The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max are Apple’s flagship models, both featuring cutting-edge technology and premium build quality. But with the iPhone 16 Pro Max just released, users are left wondering if the new model brings enough innovation to justify an upgrade.
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1290 x 2796 pixels | 1800 x 3200 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | Apple A18 Pro (3 nm) |
| Operating System | iOS 17 (upgradable to iOS 18) | iOS 18 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Internal Memory | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Rear Camera | 48 MP (Main), 12 MP (Ultra Wide), 12 MP (5x Telephoto) | 48 MP (Main), 48 MP (Ultra Wide), 12 MP (8x Telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 12 MP with Retina Flash | 12 MP with Retina Flash |
| Battery Capacity | 4441 mAh | 4676 mAh |
| Charging Speed | Up to 25W wired, MagSafe up to 15W | Up to 25W wired, MagSafe up to 15W |
| Weight | Approx. 221 grams | Approx. 226 grams |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm | 163 x 77.58 x thickness not specified |
| Colors Available | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K @60fps | Up to 4K @60fps |
| Price | $999 – $1,199 | $1,199 – $2,200 |
| Link | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
Design and Build Quality
Both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max sport a sleek titanium frame, which is lighter yet stronger than previous materials. While the design language remains consistent, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly larger with a 6.9-inch screen compared to the 6.7-inch display of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The larger size doesn’t affect usability significantly, but the thinner bezels on the iPhone 16 Pro Max make it feel more immersive.
Display
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features the largest display ever on an iPhone, measuring 6.9 inches. Although both phones have OLED panels with Pro Motion 120Hz refresh rates and a peak brightness of 2000 nits, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s increased screen size is noticeable, especially for those who love media consumption. The 16 Pro Max also benefits from slimmer bezels, providing a more expansive viewing experience.
Performance
Performance-wise, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the A17 Pro chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with the newer A18 Pro. Although the day-to-day performance difference is minor, benchmark tests reveal that the A18 Pro offers a 15% increase in processing power and a 20% boost in graphics performance. This makes the iPhone 16 Pro Max slightly more future-proof, especially for gamers and power users.
Camera System
Both models feature a 48MP main camera, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max includes an upgraded ultra-wide camera, boosting the resolution from 12MP to 48MP. This makes a significant difference in low-light performance and macro photography. Moreover, the iPhone 16 Pro Max introduces a new Camera Control Button, adding DSLR-like functionality with customizable controls for zoom, focus, and more.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 16 Pro Max packs a larger 4,676mAh battery compared to the 4,441mAh in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This provides a modest improvement in battery life, particularly noticeable during heavy use. Both models support USB-C charging, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers faster wireless charging speeds.
Pros and Cons
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Pros: More affordable, still highly capable, solid camera performance.
- Cons: Slightly smaller screen, lacks newer AI features.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Pros: Larger screen, better ultra-wide camera, faster chip, enhanced AI.
- Cons: More expensive, minimal performance differences for everyday use.
Conclusion
If you’re already using an iPhone 15 Pro Max, upgrading to the 16 Pro Max might not be necessary unless you value having the latest tech or want a slightly larger screen. However, if you’re coming from an older model, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers enough improvements to make it a worthy investment.