iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus
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iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 new
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at
£100.56£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 8 Plus?
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus starts at £100.56, £477.09 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 2691 mAh.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus specs
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 8 Plus differ mainly in performance, screen size, camera capabilities, and network features. The iPhone 15 Pro Max suits those who want a larger, sharper display, more memory for multitasking, and advanced photography options with its triple camera setup. Both are unlocked and share iOS as their operating system.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical features. These affect how long the phone lasts between charges and how long it can run the latest apps and security patches.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 4441 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 8 Plus's 2691 mAh. This means the iPhone 15 Pro Max will generally last longer between charges, suiting users who rely on their phone throughout a busy day. The iPhone 8 Plus's smaller battery fits well for those with lighter daily use or regular access to charging.
Software Updates
Buyers wanting ongoing software improvements will prefer the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus performance
Performance differences come down to chipset, RAM, and storage options. These impact speed, multitasking, and how much data and apps you can keep on the device.
Processor Power
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses the Apple A17 Pro chipset built on 3 nm technology, which offers higher efficiency and power compared to the iPhone 8 Plus's Apple A11 Bionic. This suits users who run demanding apps or want smoother overall performance.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 Pro Max keeps more apps active simultaneously, helping with multitasking and fast app switching. The iPhone 8 Plus has 3 GB of RAM, which works well for basic tasks and everyday use but is less suited to heavy multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in larger storage sizes up to 1TB, which suits users with extensive photo, video, or app libraries. The iPhone 8 Plus offers up to 256GB, suitable for everyday use or lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus screen
Screen quality influences viewing experience for videos, photos, and general use. Size, resolution, and display technology shape how clear and vivid images appear.
Screen Size
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen, providing more space for watching videos, browsing, or working on apps. The iPhone 8 Plus's 5.5 inch screen offers a more compact display, which may suit those preferring a smaller device that fits easily in one hand.
Display Resolution
With a resolution of 1290 x 2796, the iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers sharper and more detailed images compared to the iPhone 8 Plus's 1080 x 1920. This makes a difference when viewing high-resolution photos or text, favouring those who value crisp visuals.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, offering higher contrast and deeper blacks for richer picture quality. The iPhone 8 Plus features a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides good colour accuracy but less contrast than OLED. Buyers who prioritise screen quality may prefer the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus camera
Audiovisual features focus on the cameras and front-facing camera capabilities, which affect photo quality and video calls.
Main Camera Setup
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a triple camera system, offering more versatility for different types of shots. Its main camera has 48 megapixels, capturing more detail than the iPhone 8 Plus's 12 megapixel main camera. This suits users who take many photos or want higher resolution images.
Front Camera
With a 12 megapixel front camera, the iPhone 15 Pro Max provides sharper selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone 8 Plus's 7 megapixel front camera. This benefits those who use their front camera frequently for photography or video chats.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus size and design
Other features include connectivity, physical measurements, and network support, which influence compatibility and daily handling.
Network Technology
The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports 5G mobile networks, allowing access to faster data speeds where available. The iPhone 8 Plus supports 4G, which is suitable for users with standard mobile internet needs or in areas where 5G is not accessible.
Connector Type
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, which can offer faster data transfer and charging options. The iPhone 8 Plus uses a Lightning connector, compatible with existing accessories designed for that port.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for multiple mobile plans or easier switching. The iPhone 8 Plus supports a physical SIM only.
Device Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 159.9 mm in height, 76.7 mm in width, and is 8.3 mm deep, weighing 221 g. The iPhone 8 Plus is slightly shorter at 158.4 mm height, wider at 78.1 mm, deeper at 7.5 mm, and lighter at 202 g. These differences affect how the phone feels in hand or pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 8 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 2691 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100.56, £477.09 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (202 g vs 221 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 15 Pro Max looks like new and performs smoothly with no scratches or dents. Battery health is commonly reported above 85 percent, with many finding the battery lasts all day even with heavy use. The screen is clear and vivid, matching expectations for a high-end display. The camera quality is praised for excellent image detail. Some buyers note the phone can warm up briefly when loading apps but then runs normally. Overall, users appreciate the condition and performance of this model for daily use and advanced features.
Reviews of the iPhone 8 Plus highlight good condition and solid performance for everyday tasks. Some users mention that the phone no longer receives the latest iOS updates, which can affect app compatibility. The device is described as suitable for simpler uses like playing games or staying connected, with good physical condition and screen quality. Some users find the size and appearance fitting for their needs.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max suits buyers who want a large, sharp screen, strong battery, and advanced camera features. The iPhone 8 Plus is a good choice for those wanting a simpler device that covers basic needs with a smaller screen and fewer high-end features.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus FAQs
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 8 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £100.56 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 2691 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 8 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 2691 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £477.09 more (from £577.65 vs £100.56).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 8 Plus in 64GB and 256GB.
