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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is the flagship option here, but the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro packs some serious gaming power. The iPhone 15 Pro Max brings the heat with its 5x optical zoom, making it a beast for photography. What matters most is how these features align with your daily needs in 2026.
š± Display: 6.7" vs 6.78"ā” Refresh: 120 Hz vs 165 Hzš Battery: 4422 mAh vs 5500 mAh
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
ā
4.8
(895)ā¢Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 6-core GPU (A17 Pro)
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
ā
4.7
(63)ā¢Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.78"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
1Hzā120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
8 GB (LPDDR5)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)Winner
Storage
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), 2nd-gen sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0Winner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120Ā° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
4422 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5,500mAh (Dual-cell)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
7.81 oz (221 g)Winner
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
7.94 oz (225 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
6.29" x 3.02" x 0.32" (159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
iOS
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
ā
4.8(895)Best Buy
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
ā
4.7(63)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ā
4.8(895)Best Buy | ā
4.7(63)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Apple 6-core GPU (A17 Pro) | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5) | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz) | 1Hzā120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 2,500 nits |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), 2nd-gen sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120Ā° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x optical zoom steps (10x optical zoom range) | 3x Optical |
Digital Zoom | Up to 25x | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; ProRes up to 4K at 60 fps with external recording; Log video recording (ACES compliant); Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps, ProRes support | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) |
Battery | 4422 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed) | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade titanium design; Textured matte glass back | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.29" x 3.02" x 0.32" (159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm) | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 7.81 oz (221 g) | 7.94 oz (225 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Action button; Dynamic Island; Always-On display; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports |
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Rating:ā
4.8(895)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 6-core GPU (A17 Pro)
RAM:8 GB (LPDDR5)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz)
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor)
Main Camera:48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), 2nd-gen sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120Ā° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Telephoto Camera:12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x optical zoom steps (10x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 25x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; ProRes up to 4K at 60 fps with external recording; Log video recording (ACES compliant); Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps, ProRes support
Battery:4422 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade titanium design; Textured matte glass back
Dimensions:6.29" x 3.02" x 0.32" (159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm)
Weight:7.81 oz (221 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Action button; Dynamic Island; Always-On display; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
ā Pros:
- ā¢ First iPhone to support Apple Intelligence features
- ā¢ 5x optical zoom tetraprism lens significantly improves long-range photography
- ā¢ USB-C port with USB 3.0 speeds (10 Gb/s) enables professional workflows
- ā¢ Titanium frame makes it lighter and more durable than previous Pro Max models
- ā¢ Excellent battery life and Always-On ProMotion display
ā Cons:
- ā¢ Charging speed is capped at 27W wired and 15W wireless (slower than newer models)
- ā¢ Base model starts at a higher price point (no 128GB option)
- ā¢ Large physical footprint can be difficult to use one-handed
- ā¢ No physical SIM tray in US models (eSIM only)
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Rating:ā
4.7(63)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
Storage:512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Display Size:6.78"
Screen Type:Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:1Hzā120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode)
Peak Brightness:2,500 nits
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens
Telephoto Camera:32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope)
Optical Zoom:3x Optical
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x)
Video Recording:8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+
Front Camera:32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP)
Battery:5,500mAh (Dual-cell)
Wired Charging:65W HyperCharge (Adapter included)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
USB:Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:7.94 oz (225 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports
ā Pros:
- ā¢ First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
- ā¢ Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
- ā¢ Brightest-in-class 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display (2,500 nits peak)
- ā¢ Includes 65W charger, case, and braided cable in the box
- ā¢ Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack, notification LEDs, and AirTriggers
ā Cons:
- ā¢ Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
- ā¢ Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
- ā¢ Cameras, while improved, still trail top-tier photography flagships
- ā¢ Thermal throttling can occur earlier than previous bulky models without the cooler
- ā¢ No dedicated macro mode (uses Ultrawide) unlike previous iterations
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Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you need top-tier photography and advanced features like a 5x optical zoom.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max if: you want superior photography with a 5x optical zoom, you value a premium design with a titanium frame, or you need extensive software support with guaranteed updates for 5+ years.
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you game extensively and need a 5,500mAh battery for all-day play, you prefer a 165Hz display for smoother visuals, or you want a more affordable flagship option without sacrificing performance.
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max excels if you value first iphone to support apple intelligence features. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is better if you prioritize first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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