The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a great upgrade and, of course, the best iPhone that Apple has ever made. Compared to the phone it replaces, the iPhone 14 Pro Max, it’s now lighter with a titanium build, it has USB-C, it’s faster and more capable with an upgraded camera system, and it has a customisable “action button” that I use all the time.
To keep this review brief, I’m a huge fan of it for all the same reasons I love the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, but with the addition that it’s got that fantastic 5x zoom lens and much better battery life.
However, after six months of use, I returned to the 15 Pro as my main phone. Even if I miss the telephoto and the battery, the more pocketable size makes for a more compact device that is easier to use one-handed.
| Screen size | 6.7-inch |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 pixels |
| Operating system | iOS |
| Processor | A17 Pro |
| Cameras | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP 2x telephoto, 12MP front-facing, 12MP 5x telephoto |
| Battery life | Up to 29 hours |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Weight | 221g |
| Water resistance | Yes, IP68 |
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Design
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is all about design refinements. Obviously, it still looks like an iPhone, but it now has a titanium construction for strength and weight reduction. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is reduced to 221g from the 240g of its predecessor, the 14 Pro Max.
Beyond that, it has the expected large triple camera setup and the “Dynamic Island” at the top of the display, which houses the front camera and face recognition sensors. It does have the thinnest bezels ever on an iPhone but, overall, it’s exactly what you expect, just larger. This 6.7-inch beast is going to feel big, especially if you’re used to more compact 6.1-inch phones.
Apple also introduced subtly contoured edges to the phone’s back glass and the Pro range now comes in four titanium colour options: black, white, blue, and natural. It’s just as water and dust-resistant as previous models, with an IP67 rating.
One of my favourite additions is the customisable “action button” that replaces the traditional mute switch. You can program it for various functions like launching the camera, activating the torch, or starting a Shortcut. I never used the mute switch anyway, so this has become my go-to way to quickly snap photos.
And I can’t talk about the design without mentioning USB-C. It may seem minor given that it’s on all Android phones, but it’s a big change to Apple’s lineup that aligns its devices with industry standards.
It’s handy to use the same cable for charging multiple devices, and it’s super versatile for connecting USB-C accessories such as memory card readers, DACs for high-quality audio, and fast data transfers to external drives. It supports rapid charging protocols and enables power sharing between devices. Overall, it’s a win for usability and makes me less likely to recommend older iPhones that don’t have it.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Display
The size and resolution of the iPhone 15 Pro Max display are essentially the same as the 14 Pro Max – it has an excellent 6.7-inch OLED screen, with the same adaptive refresh rate (up to 120Hz), the same useful “Dynamic Island”, and the same always-on functions.
As mentioned, the bezels (or edges) around the display are slightly tinier – you may or may not notice this change.
Otherwise, peak brightness at 2,000 nits is highly impressive for keeping everything legible in outdoor conditions, the refresh rate keeps everything smooth, and the colour accuracy is excellent.
Overall, it’s a great screen for viewing your photos, reading articles, watching movies and shows and much more.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a brilliant compact camera that builds on the already impressive capabilities of its predecessor. You’re getting the same triple-camera system, but there are a few upgrades to note, some in the software and some in the hardware.
The key enhancements include a larger main sensor that reduces lens flare and improves overall image quality (particularly in low-light portraits) and an expanded range from the dedicated 5x optical zoom. In my experience, this delivers crisp and detailed shots without sacrificing image quality and is more useful than the 3x zoom on the 15 Pro.
Apple simplified the portrait mode experience by making it automatic for photos featuring people and some animals like cats and dogs. This is great for creative control, especially if you like the blurry background portrait mode look but tend to forget to use it.
In my tests, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s cameras excel in various scenarios, from capturing detailed close-ups with the telephoto lens to offering focal length options (24, 28, and 35mm equivalents) through computational photography without compromising on image resolution.
It’s a tremendous tool for mobile photographers, whether amateur or professional, and I always find it provides consistent results no matter the lens in use or whether in daylight or low-light conditions. And it’s fantastic for video recording too.
iPhone 15 Pro Max sample photos
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Software
As I went into in-depth in Digital Spy‘s iPhone vs Android head-to-head comparison, the chances are pretty high that you already know which camp you’re in because switching between operating systems is, rather deliberately, about as challenging as it can be.
If you’re looking to upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it’s safe to assume you’re used to an iPhone and the software on an iPhone, Apple’s iOS. Due to lengthy support and the way iOS releases to all compatible models in one go, you’re probably already running a phone that has the exact same software as the newest and best iPhone. That makes upgrading seamless and simple.
On the off chance that you’re coming from Android, well I’d first ask if you’re sure about going through a potentially arduous switchover process but I’d then say the differences in the day-to-day experience of the operating system aren’t going to be too significant… after you’ve managed to get your data, contacts, files and photos moved over.
Unsurprisingly, iOS is super user-friendly, comes with limited pre-installed apps and bloatware (and you can delete apps you don’t want to use) and the interface is straightforward.
You may find slightly fewer customisation options but there aren’t as many differences as there used to be between Android and iOS. And, as a bonus, if you’ve got other Apple gear like an iPad, MacBook, Apple TV or AirPods, the instant integration is smooth and effortless.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Battery life and performance
Upgraders from older phones will notice a massive improvement in longevity – the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a far better battery life than a handset like the 12 Pro Max, for example. This phone provides up to 29 hours of downloaded video playback and 25 hours of streamed video playback. In use, I’ve found that accurate, and I almost never got to the end of a day finding it running low – and that includes when I used it for city navigation on a trip to Amsterdam earlier in the year.
It maintains the fast charging capabilities of its predecessor, reaching about half charge in just 30 minutes with a USB-C cable. On a normal day, I’ll have used it for watching shows on the best streaming services, listening to music and podcasts, messaging, photography, photo editing, emailing and social media browsing – it’ll often end up with 50% to 60% of its battery left at the end of a typical workday.
The 15 Pro Max also supports convenient wireless charging through MagSafe and Qi-compatible accessories, accommodating speeds up to 15W and 7.5W, respectively. Overall, Apple promises all-day battery life under typical conditions, and I’ve found this goes above and beyond those expectations.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Drawbacks
There aren’t many downsides to this phone, just like the iPhone 15 Pro. However, the drawbacks are pretty easy to cover in brief.
Firstly, it’s a pricey handset. You’re looking at an RRP of £1,199 and Apple devices don’t tend to go on sale. Comparatively, you should be able to find Android phones with specs to rival this at lower prices.
Secondly, it’s still a big phone and it takes some time to get accustomed to that. I recently started using the smaller iPhone 15 Pro again, and it’s a noticeable difference.
I love the extra-long battery life and the 5x zoom on the Pro Max, but I appreciate not having to do the balancing act of holding the phone with my little finger stabilising it, and I’m much less worried about dropping it.
The last of the potential drawbacks is the matter of timing. At this point in the year, you might be better off waiting a few more months to get to the time when Apple tends to unveil new iPhones – even if you still want this one after a potential successor is announced, it should drop in price to something a little more affordable.
Beyond those smaller quibbles, though, it’s hard to feel like there are any genuine deal breakers when it comes to this phone. It’s very good.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Verdict
Since its launch in September 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has been my go-to recommendation for Apple fans looking for the best possible iPhone that money can buy. Its tremendous battery life, handy USB-C and improved weight make it the first Max handset from Apple that I’ve been able to happily use as my everyday phone for an extended time. But that’s not to say there aren’t downsides to the larger size.
Of course, the Pro Max is excellent for watching videos, mobile gaming and reading, but it’s also just a little too large to easily hold one-handed, and you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a good case on it so that it’ll withstand the inevitable drops you’ll experience.
I miss the 5x telephoto zoom lens and the exceptional battery life since switching over to the iPhone 15 Pro, but it is overall a much more usable phone when it comes to its pocketability and one-handed use.
At the moment, that’s what’s working for me, but I’d be lying if I said I don’t always think about picking up the larger phone and popping my SIM card back into it. There are drawbacks, sure, but it’s a complete package and what I said to open this review remains true – it’s the best iPhone Apple has ever made.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Also consider
If you got this far and still feel like the differences between the 15 Pro Max and the 14 Pro Max aren’t that big, get the 14 Pro Max instead. Not fussed about USB-C, titanium and the 5x zoom? Not everyone is. The 14 Pro Max runs the same software with a fast chip and it’s just a little heavier with some slightly different camera specs. Essentially, it’s still an excellent phone.
Going refurbished? You may want to consider even older models like the 13 Pro Max. Also, the iPhone 15 Plus is another great handset for its massive battery life, while the regular iPhone 15 is the most Pro a basic model from Apple has been in years. Still want the triple-camera and unconvinced you need the big screen? No shocker here – just pick the 15 Pro.
If you’re considering Android counterparts, we’ve got great recommendations for the best Pixel phones and the best Samsung phones. It’s worth looking at the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24, or the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. However those Pixels could be about to be upgraded too.
The other affordable contenders I’d consider at this screen size are the Nothing Phone (2) and Phone (2a) – these are great for minimalist software and a unique transparent design language.
