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

iPhone 16 Pro Max & iPhone 15 Pro 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 Pro

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Pro Max

  • The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with thinner bezels for a more immersive viewing experience, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro has a smaller 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with less screen real estate.
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with the A18 Pro chip for faster CPU performance, improved GPU efficiency, and enhanced AI processing, while the iPhone 15 Pro uses the older A17 Pro chip with lower processing capabilities.
  • It includes a 48MP ultra-wide camera for sharper landscape and low-light shots, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro features a 12MP ultra-wide camera.
  • The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports a 5× telephoto zoom lens for distant photography with greater clarity, while the iPhone 15 Pro uses a 3× telephoto zoom lens.
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 4,685 mAh battery for up to 33 hours of video playback and longer daily usage, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro comes with a smaller 3,274 mAh battery.
  • It supports Wi-Fi 7 for faster wireless connectivity and improved stability in crowded networks, while the iPhone 15 Pro uses Wi-Fi 6.
  • The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a dedicated Camera Control button for quick access to camera modes and functions, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro uses a general Action button that requires customization for camera use.
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max includes improved thermal architecture with a graphite-clad aluminum structure for sustained performance during heavy use, while the iPhone 15 Pro relies on a standard thermal design.

Maybe the iPhone 15 Pro 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 Pro
Display size6.9 in6.1 in
CPU–GPU–NPUA18 ProA17 Pro
Neural engine TOPS35 TOPSLower
RAM8 GB LPDDR5X8 GB LPDDR5
Rear ultrawide48 MP12 MP
Telephoto zoom5× optical3× optical
Battery capacity4,685 mAh3,274 mAh
Video playback (hrs)33 hoursNot specified
Connectivity: Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6/6e
New buttonCamera Control buttonAction button
Materials & colorTitanium frame; Desert, Natural, White, Black TitaniumTitanium frame; Black, White, Blue, Natural Titanium
BezelsThinner bordersThin
SpeakersFour-mic array; spatial audioStandard speaker setup
Thermal architectureImproved thermal, graphite clad aluminum internal structureStandard thermal design
Wi-Fi and modem chipQualcomm Snapdragon X71 5GQualcomm Snapdragon X70 5G
Weight~227 g~187 g
Dimensions (H × W)163 × 77.6 mm146.6 × 70.6 mm
Software supportPreinstalled iOS 18; supports Visual Intelligence via Camera ControliOS 17 → iOS 18; supports Visual Intelligence via Action button
Ceramic Shield strengthImproved Ceramic ShieldStandard Ceramic Shield
PriceCheck iPhone 16 Pro Max PriceCheck iPhone 15 Pro Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Titanium frame: Both models use a premium titanium body, providing high strength with a lighter build—offering durability while keeping weight manageable.
  • ProMotion 120 Hz display: Each device incorporates high-refresh-rate OLED screens (up to 120 Hz), delivering smooth scrolling and silky visuals across the board.
  • IP68 water/dust resistance: Both are built to the IP68 standard, making them resistant to dust and water immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Rear LiDAR scanner: Both models include a LiDAR scanner on the back, enhancing autofocus and enabling AR capabilities.
  • Dual-SIM (eSIM support): Both support multiple SIM configurations—switching between carriers or regions is made easy via eSIM.
  • Face ID facial recognition: Both use Face ID for secure authentication, offering fast and reliable facial recognition even in varied light.
  • MagSafe wireless charging: Each offers MagSafe support for fast wireless charging and accessory attachment with magnetic alignment.
  • Ultra-wideband (UWB): Both are equipped with UWB chips, enabling precise spatial awareness—useful for AirTag localization and AirDrop suggestions.
  • Thread support: Both support the Thread protocol for smart home devices, enabling reliable, low-power mesh networking.
  • Dolby Atmos spatial audio: Both deliver immersive sound with Dolby Atmos support, especially when paired with compatible headphones or speakers.
  • Satellite Emergency SOS: Each model supports emergency SOS via satellite, enabling off-network messaging in critical situations.
  • HDR and Dolby Vision video capture: Both are capable of recording HDR video and support Dolby Vision, ensuring vivid, cinema-grade footage.
  • OLED Super Retina XDR display: Each uses OLED Super Retina XDR panels, delivering high contrast, deep blacks, and vivid colors.
  • Always-On display: Both devices retain an always-on display feature, useful for glanceable widgets and time display without waking the screen fully.
  • USB-C reversible connector: Both adopt USB-C ports, making charging and data transfer more convenient with industry-standard cables.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 16 Pro MaxiPhone 15 Pro
Titanium frameYesYes
ProMotion 120 Hz displayYesYes
IP68 water/dust resistanceYesYes
Rear LiDAR scannerYesYes
Dual-SIM (eSIM support)YesYes
Face ID facial recognitionYesYes
MagSafe wireless chargingYesYes
Ultra-wideband (UWB)YesYes
Thread supportYesYes
Dolby Atmos spatial audioYesYes
Satellite Emergency SOSYesYes
HDR and Dolby Vision videoYesYes
OLED Super Retina XDR displayYesYes
Always-On displayYesYes
USB-C reversible connectorYesYes
Price Check iPhone 16 Pro Max Price Check iPhone 15 Pro Price

FAQ

What materials are used in both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro?
Both phones are built with a titanium frame, which provides excellent strength while keeping the device lightweight and resistant to bending compared to stainless steel used in older models.

Do both models feature a high refresh rate display?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro come with a ProMotion 120Hz OLED Super Retina XDR display, which delivers smoother scrolling, responsive gaming, and fluid animations.

Are both iPhones water and dust resistant?
Both models carry an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand dust and immersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, making them durable in daily conditions and accidental spills.

Do they both include a LiDAR scanner?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro include a LiDAR scanner on the back camera system, enabling faster autofocus in low light and improving augmented reality experiences.

Can both models support dual SIM with eSIM technology?
Both phones support multiple SIM configurations through eSIM technology, allowing users to switch carriers easily and travel internationally without needing physical SIM cards.

Do they both use Face ID for security?
Yes, Face ID is present on both models, utilizing advanced facial recognition technology for secure unlocking and Apple Pay authentication.

Is MagSafe available on both devices?
Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro support MagSafe wireless charging and accessories, enabling up to 15W charging and magnetic alignment for compatible cases, wallets, and chargers.

Do they both come with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology?
Yes, UWB is supported on both models, allowing precise device location and features like advanced AirDrop and compatibility with AirTags.

Do both models support the Thread smart home protocol?
Both devices support Thread, ensuring improved smart home connectivity and reliability, especially for Apple HomeKit-compatible accessories.

Is spatial audio supported on both phones?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro deliver immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, enhancing the sound experience with compatible headphones and speakers.

Do both phones have Emergency SOS via satellite?
Both devices support Emergency SOS through satellite, allowing users to contact emergency services even when outside of traditional cellular coverage areas.

Can both models capture Dolby Vision HDR video?
Yes, both iPhones can record HDR video with Dolby Vision support, producing vibrant and lifelike footage with professional-grade color accuracy.

Do they both use an OLED Super Retina XDR display?
Yes, both models feature OLED Super Retina XDR panels, delivering deep blacks, high brightness, and accurate color reproduction suitable for HDR content.

Is Always-On display available on both phones?
Both iPhones include the Always-On display feature, showing widgets, time, and notifications on a dimmed screen without significantly impacting battery life.

Do both models have USB-C ports?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro have adopted USB-C, replacing the Lightning port, making charging and connectivity more versatile and compatible with industry standards.

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