Returning to Apple’s largest iPhone after years of using the smaller Pro model, I opted for the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2023 due to its feature upgrades and a desire to experience life with a big-screen iPhone again. Eight months later, I can confidently say that I haven’t regretted this decision. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is, without a doubt, my favorite smartphone since its release. While it isn’t perfect, with other phones boasting superior cameras, the overall package is superb and nearly unbeatable within its category.
The large screen is flawless, boasting high brightness, bold natural colors, and the wonderfully smooth ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate that I believe should be standard on all Apple phones and tablets at this point. The A17 Pro processor has never left me wanting more performance. Every app I desire is readily available, and reliability issues are rare. I rely on my iPhone for Apple Pay mobile payments, making it effortlessly convenient, and it seamlessly connects to my Oura Ring via Bluetooth without a hitch. The same holds true for headphones like my AirPods Pro, Sony WH-1000XM4, and Nothing Ear 2, as well as my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The iPhone flawlessly integrates with my Apple Watch Series 9, the best smartwatch currently available. From the lightning-fast AirDrop to my newfound fondness for StandBy mode, the iPhone seamlessly integrates into my life, adding no stress or unexpected problems. While I regularly review Android phones, I opt to use my iPhone for essential everyday apps, from banking to paying for parking, because it’s so hassle-free. I often swap my SIM card into different Android phones, but I can’t say the same about all of them. I depend on my iPhone, and it rewards me with ultimate reliability and peace of mind.
Although I’ve sung the praises of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, I readily admit it’s not without flaws. Battery life can be suboptimal, though I’m currently experiencing a period of excellent performance. Over the past week, while experimenting with an AI chatbot app, the battery has provided a screen time of up to six hours on a single charge, which is fantastic. However, it doesn’t always perform this well, and I worry that a future software update (I’m currently on iOS 17.5.1) might alter this. I placed my trust in Apple’s Ceramic Shield glass to protect the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s screen, which, in hindsight, was a mistake. Within weeks, a noticeable scratch appeared across the top, and while there haven’t been many since, I still catch a glimpse of the original, rather deep scratch glinting in the sun, reminding me I should have used a separate screen protector. I’m also disappointed with the camera. It’s not terrible, and it often captures good photos. However, the newest Apple iPad Air can take more pleasing photos in some situations, indicating an issue. Its shortcomings were painfully apparent after using the exceptional Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera, full of character, and the astonishing technical prowess of the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. It seems Apple has prioritized video features over making its still camera the best, which I hope will change with the iPhone 16 series.
Will I stick with the Pro Max model? I struggle to find any significant downsides. Yes, it’s a large, heavy phone, but I was aware of that going in. It’s also expensive, but currently, it’s cheaper than Samsung’s top S-series Ultra phone, making it not the most expensive option. Many of its benefits stem from being deeply integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, adding considerable value and convenience to the iPhone. If you don’t primarily use Apple products, like a MacBook, Apple TV, iPad, or Apple Watch, the seamlessness may be compromised, so it’s something to consider before purchasing. While summer isn’t over yet, and the iPhone 16 series is far from being announced, I’m pondering whether I’ll continue with another Pro Max iPhone model or return to the smaller Pro. Choosing the iPhone 15 Pro Max was the right decision. I acknowledge its bulk, but the larger screen is a game-changer for video, photo editing, and reading, making it worth the tradeoff. It would be challenging to go back to the smaller size. However, this decision depends on Apple’s specifications, as I might feel differently if there’s no feature advantage outside of screen size to justify getting the Pro Max model. The 5x optical zoom tipped the scales for me in 2023, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will need to offer a similar benefit to tempt me into paying the extra cost in 2024. But setting aside future plans and the aforementioned downsides, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is easily my favorite smartphone released since late 2023. Considering the competition, this is extremely high praise.
