iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at
£439.65£799.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
iPhone 15 Plus vs 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Plus starts at £439.65, £400.48 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 4383 mAh.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 15 Plus offers a large 6.7-inch screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate and 6 GB of RAM, making it well suited for everyday tasks and media viewing. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a slightly larger 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a smoother 120 Hz refresh rate and 8 GB of RAM, ideal for users who want more fluid visuals and multitasking capacity. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also has a bigger battery and a faster USB-C connector, which benefits those who need longer use and quicker data transfer. Storage options vary from 128 GB on the iPhone 15 Plus up to 1 TB on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, catering to different needs for space.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software support, and physical design. These affect how long the phone lasts between charges and how current the operating system is.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger 4685 mAh battery compared to the iPhone 15 Plus's 4383 mAh. This means the 16 Pro Max can provide longer usage time between charges, which benefits users who spend extended periods away from power sources. The 15 Plus battery still offers solid all-day use for everyday activities.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly taller at 163 mm versus 160.9 mm for the 15 Plus, and thicker at 8.3 mm compared to 7.8 mm. This might affect how each phone fits in your hand or pocket, with the 15 Plus being slimmer and more compact.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max performance
Performance differences relate to the chipset, RAM, and storage. These affect how fast the phone runs apps, handles multiple tasks, and stores data.
Processor Power
The iPhone 15 Plus uses the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the iPhone 16 Pro Max features the Apple A18 Pro chipset. The A18 Pro generally supports more demanding tasks and smoother operation, suiting users who use intensive apps or want a phone that keeps up with future software.
Memory Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps active in the background and improves multitasking. The iPhone 15 Plus has 6 GB of RAM, appropriate for everyday use and running most apps smoothly.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 Plus is available with 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB storage, fitting users who want a range of choices up to half a terabyte. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers 256 GB, 512 GB, and up to 1 TB, catering to those who need more space for large files, videos, or apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels. Differences in size, refresh rate, and display technology influence viewing comfort and smoothness.
Screen Size
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch screen which offers more room for watching videos, browsing, or gaming compared to the 6.7-inch screen of the iPhone 15 Plus. This extra space suits users who prefer larger displays.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling appear smoother. This benefits users who value fluid visuals and responsiveness. The iPhone 15 Plus has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for everyday use and video viewing.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which allows for dynamic adjustment of the refresh rate to save battery. The iPhone 15 Plus has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen. Both offer high-quality colour and contrast.
Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a slightly higher resolution of 1320 x 2868 compared to 1290 x 2796 on the iPhone 15 Plus. This means the 16 Pro Max can show more detail and sharper images, ideal for users who notice fine screen quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max camera
Both phones share similar camera specifications, making them comparable choices for photography and video calling.
Camera Resolution
Both the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max have a 48 megapixel main camera and a 12 megapixel front camera. This means either device can capture detailed photos and clear selfies, suitable for most photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max size and design
This section covers additional features like connectivity, size, and storage format that impact everyday use.
Connector Type
Users who transfer large files regularly may find the 16 Pro Max more convenient.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 15 Plus supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, which allows flexibility for users who prefer keeping a physical SIM card. The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports eSIM only, which suits users comfortable with digital SIMs.
Weight Difference
The iPhone 15 Plus weighs 201 g while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is heavier at 227 g. The lighter weight of the 15 Plus may appeal to those wanting a phone that feels less bulky in hand or pocket.
Dimensions
The iPhone 15 Plus is slightly wider at 77.8 mm compared to 77.6 mm for the 16 Pro Max. This small difference may affect hand grip, with the 15 Plus offering a marginally wider feel.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Plus or iPhone 16 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £439.65, £400.48 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (201 g vs 227 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 4383 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 15 Plus highlight its excellent condition and value, praising the smooth performance and good battery life that lasts about 24 hours on a charge. Many mention the large screen as helpful for viewing content, especially if eyesight is an issue. Several customers note the switch to USB-C as a positive change. Overall, users appreciate the phone's look and performance, finding it reliable and well suited to everyday use.
Users of the iPhone 16 Pro Max report that their devices look like new with very high battery health, often close to 100 percent with few charge cycles. The screen responsiveness and smoothness stand out, as does the premium feel of the device. Comments include satisfaction with the phone's condition and performance, noting it runs perfectly and the display impresses. Some mention the battery lasts well and the device handles daily tasks smoothly.
The iPhone 15 Plus is a good choice for users wanting a large screen, solid performance, and familiar SIM options with a lighter device. The iPhone 16 Pro Max suits those looking for the latest iOS features, a larger and smoother screen, faster data connection, and extra memory or storage for intensive use.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 15 Plus vs 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £439.65 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 4383 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 4383 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £400.48 more (from £840.13 vs £439.65).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
