Introduction to the iPhone 15 Pro Series
The iPhone 15 Pro series marks a significant leap forward with several groundbreaking features. Apple introduced USB-C on the iPhone for the first time, alongside a highly efficient and powerful three-nanometer A17 Pro SoC. Additionally, the new action button allows users to remap it to a preselected list of apps or actions, or virtually anything imaginable using the Shortcuts app. The iPhone 15 Pro Max also boasts a five-times telephoto lens for the first time.
First Impressions and Early Challenges
I’ve been using the iPhone 15 Pro Max for about three weeks since its release, and my initial harsh judgment has evolved into a more nuanced perspective. This deep dive review aims to provide a long-term assessment of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Your support in the form of likes and subscriptions to my channel is greatly appreciated as we approach 40,000 subscribers.
My journey with the 15 Pro Max hasn’t been the smoothest. Documented issues include overheating, iOS bugs, and battery life concerns. This is actually the third 15 Pro Max I’ve used, after the first one was a near-dud and I sold the second one in favor of the S24 Ultra. However, in the spirit of unbiased tech review, I decided to give the 15 Pro Max another chance. The current unit, manufactured in February 2024, runs on iOS 18 Developer Beta 1, which I find more stable despite minor bugs.
Daily Usage Experience
Surprisingly, my daily experience with this device has been quite positive. Many of my initial issues with iOS have been addressed. For more details on my thoughts about the iOS 18 Beta, stay tuned for the link at the end of this review.
Display Quality
The hardware of the 15 Pro Max is impressive, particularly the 6.7-inch OLED display. With a near 90% screen-to-body ratio and 460 pixels per inch, the Super Retina XDR screen excels in clarity and brightness. The 2000 nit peak brightness ensures visibility even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether gaming, consuming content, or browsing, the colors and contrast are outstanding, thanks to the OLED technology.
While I appreciate Samsung’s saturated displays, the iPhone’s true-to-life display is advantageous for photo and video editing. Despite its age, I still prefer this display over many current market offerings.
Dynamic Island: A Mixed Bag
Now in its second year, the Dynamic Island feature remains controversial. While it provides real-time updates for supported apps like Uber Eats, its utility is limited, mainly serving timers and sports scoring apps. The feature can be intrusive, cutting into the top center of the display during video playback. However, it houses the Face ID sensor, which is my preferred method for unlocking the device and handling biometric tasks. Despite its drawbacks, the convenience of Face ID outweighs the intrusion of Dynamic Island.
Performance and the A17 Pro SoC
The A17 Pro three-nanometer SoC initially promised efficiency but faced overheating issues at launch. With subsequent iOS updates, it now performs exceptionally well. This SoC is the most powerful in a flagship phone, although such power may not be necessary for most users. However, Apple’s collaborations with game studios like Ubisoft to port AAA titles to the iPhone demonstrate the device’s capability. Mobile games like Warzone Mobile run smoothly on the 15 Pro Max, enhanced by the ProMotion display. Overall, the A17 Pro is an impressive component, though I’ll discuss overheating issues in the battery section later.
USB-C Implementation
The introduction of USB-C on the iPhone 15 Pro Max was unexpected yet welcome. This change enhances compatibility, allowing seamless use of USB-C cables across various devices. Transferring files and charging at 27 watts—an improvement from the 20 watts of the 14 Pro Max—are additional benefits. Although charging the 15 Pro Max isn’t exceptionally fast, taking about two hours from zero to full, it’s a step up. Hopefully, future models will offer even faster charging speeds.
Camera Capabilities
Smartphones have evolved significantly, especially in terms of camera technology, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max is no exception. While many YouTube creators invest heavily in cameras, some achieve success using just an iPhone. The 15 Pro Max’s new telephoto lens, capable of a 120mm focal length, produces stunning photos with great bokeh and subject separation. The device’s point-and-shoot capability, coupled with features like USB-C recording and the new log feature for flexible video editing, make it a formidable tool for content creation. The iPhone’s camera inspires creativity, making photography and videography enjoyable.
Battery Life
Now, let’s talk about battery life. Despite the brand-new device in my hand, the battery life meets expectations, lasting almost two days with light use. However, the device tends to get very hot while charging, which is concerning given the 27-watt charging isn’t particularly fast. While I might not keep the phone long enough to gauge long-term battery degradation, reports of users experiencing significant capacity drops within eight months are troubling.
Conclusion
In summary, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a robust and well-rounded device. There are few significant drawbacks unless you inherently dislike the iPhone ecosystem. Revisiting the 15 Pro Max has allowed me to maintain an unbiased perspective and appreciate the advancements Apple has made with this model.
