iPhone 15 Plus Vs iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

£344.00

£799.00 new

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iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at

£472.00

£1,199.00 new

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Ratings

The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max, both released in September 2023, represent Apple's larger-screen offerings within the iPhone 15 series. While both share the Dynamic Island interface and a USB-C port, the iPhone 15 Pro Max distinguishes itself with a more advanced processor, a versatile camera system, and a premium build, catering to users with more demanding needs.

Scores

Durability

Both devices, being released concurrently, benefit from a similar expected software support timeline, typically receiving iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from their launch date.

  • Software Longevity: Users can expect both the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max to receive consistent software updates for an extended period, ensuring access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 15 Plus features an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max utilizes a lighter and more durable titanium frame, offering enhanced resistance to daily wear.
  • Repairability: Both models are designed with repairability in mind, featuring a removable back glass, which can simplify certain repairs compared to older iPhone generations.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The core difference in performance between these two models lies in their internal processing capabilities and how they handle demanding tasks.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The iPhone 15 Plus, equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, handles daily applications, multitasking, and most games with smooth and efficient performance.
  • Demanding Workloads: The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a next-generation processor, providing additional headroom for intensive mobile gaming, professional-grade video editing, and running the most demanding applications with superior speed and efficiency.
  • Battery Behavior: While both offer excellent battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max generally provides longer usage times on a single charge, making it suitable for users who require extended power throughout the day.

Memory

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both iPhones feature large, vibrant displays, but the Pro Max introduces a key technology for a smoother visual experience.

  • Display Technology: Both models come with a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, high contrast, and excellent color accuracy for an immersive viewing experience.
  • Refresh Rate: The iPhone 15 Plus features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a consistent visual experience. The iPhone 15 Pro Max includes ProMotion technology, which offers an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.
  • Brightness and Features: Both displays offer high peak brightness for clear visibility outdoors. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also includes an Always-On Display feature, allowing users to see glanceable information without fully waking the screen.

Resolution

1290 x 2796

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a primary differentiator, with the Pro Max offering more advanced capabilities for photography and videography enthusiasts.

  • Main Camera System: The iPhone 15 Plus features a capable dual-camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, delivering detailed photos and good low-light performance.
  • Versatile Zoom: The iPhone 15 Pro Max expands on this with a triple-camera setup, adding a 12-megapixel telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom, providing greater flexibility for capturing distant subjects without loss of quality.
  • Video and Audio: Both models record high-quality video, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers additional professional video features like ProRes recording, alongside enhanced microphone quality for clearer audio capture in various environments.

Main camera

48 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features distinguish these two large-screen iPhones.

  • Connectivity and Port: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless speeds. While both feature a USB-C port, the iPhone 15 Plus supports USB 2.0 speeds, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers faster USB 3 speeds for quicker data transfers.
  • Action Button: The iPhone 15 Pro Max replaces the traditional mute switch with a customizable Action Button, allowing users to quickly access various functions like the camera, flashlight, or voice memos. The iPhone 15 Plus retains the mute switch.
  • Weight and Handling: Despite its advanced features, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its titanium frame, is designed to be lighter than previous Pro Max models, offering a more comfortable in-hand feel for its size compared to the aluminum-framed iPhone 15 Plus.

Weight

171 g

221 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C (USB 2)

USB-C

User feedback often highlights the iPhone 15 Plus as an excellent choice for those seeking a large-screen iPhone with strong performance and a capable camera without the need for the absolute top-tier features. It's frequently praised for its battery life and vibrant display, offering a premium experience for everyday use.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, conversely, is consistently lauded by users who prioritize cutting-edge performance, advanced camera capabilities—especially the extended optical zoom—and the smoother visual experience of ProMotion. It's often recommended for mobile gamers, content creators, and professionals who benefit from its faster data transfer speeds and more robust build.

Users prioritizing a large, high-quality display and reliable performance for daily tasks and casual photography may find the iPhone 15 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who demand the highest processing power for intensive applications, professional-grade photography and videography features, and the most premium build will likely lean towards the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Both models offer a compelling experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new, allowing for an informed and sustainable choice.

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