iPhone 15 Plus vs 16 Pro Max – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureiPhone 16 Pro MaxiPhone 15 Plus
Display size6.9-inch6.7-inch
Display refresh rateUp to 120 Hz60 Hz
Always-On displayYesNo
Bezel thicknessThinnerThicker
ProcessorA18 ProA16 Bionic
RAM8 GB6 GB
Neural Engine16-coreNeural capabilities typical to A16
GPU6-core, advancedA16-class GPU
Thermal architectureMachined chassis with graphite substructureStandard cooling design
Build materialTitanium frameAluminum frame
Rear camera systemTriple: 48 MP wide, 48 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP telephoto with 5× optical zoomDual-camera system
Telephoto zoom5× optical zoom~2× optical
LiDAR sensorYesNo
Video capabilities4K at 120 fpsStandard 4K
Camera Control buttonYesNo
USB-C data speedUSB 3.2 Gen 2USB 2.0
Wi-Fi versionWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
Weight227 g201 g
Dimensions (height × width × depth)163 × 77.6 × 8.25 mm160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm
Battery capacity~4685 mAh~4383 mAh
Video playback (max)Up to 33 hUp to 27 h
Audio playback (max)Up to 105 hUp to 100 h
Apple Intelligence supportFull support with visual intelligenceLimited
Neural Engine speedFaster performance in AI tasksStandard performance
Material finish optionsDesert / Natural / White / Black TitaniumMultiple glass colors
PriceCheck iPhone 16 Pro Max PriceCheck 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

FeatureiPhone 16 Pro MaxiPhone 15 Plus
iOS version supportiOS 18iOS 18
Splash, water, and dust resistanceIP68 ratedIP68 rated
Dual eSIM supportYesYes
MagSafe compatibilityYesYes
Qi‑standard wireless chargingYesYes
TrueDepth front camera (Face ID)YesYes
Dynamic IslandYesYes
5G / LTE connectivityYesYes
USB‑C portYesYes
Satellite emergency SOSYesYes
Ceramic Shield front glassYesYes
Safari as default browserYesYes
Facetime / iMessage compatibilityYesYes
Dual SIM capability (eSIM only)YesYes
Wireless charging up to similar wattageYesYes
Accessory magnet arrayYesYes
On‑device Siri supportYesYes
Access to Action ButtonYesYes
Apple Intelligence availability (beta)YesYes
Display brightness (up to 2000 nits outdoors)YesYes
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?
Yes, both models run on iOS 18, giving users access to the latest Apple Intelligence features, software enhancements, and long-term update support.

Is the display different between the two phones?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger 6.9-inch OLED display with ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate and Always-On functionality, while the iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch OLED display limited to 60Hz with no Always-On option.

Which phone has better battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Plus?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max provides better endurance with a larger battery that delivers up to 33 hours of video playback, compared to around 27 hours on the iPhone 15 Plus.

Do both phones have the Dynamic Island feature?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus include the Dynamic Island, which integrates notifications, live activities, and app status into an interactive pill-shaped area at the top of the screen.

What are the differences in the camera systems?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a triple-camera setup with 48MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto with up to 5× optical zoom, while the iPhone 15 Plus comes with a dual-camera system including a 48MP wide and a 12MP ultra-wide lens without advanced telephoto zoom.

Are both phones made of the same materials?
No, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is constructed with a titanium frame that is lighter and stronger, while the iPhone 15 Plus uses an aluminum frame with color-infused glass back.

Do both models have the Action Button?
Yes, both include the customizable Action Button, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max adds a dedicated Camera Control button for quick photography and video functions.

Do both phones use USB-C for charging?
Yes, both models have transitioned to USB-C, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports faster USB 3.2 data transfer speeds, while the iPhone 15 Plus is limited to USB 2.0 speeds.

Do they have the same level of durability?
Both phones include Ceramic Shield glass on the front and are IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, making them durable against everyday accidents.

Is Apple Intelligence available on both phones?
Yes, Apple Intelligence is supported across iOS 18, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s A18 Pro chip processes AI tasks faster and more efficiently than the A16 in the iPhone 15 Plus.

How do the sizes and weights compare?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max measures 163 × 77.6 × 8.25 mm and weighs 227 g, while the iPhone 15 Plus measures 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm and weighs 201 g, making the Pro Max slightly larger and heavier.

Do both models support MagSafe and wireless charging?
Yes, both support MagSafe accessories and Qi wireless charging, allowing for convenient cable-free charging and magnetic accessory compatibility.

Is there a price difference between the two models?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is significantly more expensive due to its titanium build, advanced chip, ProMotion display, and triple-camera system, while the iPhone 15 Plus is positioned as a more affordable large-screen iPhone.

Which phone should I choose between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus?
If you prioritize the most advanced performance, camera system, display technology, and premium materials, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best choice. If you prefer a large iPhone with strong battery life, modern features, and lower cost, the iPhone 15 Plus is the more practical option.

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