iPhone 15 Pro Max review

Trade in iPhone 15 Pro Max

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a range of impressive features and upgrades, making it a noteworthy flagship smartphone. The new titanium design makes the large 6.7-inch device remarkably lightweight, and Apple has managed to reduce bezels while also making the phone more compact. This combination results in a large-screen phone that feels more manageable in the hand.

Some other notable upgrades include the Action button, which offers convenient shortcuts, the A17 Pro processor built on a 3nm process for powerful graphics performance, and a larger 5x telephoto zoom lens to improve your photography experience.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. The starting price of $1,199 is $100 higher than the previous model, which may be a concern for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a USB-C port, charging speeds remain relatively slow.

In this review, I will delve into the pros and cons of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, providing an in-depth analysis of its features and performance. If you’re undecided about whether to purchase this device, I will help you make an informed decision. You can also explore a comparison between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro to see how they stack up against each other.

IPHONE 15 PRO MAX REVIEW: SPECS

IPHONE 15 PRO MAX RELEASE DATE AND PRICE

The iPhone 15 Pro Max was released on September 22, and it comes with a starting price of $1,199. This starting price is $100 higher than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, making it the most expensive iPhone to date. However, it’s worth noting that the base model now includes 256GB of storage, which is twice the standard storage capacity of the previous year’s flagship.

For those who need even more storage, there are options to upgrade to 512GB for $1,399 or 1TB for $1,599. If you’re looking for potential discounts or deals on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can check our iPhone 15 deals page for the latest information.

IPHONE 15 PRO MAX: DESIGN

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a titanium design, a departure from the stainless steel sides found in previous Pro models. This shift to titanium is significant because grade 5 titanium, the material Apple uses, offers both increased strength and reduced weight. In fact, it’s the same type of titanium that was used in the construction of the Mars Rover, emphasizing its durability and lightweight properties. This change in material contributes to a lighter and more robust design for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in various titanium color options, each with its own unique appeal. Natural Titanium, with its sci-fi aesthetic, has garnered appreciation. Blue Titanium is another attractive choice, and the lineup also includes Silver Titanium and Black Titanium variants.

One notable advantage of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is its reduced weight. Weighing in at 7.8 ounces, it’s notably lighter than its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which weighed 8.5 ounces. This weight reduction is tangible when holding and carrying the phone, making it feel more manageable and comfortable in hand and in your pocket.

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a more compact design compared to its predecessor. It measures 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max had dimensions of 6.33 x 3.05 x 0.31 inches. While the new iPhone is slightly thicker, it compensates for this with reduced height and width, making it easier to handle with one hand. This design adjustment marks the first time a large-screen iPhone doesn’t feel overly cumbersome, enhancing its usability and comfort.

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a more comfortable and ergonomic design compared to its predecessor. The edges are rounded and less sharp, making it more comfortable to hold. Additionally, the inclusion of a USB-C port on the bottom edge is a welcome change, allowing for more universal compatibility and convenience as you can use the same cable to charge your iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.

IPHONE 15 PRO MAX: ACTION BUTTON

The Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro Max serves as a versatile feature that allows you to perform various functions. It can be customized to launch different apps or perform specific actions based on your preferences. For example, you can configure it to launch the camera, activate the voice recorder, turn on the flashlight, or even translate text. Additionally, you can set up specific actions within apps for even more convenience, such as quickly switching to the selfie mode in the Camera app. This versatility adds functionality to the device and enhances the user experience.

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The Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a range of useful functions through its customization options and integration with the Shortcuts app. Users can assign it to launch specific apps or create shortcuts for various tasks, such as messaging a particular contact. However, it currently supports only one function at a time, meaning you can’t simultaneously use it for multiple actions, like launching the camera and muting calls. Your suggestion of allowing app shortcuts with a double press while reserving the long press for silent mode is a practical idea that could enhance the button’s functionality and user experience.

IPHONE 15 PRO MAX: USB-C

The transition to USB-C charging in the iPhone 15 Pro Max marks a significant change, and it’s a welcome move for many users who have already adopted USB-C as a standard connector for various devices. This change allows for greater compatibility and reduces the need to carry multiple cables for charging different devices. While it’s worth noting that this shift may have been influenced by regulatory requirements, it aligns with the broader trend towards universal connectors in the tech industry.

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The USB-C port on the iPhone 15 Pro Max not only facilitates faster charging but also offers versatile compatibility with various Apple accessories and the ability to transfer data at higher speeds. This means you can conveniently charge other Apple devices, like AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging case, using your iPhone. Additionally, the USB 3 support for data transfer ensures quicker file transfers between your iPhone and other devices, which can be particularly useful for photographers and content creators. While it’s not the latest USB standard, it still offers substantial performance improvements over older USB connections.

IPHONE 15 PRO MAX: DISPLAY

The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s display retains many of the qualities that made its predecessor’s screen impressive, such as its high peak brightness levels, making it easily readable even in bright outdoor conditions. While the device doesn’t introduce major changes to the display technology, the reduction in bezel size contributes to a more immersive visual experience. The display’s peak brightness of 1,600 nits and 2,000 nits for outdoor use ensures vibrant and clear visuals in various lighting environments.

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max maintains the ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering a smooth and responsive user experience with fluid scrolling and animations. The always-on display feature allows users to conveniently view essential information, such as notifications and the time, without needing to unlock the iPhone, enhancing usability and efficiency.

The Dynamic Island feature on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a valuable addition, providing real-time updates at the top of the display for convenient access to information like ride statuses, flight updates, and quick music playlist control.

In terms of brightness, the Pro Max delivers impressive results, reaching a maximum of 1,550 nits when playing HDR content. This level of brightness is comparable to the iPhone 14 Pro Max, ensuring excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, in contrast, measured slightly dimmer at 1,444 nits during the same test.

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max continues to excel in color reproduction, delivering vibrant and accurate colors. This quality is evident when watching content like the trailer for Aquaman 2, where the underwater world’s colors appear vivid, and fine details in costumes and visuals are sharp and well-defined.

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s display impresses with its color accuracy, reproducing 119.4% of the sRGB color gamut and 84.5% of the DCI-P3 color space. It achieved a remarkable Delta-E score of 0.14, indicating highly accurate colors. In comparison, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, in its Natural mode, delivered slightly lower percentages (111.2% sRGB and 78.8% DCI-P3) and a Delta-E score of 0.3, making the iPhone’s display more color-accurate. However, in Vivid mode, the S23 Ultra showcased higher percentages (193% sRGB and 136.7% DCI-P3) but likely with less accurate color representation.

IPHONE 15 PRO MAX: CAMERAS

The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts significant camera improvements, particularly in its zoom capabilities. Its main sensor is now larger, offering a 48MP camera that captures 24MP photos by default. Additionally, users can opt for 48MP HEIF for space-saving or ProRAW for enhanced creative control. This combination of features positions the iPhone 15 Pro Max as a strong competitor in the realm of camera phones, excelling in overall quality.

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The main camera of the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers three shooting options: 24mm, 28mm, and 25mm, allowing users to switch between them by tapping the 1x button. Additionally, the camera has depth-sensing capabilities, eliminating the need for portrait mode when capturing portraits of people or pets. Furthermore, users can adjust the focus point of their shots even after taking the photo, adding flexibility and control to their photography.

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a significant improvement in zoom capabilities. Thanks to the new tetraprism lens, it offers a 5x optical zoom, a notable upgrade from the 3x optical zoom on the previous model and the standard iPhone 15 Pro. Additionally, the digital zoom has been extended to a maximum of 25x, up from 15x on the iPhone 14 Pro Max, providing users with enhanced zooming options for their photography needs.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s night mode performance is truly impressive, as demonstrated in these comparison shots. In the indoor photo of Halloween decorations, the 15 Pro Max excels in capturing detail, especially in the skull and the text on the book spines below. Additionally, it maintains better black levels in the TV screen, while the Pixel and Samsung shots appear cloudier in comparison.

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max captures a deliciously colorful photo of the fruit tart. While the Pixel 7 Pro offers slightly more detail in the blueberries, the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s shot appears oversaturated.

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In this extreme macro close-up of a white poppy flower, the iPhone 15 Pro Max outperforms the Pixel 7 Pro in the very center of the stigma, although the petals look good in the Pixel’s picture.

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Last but not least, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s ultrawide camera gets a modest upgrade with a new anti-reflective coating. It does a great job handling the sun coming in from the left side of the frame with a nice gradation of color in the blue sky, and both the wooden posts in the foreground and the building on the right look sharper. The warmer color profile might not be for everyone, though.

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IPHONE 15 PRO MAX: PERFORMANCE

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the potential to be the best gaming phone ever, and that’s thanks to the new A17 Pro chip. Yes, Apple’s latest silicon offers 10% faster CPU speed and twice as fast machine learning performance but the all-new 6-core GPU is the biggest deal.

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You can literally play console-quality games, complete with ray-tracing technology for the most realistic lighting effects on a phone. Check out the gameplay in Diablo Immortal, which is fluid with stunning graphics and lifelike reflections.

The Resident Evil Village demo I tried was equally as scary and immersive as the title on my Xbox Series X, though the touch controls were tough to get used to.

On Geekbench, which measures overall performance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max notched a single-core score of 2,783 and a multi-core score of 6,945. That’s a substantial leap from the 1,396/4,882 showing on the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and it’s also well above the iPhone 14 Pro Max (1,882/5,333).

The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s graphics scores were even more impressive, as it hit 92.2 frames per second in 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited with an overall score of 15,399. That’s about 25% faster than the iPhone 14 Pro Max and also beat the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 87 fps and 14,611.

We also time how long it takes to transcode a 4K video to 1080p in the Adobe Premiere Rush app. The iPhone 15 Pro Max needed just 24.5 seconds to finish, compared to 30 seconds for the iPhone 14 Pro Max and 39 seconds for the Samsung.

For more see our roundup iPhone 15 Pro benchmarks with more comparisons versus the top phones.

IPHONE 15 PRO MAX: BATTERY LIFE AND CHARGING

The iPhone 15 Pro Max somehow eclipses the epic battery life from the iPhone 14 Pro Max. In our battery testing, which involves continuous web surfing over 5G, the new Pro lasted a whopping 14 hours and 2 minutes. The previous model endured for 13 hours and 39 minutes.

This runtime is also about an hour longer than the Galaxy S23 Ultra (13:09 in 60Hz mode, 12:22 in Adaptive mode). So the iPhone 15 Pro Max easily makes our best phone battery life list and is near the very top.

Unfortunately, the iPhone 15 Pro Max still offers the same 20W charging speeds. Apple says you should get to 50% in 30 minutes, but we got only 41%. Other Android phones offer faster charging. For example, the Galaxy S23 Ultra got to 57% in the same amount of time with its 45W charger.

For more see our iPhone 15 battery life comparison of all four models versus previous iPhones and competing flagships.

IPHONE 15 PRO MAX: IOS 17

So what about software? iOS 17 brings a number of enhancements to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and here’s some of my favorites.

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Those are indeed some interesting features and enhancements in iOS 17. Leveraging the always-on display for StandBy Mode can make your iPhone even more useful, essentially turning it into a versatile bedside clock and information hub. Features like NameDrop and Live Voicemail offer convenient ways to share contact information and manage voicemails more efficiently.

As iOS continues to evolve, Apple introduces innovative features that enhance the overall user experience and provide valuable functionality. It’s great to see these additions making the iPhone 15 Pro Max even more capable and user-friendly. Users can look forward to exploring these features and making the most of their iOS 17-powered devices.

IPHONE 15 PRO MAX VS GALAXY S23 ULTRA

Both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra offer impressive features and capabilities, and the choice between them ultimately depends on your specific priorities and preferences. Here’s a summary of their key advantages:

iPhone 15 Pro Max:

• Brighter display
• Faster performance
• Longer battery life
• Unique Action button and Dynamic Island
• Excellent low-light camera performance

Galaxy S23 Ultra:

• More colorful display
• Powerful zoom cameras
• Faster 45W charging
• High-resolution main camera (up to 200MP)

Both smartphones have their strengths, so it’s essential to consider what matters most to you. If camera zoom capabilities and a vibrant display are crucial, the Galaxy S23 Ultra may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize display brightness, overall performance, and extended battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max could be the ideal option. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference and how you plan to use your smartphone.

VERDICT

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The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers several significant improvements and features that make it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-end smartphone. The combination of a lighter and stronger titanium design, the innovative Action button, and the impressive camera system, particularly in low-light conditions, sets it apart from its predecessor.

The inclusion of the A17 Pro chip makes it a strong contender for mobile gaming, and the USB-C port is a welcome addition for convenience and compatibility. The extended battery life also enhances its appeal.

Ultimately, whether it’s the best iPhone for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you value factors like a larger screen, longer zoom capabilities, and extended battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a standout option. However, the standard iPhone 15 Pro still offers a high-quality experience with its own set of advantages. Your choice should align with your personal preferences and requirements.

Source: Tom’s Guide