Buying advice: iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s latest top model. But how big are the differences with the iPhone 15 Pro Max really?

Buying advice: iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro Max are both excellent iPhones. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the cheaper of the two and can now be had for around € 1,119. With the iPhone 17 Pro Max you get more functions, but you have to dig a little deeper into your pockets. This device is for sale from € 1,429.99.

That makes the choice between the two devices a bit more difficult. In this purchasing advice we list the differences between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the 15 Pro Max for you.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: this is the same…

To begin with, both devices have many similarities. They both have a Super Retina screen with support for ProMotion, an always on screen and Dynamic Island. .

Both devices have a Ceramic Shield on the front, but the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a slightly improved version on the front and a Ceramic Shield on the back.

Both the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the 15 Pro Max have support for Apple Intelligence. In addition, they both have the SOS emergency notification and accident detection function on board. Furthermore, the devices are available with 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB storage. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is also available in a version with 2 TB storage.

…and this is different

There are also some differences between the two devices. But these differences are not very large. For example, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is slightly larger (6.9 inches). The iPhone 15 Pro Max is 6.7 inches. Furthermore, the housing of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is made of titanium and that of the 17 Pro Max is made of aluminum.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a Camera Control for faster access to your photo camera and the zoom function. The battery life is also somewhat better with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. According to Apple’s specifications, you can play up to 37 hours of video. With the iPhone 15 Pro Max this is slightly less: 29 hours.

The main differences between the two devices are in the camera. For example, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 48MP main camera, with a 48MP Ultra-wide angle and 48MP Telephoto lens. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also has a 48MP main camera, but the other cameras are 12MP.

The selfie camera has also become a lot better. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 48MP front camera with support for Center Point. The selfie camera on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is still 12MP.

The zoom is also better, because the iPhone 17 Pro Max can zoom in 8 times. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has to zoom in five times. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is also slightly faster. It has an A19 Pro chip under the hood, compared to the A17 Pro chip in the 15 Pro Max.

There is also a small difference with wireless charging. The 15 Pro Max can charge wirelessly with MagSafe up to 15W with a 20W or more adapter. The 17 Pro Max can charge wirelessly with MagSafe up to 25W with an adapter of 30W or more.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is also a bit better at recording video. For example, it can record 4K video in Dolby Vision at up to 120 fps (with the main camera). The 15 Pro Max can record 4K video in Dolby Vision at up to 60 fps.

In addition, the iPhone 17 Pro Max can use Dual Capture. Then, while making a video, you can also immediately make a selfie video (up to 4K Dolby Vision at 30 fps).

Both devices also have the option to make a Slo-mo video in 1080p (with a maximum of 240 fps). The iPhone 17 Pro Max can even do this in 4K Dolby Vision at up to 120 fps.

You can also charge the iPhone 17 Pro Max a little faster than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. But for this you need a special adapter of 40 W or more in combination with a USB-C charging cable. This adapter is currently not for sale in the Netherlands.

Buying advice iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max

If you have enough budget and want maximum performance from your iPhone, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the logical purchase. Even if you like to take photos or take selfies regularly, the latest iPhone is the better buy.

Are you looking for a top-class smartphone, but you really don’t want to spend too much? Then the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a good alternative. There are no major differences with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the 15 Pro Max has the most important functions on board. Keep in mind that with the 15 Pro Max you will probably receive iOS support from Apple for a slightly shorter time. But you can certainly use this device for years to come.

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