“Welcome to our iPhone 15 Pro Max long-term review. It’s been nearly a year since I first unboxed the iPhone 15 Pro Max. I remember my first impressions of the phone out of the box, the sleek, matte finish caught the light just right, and the reassuring weight of the phone felt premium at the least. But beyond the aesthetics, I had one question: How would the phone hold up in the long-term, after major updates have rolled out, and how would it compare with the rivals?”
Welcome to TopTechTally, where we help tech enthusiasts like you make informed decisions about the latest devices.
In this long-term review, we’ll discuss how the iPhone 15 Pro Max fares in 2024 and whether it’s still a top choice for those on the fence about upgrading.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Review: A Quick Refresher
When Apple released the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year, it held its own with the aesthetic design and the latest chipset from Apple.
With the crisp 6.7-inch OLED display, the all new A17 Pro chip, and a Titanium frame that’s both light and durable, this phone was designed to impress.
But after almost a year of real-world use and a couple of software updates, does it still have the same performance?
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Specifications
| Specification | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi), 2000 nits (peak brightness), Ceramic Shield glass |
| Camera | Rear: 48 MP wide (f/1.78) OIS, 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 12 MP telephoto (f/2.8, 5x optical zoom) OIS Front: 12 MP (f/1.9) PDAF OIS, 4K video recording at 24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS Video: 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, 3D (spatial) video, stereo sound recording |
| CPU | Apple A17 Pro chip (3nm) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (6-core graphics) |
| Sound | Stereo speakers No 3.5mm jack |
| Battery | 4,441mAh with 20W wired, 15W MagSafe and wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging |
| Operating System | iOS 17 |
| Storage | 256 GB 8GB RAM, 512 GB 8GB RAM, 1 TB 8GB RAM |
| Connectivity | Network: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, hotspot Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE NFC: Yes USB: USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort |
| Price | Starting at $1,199 |
KEY FEATURES
DISPLAY
The 6.7-inch OLED screen on the 15 Pro Max is nothing short of stunning.
Whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or editing photos, the clarity, brightness, and colors pop in a way that makes most competitors pale in comparison.
PERFORMANCE
Apple’s custom silicon has always been a beast, and the A17 Pro chip continues that legacy.
Multi-tasking is smooth, apps load instantaneously, and gaming feels console-worthy.
CAMERA
The triple-camera setup is what makes the 15 Pro Max stand out.
With a 48MP primary camera, improved low-light performance, and ProRAW capabilities, the phone turns everyday moments into magazine-cover shots.
Night Mode is especially impressive, producing crisp photos even in near-dark conditions.
BATTERY LIFE
Apple claims up to 28 hours of video playback with its 4441 mAh battery, and while that’s a stretch in real-world use, the actual battery life is no slouch.
On a full charge, you can expect anywhere between 12-14 hours of screen-on time, which is enough to get you through a full day of use.
Even with heavy use like streaming, social media, photography, etc., I could comfortably get through a day without reaching for the charger.
PROS
CONS
How Does The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max Compare With Its Latest Rivals?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Display
While both smartphones offer stunning displays, the Galaxy S24 Ultra edges out ever so slightly with its AMOLED display that looks more vibrant and sharp along with its higher peak brightness of 2600 Nits compared to the 2000 Nits of the iPhone.
The S24 Ultra also features a marginally larger screen size at 6.8-inches.
Camera
Samsung’s 200MP primary camera might sound impressive on paper, but Apple’s image processing still holds its own with more consistent and reliable results, especially in Portrait Mode and Low Light.
In comparison, the iPhone is also the better video recording device.
Operating System
In this never-ending battle be it iOS vs Android, You can’t go wrong with either. It’s a matter of individual preference.
Apple’s seamless integration with other apple devices gives it an advantage for those who prefer using the Apple Ecosystem while Android being an open-source platform gives you more flexibility in the way you use the device.
For More details on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, check out our In-debt review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Camera
The AI-driven image processing of the Pixel 8 Pro is nothing short of incredible, especially in computational photography and portrait shots.
Although Apple’s hardware combined with its software processing, makes the iPhone more versatile across different shooting scenarios.
However, when it comes to everyday photography, none of the three devices outperform the others by a significant margin.
Price
The Pixel is notably more affordable, which may sway some users who don’t need Apple’s hardware and software reliability or prefer Android.
Check out our mega comparison of the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8 Pro to find out which device offers the best value in 2024.
Should You Buy The iPhone 15 Pro Max Or Wait For The iPhone 16 Series?
As we approach a new iPhone launch every year, the question pops up: Should You Wait? Since the release of the iPhone 16 Series is around the corner.
\Based on the rumors of the iPhone 16 Series, we’re likely to see minor upgrades rather than groundbreaking changes. That said, the iPhone 15 Pro Max still offers top-tier performance, making it a solid purchase even in 2024.
At TopTechTally, we pride ourselves on delivering honest and unbiased reviews. If you’re in the market to buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max, our review is designed to help you make the right decision. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a mobile gamer, or simply someone who wants a reliable, long-lasting device, the iPhone 15 Pro Max checks a lot of boxes. But, if you’re more budget-conscious or prefer Android, there are more compelling alternatives that might suit your needs better.
VERDICT
Should You Still Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2024?
If you value top-tier performance, an outstanding camera system, and Apple’s unmatched ecosystem, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains one of the best choices in 2024.
Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, it doesn’t deviate much from its predecessors in terms of design.
However, its longevity, software support, and all-around performance make it worth considering if you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or switching to Apple for the first time.
But The Question Remains: Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max The Right Phone For You, or Would You Be Better Off Waiting For The Next Big Release Which is Around The Corner?
Stay Tuned For Our Upcoming Posts On What We Know About The Apple iPhone 16 Series.
FAQs
How does the battery life of the iPhone 15 Pro Max hold up over time?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a strong battery life, lasting a full day with heavy use. Over time, battery performance may decline slightly, but it remains one of the better options for battery longevity in the premium smartphone market.
Does the iPhone 15 Pro Max support 5G, and how well does it perform?
Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro Max supports 5G, and it performs exceptionally well with fast download and upload speeds, making it future-proof for high-speed internet.
Has the software experience on the iPhone 15 Pro Max improved with updates?
Yes, Apple’s consistent software updates have brought new features, improved performance, and enhanced security to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The experience has generally gotten better over time, with updates smoothing out any initial bugs.
Are there any issues with the iPhone 15 Pro Max that have surfaced over time?
Some users have reported minor issues, such as occasional bugs after updates or slight battery degradation, but nothing significant enough to impact overall satisfaction with the device. Apple’s regular updates usually address any issues promptly.
How does the gaming performance on the iPhone 15 Pro Max compare over time?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max continues to perform exceptionally well in gaming, with the A17 Pro chip handling even the most demanding games with ease. The device stays cool, and frame rates remain stable, making it a great option for mobile gamers.
Should I wait for the iPhone 16 series before upgrading?
If you’re not in a hurry to upgrade, waiting for the iPhone 16 series might be worth considering. However, based on current rumors, the changes may be incremental rather than revolutionary. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is still a strong contender in 2024. Stay tuned for our posts on what we know about the iPhone 16 Series coming up.
