iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 new
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus?
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at £577.65, £10.35 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Refresh rate
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 4441 mAh.
- Screen type: LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 16 Plus.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus both offer strong performance and features suited to different needs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers a higher screen refresh rate and a slightly more advanced chipset, making it suitable for users who value smoother visuals and a bit more processing power. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger battery capacity and a lighter, slimmer body, which suits those who prioritise longer battery life and a more compact feel in hand. Storage options also differ, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max available up to 1TB and the iPhone 16 Plus maxing out at 512GB.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design. These matter for how long the phone lasts on a charge, the software features you get, and how comfortable the phone feels to hold.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Plus has a slightly larger battery at 4674 mAh compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 4441 mAh. This means the iPhone 16 Plus may provide longer use between charges, which could suit those who spend more time away from power sources.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 16 Plus is slimmer and lighter, measuring 7.8 mm in depth and weighing 199 g, compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 8.3 mm thickness and 221 g weight. This makes the iPhone 16 Plus more comfortable for users who prefer a lighter phone.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how fast apps run, how many can stay open, and how much space you have for files and apps.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses the Apple A17 Pro chipset while the iPhone 16 Plus features the Apple A18 chipset. Both are built on 3 nm technology, so the iPhone 16 Plus may offer improved processing power or efficiency for users who run demanding apps or multitask frequently.
Memory Capacity
Both phones come with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and allows for good multitasking. This makes either device suitable for general use and app switching.
Storage Choices
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, ideal for users needing ample space for media and apps. The iPhone 16 Plus comes with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, which suits users with moderate storage needs or those who prefer a lower priced model.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen quality affects how smooth visuals look, how clear the display is, and the overall viewing experience. Both phones share some screen specs but also have key differences.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother motion and scrolling. This suits users who enjoy gaming or video content with fluid visuals. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 60 Hz refresh rate, appropriate for everyday use and standard media consumption.
Screen Type
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display, which can adjust refresh rate dynamically to save battery. The iPhone 16 Plus has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen without LTPO technology. Users who want adaptive screen performance may prefer the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Screen Size and Resolution
Both phones have the same 6.7 inch screen size and resolution of 1290 x 2796, offering a large, high-definition display for watching videos and browsing. This means both devices provide a spacious and sharp viewing experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Audiovisual features relate to cameras and front-facing sensors. Both phones offer similar megapixel counts, so photo and video quality should be comparable.
Main and Front Cameras
Both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus have a 48 megapixel main camera and a 12 megapixel front camera. This ensures detailed photos and quality selfies for users interested in photography or video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Other practical details include connectivity, size, and physical features that affect everyday use and compatibility.
Connector Type
This distinction may influence data transfer speeds and accessory compatibility for users who connect their phone to other devices.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Plus is slightly taller at 160.9 mm and wider at 77.8 mm compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 159.9 mm height and 76.7 mm width. It is also lighter at 199 g versus 221 g. This makes the iPhone 16 Plus easier to handle for users who prefer a lighter and slightly larger device.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, offering flexibility in carrier choice and fast mobile data speeds for users.
SIM Card Options
Each device supports a physical SIM plus eSIM, providing options for managing multiple phone numbers or plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £577.65, £10.35 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 4441 mAh)
- you want a lighter build (199 g vs 221 g)
What our customers say
Customers purchasing the iPhone 15 Pro Max consistently praise its condition, describing phones that look brand new with no scratches or marks. Many mention battery health around or above 85%, which holds up well for daily use. Reviewers highlight the excellent camera quality and smooth performance, with some noting the device runs cool after initial setup. The phone's screen clarity and overall build quality receive positive comments, making it a solid choice for those wanting a high-end iPhone experience with ample storage options up to 1TB.
For the iPhone 16 Plus, customer feedback is more varied. Several buyers report the device looks and feels like new, with excellent battery life and minimal signs of use. Some mention the phone lasting longer on a charge and appreciating the lighter weight. However, a few customers have encountered issues such as screen repairs, device glitches, or difficulty updating iOS, with mixed experiences on reliability. Despite this, many users enjoy the size and overall quality when the phone meets expectations.
Both phones appeal to different users: the iPhone 15 Pro Max suits those prioritising smooth screen performance, strong camera capabilities, and higher storage, while the iPhone 16 Plus is ideal for users looking for a lighter phone with longer battery life and the latest iOS version.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 4441 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £577.65 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 4441 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 16 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Plus adds a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 4441 mAh) and a lighter build (199 g vs 221 g). Refurbished, it costs £10.35 more (from £588 vs £577.65).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
