Six months ago, the iPhone 15 Pro Max arrived, draped in shimmering titanium and promises of groundbreaking photography and blistering performance. The hype was real, and I dived headfirst into the experience. Now, with the honeymoon phase fading and real-world dust settling, let’s crack open the Pro Max and see if it delivers on its royal lineage.
You’ll notice the difference when you lift this titanium iPhone out of the box. It’s lighter than the 14 Pro Max and so much more comfortable to hold. Those rounded edges and smaller bezels make a world of difference – the best design upgrade in years. Of course, that eye-catching Blue Titanium finish steals the show. It has a natural, almost rugged look that makes it this year’s must-have color.
Camera King:
The 48MP sensor is a game-changer. Photos burst with detail, even in low-light, and that zoom? Breathtaking. The main camera’s larger 48MP sensor shoots 24MP photos by default, with ProRAW for extra editing power. Plus, new zoom options let you get closer – a huge help for crisp close-ups! Portraits are awesome, and now you can edit them after the fact. Change focus, background blur, and more after you’ve snapped the shot. Night mode shots, even with the new 5x telephoto zoom, look fantastic. Video is equally impressive. Cinematic Mode gets digital zoom and you can export ProRes footage via USB-C.
A Speed Demon:
The A17 Bionic is a monster. Apps launch instantaneously, multitasking is a seamless ballet, and even the most demanding games render like butter. It’s a joy to use, no question. But there’s a catch. Battery life, previously a Pro Max strength, takes a hit. While not a disaster, it’s a noticeable step down. Heavy users might find themselves scrambling for a charger more often. Hoping Apple would address some of these issues in the next iOS update.
Titanium Tango: luxurious touch, practical questions:
The titanium frame is a revelation. It’s light, feels incredibly premium, and shrugs off scratches like a champion. But it’s not all sunshine and roses. The lack of grip compared to the old stainless steel might make some hands nervous, especially with the hefty price tag dangling on the line. overall, I was skeptical about using the phone without a case, but 3 months have proven that it’s a beast, and it can hold very well (no I haven’t dropped it yet).
Display Delight: a canvas for your apps:
The ProMotion display remains a joy. The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything from scrolling through social media to playing games a buttery smooth experience. It’s bright, vibrant, and color-accurate, making it a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re a creative professional demanding precision or simply a movie buff who craves the best visual experience, the Pro Max’s display won’t disappoint.
Software Stumbles:
While mostly smooth, iOS 17 has its hiccups, specially as we mentioned, affecting the battery, and the occasional other hiccups. However, these are mostly software niggles that should be ironed out with upcoming updates. Overall experience is more than fine, but I’d love to see that perfect update soon.
Verdict: You still have my heart
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is still a phenomenal phone. The camera is top-notch, the performance is unmatched, and the titanium frame is a luxurious touch. But it comes with a hefty price tag might give some buyers pause. Consider this:
- Power users and photography enthusiasts: This is your phone. Go forth and conquer.
- Budget-conscious or battery-hungry users: Explore the 15 Pro or even the 14 Pro Max. You might find a sweeter spot.
Ultimately, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a love story for me. It’s a magnificent device that ticks all the right boxes, and deserves to be loved. I give a big thumb up!
You can read my full review here.
