iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: which should you buy used?
The real differences between the 15 Pro Max and the 16 Pro Max, what each costs QDN Certified today, and a short answer on which one to pick.
The short answer
The 16 Pro Max is the better phone: it adds a newer chip, the bigger screen and the newer cameras. Used, the gap is about $170. The 15 Pro Max is the value pick if those features are not something you would use.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
QDN Certified, 15-month warranty
from $698$1,199
6 in stock · launched at $1,199
Shop used 15 Pro MaxiPhone 16 Pro Max
QDN Certified, 15-month warranty
from $868$1,199
126 in stock · launched at $1,199
Shop used 16 Pro MaxWhat actually differs
Only the rows where the two phones are not identical. A tick marks the side that wins the row.
The 16 Pro Max runs the A18 Pro, a generation ahead of the A17 Pro. Day to day both feel quick; the gap shows in games, video export and how many years of iOS updates lie ahead.
16 Pro Max wins
The 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.9″ against 6.7″. Bigger is better for video and reading; smaller is easier one-handed.
16 Pro Max wins
Cameras: the 15 Pro Max has 48 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide, 12 MP telephoto; the 16 Pro Max has 48 MP main, 48 MP ultra wide, 12 MP telephoto.
16 Pro Max wins
The 16 Pro Max adds the Camera Control button for opening the camera and adjusting exposure or zoom without touching the screen.
16 Pro Max wins
Battery: Apple rates the 16 Pro Max at up to 33 hours of video playback against 29 for the 15 Pro Max. On a used phone the listing's battery health matters as much as this number.
16 Pro Max wins
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: full spec sheet
Apple’s published specifications. Highlighted rows differ.
- Released
- 20232024
- Display
- 6.7″, 120 Hz ProMotion, Dynamic Island6.9″, 120 Hz ProMotion, Dynamic Island
- Chip
- A17 ProA18 Pro
- RAM
- 8 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it)8 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it)
- Rear cameras
- 3: 48 MP main · 12 MP ultra wide · 12 MP telephoto3: 48 MP main · 48 MP ultra wide · 12 MP telephoto
- Optical zoom
- 5× telephoto5× telephoto
- Battery
- Up to 29 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery)Up to 33 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery)
- Charging port
- USB-C (USB 3)USB-C (USB 3)
- Frame
- TitaniumTitanium
- Weight
- 221 g227 g
- 5G
- YesYes
- Satellite SOS
- YesYes
- Apple Intelligence
- YesYes
- Action button
- YesYes
- Camera Control
- NoYes
- Apple launch price
- $1,199$1,199
| Spec | iPhone 15 Pro Max | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2023 | 2024 |
| Display | 6.7″, 120 Hz ProMotion, Dynamic Island | 6.9″, 120 Hz ProMotion, Dynamic Island |
| Chip | A17 Pro | A18 Pro |
| RAM | 8 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it) | 8 GB (reported; Apple does not publish it) |
| Rear cameras | 3: 48 MP main · 12 MP ultra wide · 12 MP telephoto | 3: 48 MP main · 48 MP ultra wide · 12 MP telephoto |
| Optical zoom | 5× telephoto | 5× telephoto |
| Battery | Up to 29 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery) | Up to 33 h video playback (Apple's figure, new battery) |
| Charging port | USB-C (USB 3) | USB-C (USB 3) |
| Frame | Titanium | Titanium |
| Weight | 221 g | 227 g |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Satellite SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes |
| Action button | Yes | Yes |
| Camera Control | No | Yes |
| Apple launch price | $1,199 | $1,199 |
In stock now
Compare live listings- QDN Certified−42%
iPhone 15 Pro Max
256GB · Blue Titanium · battery 95%
Case, screen protector & cable included
$698$1,199 - QDN Certified−42%
iPhone 15 Pro Max
256GB · Black Titanium · battery 95%
Case, screen protector & cable included
$698$1,199 - QDN Certified−28%
iPhone 16 Pro Max
256GB · Desert Titanium · battery 95%
Case, screen protector & cable included
$868$1,199 - QDN Certified−28%
iPhone 16 Pro Max
256GB · Black Titanium · battery 95%
Case, screen protector & cable included
$868$1,199
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: common questions
What is the biggest difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The 16 Pro Max runs the A18 Pro, a generation ahead of the A17 Pro. Day to day both feel quick; the gap shows in games, video export and how many years of iOS updates lie ahead.
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max worth the extra over the iPhone 15 Pro Max?
The 16 Pro Max is the better phone: it adds a newer chip, the bigger screen and the newer cameras. Used, the gap is about $170. The 15 Pro Max is the value pick if those features are not something you would use.
Which has the better camera, the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Cameras: the 15 Pro Max has 48 MP main, 12 MP ultra wide, 12 MP telephoto; the 16 Pro Max has 48 MP main, 48 MP ultra wide, 12 MP telephoto.
Which has the better battery?
Battery: Apple rates the 16 Pro Max at up to 33 hours of video playback against 29 for the 15 Pro Max. On a used phone the listing's battery health matters as much as this number.
Do both support Apple Intelligence?
Yes, both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro Max support Apple Intelligence.
How much do the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max cost used?
Right now: iPhone 15 Pro Max from $698; iPhone 16 Pro Max from $868. Each QDN listing is one specific phone with its storage, colour and battery health shown.
Related comparisons
Used iPhone 15 Pro Max from $698
Each QDN listing is one specific phone: storage, colour and battery health shown up front. Inspected, unlocked, 15-month warranty, free US shipping.
- 15-month warranty
- Free US shipping
- Case, protector & cable included