When choosing your next iPhone, the decision often boils down to whether you should invest in the premium iPhone 15 Pro Max or opt for the more budget-friendly iPhone 15 Plus. Beyond the price difference, these two models have their own unique set of features, performance attributes, and overall build. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into the nuances between the two and help you determine if the extra investment in the Pro Max is justifiable.

Design and Build

In terms of size, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the 15 Plus are quite similar. Both models share the same display dimensions, with the Pro Max making a slight advancement by trimming down its bezels. However, the 15 Plus shines by being thinner and lighter, making it more manageable to hold. The Pro Max, with its premium build featuring titanium components, caters to those who value top-notch construction, while the 15 Plus prioritizes an ergonomic feel.

Display

The display performance in both the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max is generally impressive, with a few key distinctions. Both phones offer nearly identical displays, but the Pro Max takes a lead with its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the 15 Plus remains at a 60Hz display, a noticeable step behind. Notably, if you’re a fan of the Always-on display feature, the Pro Max becomes the natural choice. However, for the everyday user, the 15 Plus’s OLED screen remains highly capable, offering vibrant visuals, HDR10 support, and remarkable color accuracy.

Battery Life

In the realm of battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max firmly takes the lead. Although both phones feature comparable battery capacities, the Pro Max stands out with its A17 Pro chip and energy-efficient LTPO OLED screen. While the battery life can vary depending on your usage patterns, the overall results indicate that the Pro Max offers a more enduring performance.

Charging Speed

Strangely, the charging test results for both models have been a subject of mystery. Despite multiple tests using the same 20W Apple charger (and some non-Apple 30W+ chargers), the iPhone 15 Plus consistently outpaces the more premium 15 Pro Max at each checkpoint, even though Apple claims similar charge times. The 15 Plus races ahead at the 15-minute mark, the 30-minute mark, and manages a full charge in just over 90 minutes, whereas the Pro Max takes 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach a full charge. Both devices support wireless charging and wired reverse charging, likely facilitated by the new USB-C connectors.

Speaker Test

In the realm of audio, both the iPhone 15 Plus and the 15 Pro Max offer an excellent listening experience, but there’s a noticeable distinction. The Pro Max delivers clearer-sounding music with prominent vocals and balanced bass, enhancing the listening experience. The 15 Plus, in contrast, provides a duller sound compared to the Pro Max, with less crisp vocals.

From an objective standpoint, the Pro Max is noticeably louder. To discern the difference, it’s advisable to use headphones with the volume turned up to the maximum.