SpecEagle
Launch report · Apple

iPhone 15 Pro Max: The first titanium iPhone, and the first with a 5× periscope.

SpecEagle Editorial·Sep 2023·$1,199·Score 87/100

The 15 Pro Max introduced titanium, USB-C, the Action button and a 5× periscope. A year on it remains fully current on software, and as prices fall it is one of the better-value flagships you can buy.

Key specs at launch

Display
6.7" LTPO OLED
Chipset
Apple A17 Pro
Memory
8 GB · 256 GB
Main cam
48 MP · f/1.78
Battery
4,422 mAh
Weight
221 g
What stands out
  • First iPhone with a 5× periscope telephoto.
  • Titanium frame cut meaningful weight versus the 14 Pro Max.
  • Action button replaced the mute switch — genuinely useful.
  • Still on the current iOS feature track with Apple Intelligence.
What to watch
  • A17 Pro can throttle under sustained gaming.
  • ~27 W charging was already slow in 2023.
  • Heavy at 221 g.
  • No always-on improvements over rivals.
The phone it has to beat
iQOO 12
$580 · score 92/100