Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 15 is the mid-range option, but it packs a punch with its impressive 48MP camera and vibrant 6.1" display. The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, on the other hand, offers a larger 6.7" screen and a robust battery life that lasts up to 29 hours of video playback. If you want a serious upgrade in display quality and battery longevity, the Pro Max is worth considering. In real-world use, the 4323mAh battery in the iPhone 14 Pro Max means you can stream for up to 25 hours, which is perfect for binge-watching shows on long trips. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15's display shines brightly with a peak brightness of 2000 nits outdoors, but its limited 60Hz refresh rate feels sluggish compared to the Pro Max's smooth 120Hz. This trade-off could be a dealbreaker for gamers and those who prioritize display performance. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.7" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Why compare these? The Apple iPhone 15 (mid-range) and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (high-end) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (951 reviews) | 4.4★ (250 reviews) |
| Top Strength | High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop | First iPhone to introduce the Dynamic Island interface |
| Main Drawback | Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz) | Uses the obsolete Lightning port instead of USB-C |
| Market Position | Mid-range | ✓Premium |
Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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 vs Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 15
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 15 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(951)Best Buy | ★4.4(250)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | iOS |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 6 GB (LPDDR5) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP quad-pixel sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | 12MP 3x Telephoto (77 mm, f/2.8), optical image stabilization, 6-element lens |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom steps (6x optical zoom range) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 15x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage) |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps |
Battery | 3349 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 4323 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 | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Surgical-grade stainless steel; Textured matte glass back |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm) |
Weight | 6.02 oz (171 g) | 8.47 oz (240 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Ring/Silent switch; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Dynamic Island; Always-On display; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Ring/Silent switch |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
6 GB (LPDDR5)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
- Bright, color-accurate OLED display (up to 2000 nits outdoor)
Cons
- Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
6 GB (LPDDR5)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Pros
- First iPhone to introduce the Dynamic Island interface
- Excellent battery life (4323 mAh), still competitive with newer models
Cons
- Uses the obsolete Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Significantly heavier (240 g) than the newer Titanium 'Pro Max' models
Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its 4323mAh battery crushes the iPhone 15's 3349mAh. That said, grab the iPhone 15 if you want a lighter phone at 6.02oz, making it more comfortable for daily use.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 if: you want a lighter phone at 6.02oz, you need a vibrant display for outdoor use with 2000 nits, or you prefer a more budget-friendly option.
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max if: you want longer battery life with up to 29 hours of video playback, you need a larger 6.7" screen for media consumption, or you shoot a lot of photos and videos with 3x optical zoom.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 951 reviews vs 250
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 15 edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.4★. However, Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
Apple iPhone 15 is the better choice if you prioritize high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max wins if you value first iphone to introduce the dynamic island interface. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 15 offers high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop, while Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max stands out with first iphone to introduce the dynamic island interface. Consider that Apple iPhone 15 display limited to 60 hz (no promotion 120 hz). Meanwhile, Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max uses the obsolete lightning port instead of usb-c. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.