iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at
£439.65£799.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 15 Plus vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £271.56 less than the iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 Plus is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 15 Plus offers a larger screen, higher resolution, and more RAM, making it suitable for users who want a roomier display and smoother multitasking. It also has a bigger battery and supports 5G, which benefits those needing longer battery life and faster mobile connectivity. The iPhone XS Max provides familiar features with a slightly smaller screen and lower camera megapixels, which fits users who want a capable device with classic Lightning charging and 4G network support. Both run iOS and are unlocked, making each a good choice depending on your priorities for screen size, battery, camera, and network speed.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical aspects.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 4383 mAh battery, providing longer use between charges. This suits users who rely on their phone throughout a busy day. The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery, which works well for everyday use but may require more frequent charging for heavier users.
Software Updates
This means both models can continue to run modern apps and services effectively.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance focuses on the processor, memory, and storage choices. These affect how smoothly the device handles apps, multitasking, and storage needs.
Chipset and Speed
The iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic chipset built on a 4 nm process, which supports faster processing and efficiency. The iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic chip. Users who run demanding apps or multitask extensively may notice the difference in responsiveness on the iPhone 15 Plus.
Memory Capacity
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 Plus keeps more apps open and supports smoother multitasking. The iPhone XS Max has 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and common app use but with fewer apps active in the background.
Storage Options
iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, offering a good range for storing apps, photos, and media. The iPhone XS Max is available in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which includes a lower base option that suits users with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality influences how you view content and interact with your phone. Size, resolution, and display technology contribute to how comfortable and detailed your viewing experience is.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1290 x 2796, offering a larger and sharper display ideal for watching videos and reading. The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen at 1242 x 2688 resolution, which is slightly smaller and less sharp but still provides a clear and sizeable viewing area.
Screen Type and Refresh Rate
Both phones use OLED technology with a 60 Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 15 Plus features Super Retina XDR OLED, which may offer improved brightness and contrast for enhanced viewing. The iPhone XS Max uses Super Retina OLED, delivering vibrant colours and deep blacks.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras, which affect photo and video quality, and front camera resolution for selfies and video calls.
Front Camera
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 12 megapixel front camera, giving more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max offers a 7 megapixel front camera, which suits everyday use but captures less detail.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone 15 Plus captures images with more detail and clarity, benefiting users who prioritise photography. The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, capable of good quality photos for typical use.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other differences include network capabilities, connectors, size, and weight, which all influence daily convenience and compatibility.
Network and Connectivity
The iPhone 15 Plus supports 5G networks, providing faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, which is reliable for most everyday use but offers lower peak speeds.
Charging Connector
The iPhone 15 Plus uses a USB-C connector, aligning with newer standards for charging and data transfer. The iPhone XS Max uses a Lightning connector, familiar to many iPhone users and compatible with existing accessories.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 15 Plus measures 160.9 mm in height, 77.8 mm in width, and 7.8 mm in depth, weighing 201 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly smaller at 157.5 mm by 77.4 mm by 7.7 mm and heavier at 208 g. Those who prefer a larger screen with a bit less weight might choose the iPhone 15 Plus.
SIM Options
Both phones support dual SIM functionality with a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing flexible use of mobile plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Plus or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Plus if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £271.56 less than the iPhone 15 Plus
What our customers say
Customers who have bought the iPhone 15 Plus highlight its excellent condition and smooth performance. They appreciate the large screen size, improved camera quality, and longer battery life. Many mention that the phone looks like new and runs iOS smoothly. The switch to USB-C is welcomed and the battery lasts well for full-day use. Users find it reliable for daily tasks and enjoy the faster and more detailed camera capabilities. Some note that the phone feels a bit larger and heavier, which suits those who want a spacious display.
Reviews of the iPhone XS Max show satisfaction with its condition and value for money. Customers say the phone works well for their needs and offers a good screen size. The battery health varies, with some users experiencing shorter battery life. The Lightning connector and 4G network suit those who prefer established standards. The phone handles everyday tasks reliably and many find the condition meets their expectations. A few mention setup can take longer but overall the XS Max remains a capable device.
Both phones suit customers looking for quality refurbished iPhones. The iPhone 15 Plus fits those wanting a larger screen, higher camera resolution, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone XS Max suits users content with a solid 4G device and classic charging, especially if a smaller base storage suits their needs.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 15 Plus vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 15 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £439.65 for the iPhone 15 Plus.
The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Plus has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 15 Plus adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 3174 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £271.56 more (from £439.65 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
