Review · Apple
iPhone 15 Pro Max Review (2026): First 5x Telephoto iPhone, Now a Bargain
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduced 5x telephoto and titanium build to the Pro line. Now $799–$899 refurbished — the cheapest Pro Max with Apple Intelligence support and 4+ years of iOS updates remaining.
By SmartphoneAwards Editorial · Published · Updated
Pros
- First iPhone Pro Max with 5x telephoto
- Refurbished pricing $799–$899
- Apple Intelligence supported
- Titanium frame; first USB-C Pro Max
Cons
- 8GB RAM is tight for AI workloads
- Two generations behind on chipset
- Display dimmer than 16/17 Pro Max
- Battery life shorter than current generations
What it brought to the iPhone Pro Max line
The iPhone 15 Pro Max was the first iPhone Pro Max to ship a 5x periscope-style telephoto, plus the first Apple titanium body and first USB-C Pro Max. All three carried forward to the 16 and 17 Pro Max generations — meaning the 15 Pro Max is still recognizably modern in 2026.
Display & build
6.7-inch ProMotion OLED, 1–120Hz adaptive, ~2,000 nits peak. Titanium frame, contoured rails, Action Button. Lightweight for the size class.
Performance
A17 Pro + 8GB RAM. Apple Intelligence is supported but runs slower than on 16 and 17 Pro Max. Day-to-day use is smooth.
Camera
Triple 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 12MP 5x telephoto. Same fundamental architecture as the 16 Pro Max camera, with marginally less refined processing.
Battery
Real-world: 6.5–7.5 hours of screen-on time. 27W wired and 25W MagSafe.
Verdict · 4.0 / 5
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max refurbished at $799–$899 if you want a Pro Max iPhone with telephoto camera, titanium build, and Apple Intelligence at the lowest possible price. The 16 Pro Max at $999 (MKBHD's 2024 Best Camera winner-tier) is the smarter buy if budget allows.
🛒 Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max on AmazonAlternatives to consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — refurbished at $799–$899 it's the cheapest iPhone Pro Max with 5x telephoto, titanium build, and Apple Intelligence.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: which to buy?
iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the latest and don't mind paying $1,199+. iPhone 15 Pro Max refurbished at $400 less is a strong value pick — same 5x telephoto and titanium build.
Does iPhone 15 Pro Max get Apple Intelligence?
Yes — fully supported. Was one of the original Apple Intelligence iPhones at launch.
How we rate
Our editorial score is anchored to outcomes from MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025), then refined for everyday usability. Phone of the Year winners earn 5/5; category winners 4.5/5; runners-up 4/5; otherwise we score on merit. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.