iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16
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 edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.
Value Score: iPhone 15 Pro Max 63 · iPhone 16 59 — 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 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.
Overall value goes to the iPhone 15 Pro Max at $14.81 per month of safe use.
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 |
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.