuring it remains secure and up to date with the latest advancements.

Camera:
The camera system of the iPhone 15 Plus utilizes a brand-new 48MP primary camera. The device boasts a triple-lens setup, including a primary wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens. This versatile combination allows users to capture stunning photos with excellent detail, vibrant colors, and remarkable dynamic range. The Night mode feature has also been improved, enabling users to capture low-light photos with exceptional clarity. Additionally, video enthusiasts will appreciate the device's ability to shoot cinema-grade 4K Dolby Vision HDR footage.

Practical tip:
Users have the option to utilize the full 48MP resolution if desired. However, the camera defaults to the Super High-Resolution photo mode, which produces 24MP images. This mode aims to provide an excellent level of detail while also conserving storage space. After all, a 24MP image file is much smaller than a 48MP file.

Additionally, the inclusion of the 48MP image sensor in the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus enables a 2X sensor crop feature. This provides a 2X zoom capability with image quality comparable to that of a dedicated telephoto camera. In a sense, this feature gives the regular iPhones a triple camera system feel despite having only two cameras on the back.

In comparison to the Apple 15 Pro Max 
There are two main changes with the camera system that stole the show this year — the new 48MP primary camera on the regular iPhones and the new 5x telephoto camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.