Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Our Verdict: The iPhone 15 Plus and the iPhone 17 Pro Max are two years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 17 Pro Max has the bigger battery of the two, 4823mAh against 4383mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the 17 Pro Max offers up to 2TB of storage versus 512GB on the 15 Plus 5G. The 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.9" against 6.7", and the 15 Plus 5G is the lighter phone at 201g against 233g. Coming from the 15 Plus 5G, the 17 Pro Max is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Over a full contract, the 15 Plus 5G works out around £845 all-in, about £376 less than the 17 Pro Max.
12 reviews 4.4
11 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.4 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1320 x 2868 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 458 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 18 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Apple A19 Pro |
| Battery | 4,383 mAh | 4,823 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm |
| Weight | 201 grams | 233 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.00 | £1035.00 |
| Prices updated 17 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper on contract at £845.46 over the life of the deal from £67.33 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 15 Plus's 6.7", both screens are similarly sharp at around 460 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 32g lighter at 201 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.