iPhone 15 Pro vs Pro Max: Refurbished Comparison

Written by: Emma Morris

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iPhone 15 vs Pro Max


There are more differences between the refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max and the refurbished iPhone 15 Pro  than between any other Pro models since the release of the iPhone 12 line. 


These changes make deciding between the two new models slightly more complicated. But don't panic. Instead of sifting through various sites and attempting to compare the two mobiles yourself, at UR.co.uk, we've simplified everything, making your next purchase easier to decide.


Keep reading to find out more.


Already found your perfect device? If so, why not explore UR's collection of refurbished iPhones? Each one comes with 12 months of FREE insurance and a range of extra perks to make your next tech journey even brighter. 

Key Takeaways


  • The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a better battery life than the standard Pro edition.

  • The 15 Pro is the slightly smaller sibling of the two.

  • Your device will arrive with a whole package when brought refurbished from UR.co.uk.


Specs of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro

Feature iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro
Display 6.7″ Super Retina XDR display1 with ProMotion technology and Always-On 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display1 with ProMotion technology and Always-On
Chipset A17 Pro chip A17 Pro chip
Camera System Main: 48MP, ƒ/1.78
Ultra Wide: 12MP, ƒ/2.2
Telephoto: 12MP, ƒ/2.8
Main: 48MP, ƒ/1.78
Ultra Wide: 12MP, ƒ/2.2
Telephoto: 12MP, ƒ/2.8
Storage Space 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

Note: Thanks to UR's 90-point phone checks, these specs will be the same whether you purchase a brand-new device or a refurbished iPhone from us. This ensures you gain the best quality device at a more affordable price. 

Design Changes

There are slight changes in the size and weight of these two phones.


The iPhone 15 Pro variant is slightly smaller than the Pro Max, being 10mm shorter in height, 6.1mm narrower in width, and 34 grams lighter than the pricier counterpart.


If your wrists ache from holding a large phone all day, the reduced weight and smaller size of the Pro edition makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.


Other than these differences, changes in design between the two are barely noticeable.


Both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Pro edition have a Ceramic Shield front and a new aerospace-grade titanium casing . The former is 'tougher than any other smartphone glass' currently on the market—a statement claimed by Apple themselves.


The titanium casing replaces the stainless steel framework of past models, increasing the phone's durability and corrosion resistance while maintaining a luxurious feel that's beloved in past models.


Plus, Apple has replaced the lighting connector with a USB C port, allowing you to use the charger across a range of Apple products, from iPad models to certain Mac devices.


Verdict:  While both phones will give you months of bragging rights, the iPhone 15 Pro 128GB is better for those who want it all in a more compact size. 

Differences in Display

Screen size is another point to consider when choosing between these two phones.


As echoed from past generations, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger display than the standard Pro edition, reaching 6.7 inches instead of 6.1 inches.


Again, the Pro's smaller screen size is perfect for those who prefer a more compact phone. However, if you want a better viewing experience for streaming and gaming, we recommend the Pro Max edition to ensure full, high-quality immersion without unwanted eye strain.


Despite these changes, both devices have similar display specs, including the same Super Retina XDR display with ProMotions and Always on technology, much like the refurbished iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone Pro Max that came before.


Verdict:  Do you want a larger display? Go for the iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB or other storage models. 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pro Camera Changes

The main focal point of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is its improved telephoto camera, which now has a new prism lens that allows for 5x optical zoom for enhanced long-range shooting.


Photos created from these modes are sharper, brighter and full of rich colours and contrasts, more so than if taken on the standard main camera alone. So, upgrading to the pricier model might be worth it if you enjoy zoning in on distant subjects, such as the moon or far-away mount ranges.


When comparing both models to their predecessors, you'll also notice significant improvements in their camera software.


The upgraded Smart HDR 5 enhances the quality of your photos, while the next-generation portraits feature automatically switches to portrait mode when a person, pet, or other subject is detected. 


This feature makes it easier to capture different photo styles without the need to scroll through different camera features.


Verdict:  Both will offer a fantastic photographing experience. However, the refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max pushes the boundaries slightly further. 

Performance and Battery Life

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a longer battery life than the iPhone 15 Pro, the former lasting an extra 6 hours in video playback. This means you can scroll, stream, and jump through apps for longer without needing to run to a plug, making it perfect for those constantly on the move or simply needing a phone guaranteed to last them all day.


Again, like past models, both phones arrive with wireless charging capabilities and perform nearly the same, thanks to their A17 Pro chipset, which is designed to provide energy efficiency and faster processing power when undertaking medium to high-demanding tasks. Read more here.


Verdict:  Do you want the best possible battery life? Consider the iPhone 15 Pro Max. 

Final Thoughts

These two iPhone editions have more than a few similarities, including nearly the same performance, camera specs, and display. But it's the details that matter with these types of models.


Combining its display size, battery life and slightly improved camera system, the refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best option for anyone wanting top-tier specs at an affordable price.


Plus, when you shop from UR.co.uk, you receive £45 worth of accessories, saving you even more money on extra goodies after purchase.


Take a peek at our collection today!

Emma Morris


Emma crafts insightful and informative articles about refurbished phones for ur.co.uk. Her expertise guides readers in making the smartest choices for their tech needs.