iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
iPhone 15 vs 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 starts at £416.19, £423.94 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 3349 mAh.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 15 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The iPhone 15 offers a compact 6.1 inch screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate and 6 GB of RAM, making it a good choice if you prefer a smaller phone for everyday use. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a much larger 6.9 inch screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 8 GB of RAM, suited to those who want a roomier display and smoother performance for multitasking or media. Battery capacity is notably larger on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which may benefit heavy users. The 16 Pro Max also features a newer chipset and supports iOS 18. Storage options range from 128GB on the iPhone 15 to 1TB on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, offering more space for files and apps. Both phones share the same main and front camera megapixels but differ in physical size and weight.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers the battery, operating system, and physical design aspects that affect daily reliability.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 4685 mAh battery, which is considerably larger than the iPhone 15's 3349 mAh. This means the 16 Pro Max can offer longer usage between charges, which is useful if you use power-intensive apps or spend a lot of time away from charging points. The iPhone 15 still offers solid battery life suitable for everyday use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has higher RAM and a newer chipset, which can help with multitasking and demanding apps. Storage choices also differ, offering more capacity on the 16 Pro Max.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses the Apple A18 Pro chipset with 8 GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone 15's Apple A16 Bionic chipset and 6 GB RAM. More RAM in the 16 Pro Max helps keep more apps open and running smoothly, which suits users who multitask or use intensive apps. The newer chipset may also improve overall speed and efficiency.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions, providing enough space for most users. The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at 256GB and goes up to 1TB, offering much more room for large files, apps, and media. This suits users who need extensive storage for work or entertainment.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max screen
Screen quality influences how you enjoy media and use your phone daily. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger and sharper display with a higher refresh rate, making it more comfortable for video, gaming, and scrolling.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1320 x 2868, providing a larger and sharper display area compared to the iPhone 15's 6.1 inch screen at 1179 x 2556. This extra screen space benefits those who watch videos, read, or multitask on their phones.
Refresh Rate
With a 120 Hz refresh rate, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers smoother motion on screen, which is noticeable when scrolling or playing games. The iPhone 15's 60 Hz refresh rate is standard and suits everyday use, but the higher rate on the 16 Pro Max enhances fluidity and responsiveness.
Screen Type
The iPhone 15 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED. The LTPO technology typically allows for variable refresh rates, improving power efficiency and screen performance during different tasks.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max camera
Both phones share the same main and front camera megapixels, so their photo and video detail levels are comparable. This section focuses on their imaging capabilities.
Camera Megapixels
Both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max have a 48 megapixel main camera and a 12 megapixel front camera. This means both capture similar levels of detail in photos and selfies, making either suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max size and design
Other differences include physical size, weight, connector type, SIM options, and carrier compatibility. These affect comfort, connectivity, and convenience.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 15 is smaller and lighter, measuring 147.6 mm by 71.6 mm by 7.8 mm and weighing 171 g, which suits users who prefer compact phones. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is larger and heavier at 163 mm by 77.6 mm by 8.3 mm and 227 g, offering a more substantial feel that may appeal if you want a bigger screen and don't mind extra weight.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 15 supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility if you want to use a physical SIM card. The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses eSIM only, which may suit users who prefer a digital SIM setup.
Carrier Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked and support 5G networks, giving you freedom to choose your mobile provider and access to fast mobile data.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £416.19, £423.94 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (171 g vs 227 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 3349 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 15 praise its condition and battery life, often noting it looks like new even in fair condition. Many find the screen and cameras perform well for everyday use. The phone is described as responsive and reliable. Users appreciate that the battery lasts long and that the phone feels like a new device despite being refurbished.
iPhone 16 Pro Max customers highlight the phone's excellent battery health and pristine condition. They report a very responsive touchscreen and smooth performance. Many mention the device looks stunning and feels premium. Battery capacity and condition receive frequent positive remarks. Users are pleased with the phone's large screen and overall functionality.
The iPhone 15 suits those wanting a smaller, easy-to-handle phone with solid performance and dependable battery life. The iPhone 16 Pro Max appeals to users who want a larger display, more storage, and longer battery life with a premium feel.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 15 vs 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 15 is cheaper refurbished, from £416.19 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 3349 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 3349 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £423.94 more (from £840.13 vs £416.19).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
