The iPhone 15 Pro Max is here, and it raises a big question: Can it actually outshine the iPhone 14 Pro Max? It's garnered a lot of attention since its launch six months ago, but as it stands It's really about the differences between these two smartphone giants? In this post, we compare both models to find out which one offers better value for money. For anyone who is specifically interested in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, we also have a detailed article ready.
Stainless steel vs. titanium: Visible difference on the scale
The look and feel of a smartphone are usually the first thing you notice. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a stainless steel frame that gives it a shiny, high-quality feel. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, uses titanium for the frame. This makes the smartphone not only 20 grams lighter, but also offers a curved and elegant shape.
No difference in display?
The displays of both smartphones do not differ. Both the iPhone 14 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max offer a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both devices have a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels, with a brightness of up to 2000 nits. In addition, the smartphones support 120 Hz refresh rates, which makes the display particularly clear and responsive.
Triple camera with wow effect
The iPhone 14 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro Max are both equipped with a triple camera. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 48MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 12MP 2x telephoto lens. In comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers similar features: The ultra wide-angle camera is better equipped with a 5x telephoto lens and extended zoom options. Video professionals can also enjoy ProRes video recordings.
Alert slider vs action button: The iPhone is finally customizable!
The biggest innovation of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the action button. This replaces the classic alert slider on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The action button is located on the side above the volume control and offers far more functions than the old alert slider. While the alert slider can only switch the sound mode between standard mode, silent and vibrate, the action button allows up to nine customizable actions.
In addition to the standard functions of the alert slider, the action button can be used to perform various tasks: from activating the camera to opening other apps to special shortcuts and operating aids. The button allows a much more personal and immediate interaction with the smartphone.
Future-proof with USB-C
One difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the 14 Pro Max is the charging port. The iPhone 14 Pro Max still has the Lightning port, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max now has USB-C. USB-C enables significantly faster data transfer than Lightning.
New processor and more RAM = more performance?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its A17 Bionic chip and 8 GB of RAM, outperforms the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which has an A16 Bionic chip and 6 GB of RAM. On paper, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is ahead. But in reality, both models offer more than enough performance for everyday use, even if the iPhone 15 Pro Max is probably ahead when it comes to pro apps.They enable smooth, fast operation and pack even demanding apps without any problems.
Colors and memory: In this selection you get both iPhones
The iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max both offer a wide range of color options and storage sizes to suit different tastes. While the iPhone 14 Pro Max is still available in storage sizes: 128, 256, 512 and 1 TB, the 128 GB version disappears in the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
In terms of color, the 14 Pro Max is available in the classic colors black, silver, gold and a striking dark purple. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, is presented in the colors black, white, blue and natural titanium.
iPhone 14 Pro Max vs 15 Pro Max: Which iPhone should you buy?
Both the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the 15 Pro Max impress with their strong features. Both models impress with their powerful displays, excellent cameras and high-quality workmanship. However, the 15 Pro Max stands out with some striking innovations: in particular the introduction of an action button and a USB-C port, which are considered clear improvements over the previous model.
At the heart of the 15 Pro Max beats the newer one A17 chip complemented by 8GB of RAM, which on paper makes it seem more powerful than the 14 Pro Max with its A16 chip and 6GB of RAM. In everyday use, however, these differences are often less noticeable. Both iPhones meet the highest performance demands with flying colors.
Personal opinion: The iPhone 15 Pro Max is characterized by innovative features such as the action button and the USB-C port, which set it apart from its predecessor. The A17 chip and 8 GB of RAM offer superiority on paper, but in practice the differences in performance compared to its predecessor are minimal. Given a price difference of up to €300, the iPhone 14 Pro Max still appears to be a very attractive option. It offers very similar performance and features to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but at a significantly better price-performance ratio.
However, if you are upgrading from an older model, you may want to opt for the iPhone 15 Pro Max fall. Not necessarily because of the marginal performance gains, but rather because of its future-proof features such as USB-C, which greatly simplifies its use and compatibility with other devices and accessories. In this context, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers significant added value that makes it a worthwhile investment for the future.
