Many people are eagerly awaiting a comparison between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max later this month, coinciding with the release of the new iPhone 15 series. This raises questions about the rumored distinctions between the two models and whether the Pro Max will truly stand out.
Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are both regarded as top-tier smartphones, but there are noticeable distinctions between them, including screen size, battery life, and pricing. According to multiple rumors, this year’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max may have more significant disparities.
Here’s what we’ve gathered so far:
iPhone 15 Pro vs. Pro Max: Common Features
There is speculation that both iPhone 15 Pro models will experience performance and battery life enhancements thanks to the potential inclusion of a more efficient A17 Bionic chipset. This chipset is rumored to feature a groundbreaking 3nm processor, a first for iPhones. Although hands-on testing is yet to confirm this, leaked benchmarks indicate that the A17 Bionic could deliver substantial performance gains, surpassing other chipsets. This boost stems from Apple’s optimizations and the advantages of the 3nm process.
The smaller size of the chip inherently improves performance and energy efficiency, benefiting both phones.
iPhone 15 Pro benchmarking scores (rumored)
| Geekbench 6 (single-core) | Geekbench 6 (multi-core) | |
| Apple A17 Bionic (alleged) | 3,269 | 7,666 |
| Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (alleged) | 2,233 | 6,661 |
| Apple A16 Bionic | 2,514 | 6,361 |
| Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | 1,867 | 4,949 |
While rumors of solid-state buttons have been debunked, there is substantial evidence to suggest that both iPhone 15 Pro models will replace the mute switch with a programmable solid-state “action button.” This button can mute the device like the physical toggle but is rumored to be customizable. Code found in the iOS 17 beta hints at various functions for this button, including camera control, flashlight, Focus, Magnifier, Translate, Voice Memos, Shortcuts, and Accessibility modes.
There are also rumors that both phones may feature a titanium design, offering durability and strength while maintaining a more comfortable rounded design compared to the straight-edged design employed since the release of the iPhone 15. Additionally, like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, both the Pro and Pro Max models are expected to replace the old Lightning connector with USB-C, with rumors suggesting that the Pro models will use USB 3.2, offering data transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps. This could also introduce Thunderbolt 3 compatibility for better connectivity with external accessories, including external displays.
iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Screen Size
The most significant difference between the two iPhone 15 Pro models remains the screen size, and rumors suggest that this year will be no exception. All iPhone 15 models, including the Pro models, are expected to retain the same screen sizes as the previous year: a 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and a 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max. Both phones are likely to stick with OLED panels, as an upgrade to microLED is not expected for a few more years.
However, despite the consistent screen sizes, the displays themselves may receive upgrades. Apple is anticipated to use LIPO display technology, initially featured in the Apple Watch Series 7, on both phones. This technology could reduce the bezel size by half a millimeter, providing a more immersive screen experience for both devices. There are also rumors that the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s display could come from Samsung, potentially offering an ultra-bright 2,500 nits.
iPhone 15 Pro vs. Pro Max: Cameras
Camera capabilities are expected to be a significant point of differentiation between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, particularly concerning the telephoto lens. Persistent rumors suggest that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature a new periscope telephoto lens, stacked vertically instead of horizontally. This design allows for more room to accommodate additional lenses, potentially offering up to 6x optical zoom, a significant improvement over the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
Unfortunately, the smaller iPhone 15 Pro may not have space for the periscope lens and could stick with the same 3x horizontal telephoto lens as last year. This also means it may miss out on the “hybrid” lens, which could provide variable optical zoom, ranging from 3x to 6x magnification, for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The camera module is expected to undergo minor redesigning to accommodate the periscope lens, affecting both Pro models. Additionally, both phones are likely to receive upgraded LiDAR sensors for improved efficiency and performance.
iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Battery
Battery life was impressive in both the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, but this year’s models may take it to another level. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to lead in battery life, featuring a rumored substantial 4,852 mAh battery pack, significantly larger than the 4,323 mAh battery in the previous model. Coupled with rumored hardware improvements, such as the 3nm A17 Bionic chip, we anticipate a substantial leap in battery performance.
The iPhone 15 Pro is also likely to see improved battery life, thanks to its rumored 3,650 mAh battery, larger than the 3,200 mAh battery in the iPhone 14 Pro. This, combined with similar hardware enhancements, should contribute to a noteworthy improvement in battery performance.
Charging speed details are yet to be confirmed, but with the shift to USB-C, there is a possibility of faster charging speeds, potentially leveraging USB Power Delivery for improved charging performance.
iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Price
Recent reports suggest that both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max may see a price increase, though the extent of the increase is still under debate. The price hike could range from $100 to $200, potentially resulting in prices as high as $1,199 for the iPhone 15 Pro and $1,299 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
It’s important to note that the increased manufacturing costs, reportedly 20% higher than the iPhone 14 Pro, may be a driving factor behind this price adjustment.
iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Conclusion
In summary, the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro are likely to share many features, as seen in previous Pro models. However, it appears that Apple is focusing on maximizing the Pro Max’s potential to create more differentiation within its new iPhone lineup.
While the larger display has traditionally been the main advantage of the Pro Max, this year’s iteration may also feature a superior display and the best optical zoom ever seen in an iPhone, along with a potentially exceptional battery life.
Nevertheless, the iPhone 15 Pro is expected to offer its own set of compelling features, including a titanium frame, the A17 Bionic chip, faster USB-C connectivity, and a potential boost in battery life. The key concern remains the pricing, with hopes that it does not exceed last year’s levels by a significant margin.
