Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max lines up the September 2024 iPhone 16 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 15 Pro Max leads iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, storage, camera hardware, and optical zoom.
Spec sheet
| Spec | iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556×1179, 460 ppi, 60Hz, 2,000 nits peak | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2796×1290, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak, always-onLeads |
| Chip | A18Leads | A17 Pro |
| Memory | Not published | Not published |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TBLeads |
| Camera hardware | 48MP Fusion main, 12MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop | 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP 5x tetraprism telephotoLeads |
| Optical zoom | No optical telephoto | 5xLeads |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | up to 22 hours video playback | up to 29 hours video playbackLeads |
| 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 | 170 gLeads | 221 g |
| 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 | $799 launch priceLeads | $1,199 launch price |
| Software | iOS 18 at launch | iOS 17 at launch |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 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 if you want iOS 18 at launch. It leads on chip, weight, and launch price.
Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you want iOS 17 at launch. It leads on display, storage, camera hardware, optical zoom, and battery.
Questions
Which is better, iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 Pro Max?
iPhone 15 Pro Max leads iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, storage, camera hardware, and optical zoom.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: which has the better battery?
iPhone 15 Pro Max leads on battery. iPhone 16: up to 22 hours video playback. iPhone 15 Pro Max: up to 29 hours video playback.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: which has the better camera?
iPhone 15 Pro Max leads on camera hardware. iPhone 16: 48MP Fusion main, 12MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop. 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 and iPhone 15 Pro Max cost at launch?
iPhone 16 leads on launch price. iPhone 16: $799 launch price. iPhone 15 Pro Max: $1,199 launch price.
Sources
- Apple iPhone 16 technical specifications
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max technical specifications