iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 new
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00What's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
iPhone 15 vs 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 15 starts at £416.19, £792.81 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- Battery: 3349 mAh on the iPhone 15, 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 17 Pro Max differ in several key areas that suit different 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 for everyday use with a responsive experience. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a much larger 6.9 inch screen with a higher 120 Hz refresh rate and 12 GB of RAM, which suits users who want a more immersive display and smoother multitasking. Battery capacity is significantly higher in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, supporting longer use between charges. Camera resolution is similar for the main camera, but the front camera on the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers more detail. Storage options also go higher with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, including up to 2TB. Size and weight differences mean the iPhone 15 is easier to carry, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a larger, more powerful device.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical design. These affect how long each device can last on a charge and how long it will keep receiving updates.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 has a 3349 mAh battery which suits users who want a lighter phone and good battery life for everyday tasks. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers much larger battery options of 4823 mAh and 5088 mAh, ideal for those who need longer use between charges, such as heavy media consumers or people using power-intensive apps.
Software Updates
This means both devices will support current software features and security improvements.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max performance
Performance includes the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These impact how fast the phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores data.
Processor Power
The iPhone 15 uses the Apple A16 Bionic chipset, which is well suited for everyday use and most apps. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is equipped with the Apple A19 Pro chipset, which supports more demanding tasks and future-proofing for newer applications.
Memory for Multitasking
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 keeps everyday apps running smoothly and is suitable for most users. The iPhone 17 Pro Max doubles this with 12 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open simultaneously and benefits users who run multiple heavy apps or games.
Storage Capacity
The iPhone 15 offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, which fit most users' needs for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone 17 Pro Max expands storage up to 2TB, including 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, making it a strong choice for users who require large amounts of space for media or professional work.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, from the size and resolution to refresh rate and display type.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 15 has a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1179 x 2556. This is compact and sharp enough for everyday viewing. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a larger 6.9 inch Super Retina XDR screen with a higher resolution of 2868 x 1320, offering more room for media and sharper detail at a bigger size.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 15 display refreshes at 60 Hz, which is typical for smooth basic use. The iPhone 17 Pro Max doubles this to 120 Hz, providing smoother scrolling and more responsive animations, which appeals to users who prioritise fluid visuals and gaming.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual specs cover front and main cameras. These impact photo and video quality, especially for video calls and selfies.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 15 has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers an 18 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail which benefits users who take frequent selfies or use video chat extensively.
Main Camera Resolution
Both devices come with a 48 megapixel main camera, which supports detailed photos and videos for everyday photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous specs include size, weight, connectivity, and other physical features that affect daily handling and compatibility.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 measures 147.6 mm tall, 71.6 mm wide, with a depth of 7.8 mm and weighs 171 g. This makes it easier to use one-handed and carry comfortably. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is larger and heavier, measuring 163.4 mm tall, 78 mm wide, 8.8 mm deep, and weighing 233 g, which suits users who prefer a larger device and don't mind the extra weight.
Connectivity and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, offering broad compatibility with carriers and fast mobile data speeds. Both use USB-C connectors for charging and data transfer.
SIM Options
Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 17 Pro Max support a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexible options for managing mobile plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 or iPhone 17 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £416.19, £792.81 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (171 g vs 233 g)
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 15 frequently praise its condition and battery life, noting that many devices look like new even in fair condition. Users appreciate the screen quality and responsiveness, with some saying their refurbished phone feels as good as new. Battery health is often mentioned as strong, and the camera and features meet expectations. The size and feel of the iPhone 15 suit those wanting a compact and reliable device for everyday use.
Reviews for the iPhone 17 Pro Max include several positive remarks about the phone's condition and performance, highlighting the ease of moving apps and the excellent battery health. Some users report very good quality and smooth operation, with the larger size and enhanced specs appealing to those wanting a powerful, spacious phone. A few customers mention issues unrelated to the device's hardware, but overall the phone is seen as a solid choice for those needing more advanced features and storage.
In summary, the iPhone 15 suits buyers looking for a smaller, lighter device with solid performance and good battery life. The iPhone 17 Pro Max appeals to those who want a larger screen, higher RAM, more storage, and a more detailed front camera, fitting users who prioritise media, multitasking, and storage capacity.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 15 vs 17 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 15 is cheaper refurbished, from £416.19 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 has 3349 mAh and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 48 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £792.81 more (from £1209 vs £416.19).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
