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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is the flagship option here, offering a stunning 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED display and a powerful A17 Pro chip, making it a beast for gaming and photography. In contrast, the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) is a budget-friendly choice with a bright 6.5" display and a solid Snapdragon 680 processor, perfect for everyday tasks without breaking the bank. In my testing, the iPhone's 48MP camera crushes the Moto G Play's 50MP in low-light conditions, thanks to advanced features like 5x optical zoom.
📱 Display: 6.7" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 4422 mAh vs 5000 mAh
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
★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)
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Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5
(848)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
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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
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
8 GB (LPDDR5)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)Winner
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
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)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel TechnologyWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
4422 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
7.81 oz (221 g)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)Winner
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
6.29" x 3.02" x 0.32" (159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm)
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
iOS
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
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
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
★4.8(895)Best Buy
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(895)Best Buy | ★4.5(848)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) |
Processor | Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) |
Graphics | Apple 6-core GPU (A17 Pro) | Adreno 610 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5) | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi) | 1600 x 720 (HD+) |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz) | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
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, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x optical zoom steps (10x optical zoom range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 25x | Up to 8x |
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 | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps, ProRes support | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
Battery | 4422 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | No (Not supported) |
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 | 4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-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 | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.29" x 3.02" x 0.32" (159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm) | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 7.81 oz (221 g) | 6.53 oz (185 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, 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 | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Rating:★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, 120° 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
✓ Pros:
- • First iPhone to support Apple Intelligence features
- • 5x optical zoom tetraprism lens significantly improves long-range photography
- • USB-C port with USB 3.0 speeds (10 Gb/s) enables professional workflows
- • Titanium frame makes it lighter and more durable than previous Pro Max models
- • Excellent battery life and Always-On ProMotion display
✗ Cons:
- • Charging speed is capped at 27W wired and 15W wireless (slower than newer models)
- • Base model starts at a higher price point (no 128GB option)
- • Large physical footprint can be difficult to use one-handed
- • No physical SIM tray in US models (eSIM only)
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Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Rating:★4.5(848)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
RAM:4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage:64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak)
Resolution:1600 x 720 (HD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.53 oz (185 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- • Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
- • Clean, bloat-free My UX software experience
- • Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front display
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- • No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
- • No NFC for mobile payments (Google Pay)
- • Charging is slow (15W max) and no charger is included in the box
- • Single usable rear camera (no ultrawide or macro lens)
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Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its A17 Pro chip delivers stellar performance that crushes the Moto G Play's Snapdragon 680.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max if: you want top-tier performance for gaming, you shoot high-quality photos with a 25x digital zoom, or you need a premium smartphone experience.
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you want a budget-friendly device, you need a long-lasting battery for all-day use, or you prefer a lightweight phone for daily tasks. (6.5" display, 90 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max excels if you value first iphone to support apple intelligence features. Motorola Moto G Play (2024) is better if you prioritize stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. 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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