iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 2 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The iPhone 16 Plus edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.
Value Score: iPhone 15 Pro Max 62 · iPhone 16 Plus 64 — 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
A big-screen, big-battery iPhone with Apple Intelligence and the A18 chip — held back mainly by its old-school 60Hz display.
Pick it if
- ✓ Buyers who want maximum battery life and a big screen
- ✓ People who want Apple Intelligence on a non-Pro budget
- ✓ Media watchers and readers who value the larger display
Skip it if
- ✗ You want a 120Hz high-refresh screen for smoother scrolling
- ✗ You need optical telephoto zoom for distant photography
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 Plus's Apple A18 is simply the faster chip.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 2).
4,674mAh vs 4,422mAh — the iPhone 16 Plus lasts longer between charges.
The iPhone 16 Plus 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.
How long will the iPhone 16 Plus get updates?
Apple does not publish a fixed pledge, but its recent iPhones have received roughly seven years of iOS and security updates. Released in September 2024, the iPhone 16 Plus should be supported into about 2031, giving it one of the longest runways of any phone you can buy in 2026.
Is a used iPhone 16 Plus worth it in 2026?
Yes, especially for battery-focused buyers. Around 650 dollars used it offers a huge battery, the fast A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support and a long update window. The main trade-off is the 60Hz screen, which feels dated next to 120Hz rivals.
Full spec table
| Spec | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $760 | $650 |
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On, Dynamic Island, up to 2000 nits peak | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, Dynamic Island, 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 | 4,674 mAh |
| Charging | Wired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; MagSafe 15W wireless | Wired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; up to 25W MagSafe with 30W adapter |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 76.7 × 8.25 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.80 mm |
| Weight | 221 g | 199 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.