iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 4 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The iPhone 16 Pro Max edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.
Value Score: iPhone 15 Plus 67 · iPhone 16 Pro Max 71 — methodology
The lifespan decider
When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.
Category by category
The iPhone 16 Pro Max's screen is the better one — 6.9-inch super retina xdr oled, promotion 1–120hz, up to 2000 nits peak.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max's Apple A18 Pro is simply the faster chip.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 2).
4,685mAh vs 4,383mAh — the iPhone 16 Pro Max lasts longer between charges.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is supported until Sep 2031 — 12 months longer than the iPhone 15 Plus.
Overall value goes to the iPhone 16 Pro Max at $10.26 per month of safe use.
Full spec table
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $403 | $649 |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, up to 2000 nits peak | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion 1–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple A18 Pro |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Battery | 4,383 mAh | 4,685 mAh |
| Charging | 20W+ wired (50% in ~30 min), MagSafe 15W wireless, Qi 7.5W | Wired fast charge — 50% in ~30 min with a 20W+ adapter; MagSafe wireless up to 25W |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 12MP periscope 5x |
| Dimensions | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | 163 × 77.6 × 8.25 mm |
| Weight | 201 g | 227 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Supported until | Sep 2030 | Sep 2031 |
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.