Comparison between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max
Nowadays, new smartphones bring very few surprises. Revolutionary new features? A new and astonishing camera hardware? Those are characteristics of early 2010s mobile technology. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are no exception to recent trends: they are not radical changes, but rather incremental improvements over previous models in many small yet significant ways. This article offers a first-person comparison between the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, exploring key differences and the personal user experience.
Design and Comfort: A New Alloy and Improved Curvatures
The first thing you notice when holding the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is the change in weight. The 19-gram reduction in both models is due to the new titanium alloy used on the phone’s exterior instead of stainless steel. This makes the iPhone 15 Pro, though not lightweight, feel much more comfortable to use over prolonged periods. The 15 Pro Max, shifting from 240 grams to 221, feels more manageable and less like a large paperweight.
The sides of both phones are slightly curved compared to last year’s models, maintaining enough flat edge to keep the characteristic iPhone look but being a bit more comfortable in hand. Although the screen size remains the same, 6.1 inches for the 15 Pro and 6.7 inches for the Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Pro has shrunk slightly thanks to thinner bezels. This adjustment makes it notably more pleasant to use.
Regarding color options, Apple has chosen more subdued tones this year: natural titanium, white, black, and blue. If you’re looking for a “fun” color, blue is the best choice. However, a practical tip is to avoid the FineWoven cases and accessories, as they are prone to permanent scratches.
Connectivity and USB-C: A Necessary Change
One of the most anticipated and discussed updates is the introduction of the USB-C port. All iPhone 15 models feature USB-C, but only the 15 Pro and Pro Max support USB 3, allowing for faster file transfer speeds. Despite the included cable in the box only supporting USB 2 transfer speeds, compatibility with 10 Gbps USB-C cables is a significant change.
The flexibility of USB-C is a major advancement. You can use the same cable to charge your MacBook and iPhone, eliminating the need to hunt for a specific cable for each device. Connecting the 15 Pro to a Satechi hub and watching it read photos from an SD card or connect to an Ethernet network seamlessly was a revelatory experience. Although switching to USB-C may be inconvenient for some, the ease and universality it offers are invaluable.
Performance and Price: Evaluating the A17 Pro and Its Impact
The price of the iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999, similar to the 14 Pro, but the entry price for the 15 Pro Max is $100 higher this year, starting at $1,199. This increase is partly justified by the removal of the 128 GB option in the Pro Max, which now starts at 256 GB.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with the new A17 Pro SoC. This chip promises improved performance, especially in gaming, thanks to a completely new GPU with hardware-based ray tracing. During use, the 15 Pro Max handled games like Resident Evil Village well without overheating excessively, although other intensive uses such as video recording still cause a notable temperature increase.
Apple has made no claims about battery life improvements over last year’s models. However, the 15 Pro Max has demonstrated the ability to endure a full day of intensive use, including 4K ProRes video recording. The primary concern remains the degradation of battery capacity over time, something observed in the 14 Pro models.
Photographic Experience: Analyzing the Cameras and Their Capabilities
The camera has always been a strong point of the iPhone, and the 15 Pro and Pro Max do not disappoint. The 15 Pro Max stands out with its new 5x telephoto lens, replacing the previous model’s 3x zoom. This telephoto lens is ideal for capturing distant objects clearly, although the main 48-megapixel camera and the 12-megapixel ultra-wide remain unchanged.
The crop functionality of the main camera has improved, allowing additional zoom options at 28 mm and 35 mm, besides the native 24 mm focal length. These options use an advanced Deep Fusion process to maintain image quality. Additionally, the default output resolution is now 24 megapixels, enhancing the overall photo quality.
A notable feature is the ability to apply portrait mode effect after taking the photo, as long as the camera detects a face or pet. This adds great flexibility to the photographic process, allowing post-capture adjustments without losing quality.
Battery Life and Power Management
Despite the improvements in the charging port, maximum charging speeds remain the same as in the iPhone 14: up to 27 W with a wired charger and 15 W via MagSafe. The iPhone 15 Pro can endure a full day of use on a single charge, but the degradation of battery capacity over time remains a concern.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E is another significant addition, promising faster speeds on the 6 GHz band, although with the limitation of reduced range compared to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The functionality of Wi-Fi 6E is promising for those with fast home connections, though the automatic switching between bands can be a bit unpredictable.
Additional Features: Action Button and Wi-Fi 6E
The new Action Button replaces the traditional mute switch and offers considerable customization. You can set it to perform various actions, such as opening the camera, turning on the flashlight, or activating a Focus mode. While the action is performed with a long press, which may feel like a slight delay compared to the instant mute switch, the flexibility it offers is a major step forward.
Support for Wi-Fi 6E is another significant addition, potentially improving the speed and efficiency of wireless connection on compatible networks. However, its use can be unpredictable in environments with many walls or obstructions.
Conclusions: Which One Should You Choose?
The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max represent evolution rather than revolution in Apple’s product line. Improvements in design, performance, and connectivity are all welcome, though not transformative. The choice between the Pro and the Pro Max comes down to personal preferences regarding size, weight, and use of the exclusive 5x telephoto lens of the Pro Max.
If you value portability and a lighter device, the iPhone 15 Pro is the right choice. If you prefer a larger screen and better zoom capabilities, the 15 Pro Max is the way to go. Both options offer a refined and improved experience, though familiar, within the Apple ecosystem.
