Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max was a flagship powerhouse when it launched in late 2023, but how does it hold up in 2025? With new competitors emerging and technology advancing rapidly, we take a detailed look at its performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall value to determine if it’s still a smart buy.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On Display
- Chipset: A17 Pro (3nm, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine)
- Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- RAM: 8GB
- Rear Cameras:
- 48MP main (f/1.78, sensor-shift OIS)
- 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120° FoV)
- 12MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom, f/2.8)
- Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9)
- Battery: 4,422mAh, up to 29 hours video playback
- Charging: USB-C (USB 3.2, up to 27W wired, 15W MagSafe)
- Durability: Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front, IP68 water resistance
- OS: iOS 17 (upgradable to iOS 18)
Performance & Software
The A17 Pro chip remains one of the fastest mobile processors in 2025, handling demanding tasks like 4K video editing, gaming (including console-grade titles like Resident Evil Village), and AI-powered apps with ease. Compared to rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) and Google Pixel 9 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro Max holds its own in raw performance but lacks some AI-focused optimizations found in newer Android flagships.
With iOS 18 support confirmed, Apple ensures at least four more years of updates, making it a future-proof choice.
Design & Build Quality
The switch to a titanium frame makes the iPhone 15 Pro Max lighter (221g) than its stainless-steel predecessor while maintaining durability. The matte-textured back and slimmer bezels give it a premium feel, though the design hasn’t drastically changed since the iPhone 12 series.
Compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s flat-edged design and OnePlus 12’s curved display, the iPhone remains elegant but slightly less innovative in aesthetics.
Camera Quality
The 48MP main sensor captures stunning detail, with improved low-light performance over previous models. The 5x periscope zoom is excellent for distant shots but falls short against the S24 Ultra’s 10x optical zoom.
Video recording is where the iPhone still dominates—Cinematic Mode, ProRes, and Dolby Vision HDR outperform most competitors. However, computational photography (like night mode and portrait enhancements) is now matched or surpassed by Google’s Pixel 9 Pro.
Pros:
- Best-in-class video recording
- Excellent main camera with natural colors
- Smooth zoom transitions
Cons:
- No major camera upgrades since 2023
- Ultra-wide sensor lags behind competitors
Battery Life
The 4,422mAh battery delivers all-day endurance, even with heavy use. In 2025, it remains competitive, though phones like the Galaxy S24 Ultra (5,000mAh) and Oppo Find X7 Pro offer slightly better longevity.
Charging speeds (27W wired, 15W wireless) are disappointingly slow compared to 100W+ fast charging on Chinese flagships.
Unique Features
- Action Button: Replaces the mute switch for customizable shortcuts.
- USB-C (finally!): Supports faster data transfers (USB 3.2).
- Dynamic Island: More interactive than a traditional notch.
Value for Money in 2025
The iPhone 15 Pro Max originally started at $1,199, but in 2025, it’s often available at discounts (around $999). Compared to newer flagships:
- Better than: iPhone 14 Pro Max (for longevity), Google Pixel 8 Pro (for performance)
- Worse than: Galaxy S24 Ultra (for zoom, battery), OnePlus 12 (for charging speed)
Who Should Buy It?
- Apple ecosystem users who want long-term software support.
- Content creators needing top-tier video recording.
- Those who prefer iOS over Android’s customization.
Who Should Skip It?
- Android enthusiasts who want cutting-edge AI features.
- Budget-conscious buyers (cheaper alternatives like the iPhone 15 Plus exist).
- Those who need extreme zoom or ultra-fast charging.
Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max Still Worth It?
Yes, but selectively. If you prioritize iOS, video recording, and long-term updates, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains a strong choice in 2025, especially at discounted prices. However, if you want the latest AI advancements, faster charging, or superior zoom, newer Android flagships may be more compelling.
For Apple loyalists, it’s a great investment—but for tech enthusiasts chasing innovation, waiting for the iPhone 16 Pro Max (or considering rivals) might be wiser.
