iPhone 15 (Plus) vs. iPhone 15 Pro (Max) in comparison: This is how the Apple cell phones differ

Apple has finally introduced the new iPhone generation, which consists of a total of four different smartphones: the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Of course, it’s easy to lose track, which is why we We have created a comparison for you that summarizes the most important differences and similarities between the new Apple cell phones.

display

There are no changes in the size of the displays compared to last year. The iPhone 15 is 6.1 inches, while the iPhone 15 Plus is 6.7 inches. The 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max also have the same sizes. However, the normal versions are limited to 60 Hertz, while the Pro variants have a variable refresh rate of 1-120 Hertz. Overall, the image quality is a lot better there.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus – pictures from the keynote

This time, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus also have the notch in the display called Dynamic Island, which can display further information. This was reserved for the Pro models last year.

processing

The frame of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus is made of aluminum. In the Pro models, however, it is made of titanium.

Action button

The Pro models no longer have a mute switch, but instead a freely programmable action button, as you already know from the Apple Watch Ultra.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the smartphones can again be divided into two groups. The Pro models are equipped with Apple’s new Bionic A17 Pro, which is manufactured using a 3-nanometer process. Extensive tests will have to show exactly how well this performs compared to other chipsets, but the data sounds promising. The standard variants, on the other hand, are equipped with the A16, which is also installed in the 14th generation Pro cell phones. This also has a lot of power and good performance, but can’t quite keep up with its successor. Especially not when it comes to graphics performance.

There are also differences in the main memory (RAM). Apple does not provide any information about this officially. However, US media have determined the size of the individual models using Xcode 15 files. Accordingly, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are still equipped with 6 gigabytes of RAM, while the Pro models now have 8 instead of 6 gigabytes.

camera

Of course, the camera also plays an essential role in today’s smartphones and the quality of the images and videos improves from generation to generation. Last year, the Pro smartphones were upgraded from 12 megapixels to 48, which significantly improved the recordings. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will also receive the same upgrade this year.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max – images from the presentation

However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a periscope camera that covers a larger zoom range. Apple promises five times lossless zoom, but with the iPhone 15 Pro you can only zoom three times without loss. Macro photos, improved image stabilization, night mode for portraits, Apple ProRAW and the ability to shoot 3D videos are also reserved for the Pro models. Apple will only activate the latter via a software update at the end of the year.

USB C port

The 15th generation of iPhone puts an end to an eternal debate as it is the first iPhone series with a USB-C port. On the one hand, this simplifies the purchase of new charging cables and also improves the charging and transmission speed. The Pro models in particular benefit from this, as they support USB 3, while the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus only use USB 2.

Battery life also varies depending on the model. The iPhone 15 Pro Max lasts the longest. Apple promises up to 29 hours of video playback here. The Pro only has 23 hours, the Plus 26 and the iPhone 15 only 20 hours.

software

There are no differences between the new smartphones when it comes to software. All four models are delivered with iOS 17 from the factory and do not even receive an older software version. You can find out what new features come with iOS 17 in our article about the new Apple software.

Prices and availability

All four iPhone 15 models will be available in stores from September 22nd. Pre-orders start on September 15th. The following table gives you an overview of the prices: