Every September, Apple fans wait eagerly to see what new features the latest iPhones bring. Last year, the iPhone 15 Pro Max introduced titanium frames, powerful cameras, and a design that felt premium yet light. This year, Apple followed it up with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which adds a few meaningful upgrades.
So, how different are these two flagships really? Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can decide whether upgrading makes sense.
Quick Comparison
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| Technology | iPhone 15 Pro Max: 5G, LTE, GSM, CDMA | iPhone 16 Pro Max: 5G, LTE, GSM, CDMA |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 76.7 × 8.25 mm | 163 × 77.6 × 8.25 mm |
| Weight | 221 g | 227 g |
| Build | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front, textured matte glass back | Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front, textured matte glass back |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion 120Hz | Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion 120Hz |
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Resolution | 2796 × 1290 pixels, 460 ppi | 2868 × 1320 pixels, 460 ppi |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits (outdoor), 1600 nits (HDR) | 2000 nits (outdoor), 1600 nits (HDR) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence | iOS 18 with enhanced Apple Intelligence |
| Chipset | A17 Pro (3nm) | A18 Pro (3nm, faster CPU/GPU) |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Internal | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Main | 48MP wide | 48MP wide (Fusion processing) |
| Ultra-wide | 12MP | 48MP (new upgrade) |
| Telephoto | 5× optical zoom (Pro Max only) | 5× optical zoom + better stabilization |
| Video | 4K@60fps, ProRes, Dolby Vision HDR | 4K@60fps, ProRes, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Selfie Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 12MP TrueDepth, Face ID | 12MP TrueDepth, Face ID |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Cinematic Mode | 4K@60fps, Cinematic Mode |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Endurance | All-day use | Up to 13 hours longer video playback |
| Charging | MagSafe + 15W wireless | MagSafe + 15W wireless |
| Other Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Water/Dust | IP68 | IP68 |
| Security | Face ID | Face ID |
| Special | Action Button | Action Button + Camera Control |
Disclaimer: We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
Design and Size
Both phones share the same titanium build, which makes them stronger and lighter than the older stainless steel models. The matte glass back feels smooth in the hand, and the Ceramic Shield front adds protection against scratches and drops.
The main difference is in size. The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a 6.7-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max stretches to 6.9 inches. The newer model is a little taller and wider, which makes it feel bigger in the pocket. Some people prefer the more compact feel of the 15 Pro Max, while others enjoy the larger canvas of the 16 Pro Max for videos and games.
Both devices have the same IP68 rating, which means they can handle dust, rain, and short dips in water without worry.
Display Experience
Apple’s OLED screens are always top-notch, and both of these phones deliver stunning visuals. They offer deep blacks, vibrant colors, and smooth scrolling thanks to the 120Hz ProMotion feature.
The resolution has a slight bump in the iPhone 16 Pro Max (2868 × 1320 vs. 2796 × 1290 on the 15 Pro Max). On paper, this change is small, but it does help the larger display keep its sharpness.
Brightness remains the same at up to 2000 nits outdoors, which is more than enough for direct sunlight. For everyday use—whether browsing, watching movies, or gaming—both displays perform beautifully.
Camera Upgrades
The iPhone 15 Pro Max was already praised for its cameras, especially the 5x telephoto lens exclusive to that model. It offered versatility for wide, normal, and zoom shots.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max takes things further, especially with the ultra-wide camera. Here are the main differences:
- Ultra-Wide Lens: Jumps from 12MP on the 15 Pro Max to 48MP on the 16 Pro Max. This means sharper shots and much better performance in low light.
- Main Camera: Both use a 48MP sensor, but the 16 Pro Max uses “Fusion” technology for more detail and color accuracy.
- Telephoto Options: Both phones keep the 5x telephoto on the Pro Max line, along with a 2x zoom option. Stabilization has been improved in the newer model for sharper zoomed-in photos.
Apple also added Camera Control on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which allows users to adjust settings quickly without digging into menus. For photographers or creators, this new control makes a real difference in capturing the moment.
Performance and Power
When the iPhone 15 Pro Max launched, it carried the A17 Pro chip, which was already a big leap forward. It brought console-level gaming performance and excellent efficiency.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max now runs on the A18 Pro chip. According to Apple, it delivers up to 60% faster CPU speeds and better battery efficiency. Beyond raw numbers, this means smoother multitasking, better gaming, and support for new AI-powered features that are being rolled out in iOS 18.
If you keep your phone for many years, this performance upgrade ensures the iPhone 16 Pro Max will stay fast and capable for longer.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one of the areas where the iPhone 16 Pro Max makes a clear improvement. Apple claims it can last up to 13 hours longer for video playback compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the battery is much larger—it’s more about efficiency. The A18 Pro chip uses power more intelligently, so you can stream, game, and browse without constantly worrying about the charger.
Both phones support fast charging, MagSafe accessories, and wireless charging. The experience is nearly identical here, though the newer model gives you more hours of use.
Software and Apple Intelligence
Both phones run on iOS 18, which comes with redesigned features, customization options, and smarter tools. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max gets better support for Apple’s new intelligence features.
Tasks like real-time translation, advanced photo editing, and AI-powered writing tools work faster thanks to the A18 Pro chip. While the iPhone 15 Pro Max will get these features too, some of them may not run as smoothly due to hardware limitations.
Storage Choices
Both models come with the same storage tiers: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Apple no longer offers a 128GB option for the Pro Max series, likely because the higher-resolution photos and videos need more space.
For most people, 256GB is enough, but if you shoot a lot of 4K ProRes videos, the 512GB or 1TB versions are more practical.
Price and Value
Price is always a deciding factor. The iPhone 15 Pro Max was expensive at launch, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in at a slightly higher starting point in some markets.
If you already own a 15 Pro Max, the improvements in the 16 Pro Max—like the bigger display, upgraded ultra-wide camera, and better battery—may not feel dramatic enough to justify the cost.
However, if you are upgrading from an older iPhone, such as the 13 Pro Max or 14 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feel like a major leap forward.
Which One Should You Pick?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you want a lighter phone that’s still very powerful, has excellent cameras, and comes at a slightly lower price now that it’s no longer the newest model.
- Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want the biggest screen ever on an iPhone, a much improved ultra-wide camera, longer battery life, and the latest A18 Pro chip.
Both are great choices—it just depends on how much you value the latest upgrades.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max debate comes down to priorities. Apple hasn’t reinvented the wheel, but it has refined the experience with the newer model. The 16 Pro Max gives you a larger display, upgraded cameras, longer battery life, and faster performance.
If you want the very best Apple has to offer right now, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the clear winner. But if you already own the 15 Pro Max and it’s serving you well, you can comfortably hold onto it for another year or two.
Either way, both devices represent the top tier of Apple’s smartphone lineup in 2025.
FAQs
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max bigger than the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display compared to the 6.7-inch screen on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
What is the main camera difference between the two?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max introduces a 48MP ultra-wide camera, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max have better battery life?
Yes, it lasts up to 13 hours longer for video playback thanks to the new A18 Pro chip and efficiency improvements.
Should I upgrade from the iPhone 15 Pro Max to the 16 Pro Max?
If you want the bigger screen, upgraded ultra-wide camera, and better battery, yes. If your 15 Pro Max is still fine, you can wait.
Do both phones support Apple Intelligence features?
Yes, both run iOS 18 and support Apple Intelligence, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max handles it faster due to the newer A18 Pro chip.
