"Apple unveiled its next-generation smartphone, the 'iPhone 15' series, on the 13th. While many criticize the lack of innovation, the improved features and the introduction of USB Type-C chargers are commendable compared to previous models.
If we look for innovations, the iPhone 15 series, consisting of four models, uniformly applies USB Type-C and Dynamic Island to all models. Especially in the high-end lineup, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max replace the unique vibration toggle button with a customizable action button and upgrade the side frame material from aluminum to the more expensive titanium, achieving both lightweighting and premium quality. Additionally, the introduction of LIPO process reduces the bezel on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max displays, enhancing the overall display experience.
The iPhone 15 series also increases the main (wide-angle) camera resolution of the standard and Plus models to 48 million pixels, four times higher than the previous model. The Pro Max, using a new image sensor, improves optical zoom performance from the previous 3x to 5x. The application processors (AP) are also upgraded with A16 Bionic for standard and Plus models, and A17 Bionic for Pro and Pro Max models, enhancing CPU and GPU performance.
Despite these improvements, Korean users express dissatisfaction with the iPhone 15, primarily due to three reasons. First is the price. Apple has frozen the price of the iPhone 15, but the actual consumer benefit is questionable due to the applied exchange rate. When converting the US prices based on the previous day's closing exchange rate (1,327.8 won per dollar), the basic model of the iPhone 15 is only 1,061,000 won, which is nearly 18,900 won (17.8%) more expensive in Korea. Some consumers even consider purchasing from Japan, where the iPhone 15 Pro model (256GB) is approximately 130,000 won cheaper.
Second is the release schedule. Apple starts pre-orders on September 15 and officially releases the iPhone 15 in 40 countries on September 22. Korea, however, is not included in the first or second release phase, suggesting a probable release around October 13, three weeks later. This delayed release pattern is not new, as Korea was also excluded from the first release phase for the iPhone 14 series.
Third is the refresh rate. Apple supports a 120Hz/LTPO refresh rate only for the Pro models, leaving the standard and Plus models with a 60Hz refresh rate. This falls behind competitors like Samsung's Galaxy S23, which features a 120Hz refresh rate even in its standard model.
Fourth is the USB-C port difference. The iPhone 15 and 15 Pro have different specifications for the USB-C port. While the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max come with Thunderbolt 3.0 (USB 3.0 standard), the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus offer USB 2.0. Thunderbolt 3 provides high-performance data transfer capabilities, but the need for additional, expensive accessories may burden consumers.
In summary, despite Apple's efforts to enhance features, Korean users express discontent with the iPhone 15, citing issues related to pricing, release schedule, refresh rate, and USB-C port specifications."