Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 September 22, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 101.79 cm³ 85.9 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.03 "/g 3.26 "/g
Weight 221 g 187 g
Height 159.9 mm 146.6 mm
Width 76.7 mm 70.6 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1290 x 2796 1179 x 2556
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.8 % 88.2 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 461 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 1000 nits 1000 nits
HBM Brightness 2000 nits 2000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 98.93 mAh/in² 87.99 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.63 mAh/cm³ 38.11 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4441 mAh 3274 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) Apple A17 Pro (3 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz)
GPU Apple GPU (6-core graphics) Apple GPU (6-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 3.2
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, DisplayPort USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System iOS iOS
Initial OS Version 17 17
Maximum OS Version 18 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureiPhone 15 Pro MaxiPhone 15 ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mmPro Max is significantly larger, potentially less pocketable but better for media consumption.
Weight221g187gPro Max is noticeably heavier, may cause fatigue during extended use.
Display
Size6.7 inches6.1 inchesLarger display on Pro Max offers more immersive viewing experience for videos, games, and multitasking.
Resolution1290 x 27961179 x 2556Both offer sharp visuals; Pro Max has slightly higher pixel density (460 vs 461 ppi), but the difference is negligible in real-world usage.
TypeLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDIdentical display technology ensures excellent color accuracy, contrast, and HDR performance on both.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Performance
ChipsetApple A17 Pro (3 nm)Apple A17 Pro (3 nm)Identical chipsets result in equal performance capabilities for demanding tasks and gaming.
CPUHexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz)Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz)Same CPU configuration ensures consistent processing power across both models.
GPUApple GPU (6-core graphics)Apple GPU (6-core graphics)Identical GPUs provide the same graphics performance for gaming and other visually intensive applications.
RAM8GB8GBSame RAM capacity ensures smooth multitasking and app switching on both devices.
Battery
Capacity4441 mAh3274 mAhSignificantly larger battery in the Pro Max translates to considerably longer battery life.
Other
Storage512GB/1TB256GB/512GB/1TBPro Max starts with higher base storage. More storage allows for storing more apps, photos, and videos.

2. Key Differences Analysis

  • Size and Weight: The most significant difference is the size and weight. The Pro Max is larger and heavier, making it less pocketable but ideal for media consumption. The Pro offers a more compact and manageable form factor.
  • Battery Life: The Pro Max boasts significantly longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity. This is crucial for heavy users.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max: Ideal for users who prioritize a large screen for media consumption, gaming, and productivity, and require extended battery life. Video editors, mobile gamers, and power users would benefit most.
  • iPhone 15 Pro: Suited for users who prefer a more compact and manageable phone without sacrificing flagship performance. Users who value portability and one-handed usability would find this more appealing.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. How important is battery life to you? If all-day battery is crucial, the Pro Max is the clear winner.
  2. Do you prioritize a large screen for media consumption or a more compact phone for one-handed use? The Pro Max offers a larger display; the Pro is more pocketable.
  3. What is your budget? The Pro Max starts at a higher price point due to increased storage.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy User: If you are a heavy user who demands maximum battery life and a large screen, the Pro Max is recommended.
  • Balanced User: If you want a balance of performance, portability, and battery life, the Pro is a good choice.

My Choice: iPhone 15 Pro

While the Pro Max offers a larger display and longer battery life, I would choose the iPhone 15 Pro. I prioritize a more compact and manageable phone for daily use. The slightly smaller display is still ample for my needs, and the performance difference between the two models is negligible. The significant weight difference of the Pro Max would likely impact my comfort during extended use. While battery life is important, I am willing to compromise slightly for the improved portability and handling of the Pro. The lower starting price with 256GB storage also aligns better with my needs and budget. Ultimately, the Pro offers a better balance of size, performance, and price for my personal preferences and usage patterns.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.