Apple’s newest flagship phones, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, offer powerful specs and excellent cameras in two different sizes. The iPhone 15 Pro is priced at $999 and $1,199 for the Max.
Choosing between the Pro and Pro Max really comes down to your preferences for display size, battery life, camera features, and overall phone dimensions. This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between the two iPhone 15 models to help you determine which is the best fit for your needs and budget.
Display Size
| Spec | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.1″ | 6.7″ |
| Display Type | OLED Super Retina XDR | OLED Super Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate | Adaptive 120Hz ProMotion | Adaptive 120Hz ProMotion |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 2000 nits |
The first major difference is the display size. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch OLED screen, while the Pro Max has a larger 6.7-inch display. Both offer fantastic Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion for smooth scrolling and Apple’s Ceramic Shield for durability.
If you want the biggest possible screen and tend to consume a lot of video or play mobile games, the Pro Max is ideal. However, keep in mind the Pro Max is also heavier and less pocketable than the regular Pro. The 6.1-inch screen on the Pro will be more manageable for smaller hands while still providing an immersive viewing experience.
Display Size Summary
The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display, while the Pro Max boasts a larger 6.7-inch display, both with Adaptive 120Hz ProMotion and up to 2000 nits brightness, ideal for those who consume a lot of video content or play mobile games.
Battery Life
| Spec | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Video Playback | Up to 23 hours | Up to 29 hours |
| Audio Playback | Up to 75 hours | Up to 95 hours |
With its larger size, the iPhone 15 Pro Max packs in a bigger battery that delivers longer battery life compared to the regular Pro model. You can expect up to 29 hours of video playback on the Pro Max versus 23 hours on the Pro.
Frequent travelers and heavy phone users will appreciate the extra battery capacity of the Max for going longer between charges. But the Pro still provides excellent all-day battery life for most people’s needs.
Battery Life Summary
The iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its larger size, offers up to 29 hours of video playback and up to 95 hours of audio playback, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro offers up to 23 hours of video playback and up to 75 hours of audio playback, making the Pro Max a better choice for frequent travelers and heavy phone users.
Camera Features
| Spec | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main Lens | 48MP | 48MP |
| Ultra Wide | 12MP | 12MP |
| Telephoto | 12MP 3x optical zoom | 12MP 5x optical zoom |
Both phones have 48MP main cameras and 12MP ultra-wide and telephoto lenses for amazing photos and videos. However, the Pro Max offers an exclusive periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, compared to 3x optical zoom on the Pro.
If you take a lot of shots at distance – like your kid’s soccer games or wildlife photography – the 5x optical zoom lens gives you much better reach. But for many users, the 3x optical zoom on the regular Pro will be sufficient.
Camera Features Summary
Both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max come with 48MP main cameras and 12MP ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. However, the Pro Max has an exclusive periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, compared to the 3x optical zoom on the Pro, making the Pro Max a better option for capturing distant subjects like wildlife or sports events.
Storage Capacity
| Spec | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Base Storage | 128GB | 256GB |
| Max Storage | 1TB | 1TB |
With the base Pro starting at 128GB and the Pro Max at 256GB, you’re getting double the minimum storage on the Max. Power users who capture a ton of photos/video or play many large games may need the extra capacity.
But 128GB is ample storage for most people. You can always pay extra to upgrade either model to higher capacities up to 1TB if needed.
Storage Capacity Summary
The iPhone 15 Pro starts with a base storage of 128GB while the Pro Max starts at 256GB, offering double the minimum storage. Both models have the option to upgrade to a maximum storage of 1TB, catering to power users who require extra capacity for photos, videos, or large games.
Price Difference
The iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999 while the Pro Max is $1,199 – a $200 premium for the larger model. Though not insignificant, the price bump may be worthwhile for some users who really value the bigger battery, screen, and exclusive camera zoom.
But for buyers on a tighter budget, the regular Pro still delivers a fantastic overall experience and may provide better value.
Price Difference Summary
The iPhone 15 Pro is priced at $999, whereas the Pro Max is priced at $1,199, showing a $200 premium for the larger model. The Pro Max may provide value for users desiring a bigger battery, screen, and exclusive camera zoom, while the Pro offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on the overall experience.
Phone Size and Portability
Beyond just screen size, the overall dimensions of these two phones differ considerably:
| Spec | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.81″ | 6.33″ |
| Width | 2.82″ | 3.05″ |
| Depth | 0.31″ | 0.31″ |
| Weight | 6.02 oz | 7.27 oz |
The Pro Max is noticeably taller, wider, heavier, and harder to use one-handed compared to the regular Pro. If you have small hands or pockets, constantly use your phone on the go, or simply value compact portability, the Pro is likely the better pick.
However, iPhone devotees who always opt for the Max size may appreciate the grandeur of the Pro Max’s display and don’t mind the additional heft.
Phone Size and Portability Summary
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is taller, wider, and heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro, making it less pocketable and harder to use one-handed, especially for individuals with smaller hands. The Pro is a better pick for those prioritizing compact portability without sacrificing on the display size and features.
Reddit Opinions
Many Reddit users offered opinions and advice on choosing between the Pro and Pro Max:
A Reddit user said “As mentioned many personal decisions here, do a compare:” https://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/
Another Reddit user advised “If you need more storage than 128GB, then get the 256. Obviously. Also, the Pro Max starts at 256 now, so this is a moot point.”
One curious Reddit user asked “I’m really curious just how much better the zoom is in reality… I want to see example pictures… haven’t found any yet. That’s the only thing making me consider 15 Max.”
A Reddit user with a 13 Pro Max said “I have a 13 pro max and I thought I would be excited about the new release, but I was just flat-out underwhelmed at the fact that they were shoving their main feature as the USB-C.”
The consensus seems to be examining your personal preferences and usage, viewing Apple’s own comparison page, and trying both phones in person before deciding. Let your needs and budget determine the best iPhone 15 model for you.
iPhone 15 Pro vs Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max both represent the cutting edge of smartphones today. Unless you specifically value the Max’s larger battery, bigger screen, exclusive camera zoom, and extra base storage, the regular Pro likely packs all the power and performance you need at a more affordable price point. Carefully weigh your personal usage, portability, and budget considerations as you choose the best new iPhone to suit your lifestyle.
Overall Comparison Summary
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max both embody cutting-edge smartphone technology. The Pro Max stands out with a larger battery, screen, exclusive camera zoom, and extra base storage, while the Pro offers nearly the same power and performance at a more affordable price, making the choice dependent on individual preferences for size, battery life, camera capabilities, and budget.