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

iPhone 16 Plus & iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 15 Pro Max rather than the iPhone 16 Plus. 

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 15 Pro Max

  • The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the A17 Pro chip with a 6-core GPU for superior gaming performance and faster graphics rendering, while the iPhone 16 Plus comes with the A18 chip with a 5-core GPU that delivers less powerful graphics.
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max features a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, responsive animations, and better gameplay, whereas the iPhone 16 Plus uses a 60Hz display that feels less fluid.
  • It includes a triple-camera system with a 5x telephoto lens for capturing distant subjects with sharp detail, while the iPhone 16 Plus only has a dual-camera system without a telephoto lens.
  • The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with up to 1TB of internal storage for professionals who need to store large 4K video projects and extensive photo libraries, whereas the iPhone 16 Plus is limited to a maximum of 512GB.
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max has a titanium frame for increased durability and a more premium lightweight build, while the iPhone 16 Plus uses an aluminum frame that is less robust.
  • It supports USB-C with USB 3 transfer speeds for quickly moving large files such as ProRes video footage to a computer, whereas the iPhone 16 Plus supports USB 2 speeds that are significantly slower.
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max includes ProRAW and ProRes recording features for advanced photographers and filmmakers to produce professional-grade content, while the iPhone 16 Plus supports standard formats without the same level of creative flexibility.
  • It comes with LiDAR scanning for faster low-light autofocus and enhanced augmented reality applications, whereas the iPhone 16 Plus does not include a LiDAR scanner.

Maybe the iPhone 16 Plus price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 15 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 15 Pro MaxiPhone 16 Plus
ChipsetA17 ProA18
GPU6-core GPU5-core GPU
Display Refresh Rate120Hz ProMotion60Hz standard
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLED with ProMotionSuper Retina XDR OLED without ProMotion
Brightness2000 nits peak outdoor2000 nits peak outdoor
Screen Size6.7 inches6.7 inches
Body MaterialTitanium frameAluminum frame
Thickness8.25 mm7.8 mm
Storage OptionsUp to 1TBUp to 512GB
RAM8GB LPDDR58GB LPDDR5
Rear Camera SetupTriple (48MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-wide + 12MP Telephoto)Dual (48MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-wide)
Telephoto Zoom5x optical (exclusive to Pro Max)No telephoto
Macro ModeWide + Ultra-wideSupported via Wide
Camera Control ButtonNot availableNew dedicated button
Action ButtonYesYes
Battery Life (Video Playback)Up to 29 hoursUp to 27 hours
Charging PortUSB-C with USB 3 speedsUSB-C with USB 2 speeds
PriceCheck iPhone 15 Pro Max PriceCheck iPhone 16 Plus Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Technology: Both iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus feature a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with the same 2796 × 1290 resolution and ~460 ppi pixel density, ensuring sharp visuals and vibrant colors.
  • Brightness and HDR: Each phone supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision with peak outdoor brightness reaching 2000 nits, making content viewable even under bright sunlight with excellent contrast.
  • Color Accuracy: Both models support P3 wide color gamut and True Tone, which means colors appear natural and consistent across lighting environments, ideal for media and photo editing.
  • Durability: Each device is protected with a Ceramic Shield front cover and holds an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, giving durability and protection against everyday mishaps.
  • Camera Core: Both share a 48MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens as part of their camera system, ensuring detailed shots, wide perspectives, and reliable low-light performance.
  • Software Enhancements: Features like Night Mode, Photonic Engine, and Smart HDR are available in both, improving photo quality across various lighting conditions.
  • Video Capabilities: Both can shoot cinematic mode videos in 4K HDR at up to 30 fps and record 4K at 60 fps, with slow motion at 1080p 120/240 fps, making them versatile for creators.
  • Connectivity: Both support 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, delivering fast and stable connections for streaming, gaming, and accessories.
  • Security: Face ID through the TrueDepth camera system is used in both, providing secure authentication and seamless unlocking.
  • Charging and Accessories: MagSafe compatibility and Qi wireless charging are shared, ensuring convenience for wireless power and magnetic accessories like wallets or mounts.
  • SIM Technology: Both primarily rely on eSIM support in most markets, reflecting Apple’s move away from physical SIM slots for a more streamlined design.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 15 Pro MaxiPhone 16 Plus
Display Size6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution2796 × 1290 pixels2796 × 1290 pixels
Pixel Density~460 ppi~460 ppi
HDR SupportHDR10 and Dolby VisionHDR10 and Dolby Vision
Peak BrightnessUp to 2000 nits outdoorUp to 2000 nits outdoor
Contrast Ratio2,000,000:12,000,000:1
Wide ColorP3 wide color gamutP3 wide color gamut
True ToneSupportedSupported
Ceramic ShieldFront coverFront cover
Water ResistanceIP68 ratingIP68 rating
Primary Camera48MP wide lens48MP wide lens
Ultra-Wide Camera12MP12MP
Night ModeSupportedSupported
Photonic EngineAvailableAvailable
Smart HDRLatest generationLatest generation
Cinematic Mode4K HDR up to 30 fps4K HDR up to 30 fps
Video RecordingUp to 4K 60fpsUp to 4K 60fps
Slow Motion1080p at 120/240fps1080p at 120/240fps
Connectivity5G capable5G capable
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6E
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
Face IDTrueDepth cameraTrueDepth camera
MagSafeSupportedSupported
Price Check iPhone 15 Pro Max Price Check iPhone 16 Plus Price

FAQ

Which model has better performance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Plus?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers stronger graphics performance thanks to the 6-core GPU inside the A17 Pro chip, making it better for gaming and demanding apps, while the iPhone 16 Plus has the newer A18 chip but with a 5-core GPU focused more on efficiency than raw power.

Does the iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Plus have a better display?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a superior display with ProMotion technology, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, while the iPhone 16 Plus remains at 60Hz, which feels less fluid in comparison despite both having the same resolution and brightness.

Which phone is better for photography, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Plus?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is better for photography because it includes a telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom in addition to the wide and ultra-wide lenses, whereas the iPhone 16 Plus only has wide and ultra-wide lenses without telephoto but still produces sharp shots with its 48MP wide camera.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus have any new camera features not on the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus introduces a dedicated Camera Control button that allows users to quickly adjust camera settings and capture photos more conveniently, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max does not have this hardware feature.

Which iPhone lasts longer on a single charge, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Plus?
The iPhone 16 Plus provides longer endurance, rated for up to 27 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max lasts up to 29 hours but is generally less efficient due to its ProMotion display and heavier power use under load.

Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Plus lighter to hold?
The iPhone 16 Plus is lighter at 199 grams compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max at 221 grams, and it is also slightly thinner, making it more comfortable for long one-handed use.

Which iPhone supports faster data transfer speeds?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports USB-C with USB 3 speeds for much faster file transfers, especially useful for creators moving large video files, while the iPhone 16 Plus is limited to USB 2 speeds.

Do both iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus have the Action button?
Yes, both devices include the customizable Action button, but the iPhone 16 Plus adds an extra Camera Control button for more functionality.

How much storage is available on the iPhone 15 Pro Max compared to the iPhone 16 Plus?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with storage options up to 1TB, which is ideal for professionals storing high-resolution videos, while the iPhone 16 Plus is capped at 512GB, which is still ample for most users but not as large.

Do both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus support MagSafe?
Yes, both phones are fully compatible with MagSafe accessories, including chargers, wallets, and magnetic mounts, making them equally convenient in that regard.

Which iPhone has better build quality, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Plus?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a premium titanium frame that provides stronger durability with a lighter high-end feel, while the iPhone 16 Plus uses an aluminum frame which is sturdy but not as premium.

Do both models support Apple Intelligence features?
The iPhone 16 Plus comes with iOS 18 and is fully integrated with Apple Intelligence features, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max launched with iOS 17 and receives iOS 18, but the integration of Apple Intelligence is optimized more for the newer 16 series hardware.

Which one is more affordable, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Plus?
The iPhone 16 Plus is positioned at a lower price point in Apple’s lineup, making it more accessible to a wider audience, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a flagship Pro model that costs significantly more at launch.

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