Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Review
introduction
In this article, we dive into the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, the latest flagship smartphone that promises to redefine user experience. With a host of upgrades and innovative features, including a powerful camera system, enhanced performance, and a sleek design, this device is tailored for those who demand the best. Join us as we explore what makes the iPhone 15 Pro Max a standout choice in 2024, whether you’re an Apple enthusiast or considering a switch from Android.
Table of Contents
The iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out as a prime example of Apple’s commitment to innovation, showcasing a range of enhancements that culminate in a significant upgrade. This is especially true for users who have held off on upgrading for several years. With its lighter design, reduced bezels, cutting-edge Apple Silicon, a comprehensive camera system, customizable Action button, enhanced Dynamic Island, faster connectivity options, and the introduction of a USB-C port, the new Pro models represent a considerable advancement in the iPhone lineage. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, in particular, shines with its newly developed telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom.
As a reviewer, I often miss out on the opportunity to fully appreciate these gradual improvements. However, after choosing not to review last year’s models, I found my time away from the iPhone beneficial. Transitioning from my iPhone 13 Pro to the Pixel 7 Pro earlier this year allowed me to approach the iPhone 15 Pro Max with fresh eyes. While no device is flawless, this new model comes impressively close. It tackles many of my previous concerns and has introduced unexpected features that reflect Apple’s unwavering dedication to excellence.
While there are a few shortcomings, and certain features—such as the 5x optical zoom—don’t entirely align with my expectations shaped by using the Pixel, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a smartphone I would gladly use for an extended period. My decision to stick with it will largely depend on how the upcoming Pixel 8 Pro review goes.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 1TB, White Titanium – pricing
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 1TB, White Titanium – Unlocked
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro Max (1,000 GB) | $1,166 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max (1,000 GB) | $1,166 |
Design
At first glance, the iPhone 15 Pro Max may not seem drastically different from the iPhone X, which launched in 2017, and its rear camera setup resembles that of the iPhone 11 Pro Max from 2019. However, upon closer inspection and handling, the distinctions become clear.
The most noticeable change is the weight; the iPhone 15 Pro Max feels significantly lighter than its somewhat hefty predecessors. This reduction is thanks to Apple’s switch from stainless steel to titanium, a change that many users will appreciate. While the sideband has a subtly brushed finish to add some character, the back of my “Natural Titanium” model is a muted matte gray. This is quite different from the sandstone beige seen in Apple’s promotional images, which was a bit of a letdown. However, since I always keep my devices in protective cases, I won’t often see the actual finish.
Before diving deeper, I observed another significant upgrade in the iPhone 15 Pro Max compared to its two most recent predecessors. The earlier iPhone Pro models retained the sharp-edged design of the iPhone 4, which often made them uncomfortable to hold. Thankfully, this issue has been resolved. The iPhone 15 Pro Max now boasts smooth, contoured edges that enhance comfort while still maintaining its classic aesthetic. I’m not certain why it took this long to implement such a change, but it’s definitely a welcome improvement.
There’s more to discuss. Although Apple has promoted the “all-screen design” of its flagship iPhones since 2017, the reality was that each model featured significant screen bezels. The iPhone 15 Pro Max tackles this issue effectively. While it still has bezels, they are now much slimmer and comparable to those on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy flagship devices. At last, Apple has delivered on the promise made in its marketing.
Aside from these updates, the overall design of the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains largely consistent with earlier iPhone Pro models, for better or worse. The traditional Lightning port has been replaced by a USB-C port, and a new Action button has been added alongside the existing side buttons. The antenna gaps around the edges still appear more as design elements than the functional requirements they are. Additionally, the large three-lens camera system on the back continues to be prominent, causing the iPhone to wobble when placed on a flat surface.In essence, it’s an iPhone. If you appreciated the previous design—as I mostly did—you’ll find this updated version even more appealing.
Display
Apple is known for its elaborate branding, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max shines in the display department with its Super Retina XDR and ProMotion technology. However, beyond the marketing jargon, what you get is an impressive and perfectly flat 6.7-inch OLED screen. It boasts a resolution of 1290 x 2796 (460 PPI), features rounded corners, and maintains a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. Additionally, it supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, making for a truly exceptional viewing experience.
The “ProMotion” in the name signifies that the iPhone 15 Pro Max supports not only high refresh rates of up to 120 Hz but also variable refresh rates that adjust dynamically. This feature helps conserve battery life. The display can achieve impressive brightness levels—up to 1000 nits, and when viewing HDR content, it can reach 1600 nits indoors and 2000 nits outdoors. In fact, it can sometimes be almost overly bright, particularly in dim environments.
The display also features Apple’s impressive True Tone functionality, which I really appreciate, and supports a full P3 color gamut with a contrast ratio of 2 million to 1. While many HDR10 and Dolby Vision displays tend to be overly glossy with exaggerated colors, Apple consistently delivers panels that strike a well-balanced tone, minimizing unnatural effects. Aside from the brightness in low-light situations, there’s little to fault here—it’s nearly flawless.
Protected by what Apple refers to as Ceramic Shield, the front glass is said to be more durable than any other smartphone glass on the market. It also has a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, which seems effective. All smartphone screens require occasional cleaning, especially the edges, which can be tricky to reach depending on the case. However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has proven to be low maintenance. I’ve dropped it a few times while using a silicone case, and it has held up remarkably well without any issues.
Connected to the display is the Dynamic Island, a feature that made its debut last year but was new to me. I quickly grew fond of it and hope to see it in more devices. From a display perspective, it’s a wide, pill-shaped cutout that is significantly less intrusive than the notch it replaces, yet still more prominent than the hole-punch front cameras found on most Android flagships. While it can be noticeable when watching video content that fills the screen, which isn’t something I do frequently, the HDR and Dolby Vision capabilities more than compensate for any distraction the cutout may cause. (I’ll dive deeper into Dynamic Island later.)
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 1TB, White Titanium – Unlocked
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 1TB, White Titanium – Unlocked
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 16 |
| RAM Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1000 GB |
| Screen Size | 6.7 Inches |
| Model Name | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Wireless Carrier | Unlocked for All Carriers |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Color | White Titanium |
Hardware and Specs
Apple has consistently held an edge in performance and efficiency over its Android competitors, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max enhances that lead with the A17 Pro chip, which Apple labels as its first true Pro-class processor. Built on a 3-nanometer architecture, this 64-bit CPU features two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, offering a slight performance upgrade over the A16 Bionic. However, it’s the GPU that truly justifies the “Pro” designation: this brand new six-core design supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, delivering a 20 percent performance improvement over its five-core predecessor. More on this soon.
The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 16-core Neural Engine (NPU) designed for enhanced AI and machine learning capabilities, although Apple hasn’t elaborated much on specific applications for this technology. It also supports hardware AV1 decoding, alongside the HEVC, H.264, and ProRes decoding and encoding introduced last year. The integrated nature of the A17 Pro is what enables the iPhone 15 Pro Max to support USB 3.2 Gen 2, allowing for data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps— a significant upgrade from the 480 Mbps provided by the Lightning port.
While Apple keeps the RAM specifications under wraps, third-party sources indicate that the A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with 8 GB of RAM, an increase from the 6 GB found in its predecessor. It’s also widely known that the base model I purchased offers 256 GB of internal storage, double the minimum from last year. For those needing more space—like professional photographers or videographers—there are options to upgrade to 512 GB or 1 TB at the time of purchase.
In practice, however, much of this technical detail feels secondary. Historically, iPhones have delivered excellent performance right out of the box, offering all-day battery life that consistently outperforms comparable Google Pixel Pro devices in both areas. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has operated flawlessly during regular use, living up to my expectations as a reliable device—essentially the antithesis of the Pixel experience.
I was particularly intrigued by Apple’s strong emphasis on the gaming capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro models during the launch event in September. A major component of this is its new “pro-class” GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a sought-after feature in gaming that usually necessitates high-end PC hardware or consoles like the Xbox Series X. This technology promises not only enhanced visuals but also faster frame rates and smoother gameplay, with Apple claiming up to a fourfold performance improvement over the software-based ray tracing in the A16 Bionic.
While I can’t directly test those claims, I did play Resident Evil: Village, a game I had attempted but not completed on the Xbox. Although this survival horror title is about two years old, it’s a modern 3D game that seems improbable to run smoothly on a smartphone. Surprisingly, it does.
To run this test, I needed three components: the game itself (which is available for free with in-game purchases), an Xbox Wireless Controller connected via Bluetooth, and some form of external display. I was curious to see how the Xbox controller would pair with the iPhone. For the display, I used my wife’s 15-inch Full HD USB-C monitor, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it power on immediately when connected to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, contrary to my expectation that it would need a separate power source.
Audio and Video
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features stereo speakers—one located in the earpiece above the Dynamic Island and another at the bottom near the USB-C port—along with three microphones: one on top and two on the bottom. While phone calls sounded clear during regular use, I received two complaints about audio quality when using the speakerphone, which was never a problem on the Pixel 7 Pro. As a result, I stopped using that feature altogether.
When it comes to audio and video, the experience is significantly enhanced, as the iPhone supports Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos spatial audio. Although I don’t typically watch videos without earbuds, I was genuinely impressed. I always test the device with key scenes from movies like Atomic Blonde, and the combination of the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s display and audio capabilities ranks among the best available.
While I don’t typically engage in this kind of testing, I decided to sign up for a 30-day trial of Apple Music to revisit spatial audio music. The results were impressive, featuring crisp, clear sound with excellent stereo and spatial separation. With older tracks in particular, it felt like I was hearing familiar songs anew. (Quality can vary by track, but I didn’t encounter any real duds.)
Cameras
Apple’s three-lens pro camera system is the primary reason many customers opt for an iPhone Pro over the standard models. With the iPhone 15 series, Apple leveraged this insight by making a standout feature—a telephoto lens with 5X optical zoom—exclusive to the more expensive Pro Max model. This enhancement definitely caught my attention. I’ve always gravitated toward phones—be it iPhone or Android—that offer the best camera capabilities, and upon seeing what Apple was introducing with the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera system, I knew I had to try it out.
The camera system of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is impressive on paper, but it doesn’t represent a significant leap forward from previous models. I remain somewhat skeptical of Apple’s assertion that it offers “the equivalent of seven camera lenses.” In comparison, the Pixel 8 Pro boasts a camera system that appears even more advanced, featuring three high-resolution lenses. I’ll be able to assess that when I return from Mexico next week and can put the Pixel through its paces.
The main lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is largely the same as its predecessor’s, despite Apple’s claims to the contrary. It features a 48 MP wide-angle lens with a 24 mm equivalent focal length, an ƒ/1.78 aperture, and dual-pixel Omni-Directional Phase Detection (what Apple refers to as “100 percent Focus Pixels”) for optical image stabilization (OIS). The only notable change this year is that images captured with this lens are saved in 24 MP by default. However, you can revert to the previous 12 MP format to save storage or choose from three HEIF Max/ProRAW modes if you’re a professional user with upgraded storage. More on that shortly.
The 12 MP ultra-wide lens remains unchanged from the previous model, featuring a 13 mm equivalent focal length, an ƒ/2.2 aperture, and a generous 120-degree field of view. It also includes what Apple refers to as “100 percent Focus Pixels,” essentially a marketing term for dual-pixel phase detection autofocus with optical image stabilization. (No complaints about this terminology; it’s certainly an improvement.)
Then we have the telephoto lens. On the standard iPhone 15 Pro, Apple sticks with last year’s 12 MP lens, which offers a 48 mm equivalent focal length and 2X optical zoom, along with an ƒ/1.78 aperture and dual-pixel phase detection autofocus with optical image stabilization (a.k.a. “100 percent Focus Pixels”). In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a new 12 MP telephoto lens with a 120 mm equivalent focal length and a tetraprism design. This innovative setup, akin to a periscope camera but more compact, enables 5X optical zoom and has an ƒ/2.8 aperture. It also boasts “3D sensor-shift optical image stabilization and autofocus.” (What exactly that entails is a bit unclear; it seems to suggest a more advanced OIS and autofocus system, but still not the “100 percent Focus Pixels” terminology.)
Security
Apple promotes iOS as the most secure mobile operating system available, and I have no objections to that claim. Recent updates to iOS have strengthened its privacy and security features, particularly with the introduction of per-app anti-tracking prompts. With iOS 17, there are some minor improvements, including enhancements to lockdown mode (designed to guard against cyberattacks) and better permission controls. However, the fundamentals remain intact: Alongside a robust suite of security and privacy protections within the OS, the iPhone includes hardware security features like a secure enclave, the T2 security chip, encrypted storage, and top-tier facial recognition through Face ID. Everything you need is right there.
Battery
After transitioning from the Pixel 7 Pro to the iPhone 15 Pro Max last month, I immediately noticed a significant improvement in battery performance. While claiming that the iPhone has twice the battery life might be an exaggeration, it certainly feels that way. My Pixel often required a recharge by late afternoon, but the iPhone consistently lasts until bedtime without any concerns about running low. I’ve only considered a mid-day charge on busy travel days when I’m out taking photos far from home. Interestingly, I didn’t take my portable charger with me at all this month, whereas it was a constant companion during my time with the Pixel in Mexico City.
As I write this at 12:42 PM, I unplugged the iPhone at 6:30 AM, and it’s currently at 92 percent after three hours of active screen time and roughly three hours of idle time.
From a configuration standpoint, the iPhone includes all the usual charging optimization features to maintain battery health and offers a low-power mode when needed. The only adjustment I made was to enable the display of the battery percentage in the status bar.
Software
The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with iOS 17, the latest iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system. Overall, iOS remains as elegant and mature as ever, and I find switching between it and Android to be relatively seamless, with each platform boasting its own advantages. It’s a bit frustrating that you still can’t freely place icons on the iPhone’s home screen—this issue has been discussed ad nauseam.
That said, I’d like to highlight two aspects of iOS that illustrate its strengths and weaknesses. Fortunately, I’ve previously written about both, so I’ll keep this brief.
On the plus side, the gesture navigation system on the iPhone is impressive. Its consistency and logic are remarkable and something I believe Google should consider adopting.
Conversely, Apple’s approach to notifications remains quite disappointing, despite the introduction of Dynamic Island a year ago, which is new to me. This innovative feature does more than just conceal the old notch; it offers a fresh way to manage multitasking and alerts on a relatively small display. It’s so effective that I anticipate Apple will bring it to the Mac and iPad in the future.
Unique Hardware Features
Since its debut in 2007, the iPhone has featured a somewhat peculiar Ring/Silent switch, which was likely toggled more often by accident than by intention. However, that era is coming to a close with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The device replaces this unconventional switch with a new Action button, which can still handle the Ring/Silent functions but can also be customized to perform a variety of other tasks.
While the idea behind the new Action button isn’t bad, its initial implementation leaves something to be desired.
Firstly, the button is quite small and located above the two volume buttons on the left side, which often leads to accidental presses when I’m trying to increase the volume or take a screenshot. It would be better if Apple repositioned it to the right side of the device, placing it above the Side button (commonly thought of as the power button). This adjustment wouldn’t just improve aesthetics; its current location on the left makes it more challenging to access for right-handed users like myself.
Secondly, the Action button feels somewhat restricted in its functionality. While it offers a nice variety of options—I set mine to open the Camera app and take a photo when it’s already open—you must long-press to activate it, likely to prevent accidental clicks. However, there’s no reason this button couldn’t support multiple actions; surely, a double-click could trigger another function as well?
While it’s a minor issue, the user interface for configuring the button’s functions is unnecessarily complicated. Options include Silent Mode, Focus, Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memo, Magnifier, Shortcut, and Accessibility, each with additional sub-options, which is quite different from the straightforward layouts found elsewhere in the Settings app. It feels overly complicated.
Additionally, the iPhone 15 series marks a significant shift by moving away from the outdated Lightning connector to adopt industry-standard USB-C connectivity. For the iPhone 15 Pro models, this means support for USB 3.2 Gen 2, enabling data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps—an impressive upgrade from the 480 Mbps offered in previous iPhones and the standard iPhone 15. This change also opens up new possibilities, such as connecting to external displays. Although I didn’t test this myself—my SSD isn’t formatted for this use—I know you can connect a USB-C SSD to the iPhone 15 Pro and record ProRes video directly to it, bypassing internal storage. This truly marks a new chapter for the iPhone, and one has to wonder why it took so long to arrive.
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 15 Pro Max begins at $1,166, reflecting a $100 increase from the starting price of the previous model. On the upside, this price now includes a base storage capacity of 256 GB. For those needing more space, you can opt for the 1,000 GB model at $1,166, or the 1 TB version for $1,599. This year’s color options include Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium. The devices are widely available at Apple stores, most mobile carriers, and electronics retailers around the globe.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 1TB, White Titanium – Unlocked
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 1TB, White Titanium – Unlocked
| Brand | Apple |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 16 |
| RAM Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1000 GB |
| Screen Size | 6.7 Inches |
| Model Name | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Wireless Carrier | Unlocked for All Carriers |
| Cellular Technology | 5G |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Color | White Titanium |
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max pricing
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max pricing
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro Max (1,000 GB) | $1,166 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max (1,000 GB) | $1,166 |
Recommendations and Conclusions
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is packed with numerous small yet significant enhancements, making it an obvious choice for anyone seeking a top-tier flagship smartphone experience. Users upgrading from earlier iPhone models will appreciate the physical design improvements, the introduction of Dynamic Island, the new Action button, and the switch to USB-C. For those on Android, Apple is effectively addressing past criticisms, leaving fewer reasons to hesitate. Even though my iPhone 13 Pro was just two years old, the upgrade to the 15 Pro Max felt substantial and far from minor. Given that many users are likely still on even older devices, the iPhone 15 Pro Max becomes an even more enticing option.
While Apple continues to excel in photography, there’s room for improvement. I’d love to see higher-resolution ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, as well as enhanced optical and hybrid zoom features. Additionally, the switch to USB-C was long overdue, and including a Lightning-speed USB 2 cable in the box feels a bit disappointing.
Nevertheless, Apple consistently offers the best overall smartphone experience on the market. Whether you’re switching from another brand or staying loyal to Apple, you won’t be disappointed with this device.
