Section 1.1: Competitive Landscape

The year has been bustling with smartphone reviews, but I can’t cover every new device due to time and resource constraints. Thus, the comparisons below may seem unusual, yet they shed light on the competition the iPhone 15 Pro Max faces.

1. iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Pixel 8 Pro

   This matchup is tightly contested, but I favor the Pixel for its superior camera. Camera performance is a highly subjective aspect of smartphone reviews, and the iPhone has consistently lagged behind in this category. I also find the Pixel 8 Pro aesthetically more appealing.

2. iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Honor 90

   You might think this comparison is absurd, but the Honor 90 took home my "Smartphone of the Year" award for 2023 due to its exceptional value. It truly outshone the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year.

3. iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Samsung S24 Ultra

   The S24 Ultra stands out as the finest smartphone I’ve ever used. Its display, operating system, design, and AI features are unparalleled, making it the ultimate premium package.

4. iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Honor Magic 6 Lite

   This comparison may seem silly, but the Honor Magic 6 Lite was released after I had already adopted the iPhone 15 Pro Max. While it’s a solid budget option, it can't compete with the capabilities of the iPhone.

5. iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Honor Magic V2

   If there’s a foldable smartphone that demonstrates Apple should enter that market, it’s the Honor Magic V2. It’s impressively thin, and even the crease is hard to notice. Apple’s potential foldable would likely resemble Honor’s design.

6. iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Honor Magic 6 Pro

   Honor’s flagship for 2024 is more affordable than the iPhone 15 Pro Max and matches its camera performance, speed, and design. The only notable difference is the ecosystem, which Apple excels at.

7. iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Nothing Phone (2a)

   The Nothing Phone (2a) proves that a lower-priced model can still compete with high-end devices. Priced significantly lower than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it only falls short in camera performance, which is still commendable for everyday use.

Despite the fierce competition, the iPhone 15 Pro Max continues to maintain its appeal, largely due to its status as a go-to choice for many users and the strength of its ecosystem.

Section 1.2: What Shines in the iPhone 15 Pro Max

The standout features of the iPhone 15 Pro Max are noteworthy. I find myself primarily using the 5x zoom, which captures stunning photos in a variety of situations. The absence of this focal length makes it challenging to switch to devices that lack it—an impressive move by Apple.

The A17 Pro chip continues to outperform rivals like Snapdragon and MediaTek, although they are catching up. Apple's control over both hardware and software gives it a distinct edge.

The transition to USB-C has also been a long-awaited and beneficial change. The increased transfer speeds and convenience of having a standardized port have simplified my tech life, despite still needing to manage one remaining Lightning device.

Finally, the Apple ecosystem remains a significant advantage. However, the company is currently facing scrutiny over its ecosystem’s market dominance, which brings us to the less favorable aspects of owning an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Section 2.1: Ecosystem Concerns

The Apple ecosystem is currently under scrutiny, with an antitrust lawsuit from the Department of Justice (DOJ) alleging that Apple makes it too challenging for users to switch to other platforms. This lawsuit is complex and likely to be protracted, but it raises questions about the stickiness of Apple's products. Despite this, I could switch to the S24 Ultra if I chose, although it would require some adjustments—this suggests that the ecosystem's grip isn’t as strong as it might seem.

Section 2.2: Material Choice and Features

The choice of materials for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is also underwhelming. Apple has opted for a Titanium chassis and promoted it heavily, but does it truly impact user experience? The difference in weight is negligible, and the phone remains quite hefty.

The Action Button is another feature that seems unnecessary. Most users will likely configure it to operate the camera shutter but might forget to use it altogether, which doesn’t reflect positively on its design.

Lastly, while the Dynamic Island feature has its uses, it often feels like a compromise to accommodate the front-facing camera and Face ID sensors. It doesn’t warrant a purchase decision.

Section 2.3: Battery Life Disappointment

One significant letdown is the battery life of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which has been the least impressive among the smartphones I’ve tested in the past six months. This isn’t due to heavy usage; rather, my experience with new Android phones shows that they consistently outperform the iPhone in battery longevity. The reasons behind this discrepancy, whether due to hardware or iOS 17, remain unclear, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max falls short compared to its predecessor and current Android options.