iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at
£542.00£999.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 15 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £373.91 less than the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 15 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro has a bigger battery: 3274 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone XS Max differ primarily in their size, performance, screen technology, and camera capabilities. The iPhone 15 Pro is smaller and lighter, with a 6.1 inch screen and a faster Apple A17 Pro chipset paired with 8 GB of RAM, making it suited for users who want strong performance in a compact phone. The iPhone XS Max offers a larger 6.5 inch screen and a slightly higher screen resolution, which suits those who prefer a bigger display for video or reading. The 15 Pro also provides higher megapixel cameras and a faster refresh rate for smoother visuals, while the XS Max supports physical SIM cards alongside eSIM.
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design features.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro has a battery capacity of 3274 mAh, slightly larger than the 3174 mAh battery in the iPhone XS Max. This difference may result in marginally longer usage times on the 15 Pro, which could benefit users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent charging.
OS and Updates
This means users of either device can access current software features and security improvements, making them both suitable for long-term use with up-to-date software.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 15 Pro offers more advanced hardware and larger storage capacities, which affect speed and multitasking.
Chipset Speed
The iPhone 15 Pro is powered by the Apple A17 Pro chipset, a newer and more advanced processor compared to the Apple A12 Bionic in the iPhone XS Max. This means the 15 Pro delivers faster processing, better handling of demanding apps, and smoother overall performance.
RAM Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 Pro can keep more apps open and running smoothly compared to the 4 GB of RAM in the iPhone XS Max. This makes the 15 Pro a better option for users who multitask frequently or use memory-intensive applications.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 Pro comes with storage options ranging from 128GB up to 1TB. The iPhone XS Max offers up to 512GB. Users who need more space for apps, photos, and files may prefer the larger storage choices available on the 15 Pro.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos, and apps. Differences in size, resolution, refresh rate, and screen type influence comfort and visual experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone XS Max features a larger 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1242 by 2688 pixels, offering a more spacious display for watching videos or reading. The iPhone 15 Pro has a smaller 6.1 inch screen with a slightly lower resolution of 1179 by 2556 pixels, making it more compact and easier to hold with one hand.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 15 Pro supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which allows for smoother scrolling and animations. The iPhone XS Max has a standard 60 Hz refresh rate. Users who value smoother motion in gaming or browsing will notice this difference on the 15 Pro.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 15 Pro uses LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED technology, while the iPhone XS Max uses Super Retina OLED. LTPO technology can improve power efficiency and display responsiveness, which may result in better battery management and visual performance on the 15 Pro.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality is key for capturing photos and videos. The iPhone 15 Pro offers higher resolution cameras which support more detailed images.
Front Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro has a 12 megapixel front camera, nearly double the 7 megapixels of the iPhone XS Max. This means selfies and video calls on the 15 Pro will capture more detail and clarity.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone 15 Pro is designed to capture photos with higher detail compared to the 12 megapixels on the iPhone XS Max. This benefits users who often take photos or shoot video and want sharper images.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous features include size, weight, connectivity, and SIM options. These affect how the phones feel in hand and connect to networks.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 Pro is smaller and lighter, measuring 146.6 mm tall, 70.6 mm wide, and weighing 171 g. The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, and 208 g. Users who prefer a compact and lighter phone will find the 15 Pro more comfortable, while those who want a larger device may prefer the XS Max.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 15 Pro supports 5G mobile networks, providing access to faster data speeds where available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G networks, which still deliver reliable internet but at lower peak speeds compared to 5G.
Connector Type
The iPhone XS Max uses the Lightning connector, which is standard for many Apple devices released before the USB-C transition.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone XS Max includes both a physical SIM and an eSIM, giving flexibility for users who want to use multiple SIMs or swap physical cards. The iPhone 15 Pro supports eSIM only, which may suit users comfortable managing their mobile plan digitally.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3274 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £373.91 less than the iPhone 15 Pro
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 15 Pro looks like new with many reporting excellent battery health and condition close to brand new. The phone's performance meets expectations for a flagship with smooth operation and strong camera quality praised by users. Many appreciate the compact size and the environmental benefit of buying refurbished. Some mention minor cosmetic imperfections like light scratches on the screen but overall find the device reliable and well worth the price.
The iPhone XS Max also receives positive feedback for its condition and value with customers noting it looks brand new in good condition. Some mention the battery life can be shorter with one user trading the phone in after about six hours of battery life. The larger screen size and solid performance for everyday tasks satisfy users who do not need the latest features. A few customers experienced issues like Face ID not working but generally found the phone suitable for their needs.
The iPhone 15 Pro suits buyers who want a more powerful phone with a smaller size, higher resolution cameras, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone XS Max suits those who prefer a larger screen and physical SIM card options and who use their phone for everyday tasks without requiring the newest specifications.
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 15 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 15 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £542 for the iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 15 Pro has a bigger battery: 3274 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 Pro 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 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3274 mAh vs 3174 mAh) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £373.91 more (from £542 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
