Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Titanium debut lightweight
- 5x telephoto excellence
- A17 Pro still class-leading
- Long software support
- USB-C with high speed data
Cons
- Now outclassed by iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Gets warm
- USB-C slower than Android at 3.2Gbps
- Smaller battery than expected
Full Review
The Titanium Turning Point
The iPhone 15 Pro Max marked Apple’s switch from stainless steel to titanium – a design decision that cut 19 grams from the phone’s weight while maintaining the premium feel. At 221g it’s noticeably lighter than its predecessor. Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, and Black Titanium are all attractive, understated finishes.
5x Telephoto: A First for Apple
The tetraprism periscope telephoto offering 5x optical zoom was a significant step for Apple. It brought iPhone level of zoom up to match Samsung Ultra models for the first time. Candid portraits at 5x from across a room look natural and detailed – the compressed perspective flatters faces and backgrounds.
Still Excellent, Now at Better Prices
With the iPhone 16 range on sale, retailers have discounted the 15 Pro Max significantly. For buyers who don’t need Camera Control, the A18 Pro, or slightly improved battery life, the 15 Pro Max delivers nearly identical performance at a lower cost.
Key Specifications
| Processor | Apple A17 Pro |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Display | 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion |
| Camera | 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP 5x telephoto |
| Battery | 4323mAh, 27W wired, 15W MagSafe |
| Price | From $1,099 |
Verdict
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduced titanium and 5x periscope telephoto to Apple's lineup. Discounted significantly since the iPhone 16 launch, it remains an excellent choice at reduced prices.