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Review of
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Unveiling a Genuine 'Pro' Perspective
"After a few weeks since the Apple
iPhone 15 series launch, a different narrative has emerged compared to previous
years. Rather than basking in positive publicity, the Pro models find
themselves entangled in a web of controversies. Setting aside these debates,
I've been using the iPhone 15 Pro Max as my daily driver for a considerable
stretch, and while I did encounter some heating issues, the phone managed to
leave me consistently impressed.
One standout feature is the new Titanium
design, which shaves off nearly 20 grams compared to its predecessor, offering
a refreshed user experience. The shift to a USB-C port, albeit somewhat
compelled, is a welcome change. However, the overall design remains largely
unchanged for the third consecutive year, save for the addition of the new
Action button, which, at present, doesn't offer substantial utility.
Delve into my comprehensive review of the
iPhone 15 Pro Max to ascertain whether Apple's 2023 flagship justifies its
premium price tag.
Unboxing the iPhone 15 Pro Max: Contents Revealed
In line with Apple's eco-conscious
approach, the inclusion of an in-box charger has been forsaken to minimize
environmental impact. This minimalistic trend continues with the iPhone 15 Pro
Max. Inside the box, you'll find the iPhone itself, a SIM ejector tool, the
instructional manual, the iconic Apple logo stickers, and a robust USB-C to C
braided cable—a nod to the accessories bundled with iPad Pro models.
For those venturing into the Apple
ecosystem for the first time, it's worth noting that you'll need to separately
acquire the 20W adapter, available at a retail price of $19 or Rs 1,900.
Craftsmanship and Structure of the
iPhone 15 Pro Max
At
an initial glance, the design of the iPhone 15 Pro Max may appear reminiscent
of both the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the iPhone 13 Pro Max. While it's unusual for
brands to maintain a consistent design language, the tried-and-true aesthetic
of the iPhone 15 Pro Max leaves little room for critique.
The
introduction of the Titanium frame lends a sumptuous feel in hand, while the
textured back finish exudes both visual and tactile appeal. Even the minutiae,
such as the buttons and haptic feedback, demonstrate the precision expected
from a flagship phone in this price range.
Though the design of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
may appear familiar at first glance, it harbors distinctive features that
distinguish it from its predecessors. A notable shift can be found at the
bottom, where Apple has bid farewell to its cherished Lightning port in favor of
the versatile USB-C port—a universal standard for both charging and data
transfer. While this transition is a positive stride, it's worth noting that
Apple's hand was, in fact, guided by EU legislation in making this change.
|
iPhone 15 Pro Max Key Specs |
|
|
Specifications |
iPhone
15 Pro Max |
|
Display |
6.7 inch,
Super Retina XDR OLED Screen, 120Hz |
|
Chipset |
A17 Pro
Chip |
|
RAM |
8GB |
|
Storage |
256GB/512GB/1TB |
|
Rear
Camera |
48MP +
12MP + 12MP Triple Rear Camera with OIS |
|
Front
Camera |
12MP
with AF |
|
Operating
System |
iOS 17 |
|
Water/Dust
Resistance |
Yes,
IP68 |
|
Battery |
4422 mAh |
|
Charging |
27W
Wired, up to 15W Wireless |
|
Dimensions |
6.29 x
3.02 x 0.32 inches |
|
Weight |
221 g |
|
Price |
Starting
at Rs. $1199 (Rs 1,59,000) |
Action Button
The iPhone 15 Pro models introduce a novel
feature—the Action Button. This replaces the mute slider situated above the
volume rockers and offers the flexibility to be customized for various actions
through a press and hold mechanism.
Out of the box, the Action Button
on the iPhone 15 Pro Max retains the function of toggling between ring and
silent modes. Gently press and hold the Action Button until you sense the
reassuring haptic feedback, indicating the successful switch between the two
modes.
Shortcut
app on my iPhone 15 Pro Max. This enables you to leverage multiple shortcuts
with the Action Button for enhanced functionality.
Personally,
I perceive the Action Button as more of a novelty than a practical feature, and
I still favor the traditional mute slider.
As
someone accustomed to smaller phones and having used an iPhone 12 Pro for the
past year, transitioning to the iPhone 15 Pro Max initially felt a bit
daunting. However, the Titanium frame brings a notable improvement in
ergonomics, making the iPhone 15 Pro Max notably more comfortable to grip
compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Weighing in 19 grams lighter than its
predecessor, it also boasts smoother, contoured edges, replacing the prior
sharp corners.".
Titanium Frame
As
someone accustomed to smaller phones and having used an iPhone 12 Pro for the
past year, transitioning to the iPhone 15 Pro Max initially felt a bit
daunting. However, the introduction of the Titanium frame has made a
significant difference in hand-feel compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. This
newer model is 19 grams lighter and boasts more comfortable contoured edges,
replacing the previous sharp corners.
Apple's
shift from Stainless Steel to Titanium was aimed at making the Pro and Pro Max
models both lighter and stronger than their predecessors. However, a recent
video by the renowned YouTuber JerryRigEverything demonstrates that the
titanium body of the iPhone may not withstand bending as well as the stainless
steel build of the iPhone 14 Pro Max did. Furthermore, numerous drop tests have
shown that the glass panels of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, especially the back one,
are more prone to breaking than those on the previous model. Even a minor drop
from a short distance can lead to immediate damage. This raises questions about
whether Apple's decision to opt for titanium was the right one.
On
a positive note, teardowns of the iPhone 15 Pro Max have revealed that it is
easier to repair compared to the 14 Pro Max. However, it's worth noting that
every component requires Apple's digital signature to function properly,
potentially limiting third-party repairs.
The
iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts an IP68
certification, indicating dust and water resistance. It also adheres to the IEC 60529 standard, allowing it to be
submerged in water up to a depth of six meters for at least 30 minutes without
any issues.
Display
Dynamics of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
The
iPhone 15 Pro Max's Display: A Compelling Draw
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Performance
The iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers a remarkable
performance, powered by Apple's latest A17 Pro chipset, a substantial upgrade
from the A16 Bionic found in its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Interestingly,
this marks the first instance where Apple has opted for the 'Pro' designation
for its chipset, replacing the 'Bionic' moniker used previously for Pro models.
"With the introduction of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple has
discontinued the 128GB variant in the Pro lineup, resulting in a $100 increase
in the starting price for the Pro Max model. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is now
offered in three storage capacities: 256GB,
512GB, and 1TB. While Apple typically keeps the details of RAM
specifications under wraps, benchmarking applications have revealed that the
iPhone 15 Pro Max is equipped with 8GB
of RAM. While it's true that Android counterparts now offer options with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, iOS, due to
Apple's efficient optimization, does not demand as much memory. Thus, 8GB of RAM proves to be more than
sufficient based on my testing so far.
Everyday Performance
While the hardware specifications of the iPhone are indeed impressive on
paper, the device consistently delivers a swift and seamless performance, with
one notable exception: the camera performance. I encountered overheating issues
with the iPhone 15 Pro Max every time I used the Camera app for an extended
period.
Specifically, recording 4K 60 fps videos caused the iPhone 15 Pro Max's
temperature to surpass 40°C within just 5 minutes of recording. I strongly
advise against using the Camera app in direct sunlight, as it significantly
elevates the device's temperature, even prompting the well-known "iPhone
needs to cool down" warning. 
Fortunately, Apple has addressed these overheating concerns with the release of iOS 17.0.3. However, if you haven't received the update yet, we've put together a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help resolve iPhone 15 Pro overheating issues.
Having relied on the iPhone 15 Pro Max as my primary device for over two weeks, I can attest that, apart from the camera-related heating issues, the device has performed admirably. It operates smoothly without any indication of thermal throttling.
Gaming
Interestingly, despite encountering overheating concerns with the camera
during my day-to-day use, the iPhone 15 Pro Max pleasantly surprises with its
flawless gaming performance. Apple touts the A17 Pro chipset's capability for
console-level gaming and has even announced the arrival of AAA titles like
Resident Evil for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, a definitive assessment of
this claim will have to await the actual release of these games.
In a rigorous test of the A17 Pro's gaming prowess, I subjected the iPhone 15 Pro Max to the most demanding titles currently available, such as Genshin Impact and BGMI, both at maximum settings. The device handled these games with ease, delivering consistently smooth frame rates throughout. Additionally, I played Asphalt 9, an app Apple has identified as contributing to the common overheating issue, at the highest graphics settings. As anticipated, the game ran impeccably, and notably, there were no overheating problems, unlike with some other devices.
While it's true that the iPhone 15 Pro Max does experience a slight warmth during intense gaming sessions, labeling it as an overheating issue would be an overstatement. The gaming performance remains steadfast, and the device never becomes uncomfortably hot to hold.
Benchmarks
The iPhone 15 Pro Max exhibited remarkable
resilience in our standard benchmarking tests, encountering minimal
complications. The benchmark scores unequivocally showcase the phone's capacity
to handle even the most demanding tasks. It's worth noting that like most
phones, the device did experience some overheating when subjected to
consecutive benchmarks—a circumstance to be expected.
While
comparing iPhone benchmarks to those of Android devices may seem like comparing
apples to oranges, it still offers valuable insights into how the iPhone 15 Pro
Max stacks up against its peers and its predecessor.
Initiating
with the Geekbench 6 test, which assesses the phone's CPU prowess, the iPhone
15 Pro Max achieved an impressive 2,897 on the single-core test and 7,154 on
the multi-core test. These scores significantly outshine its primary
competitor, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which registered 2,050 and 5,404 for
single-core and multi-core scores respectively. Likewise, it surpasses the
iPhone 14 Pro with its scores of 2,696 and 6,692. For context, the Samsung
Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor,
while the iPhone 14 Pro operates on Apple's A16 Bionic chipset.
Moving on to
the 3D Mark Wild Life Extreme Stress Test—a rigorous benchmark for testing
graphics performance—the iPhone 15 Pro Max once again excelled. It maintained
an average of 22 frames per second (FPS) across 22 loops, while the Samsung
Galaxy S23 Ultra averaged 19 FPS over the same number of loops.
Additionally,
in the Antutu Benchmark, the iPhone 15 Pro Max secured an impressive score of
1,628,672."
Camera Capabilities of the iPhone 15
Pro Max
Apple's
Approach to Photography in the iPhone 15 Pro Max"
This year, Apple has taken a unique approach by introducing a brand-new 5x telephoto lens. This lens employs a tetraprism design, reflecting light four times within the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera module, allowing for stunning shots at a 120mm focal length. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro maintains its 3X zoom capability at a 77mm focal length.
Another distinctive feature in the iPhone 15 Pro Max's camera setup is Apple's departure from the common practice of binning down a 12MP sensor by a factor of 4 to produce bright 48MP images. Instead, Apple combines a binned 12MP shot with a full 48MP frame to create a single 24MP image on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This approach ensures the primary 48MP camera sensor captures more detail while maintaining excellent performance in low-light conditions. Moreover, users have the option to capture full-resolution photos in HEIF and ProRAW formats in the iPhone 15 series.
Apple
offers advanced customization options for the iPhone 15 Pro Max's camera. Users
can now select from seven different focal lengths, ranging from a 0.5x
Ultrawide at 13mm for landscape shots, to the standard 1X at 24mm for regular
photography. This includes 1.2X (28mm), 1.5X (35mm), 2X (48mm), and an
impressive 5X (120mm) zoom. These focal lengths mirror what one would find in a
full-frame camera.
Apple has
introduced several noteworthy enhancements to the camera capabilities of the
iPhone 15 Pro Max. One standout feature is the automatic capture of depth
information in every shot. This allows users to edit background blur in the
Photos app after the fact, eliminating the need to switch to portrait mode just
to add bokeh to their shots. This impressive functionality is powered by the
Photonic Engine, particularly beneficial for those who heavily rely on Portrait
mode for various subjects such as food, animals, and people.
Both the
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with a 12MP Ultra-Wide angle camera with
an f/2.2 aperture. This lens excels at producing superb 0.5x wide-angle shots
and also doubles as a macro camera for extreme close-ups (~2cm) of subjects.
In optimal
daylight conditions, the iPhone 15 Pro Max captures bright, clear photos with
ample detail and warmth. The images exhibit sharp focus, accurate white
balance, and vibrant colors across the spectrum. Highlights and shadow details
are well-preserved, contributing to a pleasing overall tone. Whether using the
ultra-wide, main, or telephoto lenses, the camera consistently delivers
accurate color reproduction.
On the front,
the iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 12MP front-facing camera that performs
exceptionally well. Notably, there is a discernible difference between regular
and portrait mode selfies. The regular selfie mode offers a broader field of
view with ample background depth, while the portrait selfie mode provides a
pleasing bokeh effect with detailed subject focus.
The iPhone 15
Pro Max truly shines in low-light conditions, surpassing the Samsung Galaxy S23
Ultra in this aspect. It adeptly handles lighting, maintaining excellent detail
and picture quality.
In terms of
video capabilities, Apple continues to dominate this arena. While the ability
to capture 4K 60fps videos has been a staple, the iPhone 15 Pro Max takes it a
step further. It now allows recording of 4K 60fps in ProRes directly to an
external SSD via the USB-C port. Additionally, the device supports 1x to 3x
cinematic zoom, the Academy Color Encoding System, and Log encoding for
customized post-processing color correction.
I initially
did not anticipate delving so deeply into the camera capabilities for this
review, but that speaks volumes about the outstanding performance of the iPhone
15 Pro Max in this department. It's a camera system that ignites a desire to
explore and capture more moments, and in my opinion, that is the highest
compliment one can bestow upon it.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Network and Connectivity
When it comes
to network and connectivity, the iPhone 15 Pro Max leaves little room for
criticism. Having used my physical Airtel sim card with the phone for the past
few weeks, I can attest to its flawless performance. Notably, the network
reception exceeded that of my regular iPhone 12 Pro, which is expected. The
iPhone 15 Pro Max supports a staggering 30 5G bands, ensuring exceptional 5G
connectivity in nearly all feasible locations. I consistently achieved download
speeds of ~1Gbps on Airtel, both at the Beebom office and my home.
In terms of
Wi-Fi, the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts Wi-Fi 6E support, offering significantly
improved wireless performance, including up to 2x faster speeds. To put it
simply, none of my phones, be it Android or iPhone, were ever able to maintain
a connection to my home's Wi-Fi when I moved to the first floor. However, to my
surprise, the iPhone 15 Pro Max not only remained connected to the Wi-Fi signal
but also maintained good network speed.
Bluetooth
performance is equally impressive, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max featuring the
latest Bluetooth 5.3 support. I used the phone with various Bluetooth
earphones, including AirPods Pro (my daily driver), Oppo Enco M32, and my car's
Bluetooth stereo, without experiencing any connection drops or glitches while
listening to music or taking calls.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Software
The iPhone 15
Pro Max ships with iOS 17, the latest iteration of Apple's mobile OS. As
expected, it runs seamlessly. Notable features in iOS 17, such as Standby Mode,
NameDrop, Contact Posters, and more, enhance the overall user experience. While
I did encounter a few bugs here and there, the most prominent issue for me was
the contact poster not working.
I particularly
appreciate the new StandBy Mode feature, which transforms my iPhone into a
smart display when placed sideways on a Magsafe charging dock. This feature
allows you to customize your iPhone to display the clock, calendar, photos, and
more. Beyond the new settings option for controlling the Action button, other
settings and features are largely consistent with other iPhones that support
iOS 17.
In terms of
software updates, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and even the standard iPhone 15, will
receive security and software updates for an extended period. On average, every
iPhone model receives about five years of both software and security upgrades.
For long-time
iPhone users, the software experience on the iPhone 15 Pro Max will feel
familiar. However, if transitioning from Android to iPhone, it may take some
time to become accustomed to iOS 17.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Battery and Charging
For the first
time, Apple has replaced its beloved Lightning port with a more commonplace
USB-C port (thanks to EU legislation) for charging the iPhone—a change many,
including myself, have anticipated for a long time. It appears that the new A17
Pro chipset has also improved battery efficiency, although Apple has yet to
disclose specific battery capacities for its devices.
In my testing, the iPhone 15 Pro Max demonstrated impressive battery
endurance, providing nearly 12 hours of screen-on time under a mix of intense
and moderate usage. This included activities like scrolling through social
media, particularly Instagram Reels, streaming videos on platforms like YouTube
and Netflix, gaming sessions, and some photography. Based on this, it's safe to
say that the iPhone 15 Pro Max can comfortably last for two days even with
heavy usage. After all, very few users would consistently operate their phones
for 12 consecutive hours each day.
Regarding charging, the iPhone 15 Pro Max supports a maximum of 27W for
fast charging, although during my tests, the charging rate hovered around 25.5W
when using my 61W MacBook’s charger. It's worth noting that this 27W fast
charging capability is slightly lower compared to some Android counterparts.
For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 45W fast charging, while
even the more affordably priced Pixel 7 Pro offers 30W fast charging.
Apple claims that the iPhone 15 Pro Max can attain a 50% charge in just
30 minutes with an optional 20W USB-C adapter. In my case, the battery reached
approximately 55% in 30 minutes and took about an hour to hit the 90% mark. It
then required an additional 30 minutes to reach a full charge.
The introduction of the USB-C port with the iPhone 15 series also brings
reverse charging to iPhones for the first time. However, it's worth noting that
the reverse charging speed is limited to 4.5W. Apple has implemented a unique
feature with wired reverse charging; when you connect your iPhone to other
phones using the USB-C cable, the device with the lower battery level will
initiate the charging process. This means that even the standard iPhone 15 can
recharge the iPhone 15 Pro Max if the latter's battery level is lower.
Additionally, Apple has included a woven USB-C cable in the box, similar
to what we find with iPads and MacBooks. However, it's worth mentioning that
the standard white braided cable may accumulate dirt more easily. The absence
of a charging brick in the package is a notable cost-saving measure.
On the wireless charging front, the iPhone 15 Pro Max continues to support 15W Qi and MagSafe charging.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: Pros and
Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Stunning
large display |
Fast
charging not available yet |
|
Excellent
camera performance |
Heating
issues |
|
Fast
performance |
Less
durable than the previous model |
|
Long-lasting
battery |
|
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