IPhone 15 Pro vs. Pro Max: Comparing the Key Differences

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: A Comprehensive Comparison

The launch of the iPhone 15 series last year sparked the usual wave of excitement surrounding the latest models. Many consumers pondered whether the iPhone 15 Pro justified its premium price compared to the standard iPhone 15. However, for those who decided the Pro was worth the investment, another dilemma arose: choosing between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While both models operate on the latest iOS 17.4 software, released in March 2024, there are notable hardware differences between the two.

Unlike previous generations where the iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max were essentially identical apart from size, the iPhone 15 series introduces more significant distinctions. This marks the first time since the 2020 iPhone 12 Pro Max that factors beyond size need to be considered when selecting between the Pro and the Pro Max. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled all the essential details, including specifications and comparisons.

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Specifications

	iPhone 15 Pro	iPhone 15 Pro Max
Size	146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25mm (5.77 x 2.78 x 0.32 inches)	159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm (6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches)
Weight	187 grams (6.60 ounces)	221 grams (7.81 ounces)
Screen	6.1-inch always-on Super Retina XDR OLED with 120Hz ProMotion	6.7-inch always-on Super Retina XDR OLED with 120Hz ProMotion
Screen resolution	2556 x 1179 pixels at 460 pixels-per-inch	2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 pixels-per-inch
Operating system	iOS 17	iOS 17
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
MicroSD card slot	No	No
Tap-to-pay services	Apple Pay	Apple Pay
Processor	Apple A17 Pro	Apple A17 Pro
Camera	Rear: 48-megapixel (MP) main camera (wide), 12MP Ultrawide, 12MP 3X telephoto, LiDAR Scanner Front: 12MP TrueDepth	Rear: 48-megapixel (MP) main camera (wide), 12MP Ultrawide, 12MP 5X telephoto, LiDAR Scanner Front: 12MP TrueDepth
Video	4K at 24/25/30/60 frames per second (fps) 1080p HD at 25/30/60 fps HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60fps Slow motion 1080p at 120/240 fps ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60fps with external recording Macro video recording	4K at 24/25/30/60 frames per second (fps) 1080p HD at 25/30/60 fps HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60fps Slow motion 1080p at 120/240 fps ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60fps with external recording Macro video recording
Cellular	5G mmWave (U.S. models only), 5G (sub-6GHz), Dual eSIM with Physical SIM on non-U.S. models only.	5G mmWave (U.S. models only), 5G (sub-6GHz), Dual eSIM with Physical SIM on non-U.S. models only.
Bluetooth version	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.3
Ports	USB-C	USB-C
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Battery	Video playback: 20 to 23 hours Audio playback: 75 hours 20W fast charging	Video playback: 25 to 29 hours Audio playback: 95 hours 20W fast charging
App marketplace	App Store	App Store
Network support	All major carriers	All major carriers
Colors	Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium	Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium
Price	Starting at $999	Starting at $1,199

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Design Comparison

In terms of design, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are virtually indistinguishable, except for their noticeable size difference. This year, Apple has replaced its stainless steel frame with a sleek brushed titanium finish, adding a unique touch of sophistication. The matte appearance better complements the textured glass back, which remains largely unchanged from previous iPhone Pro models.

The frame and back colors are coordinated as usual, although the color options are more in line with the new material theme. The choices include Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium, emphasizing the significance of titanium for Apple this year.

However, the switch to titanium goes beyond aesthetics. It has allowed the iPhone 15 Pro models to shed some weight, with both models dropping 19 grams compared to their respective predecessors. Practically speaking, this brings the iPhone 15 Pro Max closer in weight to last year’s iPhone 14 Pro, making it a welcome change for those who previously avoided the larger model solely due to its weight.

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max also feature narrower bezels around the screen and rounded edges on the front and back glass, enhancing the comfort of holding the device without a case. Additionally, a new Action button replaces the traditional ring/silent switch on the side, and Apple has finally transitioned from its proprietary Lightning port to a more standard USB-C port.

These changes are consistent across both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, along with the same IP68 dust and water resistance as previous models, which allows them to withstand a maximum depth of 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.

Nevertheless, we believe the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slight advantage over its smaller counterpart this year. While a larger screen is always appealing, previous 6.7-inch iPhone Pro models required compromising on the phone’s weight. The iPhone 14 Pro Max was one of the heaviest in its class, surpassing even Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra. Thanks to Apple’s material change, you can now enjoy the larger screen in a lighter and more manageable package.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Display Comparison

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max both feature the always-on Super Retina XDR Display with Apple’s variable refresh rate ProMotion technology. This enables the iPhone to dynamically adjust the refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and fast-paced action when needed while conserving power when not in use. The screens also drop to 1Hz when in always-on mode.

If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 14 Pro model, you won’t encounter any surprises here; the displays appear identical to what Apple used last year. However, that’s not a bad thing, as the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max already had exceptional displays that were among the best in the industry.

iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: A Battle of Titans

Display: A Tie of Excellence

When it comes to the displays on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, both models offer an equally impressive visual experience. The only difference lies in the size, with the iPhone 15 Pro sporting a 6.1-inch screen and the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasting a larger 6.7-inch display. Apple has meticulously adjusted the resolution to maintain the same level of crispness and clarity across both models, with the iPhone 15 Pro featuring a 2,556 x 1,179-pixel screen and the iPhone 15 Pro Max showcasing a 2,796 x 1,290-pixel display. This translates to an identical pixel density of 460 ppi for both devices.

Moreover, the displays on these Pro models can reach an impressive 2,000 nits of outdoor brightness and 1,600 nits of peak brightness, matching the capabilities of their predecessors, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. While the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a more expansive canvas, it holds no other display advantages over its smaller sibling. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference regarding screen size.

Winner: Tie

Performance and Battery: iPhone 15 Pro Max Takes the Lead

Apple has introduced the A17 Pro, a cutting-edge silicon that promises to transform the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max into gaming powerhouses. This new chip features a six-core CPU, a 16-core Neural Engine, and a redesigned six-core GPU focused on enhancing gaming performance. With hardware-accelerated ray tracing and Metal effect upscaling, the A17 Pro delivers the highest-quality graphics ever seen on a smartphone, attracting mainstream developers to bring console games like Resident Evil Village, Tom Clancy’s The Division Resurgence, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage to the iPhone 15 Pro lineup.

While the A17 Pro chip offers incredible gaming performance, it may not provide noticeable speed improvements over the iPhone 14 Pro models in everyday tasks. Both Pro models feature the same A17 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance across the board. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max takes the lead in battery life, thanks to its larger battery capacity. Apple promises 5 to 6 more hours of video playback and 20 more hours of audio listening on the iPhone 15 Pro Max compared to its smaller counterpart.

Despite the impressive performance and battery life, Apple has not increased the charging speeds for the iPhone 15 Pro models. Wired charging remains in the 20-watt range, while wireless charging operates at 15W with MagSafe or Qi2-compatible chargers and 7.5W with standard Qi chargers. Although the iPhone 15 Pro Max may draw more power over a wired connection, it does not result in faster charging times due to its larger battery size.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Cameras: iPhone 15 Pro Max Zooms Ahead

The most significant difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max lies in their camera systems. Apple has equipped the iPhone 15 Pro Max with a 5x optical zoom for its telephoto lens, while the iPhone 15 Pro retains the 3x lens from its predecessor. This disparity is reminiscent of the iPhone 12 lineup, where the iPhone 12 Pro Max had a clear photography advantage over the 6.1-inch model.

The reason behind this difference appears to be a matter of physical constraints. The smaller 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro simply lacks the space to accommodate Apple’s unique new 5x tetra-prism lens. To make room for this advanced camera system, Apple has rearranged the camera layout on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, moving the telephoto lens from the top corner to the right-center position below the flash. For the sake of consistency, the iPhone 15 Pro has undergone the same layout change.

While both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max offer exceptional camera performance, the 5x optical zoom on the larger model gives it a distinct advantage in terms of versatility and reach. Photography enthusiasts and those who value the ability to capture distant subjects may find the iPhone 15 Pro Max more appealing.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Conclusion: Choose Your Champion

In the battle between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, both devices prove to be formidable contenders. While they share the same stunning display quality, powerful A17 Pro chip, and impressive camera performance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max takes the lead in battery life and optical zoom capabilities.

Ultimately, the choice between these two titans depends on your priorities. If you value a more compact form factor and don’t mind sacrificing some battery life and zoom range, the iPhone 15 Pro is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize longer battery life, a larger screen, and the ability to capture distant subjects with greater clarity, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the clear winner.

Regardless of which model you choose, you can be assured that you’ll be wielding one of the most powerful and feature-packed smartphones on the market today.

The Ultimate Showdown: iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max

A Closer Look at the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s Zoom Camera

The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts an impressive 5x lens with an f/2.8 aperture, matching the 3x lens on the iPhone 15 Pro and previous models. This is a remarkable feat considering the increased focal length. The Google Pixel 8 Pro offers the same 5x optical zoom and f/2.8 aperture, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a narrower f/4.9 aperture despite its 10x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s telephoto lens captures just as much light as the iPhone 15 Pro, ensuring exceptional low-light photography. It’s one of the best 5x cameras on any smartphone, with photos virtually indistinguishable in quality from the main lens.

Enhancements for Both iPhone 15 Pro Models

Both iPhone 15 Pro models feature a new 24-megapixel “super high resolution” capture mode from the 48MP main sensor, a Smart HDR 5 algorithm for improved dynamic range and true-to-life photos, and the ability to capture depth information for every photo, even without Portrait Mode. This allows you to turn any shot into a portrait shot. The lenses also have a nanoscale coating to reduce lens flare, enhancing night shots. Both iPhones can still capture 12MP photos with a 2x optical zoom using the 48MP sensor, so you don’t lose out on a mid-range zoom by choosing the 5x lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

These upgrades result in incredible-looking photos with balanced, realistic, natural, and fun colors, surpassing the iPhone 14 Pro models. The low-light performance is impressive, especially on the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 5x lens. While both iPhone 15 Pro models have great camera systems, the uncompromising 5x optical zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most compelling reason to choose the larger model, particularly for frequent travelers.

Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Software and Updates: A Level Playing Field

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max ship with iOS 17 and will receive updates simultaneously for several years. The user experience on both models is virtually identical, except for hardware-dependent features like the 5x zoom and the new Action button. Even Apple’s Roadside Assistance via Satellite, announced with the iPhone 15, will be available on the iPhone 14 lineup due to their shared satellite capabilities. While Apple doesn’t make specific update promises, its track record suggests at least five years of updates, meaning the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max should receive updates up to iOS 22.

Winner: Tie

Special Features: No Advantage for Either Model

The iPhone 15 Pro models have a few advantages over their non-Pro counterparts, but neither has an edge over the other. Apple has switched its entire lineup to USB-C, with the iPhone 15 Pro models getting faster 10Gbps USB 3 data transfer speeds. This enables 4K ProRes video capture at 60 frames per second (fps) to external storage devices, an improvement from the 4K/30fps limitation on prior models due to internal storage constraints. Apple is also adding the ability for the iPhone 15 Pro to capture Spatial Videos for the upcoming Vision Pro headset.

Both iPhone 15 Pro models feature a new Action button, replacing the ring/silent switch used on iPhones since the first model. This customizable button can silence your iPhone and do much more, including launching custom routines in Apple’s Shortcuts app. Despite being limited to a single function, clever use of Shortcuts makes it one of the most powerful user interface features to come to an iPhone in years. All of these special features are available equally on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Winner: Tie

Price and Availability: A Slight Difference

The iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999 for the 128GB version, with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities available in $100/128GB increments, up to $1,499 for the highest capacity. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slightly higher starting price this year, as Apple has eliminated the 128GB entry

The Ultimate iPhone Experience: iPhone 15 Pro Max Reigns Supreme

Apple has once again raised the bar with the release of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, a device that offers an unparalleled user experience. While the iPhone 15 Pro is an excellent choice for most users, the Pro Max takes things to the next level with its larger display, enhanced camera system, and improved battery life.

A Screen That Captivates

The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a stunning 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The increased screen real estate allows for a more immersive viewing experience, whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, browsing the web, or playing games. The display’s high resolution and vibrant colors make every interaction with the device a visual treat.

Capture Life’s Moments Like Never Before

Photography enthusiasts will be thrilled with the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s advanced camera system. The device features a quad-camera setup, including a 108MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a LiDAR scanner for improved depth perception. The camera’s capabilities are further enhanced by Apple’s cutting-edge computational photography algorithms, ensuring that every shot is a masterpiece.

Performance That Pushes Boundaries

At the heart of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the A17 Pro chip, Apple’s most powerful mobile processor to date. The A17 Pro delivers lightning-fast performance, effortlessly handling even the most demanding tasks and applications. Whether you’re editing 4K videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or running multiple apps simultaneously, the iPhone 15 Pro Max never skips a beat.

Built to Last

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a durable titanium construction, which not only adds to the device’s premium feel but also ensures its longevity. The lighter titanium frame allows for a larger screen without compromising on portability or durability.

A Worthy Investment

While the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a higher price tag compared to its smaller sibling, the iPhone 15 Pro, the additional features and enhancements make it a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best. The entry-level iPhone 15 Pro Max now starts at $1,299 for the 256GB model, as Apple has discontinued the more affordable 128GB variant.

Even with its steep price tag, we think that the iPhone 15 Pro Max really is worth shelling out for, as it’s one of the biggest improvements over previous versions and models of the iPhone.

For those who prioritize a more compact form factor or have a tighter budget, the iPhone 15 Pro remains an excellent choice. It offers the same powerful A17 Pro chip, a stunning 120Hz always-on display, and a lightweight titanium frame, making it the lightest iPhone Pro ever.

Conclusion

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the ultimate expression of Apple’s commitment to innovation and user experience. With its expansive display, professional-grade camera system, and unrivaled performance, it sets a new standard for smartphones. While it may come at a premium, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is an investment in a device that will keep you at the forefront of mobile technology for years to come.