So, you've decided to go all in on Apple's flagship devices this year, but now you're left in a quandary—which phone to buy. You have two excellent options: the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. As the names suggest, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the larger of the two phones, and that size makes a big difference in several areas, not just screen real estate. Apple maximized that extra space to bring all sorts of extras to your fingertips. But that doesn't automatically mean that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best buy.
Looking to add the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max as your main device? Here's what you need to ... [+]
The iPhone 15 Pro still brings a lot to the table in its own right. Size is an important consideration. There are many folks who prefer the 6.1-inch form factor, and you're not sacrificing that much to get it. Plus, and this is an important consideration this year, the base price of the iPhone 15 Pro is $200 less than the base model of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. In the past, you only had to cough up an extra Benjamin to upgrade to the bigger phone. This year, you're looking at a 20% price premium over the iPhone 15 Pro.
Both devices are considered some of the best iPhones available, and while there's no arguing that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is "better" in a lot of ways, it costs a lot more than the iPhone 15 Pro that it did in previous years. But there's a reason for that as well, and we'll get into all of it as we break it down for you.
Best for:
- Shoppers who don't want to add a comma to their price tag
- People who prefer a small form factor
- People who don't need a lot of local storage
Skip if:
- You're planning to upgrade to 256GB anyway
- You need extra battery life
Best For:
- You want the biggest and the best
- You consume a lot of media
Skip if:
- You prefer a smaller device
- You don't need the extra zoom
Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Bigger screen, bigger battery
The most obvious difference between the two phones is in the size. This means that the phone's screen and the battery are both much larger than its smaller sibling's. The advantage of the larger screen comes for those who really want to consume media. Of course, the downside is that Apple doesn't take advantage of that screen size when it comes to app placement. You're still limited to just four columns of apps on your home screen, which of course, makes a big difference when it comes to what's available on your first home screen.
Of course, once you launch apps, media apps in particular, the advantage becomes obvious. There's simply more real estate on the screen to enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies. It's larger and easier to share with others. But that's the extent of the advantage on that account.
The iPhone 15 Pro, on the left, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max on the right. Note the larger chassis on ... [+]
The larger chassis allows for a larger battery as well, allowing Apple to load up a 4,422mAh battery that also has to power that larger display. If your workflow relies on more screen-off time, such as streaming audio content, then you'll see a big advantage here. If you're actually using the screen, the savings won't be as obvious. In other words: You won't see significant battery savings because of that, but it has a larger battery nonetheless.
All this extra screen and battery also makes the iPhone 15 Pro Max heavier by more than an ounce. That doesn't sound like a lot, but you can feel the difference, especially when you're using your phone one-handed—and which makes for a strong argument for the smaller iPhone 15 Pro.
Using the iPhone 15 Pro one-handed is significantly easier. The 15 Pro is—and feels—lighter and has a smaller screen, which makes the phone easier to carry and use. So it becomes a question of priorities—do you want a larger screen better for media consumption? Or would you prefer a smaller screen that's easier to use in most other cases—not the least of which is the ability to actually fit into a pocket? It comes down to your preferences for display and battery life.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: More storage
One other bigger aspect of the iPhone Pro Max is the larger storage capacity, but there's a caveat with that. The reason the iPhone 15 Pro Max has more storage is because Apple engineered that. The base model of the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with 256 GB of onboard storage—double that of the Pro’s 128GB base model—and you’ll find a $100 uptick reflected in its price. $1,199 is the same price that the iPhone 14 Pro Max with 256GB of storage sold for, so there isn't a price increase so much as Apple removed a storage option. That's a fair play that also happens to inflate Apple's bottom line.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro keeps the 128 GB configuration which is adequate by today's standards. Games and videos take up the bulk of your phone's storage, so if you're more of a shutterbug, and less of a video creator and not much of a gamer, you'll probably be okay with 128GB, but it might be a close shave. Overall though, if you were planning to upgrade to 256GB anyway, either one of these phones will do a great job for you.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Better zoom
The less obvious way where the iPhone 15 Pro Max utilizes its extra space comes in the telephoto zoom lens. Rather than the periscope lens that many Android manufacturers go with, Apple chose a different prism that bounces the light four times before it reaches the sensor resulting in a 5x optical zoom lens. This is pretty great, especially for those of you who prefer optical zoom in your phones, like those who rely on long-range photography (think parents photographing children on stage, for example.)
The cameras may appear to be the same but the Pro Max has a powerful, enhanced zoom.
Apple upped the ante with this 5x optical zoom lens and that's a great thing. Many flagship phones top out at 2x or 3x optical zoom in the Android space. Will the iPhone 15 Pro Max's zoom lens normalize 5x optical zoom? That remains to be seen, but it's definitely a step in the right direction.
Meanwhile on the iPhone 15 Pro, according to Apple, there simply wasn't enough room inside the smaller iPhone for the 5x lens. That's a shame, but also understandable. As it stands, the iPhone 15 Pro has last year's 2x and 3x zoom capabilities, while the Pro Max has 2x and 5x. Both are quite good, and both reflect Apple's very reliable camera chops.
One other advantage that the iPhone 15 Pro Max holds is a camera sensor with slightly larger pixels in that enhanced zoom lens. With the pixels on the iPhone 15 Pro's telephoto lens being one micron in size, the iPhone Pro Max manages 1.12 microns. The advantage, while slight, will be seen in low-lighting areas. Larger pixels can gather more light so they'll perform slightly better, but whether or not that is significant remains to be seen. Overall, the advantage is in the zoom lens.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Conclusion and which you should buy
Between the phones, there are a lot of similarities, including the new titanium finish, the new action button (which replaced the alert slider), and the much-celebrated USB-C connector for power and data. Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate the exact same aspect ratio and great sounding speakers. So which one should you buy?
Of course, when you add everything up, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the superior phone in almost every way, so the ultimate choice will come down to preference. If you're someone who prefers a smaller device that is easier to use one-handed, then the iPhone 15 Pro is the best choice. If you want a larger screen, a bigger battery, and a better zoom lens, then the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the better option.
Which is the better iPhone for you? It depends on your needs. You get a great, bright display no ... [+]
Price is a major consideration as well. Upgrading to the Pro Max will cost you that extra $100, on top of the $100 that you were expecting to pay, that's a 20% premium about the iPhone 15 Pro which is already expensive at a dollar short of four digits. This was a smart move on Apple's part since most people probably upgraded to 256GB anyway, but it doesn't mean your wallet has to like it.
The good news is, there is no wrong answer. Both phones will give you all the power, durability, and photography chops that you need today. But in every measurable way, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the phone to beat.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted tech team consists of accomplished tech experts who’ve (literally) written books on the subject. In particular, this story was written by contributor Adam Doud, an accomplished writer, journalist, and experienced product tester.
As a Chicago-based freelance reviewer, he has been writing about consumer electronics for over a decade with a particular focus on mobile phones and cellular technology including the birth of 5G. He’s also tested most foldables on the market over the last several years.
When he’s not testing the latest and greatest flagship phones, he’s hosting the Benefit of the Doud podcast/YouTube channel with his co-host Clifton M. Thomas and editing technology news articles for SlashGear. In addition to Forbes and SlashGear, he has bylines at Android Central, Reviewed.com, Android Authority, Lifewire and more.
Other Articles You Might Like
Forbes Vetted regularly covers all types of consumer electronics and then reviews and recommends the best products in specific categories. Here are some other articles you might enjoy reading:
