iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 3 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The iPhone 16 edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.
Value Score: iPhone 15 Pro Max 62 · iPhone 16 59 — methodology
Who should pick which
Beyond the scores — our take on each phone and the buyer it actually suits.
The most capable iPhone 15, pairing a 5x periscope zoom and big battery with titanium and 120Hz — if you can handle its size and price.
Pick it if
- ✓ Photo and video enthusiasts who want the longest optical zoom
- ✓ Heavy users who need maximum battery life in a day
- ✓ Buyers who want the biggest screen and top performance in the lineup
Skip it if
- ✗ You prefer a compact phone that is easy to use one-handed
- ✗ You are on a tighter budget and do not need the 5x zoom or big battery
Now $100 below launch with five-plus years of expected updates left, the iPhone 16 is the quiet value pick of Apple's lineup — if you can live with its 60Hz screen.
Pick it if
- ✓ Value-focused Apple buyers
- ✓ Compact-phone fans
- ✓ First-time iPhone owners
Skip it if
- ✗ You've seen a 120Hz screen and can't go back
- ✗ You want the longest possible runway — the 17 gets you a year more
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 15 Pro Max's screen is the better one — 6.7-inch super retina xdr oled, 120hz promotion, always-on, dynamic island, up to 2000 nits peak.
The iPhone 16's Apple A18 is simply the faster chip.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 2).
4,422mAh vs 3,561mAh — the iPhone 15 Pro Max lasts longer between charges.
The iPhone 16 is supported until Sep 2031 — 12 months longer than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Frequently asked
How long will the iPhone 15 Pro Max get updates?
Apple gives no formal guarantee, but its recent flagships have generally received about seven years of iOS and security updates. Released in September 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro Max should be supported into roughly 2030, so it stays future-proof in 2026.
Is a used iPhone 15 Pro Max worth it in 2026?
Yes, if you want the best of the iPhone 15 line. At around 760 dollars used it offers a 5x zoom, big battery, 120Hz titanium build and years of updates. It is overkill for casual users, but excellent for photographers and power users.
Is the iPhone 16 still getting updates in 2026?
Yes. The iPhone 16 launched in September 2024 and runs the latest iOS. Based on Apple's consistent track record of roughly seven years of updates, we estimate support until around September 2031 — Apple's written legal guarantee is a minimum of five years (September 2029).
How many years will the iPhone 16 last?
Bought in mid-2026, you can reasonably expect about five more years of software support on Apple's historical pattern. The A18 chip has plenty of headroom; plan for a battery replacement around year three or four.
Full spec table
| Spec | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $760 | $699 |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On, Dynamic Island, up to 2000 nits peak | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, up to 2000 nits peak |
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro | Apple A18 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Battery | 4,422 mAh | 3,561 mAh |
| Charging | Wired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; MagSafe 15W wireless | Wired fast charge — 50% in ~30 min with 20W+ adapter; MagSafe wireless up to 25W |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 76.7 × 8.25 mm | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 221 g | 170 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Supported until | Sep 2030 | Sep 2031 |
More comparisons
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.