Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the flagship option here, boasting a stunning 6.3" display with a peak brightness of 3000 nits. In real-world use, this means outdoor visibility that outshines the competition, making it perfect for those sunny days. You'd expect Apple iPhone 17 Pro to dominate, but Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max's 5x optical zoom changes everything, giving serious photography buffs a reason to consider it. Key specs: Display: 6.3" vs 6.7" and Battery: 4252 mAh vs 4422 mAh.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 17 Pro 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 | 4.8★ (108 reviews) | 4.8★ (895 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor) | First iPhone to support Apple Intelligence features |
| Main Drawback | Charging requires purchasing a 40W+ adapter separately for max speed | Charging speed is capped at 27W wired and 15W wireless (slower than newer models) |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 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 17 Pro vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 17 Pro | Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(108)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 A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing) | Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) |
Graphics | Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) | Apple 6-core GPU (A17 Pro) |
RAM | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) | 8 GB (LPDDR5) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe) | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) |
Display Size | 6.3" (6.27" 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 | 2622 x 1206 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); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion Main (24 mm, f/1.6), 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 Fusion 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 | 48MP Fusion Telephoto (100 mm, 4x, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus; enables 12MP optical-quality 8x zoom (200 mm equivalent) | 12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x optical-quality zoom steps (16x optical zoom range) | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x optical zoom steps (10x optical zoom range) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 40x | Up to 25x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion Main); ProRes up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps | 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 | 18MP Center Stage (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 | 4252 mAh (Li-ion, eSIM model); Up to 33 hours video playback (30 hours streamed) | 4422 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher | 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; 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 6.0; 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 2 front; Ceramic Shield back; Aerospace-grade aluminum unibody (with internal vapor chamber) | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade titanium design; Textured matte glass back |
Dimensions | 5.89" x 2.81" x 0.32" (149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm) | 6.29" x 3.02" x 0.32" (159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm) |
Weight | 7.27 oz (206 g) | 7.81 oz (221 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; 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 17 Pro
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
12 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe)
Pros
- Brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor)
- Triple 48MP camera system with new 4x tetraprism telephoto
Cons
- Charging requires purchasing a 40W+ adapter separately for max speed
- No physical SIM tray (eSIM only in US models)
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 17 Pro is the better buy for most people - its 12GB RAM crushes the 8GB in the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, ensuring smoother multitasking. That said, grab the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you're focused on photography - its 5x optical zoom is a game-changer.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro if: you want the brightest display at 3000 nits, need 12GB RAM for multitasking, or prefer faster 40W charging.
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max if: you value a larger 6.7" screen, need a more robust 5x optical zoom for long-range photography, or prefer a design at 7.81 oz.
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 895 reviews vs 108
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Brightest 6.3-inch display Priority
Brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor)
→ Choose Apple iPhone
First iPhone to Priority
First iPhone to support Apple Intelligence features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.8★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 17 Pro or Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the better choice if you prioritize brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor). Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max wins if you value first iphone to support apple intelligence features. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 17 Pro offers brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor), while Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out with first iphone to support apple intelligence features. Consider that Apple iPhone 17 Pro charging requires purchasing a 40w+ adapter separately for max speed. 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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