The iPhone 15 Pro Max is positioned as the flagship in Apple’s latest lineup, boasting a new 5x optical zoom telephoto camera to enhance the versatility of its rear camera system. Powered by the advanced 3-nanometer A17 Pro chipset, the device promises high performance with 19 billion transistors and enhanced neural processing capabilities.

Introducing the innovative Action button in place of the traditional alert slider, users can customize various quick and long presses to access favorite apps and features efficiently. The transition to a USB-C port brings a long-awaited change to the iPhone, aligning with new EU regulations and offering compatibility with a broader range of devices.

The device features a rounded design with a titanium frame, contributing to a lighter and more durable construction. Priced starting at $1,199 / £1,399 / AU$2,099, the iPhone 15 Pro Max includes notable upgrades, such as a ceramic shield-covered glass front and ultra-hard glass back. Pre-orders are open, and the phone is set to ship from September 22.

Key Specs:

  • Dimensions: 159.9mm x 76.7mm x 8.25mm
  • Weight: 221g
  • Display: 6.7-inch OLED, 2796 x 1290 pixels, Adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate
  • Chipset: A17 Pro
  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • Rear Cameras: 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
  • Front Camera: 12MP

Design Highlights:

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a hybrid design, combining elements of the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The body incorporates ceramic shield-covered glass on the front, ultra-hard glass on the back, and a new titanium frame, providing a lighter feel compared to the previous stainless steel frame.

The device showcases super-thin display bezels, measuring just 1.5mm, enhancing the immersive experience. The notable design changes include the introduction of the Action button, customizable for various functions, and the adoption of a USB-C port, aligning with universal standards.

Display:

The device maintains the 6.7-inch Super XDR OLED screen with ProMotion technology, offering a variable refresh rate between 10Hz and 120Hz. The Dynamic Island notch replacement and minimal bezels contribute to an immersive display experience with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits.

Camera System:

Equipped with a 5x optical zoom telephoto lens, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera array features a 48MP quad-pixel main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide. The front-facing TrueDepth camera remains at 12MP. The Sony IMX903 sensor, the largest ever in an iPhone, enhances photography capabilities, although a periscope camera is notably absent.

Performance and Software:

The A17 Pro chipset, built on a 3nm process, promises significant power savings with 19 billion transistors and hardware-based ray tracing for enhanced graphics capabilities. The device supports Wi-Fi 6E and ships with iOS 17.

Battery Life:

While the official battery size is undisclosed, Apple suggests improved battery life, with claims of “all-day battery life” and 29 hours of video playback. The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports MagSafe wireless charging and USB-C cable charging.

Early Verdict:

The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces substantial changes, combining style, functionality, and performance. The titanium design, Action button, USB-C port, and advanced A17 Pro chip contribute to a compelling upgrade. Despite not reinventing the iPhone, these enhancements position the device as a powerful and versatile smartphone, likely to secure a prominent place among top contenders.