The newly launched iPhone 15 Pro models offer exciting video features and a brand-new chipset. The decision between the smaller yet similarly equipped iPhone 15 Pro and the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max may pose a challenge. We provide a detailed comparison to assist you in selecting the one that suits your needs.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Tech Specs

  iPhone 15 Pro (review) iPhone 15 Pro Max (review)
Display 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel, 2,556×1,179, 460ppi; 1,600/2,000 nits peak brightness (HDR/outdoor); Dynamic Island, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, Always On display 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel, 2,796×1,290 resolution, 460ppi, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, 1,600/2,000 nits peak brightness (HDR/outdoor); Dynamic Island, Always On display
Processor A17 Pro A17 Pro
Storage 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB 256GB/512GB/1TB
Rear Camera 48MP f/1.78 Main, 12MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide, 12MP f/2.8 Telephoto, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom, Smart HDR 5 48MP f/1.78 Main, 12MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide, 12MP f/2.8 Telephoto, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x, x5 optical zoom, Smart HDR 5
Front Camera 12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9 12MP TrueDepth, f/1.9
Video Recording 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60 fps with external recording, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps, Cinematic mode, Action Mode, Macro, Log video, Academy Color Encoding System 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60 fps with external recording, HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps, Cinematic mode, Action Mode, Macro, Log video, Academy Color Encoding System
Biometric Security Face ID Face ID
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 6E
LTE 5G 5G
Charging USB-C, Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes USB-C, Up to 50% charge in 35 minutes
Wireless Charging Yes, with MagSafe Yes, with MagSafe
Battery Life 23 hours (video playback) 29 hours (video playback)
Bluetooth 5.3 5.3
Apple Pay Yes Yes
Waterproofing IP68 IP68
SIM Dual (nano and eSIM except in the US where there is no support for physical SIM cards) Dual (nano and eSIM except in the US where there is no support for physical SIM cards)
Dimensions 5.77 x 2.78 x 0.32 inches 146.6mm x 70.6mm x 8.25mm 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches 159.9mm x 76.7mm x 8.25mm
Weight 6.60oz / 187g 7.81oz / 221g

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Overview

The iPhone 15 Pro models, despite size differences, share identical features, enabling Apple enthusiasts to choose the preferred size without sacrificing functionality. The A17 Pro chipset, present in both models, promises a 20% faster GPU, 10% faster CPU, and 4x faster ray tracing compared to the previous generation, leading to improved gaming and enhanced video capabilities.

A notable change is the shift to USB-C, replacing the previous Lightning port, driven by new EU regulations. This change simplifies cable management for users with multiple devices.

Divergence appears in battery life, with the iPhone 15 Pro offering up to 23 hours of video playback, while the Pro Max boasts an impressive 29 hours. Both support fast charging, reaching 50% in 30 minutes for the Pro and 35 minutes for the Pro Max, using a 20W charger (not included). Qi or MagSafe wireless charging is available, albeit at slower speeds compared to wired charging.

Other shared features include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G support, NFC, and Face ID. Storage options vary, with the iPhone 15 Pro available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities, while the Pro Max excludes the 128GB variant.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Design & Build

The construction of both devices remains similar, featuring a new Titanium band on the aluminum chassis, replacing the Stainless Steel variant used in previous models. The rear boasts textured matte glass. Dimensions and weight differ due to size discrepancies:

  • iPhone 15 Pro: 5.77 x 2.78 x 0.32 inches (146.6mm x 70.6mm x 8.25mm); 6.60oz / 187g
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max: 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches (159.9mm x 76.7mm x 8.25mm); 7.81oz / 221g

Both models offer color options, including Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Display

The display differentiates the two devices, with the Pro Max featuring a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel, offering a grander visual experience. Both models share features like ProMotion 120Hz refresh rates, True Tone, Wide Color display, Haptic Touch, Always-On, and 1,000/1,600/2,000 (typical, HDR, outdoor) maximum brightness.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Action Button

An interesting addition is the replacement of the mute switch with a programmable ‘Action’ button on both devices. This button allows users to assign specific tasks from a list in iOS 17, providing quick access to functions like turning on the torch, enabling Focus mode, launching the camera, or triggering a preset shortcut.

Both iPhones maintain an IP68 waterproof rating, ensuring resilience against water exposure.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Cameras

While the camera setups appear identical at first glance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max holds a slight advantage. Both models share the same camera modules—48MP f/1.78 main, 12MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide, and 12MP f/2.8 Telephoto sensors. However, the Pro Max enjoys additional 5x optical zoom, allowing users to get closer to distant subjects.

Beyond this difference, both devices offer Smart HDR 5, Night mode, Macro, sensor-shift stabilization, Action mode, Cinematic mode, and 4K at 60fps video recording. Apple introduces the Academy Color Encoding System and video Logging to the iPhone 15 Pro series, catering to serious videographers for enhanced color-grading capabilities.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Price

Official Apple pricing for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max:

  • iPhone 15 Pro: 128GB $999 / £999, 256GB $1,099 / £1,099, 512GB $1,299 / £1,299, 1TB $1,499 / £1,499
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max: 256GB $1,199 / £1,199, 512GB $1,399 / £1,399, 1TB $1,699 / £1,599

Various deals from third-party retailers are available, with the option to explore additional deals specific to the UK and the US.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Verdict

Apple simplifies the decision-making process by offering practically identical features in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Beyond the Pro Max’s 5x zoom and longer battery life, the devices share similarities. The choice primarily boils down to preferred size, considering the weight difference, especially if frequent holding or pocketing is anticipated. Both models are versatile, capable of performing nearly all tasks available on the counterpart.