Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max lines up the September 2024 iPhone 16 Pro Max with the September 2023 iPhone 15 Pro Max. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.
iPhone 16 Pro Max leads iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip and battery.
Spec sheet
| Spec | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak, always-onTie | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2796×1290, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak, always-onTie |
| Chip | A18 ProLeads | A17 Pro |
| Memory | Not published | Not published |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBTie |
| Camera hardware | 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephotoTie | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephotoTie |
| Optical zoom | 5xTie | 5xTie |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | up to 33 hours video playbackLeads | up to 29 hours video playback |
| Charging | 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 25WTie | 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 15WTie |
| Weight | 227 g | 221 gLeads |
| Water resistance | IP68Tie | IP68Tie |
| Software support | Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window | Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window |
| Launch price | $1,199 launch priceTie | $1,199 launch priceTie |
| Software | iOS 18 at launch | iOS 17 at launch |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3), 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | USB-C (USB 3), 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Who should buy which
Choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want iOS 18 at launch. It leads on chip and battery.
Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you want iOS 17 at launch. It leads on weight.
Questions
Which is better, iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max?
iPhone 16 Pro Max leads iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on chip and battery.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: which has the better battery?
iPhone 16 Pro Max leads on battery. iPhone 16 Pro Max: up to 33 hours video playback. iPhone 15 Pro Max: up to 29 hours video playback.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: which has the better camera?
iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max tie on camera hardware. iPhone 16 Pro Max: 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto. iPhone 15 Pro Max: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephoto. This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max cost at launch?
iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max tie on launch price. iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199 launch price. iPhone 15 Pro Max: $1,199 launch price.
Sources
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max technical specifications
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max technical specifications