Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max shines with its massive 6.9-inch display, making it a standout for media consumption compared to the 6.7-inch screen of the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. In real-world use, the 4685 mAh battery lasts up to 33 hours of video playback, which is ideal for binge-watching or long trips. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a compelling alternative with its 5x optical zoom, perfect for capturing those far-off shots. Key specs: Display: 6.9" vs 6.7" and Battery: 4685 mAh vs 4422 mAh.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max are premium flagship smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.7★ (348 reviews) | ✓4.8★ (895 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders | First iPhone to support Apple Intelligence features |
| Main Drawback | Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users | Charging speed is capped at 27W wired and 15W wireless (slower than newer models) |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 6-core GPU (A17 Pro)
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(348)Best Buy | ★4.8(895)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 A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) |
Graphics | Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro) | Apple 6-core GPU (A17 Pro) |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 8 GB (LPDDR5) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) |
Display Size | 6.9" (6.86" 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 | 2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi) | 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 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 | 48MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography | 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, 100% Focus Pixels | 12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus |
Optical Zoom | 5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 10x optical zoom range | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x optical zoom steps (10x optical zoom range) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 25x | Up to 25x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion); Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes up to 4K 120 fps with external 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 | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps, ProRes support |
Battery | 4685 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 33 hours video playback (29 hours streamed) | 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 | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W (via iOS update); Qi up to 7.5W | 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 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 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 | 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 (latest generation) front; Titanium design (Grade 5); Textured matte glass back | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade titanium design; Textured matte glass back |
Dimensions | 6.42" x 3.06" x 0.32" (163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm) | 6.29" x 3.02" x 0.32" (159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm) |
Weight | 7.99 oz (227 g) | 7.81 oz (221 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | 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 |
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Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Pros
- Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
- 48MP Ultra Wide camera improves macro and wide-angle detail significantly
Cons
- Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users
- Fastest charging speeds (MagSafe 25W) require purchasing a new puck and adapter
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 6-core GPU (A17 Pro)
8 GB (LPDDR5)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Pros
- First iPhone to support Apple Intelligence features
- 5x optical zoom tetraprism lens significantly improves long-range photography
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)
Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its 6.9-inch display crushes the 6.7-inch screen of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. That said, grab the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you want to save some cash - it's lighter and still packs a punch.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max if: you love watching movies on a large screen, need top-notch battery life for travel, or want the latest in camera technology. (6.9" display, 4685 mAh battery)
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max if: you want a lighter device, prefer a lower price, or often take long-range photos. (6.7" display, 4422 mAh battery)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.7★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 895 reviews vs 348
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Largest iPhone display Priority
Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
→ Choose Apple iPhone
First iPhone to Priority
First iPhone to support Apple Intelligence features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max leads with a 4.8★ rating versus 4.7★. That said, Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better choice if you prioritize largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max wins if you value first iphone to support apple intelligence features. Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max offers largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders, while Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out with first iphone to support apple intelligence features. Consider that Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users. Meanwhile, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max charging speed is capped at 27w wired and 15w wireless (slower than newer models). 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.
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