Razor-sharp photos and videos, perfect holiday portraits, emergency call functions and reliable navigation - the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a real all-rounder when you're on the move. If you travel a lot and are active on vacation, the high-end smartphone may be the ideal companion. What can the model do? What are its strengths and weaknesses? I have put together the most important information and my personal findings in my iPhone 15 Pro Max test report.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the ultimate smartphone for everyday life Vacation and the trip around the world – I am firmly convinced of that after my extensive test. Both the camera and the rest of the hardware are great all around. If you like taking photos and making videos, this or the slightly smaller iPhone 15 Pro is your smartphone. By the way, I'm not alone in my extremely positive assessment of the high-end smartphone. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the first smartphone ever to receive the top rating “very well“ from the independent Stiftung Warentest obtained.

But let's start a little earlier. As a journalist and travel bloggers I don't just have to take good photos - my travel photos have to be really good. That's why I carried around a bulky, heavy SLR camera with me when I traveled for years.

At the same time, I took photos with my iPhone - that was the iPhone 7 at the time and later the iPhone Travel When I came to the editorial office and submitted the photos for my article, some colleagues rolled their eyes when I said that I took some of the photos with my smartphone.

The photos got better with each generation

For my article in the magazine they only took the photos from the SLR - on principle, because they don't have a smartphone Photos wanted to have in the magazine. So I put it to the test: I didn't say which photos were taken with which camera - and the photos from the iPhone 7 and iPhone X promptly ended up in my article because the image quality was already very good back then.

I recently looked at photos from the iPhone 7 - and thought: were they taken with the smartphone? No way: They were good enough back then to publish the page-sized photos in a magazine. You just couldn't tell anyone that they came from your smartphone. I think with the iPhone 15 Pro Max you can tell everyone what your photos were taken with.

Video – the iPhone 15 Pro Max in the test (in English)

Below I have selected a video for you with an iPhone 15 Pro Max test report, in which the strengths and weaknesses of the model are very clearly described.

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Video – the iPhone 15 Pro Max in the test (in German)

And another test report of the iPhone 15 Pro Max in German. I'll have to make my own video of the model when I get the chance. I think I can also tell you a lot about strengths and weaknesses - especially when traveling.

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My first impression – the image quality of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is outstanding

Long story short: five iPhone generations later, the image quality of smartphone photos and videos is simply amazing. My first test of the iPhone 15 Pro Max was of course the image quality. And from the perspective of the average consumer, including myself, it is simply breathtaking. I'm jumping from the iPhone 13 Pro Max to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The difference in image quality is clearly visible and glaring.

The camera is brilliantly good

Anyone who may have had doubts before will now notice at the latest: the iPhone 15 Pro is probably the only camera that you as a user still need on vacation or on your trip around the world. Regardless of whether you simply want to take private souvenir photos on vacation or if you are a travel journalist and blogger and want to share your photos with others.

The portrait mode in particular impressed me from the first moment. I use it almost constantly because it allows you to get the artistic depth of field in the pictures. And if in doubt, you can change it again when editing later.

An all-round successful smartphone with small weaknesses

And a lot has changed with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, not just in terms of photography. The titanium casing feels matt and extremely high quality. The edges are rounded and the model sits much better in the hand than its predecessor. In addition, the display edges are significantly smaller than on the 13 and 14 iPhones. I really like the choice of colors for this version - I chose Natural Titanium, a color that oscillates between gray and gold.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max convinced me across the board

My first impression in my iPhone 15 Pro Max test is therefore clear: the smartphone is the only camera that you will need on vacation and at home in the future - even as an ambitious hobby photographer  

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iPhone 15 Pro Max review – the result of a long journey

My detailed experiences with the Titanium iPhone

I have been using and testing iPhones since the iPhone 3G (2010) and have followed the evolution of smartphones across series. Since the iPhone 6S (2016) and the iPhone 11 Pro (2019), the smart companion has made another quantum leap. Not just because of the triple camera, but also because of the large, high-resolution display on the Max model.

From the iPhone 13 Pro Max to the 15 model

The iPhone 13 Pro Max was a really sophisticated smartphone that I used for a long time in endurance tests. Many of the photos on Just-Wanderlust.com were taken with the 13 iPhone. But it is already clear that the iPhone 15 Pro will go a whole lot further and the photos will be significantly better.

As I said, I am completely thrilled with the portrait photos. They are my absolute highlight of the model. I had already used this mode a lot on the 13 - and it has made a quantum leap on the iPhone 15 Pro.

The design is a quantum leap – and the iPhone is a stylish companion

My second highlight of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the successful design with high-quality materials. The 15 model is really an extremely successful piece of industrial design with the matt, slightly rounded titanium surface, which is visually perfect Apple Watch Ultra fits on the wrist.

I think the design is far more successful than its direct predecessors with the shiny side surfaces. The iPhone 15 Pro sits in line with the iPhone 4 and iPhone X, whose designs truly made history. Whether you like the protruding camera is up to you, but apart from that, the visual appearance of the smartphone is great

Strong specifications for the travel companion

I'll try to keep it short: When you're out and about, you want a display that's easy to read even in sunlight. And you want your smartphone to always work smoothly - even when you edit your latest travel video on your smartphone and upload it to Instagram.

You also want to feel safe - for example, by having the iPhone make an emergency call via satellite or automatically detect an accident. And navigation is just as important. You have a better cell phone network in Southeast Asia than in Europe - and you want to use it to navigate locally. With Apple Maps works really well.

The A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro Max takes care of this. The chip is one of the most powerful processors ever built into a smartphone. And you definitely notice that with daily use.  

Quite minor weaknesses with the iPhone 15 Pro Max

But this article is certainly not intended to be a single paean to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. I would also like to point out the weaknesses of the model very clearly and critically. Because it definitely has some weak points.

1. The price is generous

The price for the entry-level model with 256 GB is 1449 euros (in Germany, including German VAT) and is not exactly low when you consider that some Android smartphones can be purchased for as little as 99 euros, which, in case of doubt, also support WhatsApp messages can send. But nevertheless for me, especially since I deal with MacBook, iPad and Apple Watch all around in Apple-Cosmos moves, it's absolutely clear that the iPhone 15 Pro Max is my first choice. In addition, you simply have to realize that you are not buying a phone - but a daily, reliable assistant in your pocket, a high-performance camera - and there is a phone on top of that.

2. I'm not impressed with the battery life

I don't know what's wrong with the iPhone 15 Pro Max battery. With average usage, I use a full charge throughout the day. This is very much. But good – you have to say: There is a new mode that saves the battery. The battery then only charges to 80 percent of its capacity. This extends loudly Apple the battery life.

But even so, the battery life drops by 20 percent if you just play around with the iPhone a little. This could be due to the always-on display or it could be a bug that will be fixed in a future software update. You also have to take into account that the battery life depends heavily on the intensity of use and is very subjective.

3. Too many assistance systems in iOS 17

Maybe it's because I'm a little older now - but I was initially a bit overwhelmed by the numerous assistance systems in iOS 17. It started with "Time for me" automatically turning on at home and I missed important messages and calls. Continuing with the constant warnings that I'm listening to music too loud or being in a noisy environment. And it ends with the fact that the headphones have new modes that are supposed to recognize conversations. But dim the music every time you clear your throat.

But that's about it for the weaknesses of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. You can switch off all of these assistance systems - and when you're in control of your smartphone again, the device is top notch again.   

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Advantages and disadvantages of the iPhone 15 Pro Max

Below I have listed the advantages and disadvantages – strengths and weaknesses – of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. When it comes to strengths, the camera and the processor particularly stand out. While the battery's weaknesses unfortunately leave something to be desired - although it should be noted that the battery life can be very subjective due to the intensity of use.

Power

• attractive design in a titanium housing
• excellent camera for photos and videos
• I was particularly impressed by the camera's portrait mode
• Very bright, easy-to-read display even in strong sunlight
• particularly fast A17 Pro processor that handles all tasks effortlessly

weaknesses

• lavish price
• Battery life
• Assistance systems in iOS 17

Who is the iPhone 15 Pro Max suitable for? And who not for?

If you're a big fan of Apple-products, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is definitely your smartphone. And if you value camera technology because you make YouTube videos or post on Instagram and TikTok, the 15 iPhone is definitely a purchase for you too. I bought it quickly before the next trip so that I could take the best possible photos on site.

If you're currently using the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro, the noticeable changes are mainly in the design - and compared to the iPhone 13 Pro, the camera is impressive. If you've had a non-Pro iPhone and you like taking photos, it could now

Who is the iPhone 15 Pro not suitable for?

If you are someone who is very price-conscious and usually doesn't spend more than 700 euros on your smartphone, you probably won't want to buy the iPhone 15 Pro either. Then the iPhone 15 or iPhone SE is your model. The iPhone 15 Pro is not suitable for you if you don't like taking photos or making videos.

Then the iPhone 15 is enough for you. If you are an Android fan, you won't be convinced by the iPhone 15 Pro Max either. Below I have compared the iPhone 15 Pro with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

iPhone 15 Pro Max compared to Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

If you're a real one AppleIf you're a fan, an Android smartphone is of course not an alternative for you. But many users may find it helpful if I compare the iPhone 15 Pro Max with the competitor's comparable product. If you want to get a new smartphone for everyday life and your next trip, you may already have your eye on the iPhone 15 Pro Max or the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Both devices are among the best smartphone flagships of 2023 and offer impressive features. But which one is better?

Design

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a rounded design with a titanium frame that is very strong and lightweight. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, has an angular design with a metal frame that is also of high quality. Both devices have a glass back. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly smaller and lighter than the Galaxy S23 Ultra, but both are generally rather large and heavy. The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 159,9 x 76,7 x 8,3mm and weighs 221g, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra measures 163,4 x 78,1 x 8,9mm and weighs 234g.

Display

Both smartphones have an excellent OLED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which ensures a smooth display. The display of the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a diagonal of 6,7 inches and a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels, which corresponds to a pixel density of 460 ppi. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's display has a diagonal of 6,8 inches and a resolution of 3088 x 1440 pixels, which corresponds to a pixel density of 501 ppi. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's display is slightly larger and sharper than that of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but both deliver excellent color and contrast reproduction.

Camera

Both smartphones have a multiple camera on the back, which on the S23 consists of a wide-angle, an ultra-wide-angle and two telephoto lenses, and on the iPhone it consists of a main camera, a telephoto lens and an ultra-wide angle. The main camera of the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a resolution of 48 MP, while that of the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a resolution of 200 MP. Please note: The pure megapixel number says nothing about the quality or sharpness of a photo; the sensor is crucial.

The telephoto lenses on the Galaxy S23 Ultra also offer an optical zoom of up to 10x, while those on the iPhone 15 Pro Max only offer an optical zoom of up to 5x. The camera quality of both smartphones is very high, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra has an advantage when it comes to detail and zoom recording. The front camera of both smartphones has a resolution of 12 MP and delivers good selfies.

Performance

Both smartphones have a powerful processor that ensures fast performance. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the A17 Pro chip Apple, which clocks up to 3,7 GHz and is coupled with 8 GB of RAM. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which clocks up to 3,36 GHz and is paired with 8 or 12 GB of RAM. Both smartphones perform very well in benchmark tests, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a slight lead in performance.

Battery

Both smartphones have a large battery that ensures a long battery life. With a refresh rate of 120 Hz, the runtime of both smartphones drops by around two hours. Both smartphones also support wireless charging. However, the wireless charging time of both smartphones is not very fast.

Features

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a special function compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It has an integrated S Pen that can be stored in the case. The S Pen is a pressure-sensitive pen that can be used to write, draw and navigate on the display. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, doesn't have a stylus, but it does have a feature called Dynamic Island, which allows the display to be divided into different areas and display different content at the same time.

Price

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the most expensive smartphone Apple and costs from 1449 euros for the variant with 256 GB of storage. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is Samsung's most expensive smartphone and costs from 1399 euros for the version with 256 GB of storage. Both smartphones are very expensive, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra is slightly cheaper than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Conclusion

The iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra are two excellent smartphones that leave little to be desired. Both have a great display, an impressive camera, high performance and a long-lasting battery. The iPhone 15 Pro Max scores with a stable and light design, a smooth operating system and a long battery life. The Galaxy S23 Ultra scores with a larger and sharper display, a better zoom camera, a more powerful processor and an integrated S Pen.

The specifications and special features of the iPhone 15 Pro (Max) according to the manufacturer

Below I have listed the most important specifications of the iPhone 15 Pro Max for you, as provided by the manufacturer Apple has highlighted. The focus here is clearly on the camera, the A17 Pro chip and the action button - a button that can be assigned functions as required.

Aesthetics and design

The iPhone 15 Pro Max sets new standards in terms of design aesthetics. The impressive, fine-brushed titanium frame underlines the elegance and strength of the device. Its workmanship – through precision machining, grinding, brushing and blasting – takes the craftsmanship of smartphone manufacturing to a new level. In addition, the new, rounded edges and particularly narrow edges ensure improved handling and a modern appearance.

Innovative frame construction

In an industry first, the titanium frame of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is bonded to an internal aluminum frame using diffusion welding. This innovative, thermomechanical method combines two metals under extremely high pressure, resulting in high stability and quality. In addition, the internal frame is made of 100 percent recycled aluminum, which Apples commitment to sustainability and achieving its 2030 climate goals.

Display and protection

The iPhone 15 Pro Max features an advanced Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology that enables refresh rates of up to 120 Hz. This ensures high graphics performance and energy efficiency. The protection of the device is ensured by the robust titanium frame, the most durable glass on the back of a smartphone and a Ceramic Shield front.

Water and dust protection

The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a high level of protection against water and dust, ensuring additional safety and durability.

Display specifics

Dynamic Island feature makes it easy to access alerts and live activities, while the Always-On Display constantly shows important information. Standby also allows content to be viewed in full screen – even in landscape format.

Performance and Gaming

The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro Max represents a milestone in smartphone performance. With an up to 20 percent faster GPU, improved ray tracing and MetalFX upscaling, the device offers particularly high graphics performance for games.

Camera and photography

The 48 MP camera with its quad-pixel sensor enables outstanding image quality - even in low light. With the new Photonic Engine and diverse focal length options (24 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm), the iPhone 15 Pro Max sets new standards in smartphone photography.

Portrait and night mode

iPhone 15 Pro Max's Portrait Mode and Night Mode also benefit from the Photonic Engine, resulting in impressive detail and low-light performance.

video recordings

Cinema mode enables automatic focus shifts, while Action mode ensures more stable recordings - even under demanding conditions.

Table – iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max specifications compared

Model	iPhone 15 Pro Max	iPhone 14 Pro Max	iPhone 13 Pro Max
Price	from € 1.449	no longer available	no longer available
Display	6,7 ″ OLED	6,7 ″ OLED	6,7 ″ OLED
Resolution	2778 1284 x pixels	2778 1284 x pixels	2778 1284 x pixels
Brightness	up to 1200 nits	up to 1200 nits	up to 800 nits
ProMotion	yes, always on	yes, always on	yes, no always-on
Colors	Titanium Natural, Titanium Silver, Titanium Blue, Titanium Black	Black, silver, gold, dark purple	Graphite, silver, gold, alpine green, sierra blue
Material	Titan	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Weight	221 g	240 g	238 g
Dimensions	159,9 x 76,7 x 8,25 mm	160,7 x 77,6 x 7,85 mm	160,8 x 78,1 x 7,65 mm
Protection	Classified under IP60529 according to IEC standard 68 (up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes)	Classified under IP60529 according to IEC standard 68 (up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes)	Classified under IP60529 according to IEC standard 68 (up to 6 meters for up to 30 minutes)
chip	Pro A17	A16 Bionic	A15 Bionic
RAM	8 GB	6 GB	6 GB
memory	256GB to 1TB	128GB to 1TB	128GB to 1TB
main camera	Pro camera system (48 MP main camera, 12 MP ultra wide angle and 12 MP telephoto)	Pro camera system (48 MP main camera, 12 MP ultra wide angle and 12 MP telephoto)	12 MP Pro camera system (main camera, ultra wide angle and telephoto)
Optical zoom	0,5x, 1x, 2x, 5x optical zoom options	0,5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom options	0,5x, 1x, 3x optical zoom options
Videos	4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps	4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps	4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
Front camera	12 MP TrueDepth front camera	12 MP TrueDepth front camera	12 MP TrueDepth front camera
Battery	Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery Wireless charging with MagSafe and Qi	Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery Wireless charging with MagSafe and Qi	Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery Integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery Wireless charging with MagSafe and Qi
Battery life	up to 28 hours of video playback	up to 28 hours of video playback	up to 20 hours of video playback
Quick shop	Up to 50% in 35 minutes with 20W power adapter or higher (sold separately)	Up to 50% in 35 minutes with 20W power adapter or higher (sold separately)	Up to 50% in 35 minutes with 20W power adapter or higher (sold separately)
Wireless charging	MagSafe	MagSafe	MagSafe
Connections	USB-C	lightning	lightning
Operating system	iOS 17	iOS 16 or newer	iOS 15 or newer
Accessories included	USB-C charging cable, documentation	USB-C Lightning charging cable, documentation	USB-C Lightning charging cable, documentation

Further test reports and in-depth reading about the iPhone 15 Pro Max

• Never seen before: iPhone 15 Pro Max makes its debut at Stiftung Warentest from t3n
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max in the test from Chip
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max in the test: The best Pro from Apple? from ComputerImage
• iPhone 15 Pro Max in the test: Is the titanium flagship worth it? from Teltarif

iPhone 15 Pro Max the best smartphone for traveling around the world?

My conclusion

When I evaluate a smartphone, I mentally do the world travel test, i.e. a world trip is a pretty special and unique event. That's why I ask myself the question at regular intervals: Which smartphone and camera would I take with me on a trip around the world? Would it be an action camera? Or a SLR?

For me the answer is definitely: iPhone 15 Pro Max. You have everything you need in one tiny device. You have a super powerful camera that allows you to take competitive photos. And at the same time you have an assistant that accompanies you with its functions and thousands of travel apps.

A big achievement for the manufacturer

With the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the manufacturer has achieved a really big success. No matter whether you want to use the model at home in everyday life or on the go while traveling or on vacation - you have perhaps the best electronic companion you could wish for at your side. My assessment has rarely been so clear:

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is, in my opinion, the best iPhone ever and for everyone Apple-Fans, a clear purchase, even for users who use the direct predecessor model. And that should be clear: The iPhone 15 Pro (Max) is an excellent iPhone - and not just for everyone who is planning a trip around the world.

Which iPhone are you currently using? Are you already using an iPhone 15 Pro? What did you notice about it? Share your experiences in the comments.