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
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Plus |
| Chipset | A17 Pro | A18 |
| GPU | 6-core GPU | 5-core GPU |
| Display Refresh Rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 60Hz standard |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion | Super Retina XDR OLED without ProMotion |
| Brightness | 2000 nits peak outdoor | 2000 nits peak outdoor |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Body Material | Titanium frame | Aluminum frame |
| Thickness | 8.25 mm | 7.8 mm |
| Storage Options | Up to 1TB | Up to 512GB |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 8GB LPDDR5 |
| Rear Camera Setup | Triple (48MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-wide + 12MP Telephoto) | Dual (48MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-wide) |
| Telephoto Zoom | 5x optical (exclusive to Pro Max) | No telephoto |
| Macro Mode | Wide + Ultra-wide | Supported via Wide |
| Camera Control Button | Not available | New dedicated button |
| Action Button | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 29 hours | Up to 27 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C with USB 3 speeds | USB-C with USB 2 speeds |
| Price | Check iPhone 15 Pro Max Price | Check 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
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Plus |
| Display Size | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2796 × 1290 pixels | 2796 × 1290 pixels |
| Pixel Density | ~460 ppi | ~460 ppi |
| HDR Support | HDR10 and Dolby Vision | HDR10 and Dolby Vision |
| Peak Brightness | Up to 2000 nits outdoor | Up to 2000 nits outdoor |
| Contrast Ratio | 2,000,000:1 | 2,000,000:1 |
| Wide Color | P3 wide color gamut | P3 wide color gamut |
| True Tone | Supported | Supported |
| Ceramic Shield | Front cover | Front cover |
| Water Resistance | IP68 rating | IP68 rating |
| Primary Camera | 48MP wide lens | 48MP wide lens |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Night Mode | Supported | Supported |
| Photonic Engine | Available | Available |
| Smart HDR | Latest generation | Latest generation |
| Cinematic Mode | 4K HDR up to 30 fps | 4K HDR up to 30 fps |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 4K 60fps |
| Slow Motion | 1080p at 120/240fps | 1080p at 120/240fps |
| Connectivity | 5G capable | 5G capable |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Face ID | TrueDepth camera | TrueDepth camera |
| MagSafe | Supported | Supported |
| 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? Does the iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Plus have a better display? Which phone is better for photography, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Plus? Does the iPhone 16 Plus have any new camera features not on the iPhone 15 Pro Max? Which iPhone lasts longer on a single charge, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Plus? Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Plus lighter to hold? Which iPhone supports faster data transfer speeds? Do both iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus have the Action button? How much storage is available on the iPhone 15 Pro Max compared to the iPhone 16 Plus? Do both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus support MagSafe? Which iPhone has better build quality, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Plus? Do both models support Apple Intelligence features? Which one is more affordable, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Plus? |
