iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max
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iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £409.56 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 A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max differ in several key areas, making each suited to different types of users. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a larger battery, more RAM, and a newer, more advanced chipset, which means it handles demanding apps and multitasking better. Its screen has a higher refresh rate and resolution, providing smoother and sharper visuals. The cameras on the iPhone 15 Pro Max have higher megapixel counts, capturing more detail in photos and selfies. It supports 5G networks and uses a USB-C connector, while the iPhone XS Max supports 4G and uses the Lightning connector. The iPhone XS Max suits those who want a capable phone with good battery and unlocked carrier compatibility at a lower storage entry point, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is for users who prioritise performance, screen quality, and camera detail.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design details that affect how each phone holds up in daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger battery capacity of 4441 mAh, which can support longer use between charges. The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery, which may suit users with lighter daily demands or those who charge more frequently.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance differences come down to processing power, memory, and storage options, which influence speed and multitasking ability.
Chipset
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses the Apple A17 Pro chipset built on a 3 nm process, offering more advanced performance suited for demanding applications and future-proofing. The iPhone XS Max runs on the Apple A12 Bionic, which handles everyday tasks well but is simpler in design.
Memory
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 Pro Max keeps more apps active smoothly, which benefits multitasking and heavy app use. The iPhone XS Max has 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use and lighter multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB capacities, providing more room for large files and apps. The iPhone XS Max comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, offering choices for users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you see content, with differences in size, refresh rate, resolution, and display technology.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling appear smoother, which is helpful for gaming and fast-moving content. The iPhone XS Max has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for most uses.
Resolution and Size
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a slightly larger 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1290 x 2796, giving more room and sharper images. The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen at 1242 x 2688 resolution, which still provides detailed and comfortable viewing.
Screen Type
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display, which can adjust refresh rates to save power. The iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED screen, delivering vibrant colours and deep blacks.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include the quality of front and main cameras, important for photography and video calls.
Front Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing sharper selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixel front camera offers good quality for everyday self-portraits and chats.
Main Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro Max's 48 megapixel main camera captures more detail in photos, which benefits users who want high-resolution images. The iPhone XS Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for standard photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous aspects include physical dimensions, network compatibility, connectors, and SIM options that affect everyday use.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports 5G networks, enabling faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G networks, which provide reliable connectivity for most tasks.
Connector Type
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, which is common for charging and accessories today. The iPhone XS Max uses Apple's Lightning connector, compatible with many existing accessories.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 159.9 mm in height, 76.7 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 221 g. The iPhone XS Max is slightly smaller and lighter, at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and 208 g. The differences may affect how the phones feel in your hand or pocket.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for carriers and plans.
Carrier Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible network provider.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4441 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, £409.56 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (208 g vs 221 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 15 Pro Max often say it looks like new, with no scratches or dents, and battery health between 85% and 100%. Many appreciate the strong battery life, which lasts all day even with heavy use. The camera quality receives praise for capturing excellent photos. Some note the phone can warm up briefly during initial setup but works normally afterwards. Overall, customers find the phone perfect for their needs with smooth performance and a clear, bright screen.
Customers of the iPhone XS Max report good condition phones with battery health around 87%. Many mention the devices look brand new without scratches or dents. Some reviews highlight good value for money and reliable everyday performance. A few customers experienced minor issues like low call volume or Face ID problems. The phone is appreciated for its clear screen and solid build.
Both phones suit buyers looking for quality refurbished iPhones. The iPhone 15 Pro Max appeals to those wanting advanced performance and camera features, while the iPhone XS Max fits users who want a capable device with good condition and value for daily tasks.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 3174 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 XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 3174 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £409.56 more (from £577.65 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
