iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: What’s the Difference between the Two Premium Versions?
The monstrous battery life of the new iPhone 15 Pro Max is not the only reason to prefer it over the iPhone 15 Pro. As is the case every year, the two flagship models of the iPhone lineup are in close competition. Beyond the differences between the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, choosing between them will depend on your smartphone usage.
The year 2023 showcases the iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max, the two most ambitious versions of Apple’s new smartphone range in terms of performance. Their appeal lies in their features and the introduction of exclusive innovations that set these two iPhones apart from the rest of the catalog. Furthermore, the price reduction affecting all models sold in Europe could encourage some potential buyers to invest in a Pro version, whereas a few months ago they might have settled for a standard one.
iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max
Depending on the chosen version and storage capacity, there is a savings of 100 to 130 euros on the new iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max this year. Dynamic Island is now available for all, but the Pro models stand out for their titanium construction, which is both durable and highly aesthetic. As always, the Pro models excel in photography compared to the standard range and also offer longer battery life.
Which one to choose? Three key factors differentiate the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which also have the least differences in the lineup. First and foremost, there is battery life, followed by screen size and camera capabilities. These three major aspects will be the focus of our discussion as they are crucial in determining which model is suitable for you between an iPhone 15 Pro and an iPhone 15 Pro Max. These three criteria also correspond to varying user preferences and needs. It’s evident that the video recording capabilities of an iPhone 15 Pro Max won’t be useful to someone who rarely uses their smartphone camera. We will delve deeper into these aspects.
Screen: What Sets Apart iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
When comparing the two smartphones in our review, the most striking difference is the screen size. There’s a 0.6-inch gap between the diagonals of the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. One offers a fairly compact 6.1-inch display, which is relatively standard, while the other boasts a 6.7-inch screen. One prioritizes practicality and ease of handling, while the other leans towards visual comfort, whether it’s for watching movies, series, YouTube videos, or gaming. For instance, during commutes, the iPhone 15 Pro Max could be the ideal companion, eliminating the need to bring a laptop or tablet.
This extra screen real estate also makes the iPhone an excellent creative tool within the range. Hence, it can once again replace a tablet and, in some cases, even a computer.
Fortunately, Apple hasn’t compromised the screen quality of the iPhone 15 Pro while increasing its size. Only the diagonal length has changed. Its brightness remains the same, peaking at 2000 nits, providing ample visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The resolution is also excellent, at 1179 x 2556 pixels and 1290 x 2796 pixels, with a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch. Finally, both versions protect their screens with Ceramic Shield glass, which has proven effective in reducing the risk of cracking or micro-cracks.
Comparison between iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which One Suits You Better?
When it comes to choosing between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, there are some significant differences to consider. Below, we’ve organized the key specifications and features of both models for a clear comparison:
- Dimensions and Weight:
iPhone 15 Pro: 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm, 187 g
iPhone 15 Pro Max: 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm, 221 g
- Display:
iPhone 15 Pro: 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, up to 2000 nits, 1179 x 2556 pixels, Dynamic Island.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, up to 2000 nits, 1290 x 2796 pixels, Dynamic Island.
- Refresh Rate:
Both models feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother interactions and visuals.
- Water Resistance:
Both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
- Battery:
iPhone 15 Pro: 3274 mAh
iPhone 15 Pro Max: 4422 mAh
- Charging:
Both models support 20W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging.
- Processor:
Both models are powered by the A17 Bionic chip built on a 3nm process.
- RAM:
Both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max come with 8GB of RAM.
- Audio:
Neither model includes a 3.5mm headphone jack but features two stereo speakers for audio output.
- Camera:
Both models share the same camera setup, including a 48MP primary lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. They also support advanced video features like 10-bit HDR Dolby Vision and ProRes recording.
- Selfie Camera:
Both models feature a 12MP front camera with an f/1.9 lens.
- Storage Options:
iPhone 15 Pro: Available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Offered in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.
- Color Choices:
Both models are available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Natural Gray Titanium.
- Release Date:
iPhone 15 Pro was released on September 22, 2023.
iPhone 15 Pro Max was released on September 22, 2022.
- Price (at launch):
iPhone 15 Pro: €1,229
iPhone 15 Pro Max: €1,479
In summary, the choice between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max largely depends on your preferences for screen size, battery life, and price. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a larger display and a bigger battery, making it ideal for multimedia enthusiasts and power users, but it comes at a slightly higher cost. The iPhone 15 Pro, on the other hand, provides a more compact form factor and is still a powerful device in its own right. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and budget.
Battery Life: The Killer Feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max”
Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max is a best-seller for a reason, and that reason primarily boils down to its outstanding battery life. In fact, it’s not just better; it’s significantly better. To put it simply, while the iPhone 15 Pro provides an additional 3 hours of battery life compared to the standard iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Pro Max goes even further, offering a whopping 9 hours more. When it comes to video playback, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is estimated to deliver up to 29 hours, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro gives you 23 hours. The battery capacity of the iPhone 15 Pro is approximately 3,274 mAh, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a 4,422 mAh battery. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro had a 3,200 mAh battery, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max had a 4,323 mAh battery, meaning an extra 1,000 mAh for the Max.
Apple claims its iPhone 15 lineup can last an entire day, and this might indeed be the case. Our future tests will confirm this. However, with the demands of 5G, mobile gaming, 4K video recording, high brightness settings, and streaming, it’s a safer bet to opt for the iPhone 15 Pro Max if battery life is a critical factor for you. It’s the opportunity to leave your charger at home and not bother with a secondary battery pack. Furthermore, the additional battery life can be invaluable if you intend to use the iPhone 15 Pro Max as a creative tool, whether for video editing on platforms like TikTok and Instagram or photo editing with professional tools like Lightroom.
In Photography and Video, What Sets Apart the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max?
The final point of differentiation between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max lies in the realm of photography and videography. The only change here is on the hardware front because Apple offers the same video formats on both Pro models (ProRes, 3D Spatial, Cinematic Mode). The difference lies in the technical capabilities of the telephoto lens. Instead of a 3x optical zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple presents a 5x optical zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This marks the first time Apple has incorporated such a zoom. It enables capturing distant subjects in photos or videos without sacrificing quality. Unlike digital zoom, which introduces pixelation, optical zoom does not alter the resolution of a photo.
Exclusive Features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Storage Differences
As you’ve probably gathered, the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts exclusive features that set it apart. Apple has introduced a 5x optical zoom telephoto lens, a feature not found in any other model, and it’s likely that we’ll have to wait until next year before the brand decides (perhaps) to offer something similar in an iPhone 16 Pro. Enthusiasts of photography and videography will find genuine utility in this feature, but for the average user, this might be considered a non-essential advantage.
Storage: Not All Entry Points Are Equal
We’ve already covered the main differences between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. From a technical perspective, these are the only divergent points between the two versions. However, there are a few other subtler but less critical variations. On the pricing front, for instance, the starting storage capacity for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is 256GB, while the iPhone 15 Pro begins at 128GB, like the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. However, it’s not mandatory to opt for an iPhone 15 Pro Max to access higher storage levels. The 1TB internal storage version is available for both the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
Price Difference between iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
Finally, let’s talk prices. Naturally, there is a price difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and the Pro Max, but Apple has significantly reduced smartphone prices in France this year compared to the previous year. Prices between the two models this year also vary, as they don’t start with the same storage capacity.
On one hand, there’s the iPhone 15 Pro starting at 1,229 euros, and on the other, the iPhone 15 Pro Max starting at 1,479 euros. In the 256GB configuration, the iPhone 15 Pro is available from 1,359 euros, significantly narrowing the gap with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While the previous iPhone 14 Pro Max cost 1,609 euros last year, it has never been so tempting to switch to the iPhone 15 Pro Max from an economic standpoint this year. On the other hand, for those who prioritize storage space, the 512GB iPhone 15 Pro costs the same this year as the 256GB iPhone 14 Pro Max did last year.
Conclusion: iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max?
Let’s start by summarizing the commonalities between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Both feature the A17 Pro chip, capable of running AAA games and recording videos compatible with VR headsets. They are paired with a new USB-C Type 3 port, which is twenty times faster in file transfer speed compared to the Lightning port or the USB 2 port found in the standard range. From a design and build perspective, the Pro models share the same color options and benefit from the new titanium finish, which not only completely changes the device’s border style but also reduces its weight.
The elimination of sharp edges on the iPhone’s sides allows Apple to offer a more pleasant and ergonomic design that feels smoother and more comfortable in hand. The new iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are equally thick, and despite the larger screen on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it remains compact enough to fit easily in a pocket or bag. The titanium construction of the new Pro models has allowed them to reduce their width and height compared to the iPhone 14 lineup and shed about twenty grams in weight.
Now, let’s look at what sets them apart. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is not available in a 128GB version, starting directly at 256GB. Its 6.7-inch screen is larger than that of the iPhone 15 Pro, offering a more comfortable viewing experience for movies, series, or creative applications. Regarding video and photography, the iPhone 15 Pro Max slightly outperforms the iPhone 15 Pro, with a 5x optical zoom on its telephoto lens compared to the 3x optical zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro.
With a larger battery, the iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers significantly more endurance, with up to 6 additional hours of battery life on a single charge. It offers up to 29 hours of video playback, which is 9 hours more than the standard iPhone 15. Surprisingly, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is lighter this year, weighing in at 221 grams, compared to the 240 grams of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. As for pricing, it’s worth noting that the iPhone 15 Pro is up to 100 euros cheaper than the iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max is up to 150 euros less expensive than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
