Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Our Verdict: There's three years between the iPhone 15 Plus and the iPhone 18 Pro Max, so the iPhone 18 Pro Max is ahead on most things. There's more battery in the 18 Pro Max, 5391mAh to 4383mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the 18 Pro Max offers up to 2TB of storage versus 512GB on the 15 Plus 5G. The 18 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.9" against 6.7", and the 15 Plus 5G is the lighter phone at 201g against 249g. The 18 Pro Max is the better phone; upgrade from the 15 Plus 5G if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
The 15 Plus 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £753 over a typical contract, £559 less than the 18 Pro Max.
15 reviews 4.5
11 reviews
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 22 September 2023 | 18 September 2026 |
| Expert Rating |
4.2 15 reviews |
4.5 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | 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 A20 Pro (2 nm) |
| Battery | 4,383 mAh | 5,391 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 78.0 x 8.75 mm |
| Weight | 201 grams | 249 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£11.95/mo
£1055.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £328.00 | £1297.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper on contract at £753.00 over the life of the deal from £59.00 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 18 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 both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 18 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 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £328.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max uses the Apple A20 Pro (2 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 48g 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 18 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 18 Pro Max run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.