iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 1 point overall, so it depends on you: keep phones for years → iPhone 15 (supported until Sep 2030); want maximum speed → iPhone 15 Pro Max (Apple A17 Pro).
Value Score: iPhone 15 62 · iPhone 15 Pro Max 63 — 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 15 Pro Max's Apple A17 Pro is simply the faster chip.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 2).
4,422mAh vs 3,349mAh — the iPhone 15 Pro Max lasts longer between charges.
Both phones' support windows end around the same time.
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Full spec table
| Spec | iPhone 15 | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $430 | $760 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, Dynamic Island, up to 2000 nits peak | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On, Dynamic Island, up to 2000 nits peak |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple A17 Pro |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Battery | 3,349 mAh | 4,422 mAh |
| Charging | Wired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; MagSafe 15W wireless | Wired ~50% in 30 min with 20W+; MagSafe 15W wireless |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto |
| Dimensions | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm | 159.9 × 76.7 × 8.25 mm |
| Weight | 171 g | 221 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Supported until | Sep 2030 | Sep 2030 |
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.