iPhone 15 Pro Max VS iPhone 16 Pro Max

85

iPhone 15 Pro Max

6.7-inch LTPO OLED 120Hz · A17 Pro · 4441mAh · 48MP · IP68

$1199

MSRP

88

iPhone 16 Pro Max

6.9-inch OLED 120Hz · A18 Pro · 4685mAh · 48MP · IP68

$1199

MSRP

$1199

MSRP

Check price

$1199

MSRP

Check price

Our verdict

The iPhone 16 Pro Max takes the performance lead, 4% ahead overall, driven by its A18 Pro and an AnTuTu score of 1,750,331.

On value the iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out at $1199, pairing a 48MP main camera with a 4441mAh battery.

For most buyers the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the smarter choice.

Performance winner

iPhone 16 Pro Max

4% faster overall

Best value for money

iPhone 16 Pro Max

0% better value per dollar

iPhone 15 Pro Max best for

Value for money

0% better value per dollar

Overview

The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes out ahead overall, scoring 88 to the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 85. Priced at $1199 against $1199, the choice between them is as much about budget as specs, and each phone leans toward a slightly different buyer.

Performance

For raw speed the iPhone 16 Pro Max takes the lead, with an AnTuTu score of 1,750,331 against 1,500,000, driven by its A18 Pro. Both feel quick in everyday use, but the gap shows up in demanding games and heavy multitasking where the faster chip pulls ahead.

Cameras

The iPhone 15 Pro Max pairs a 48MP main camera with 5x optical zoom and a 12MP front sensor. The iPhone 16 Pro Max answers with 48MP, 5x zoom and a 12MP selfie camera.

Battery and charging

Battery favours the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a 4685mAh cell against 4441mAh. For refills the iPhone 15 Pro Max is quickest at , spending less time tied to a charger.

Display

Both use high refresh rate OLED screens. The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 6.7" and peaks at 2000 nits, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 6.9" and reaches 2000 nits. Screen size and outright brightness are where they separate most.

Which should you buy

Overall the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the one we would steer most buyers toward. Consider the iPhone 16 Pro Max instead if longer battery life matters more to you.

battery

Battery
4441mAh
4685mAh
Wireless charging
25W
25W

camera

Main camera
48MP
48MP
Optical zoom
5x
5x
Ultrawide
12MP
48MP
Front camera
12MP
12MP
Max video
4K60
4K120

display

Display size
6.7"
6.9"
Display type
LTPO OLED
OLED
Refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
Peak brightness
2000 nits
2000 nits
Resolution
2796x1290
2868x1320

Performance

Chipset
A17 Pro
A18 Pro
RAM
8GB
8GB
Storage
256GB
256GB

Physical

Weight
221g
227g
Thickness
8.25mm
8.25mm
Water resistance
IP68
IP68

Synthetic & compute benchmarks

Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
7,200 pts
8,789 pts
Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
2,900 pts
3,285 pts
AnTuTu v11
1,500,000 pts
1,750,331 pts

Frequently asked questions

Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max better than the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Overall the iPhone 16 Pro Max scores 88 out of 100 against the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 85, so it edges ahead on our combined rating. Even so, the two are close enough that price, size and your preferred ecosystem should also guide the decision.

Which has the better camera, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the stronger camera on paper, leading with a 48MP main sensor and 5x optical zoom. Both take excellent photos, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers more reach and flexibility.

Which has better battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The iPhone 16 Pro Max carries the larger 4685mAh battery against 4441mAh, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max charges fastest at . For heavy all-day use the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the safer bet.

Which is faster, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

In benchmarks the iPhone 16 Pro Max is quicker, posting an AnTuTu score of 1,750,331 against 1,500,000 thanks to its A18 Pro. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max pulls ahead in demanding games.

Should I buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

For most buyers the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the smarter pick, balancing performance, features and price. Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if longer battery life is your priority.

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