The iPhone 15 Pro Max impresses with its sleek style and upgrades.
Its new titanium build surpasses the strength of the stainless steel frame in the iPhone 14 Pro Max, resulting in a lighter overall device—a significant advantage, especially with its expansive 6.7-inch screen. The slim bezels on the iPhone 15 Pro Max are a noticeable improvement, and the inclusion of a USB-C port is a welcome addition.
One of the promising enhancements is the potential of the new A17 Pro chip and the adaptability of the camera system. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a new Action button on the left side that utilizes haptic feedback.
Within the settings menu, you have the ability to customize the function of the Action button, such as launching the camera, activating the flashlight, initiating voice recording, and enabling the magnifier.
The camera system is improved, boasting a larger main sensor. The 48MP main camera provides a new default option of 24MP super-resolution. Moreover, the Smart HDR has been enhanced to deliver brighter highlights and more vibrant colors even in challenging lighting conditions. The ability to capture portraits without switching to portrait mode is a handy feature.
A significant advancement is the 5x optical zoom option that allows you to zoom in on a subject in the distance without losing clarity with the 25x digital zoom.
Another highlight is the A17 Pro, the world’s first 3nm chip. Apple has also made strides with its new 6-core GPU, boasting up to a 20% increase in speed. Furthermore, the CPU inside the A17 Pro operates 10% faster, and the neural engine has seen a 2x improvement.
The adoption of USB-C is a notable change, allowing for a unified charging cable for your iPhone, iPod, and MacBook with transfer speeds up to 20 times faster than before. Additionally, a new Ultra Wideband chip enhances connectivity over longer distances and aids in locating nearby iPhone users who are friends or family in crowded environments.
While the iPhone 15 Pro Max advances to Wi-Fi 6E for faster speeds, it doesn’t incorporate the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 standard. The new satellite-based Roadside Assistance feature provides added peace of mind in case of emergencies, directly connecting to AAA.
To summarize, you’re getting a remarkably lightweight and robust titanium design, a convenient Action button, a potent A17 Bionic chip, and the new 5x telephoto zoom lens. However, the starting price of $1,199 is on the higher end, and there’s no notable improvement in charging speed.
Moreover, while the Action button is clever, expanding its functionality for multiple actions simultaneously would be a welcome improvement. Overall, though, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is ahead of the curve.
Pros:
- Lightweight with a durable titanium design
- Action button added
- 5x telephoto zoom
- A17 Pro processor
- Slimmer bezels
Cons:
- The starting price is $100 higher than the previous model
- The action button is limited to one action at a time
- The charging speed remains unchanged
iPhone 15 Pro Max Specs:
- Price: $1,199
- Display: 6.7-inch OLED
- Refresh rate: 120Hz adaptive
- CPU: A17 Pro
- Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Rear cameras: 48MP main/12MP ultra-wide/12MP telephoto with 5x zoom
- Front camera: 12MP
- Battery: 4,852 mAh (rumored)
- Charging Port: USB-C
- Dimensions: 6.29 x 3.02 x 0.32 inches
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
- Colors: Black, white, blue, gray