iPhone 16 Pro Max & iPhone 15 Plus share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 16 Pro Max rather than the iPhone 15 Plus.
Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Pro Max?
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the A18 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU and advanced GPU for faster performance in demanding apps and smoother gaming, while the iPhone 15 Plus uses the older A16 Bionic chip with less processing power.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion 120 Hz and Always-On functionality for a more fluid and responsive viewing experience, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch OLED display limited to 60 Hz with no Always-On mode.
- It includes a triple-camera system with a 48 MP wide, 48 MP ultra-wide, and 12 MP telephoto lens supporting up to 5× optical zoom for versatile photography, while the iPhone 15 Plus comes with a dual-camera system that lacks dedicated telephoto lens.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with transfer speeds up to 10 Gb/s for much faster photo and video file transfers, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus is limited to USB-C 2.0 at 480 Mb/s.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a larger 4685 mAh battery for up to 33 hours of video playback and extended daily use, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus has a smaller 4383 mAh battery.
- It has a titanium frame that provides a more premium, durable, and scratch-resistant build, while the iPhone 15 Plus uses an aluminum frame with less robust durability.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless speeds and lower latency in high-bandwidth environments, while the iPhone 15 Plus has the older Wi-Fi 6.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max features a dedicated Camera Control button for instant access to camera functions and quick adjustments, whereas the iPhone 15 Plus does not include this additional hardware control.
Maybe the iPhone 15 Plus price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Plus |
| Display size | 6.9-inch | 6.7-inch |
| Display refresh rate | Up to 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Always-On display | Yes | No |
| Bezel thickness | Thinner | Thicker |
| Processor | A18 Pro | A16 Bionic |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Neural Engine | 16-core | Neural capabilities typical to A16 |
| GPU | 6-core, advanced | A16-class GPU |
| Thermal architecture | Machined chassis with graphite substructure | Standard cooling design |
| Build material | Titanium frame | Aluminum frame |
| Rear camera system | Triple: 48 MP wide, 48 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP telephoto with 5× optical zoom | Dual-camera system |
| Telephoto zoom | 5× optical zoom | ~2× optical |
| LiDAR sensor | Yes | No |
| Video capabilities | 4K at 120 fps | Standard 4K |
| Camera Control button | Yes | No |
| USB-C data speed | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi version | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Weight | 227 g | 201 g |
| Dimensions (height × width × depth) | 163 × 77.6 × 8.25 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm |
| Battery capacity | ~4685 mAh | ~4383 mAh |
| Video playback (max) | Up to 33 h | Up to 27 h |
| Audio playback (max) | Up to 105 h | Up to 100 h |
| Apple Intelligence support | Full support with visual intelligence | Limited |
| Neural Engine speed | Faster performance in AI tasks | Standard performance |
| Material finish options | Desert / Natural / White / Black Titanium | Multiple glass colors |
| Price | Check iPhone 16 Pro Max Price | Check iPhone 15 Plus Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- iOS 18 Support: Both smartphones run on iOS 18, giving users access to Apple’s latest software features, security updates, and long-term OS support.
- Water and Dust Resistance: Both devices are IP68 rated, allowing them to withstand accidental spills, rain, and submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
- Face ID: Both use the TrueDepth front camera system for Face ID, ensuring secure biometric authentication for unlocking, payments, and app sign-ins.
- Dynamic Island: Both phones feature the Dynamic Island, displaying live notifications, background activity, and quick access to apps in a modern interactive UI element.
- MagSafe Support: Both include MagSafe technology for wireless charging alignment and seamless use of accessories like wallets, stands, and battery packs.
- Wireless Charging: Both support Qi-standard wireless charging, letting users charge without cables using compatible pads and stands.
- Ceramic Shield Protection: Both models feature Ceramic Shield glass on the front for improved durability and resistance against drops and scratches.
- 5G Connectivity: Both support 5G networks for fast downloads, low latency, and smoother streaming compared to older LTE-only devices.
- USB-C Charging Port: Both use USB-C instead of Lightning, providing a universal charging standard across Apple’s latest lineup.
- Emergency SOS via Satellite: Both devices enable satellite-based emergency SOS messaging, ensuring connectivity even without cellular service.
- Crash Detection: Both include crash detection technology, automatically alerting emergency services in the event of a severe car accident.
- iMessage and FaceTime: Both fully support iMessage and FaceTime, allowing seamless communication within Apple’s ecosystem with end-to-end encryption.
- Dual eSIM: Both support dual eSIM functionality, letting users maintain two active lines without requiring a physical SIM card.
- Action Button: Both feature a customizable Action Button that can be set to tasks like camera launch, flashlight, or shortcuts.
- High Peak Brightness: Both displays reach up to 2000 nits outdoors, ensuring excellent readability in direct sunlight.
- App Store Access: Both provide full access to Apple’s App Store, allowing users to download millions of apps and games.
- Siri Integration: Both support Siri voice assistant for hands-free control, app commands, and smart device integration.
- Health and Fitness Tracking: Both integrate with the Health app, supporting fitness metrics, medical ID, and Apple Watch connectivity.
- Magnetic Accessory Alignment: Both have built-in magnet arrays that ensure perfect alignment for accessories and chargers.
- Privacy and Security Features: Both include Apple’s industry-leading privacy protections, with features like on-device processing and app tracking transparency.
Common Features
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Plus |
| iOS version support | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Splash, water, and dust resistance | IP68 rated | IP68 rated |
| Dual eSIM support | Yes | Yes |
| MagSafe compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Qi‑standard wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| TrueDepth front camera (Face ID) | Yes | Yes |
| Dynamic Island | Yes | Yes |
| 5G / LTE connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| USB‑C port | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Ceramic Shield front glass | Yes | Yes |
| Safari as default browser | Yes | Yes |
| Facetime / iMessage compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Dual SIM capability (eSIM only) | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging up to similar wattage | Yes | Yes |
| Accessory magnet array | Yes | Yes |
| On‑device Siri support | Yes | Yes |
| Access to Action Button | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Intelligence availability (beta) | Yes | Yes |
| Display brightness (up to 2000 nits outdoors) | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check iPhone 16 Pro Max Price | Check iPhone 15 Plus Price |
FAQ
Do both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus support iOS 18? Is the display different between the two phones? Which phone has better battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Plus? Do both phones have the Dynamic Island feature? What are the differences in the camera systems? Are both phones made of the same materials? Do both models have the Action Button? Do both phones use USB-C for charging? Do they have the same level of durability? Is Apple Intelligence available on both phones? How do the sizes and weights compare? Do both models support MagSafe and wireless charging? Is there a price difference between the two models? Which phone should I choose between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus? |
