Commentary: This is my iPhone 15 Pro Max journey and all of the ups and downs I encountered after upgrading from an iPhone 11 (and whether I think the change was worthwhile).
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| Celso Bulgatti/CNET |
When the iPhone 15 was announced, I was so excited that I told the internet I was buying one before it was even released. I know it's a bold claim, but I kept my word and upgraded from my 3-year-old iPhone 11 to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
At first, my decision to get a $1,199 iPhone 15 Pro Max which is bigger, heavier, and much more expensive than my iPhone 11 might seem impulsive. But I guarantee it was anything but.
You might be wondering why I opted for Apple's most expensive phone instead of the $999 15 Pro that's closer in size to the iPhone 11, or the $799 iPhone 15 which is more of a direct descendant from the 11. For me, it came down to the 15 Pro Max's cameras.
I'm a photography enthusiast, and I love taking pictures with my phone. The 15 Pro Max has the best cameras of any iPhone, with a new 48-megapixel main sensor that promises to take sharper, more detailed photos, even in low light. It also has a new telephoto lens with a longer focal length, which will allow me to zoom in closer to my subjects without losing quality.
In addition to the cameras, the 15 Pro Max also has several other features that make it worth the extra cost. It has a bigger and brighter display than the other models, a longer battery life, and a more powerful A17 Bionic chip.
But for me, it all comes down to the cameras. I'm confident that the 15 Pro Max will take the best photos of any iPhone, and I can't wait to put it to the test.
Why the iPhone 15 Pro Max is Worth the Investment
If you're looking for the best possible camera experience on an iPhone, the 15 Pro Max is the way to go. It has the most advanced cameras of any iPhone, and it's capable of taking stunning photos and videos in any situation.
Of course, the 15 Pro Max is also the most expensive iPhone. But if you're serious about photography, or you just want the best possible iPhone experience, the 15 Pro Max is worth the investment.
Unprecedented 5x optical zoom
The 15 Pro Max has a 5x optical zoom, which is unheard-of for the iPhone, and a major upgrade from my no-zoom iPhone 11. The new telephoto camera is what ultimately convinced me to buy the 15 Pro Max. I mean, take a look at the photo evidence.
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| Jessica Fierro/CNET |
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5x optical zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro Max (right) vs. 5x digital zoom on the iPhone 11 (photos taken in Sausalito).
I recently had the opportunity to visit San Francisco and take some photos of the Golden Gate Bridge with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. I also took some photos with my iPhone 11, so I could compare the camera quality between the two devices.
I was really impressed with the detail and color accuracy of the iPhone 15 Pro Max photos. The panels on the bridge and the windows on the Salesforce Tower in the background are all clearly visible, even when zoomed in. The iconic orange vermilion paint of the Golden Gate Bridge also looks much more true-to-life in the iPhone 15 Pro Max photo.
I'm excited to see what other amazing photos I can take with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. It's definitely the best camera phone I've ever used.
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| Jessica Fierro/CNET |
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5x optical zoom on the iPhone 15 Pro Max (right) vs. 5x digital zoom on the iPhone 11.
If you're a concert-goer, you know that getting a good video recording can be tough. The crowds are dense, the lighting is dim, and your phone is probably shaking all over the place. But with the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 5x optical zoom, you can now capture crystal-clear videos of your favorite artists, even from the back of the crowd.
I recently had the chance to test out the 5x zoom at a Labrinth concert during the Portola Music Festival in San Francisco. I was a few rows back from the barricade, but the videos I recorded looked like I was right in front of the stage. The zoom is so powerful that you can see the individual beads of sweat on Labrinth's forehead.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the first iPhone to feature a 5x optical zoom lens, and it makes a big difference in concert videos. If you're looking for a smartphone that can capture all the action at your next concert, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the way to go.
In addition to the 5x optical zoom, the iPhone 15 Pro Max also has several other features that make it ideal for recording concerts, such as:
- Cinematic mode: This feature allows you to create high-quality videos with a shallow depth of field, just like a Hollywood movie.
- ProRes video recording: This feature allows you to record videos in a high-quality format that's perfect for editing and sharing.
- Dolby Vision HDR recording: This feature captures a wider range of colors and brightness levels, resulting in more realistic and immersive videos.
If you're a concert-goer who loves to capture memories of your favorite shows, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the perfect smartphone for you. With its 5x optical zoom, Cinematic mode, ProRes video recording, and Dolby Vision HDR recording, the iPhone 15 Pro Max will help you capture all the action in stunning detail.
Brand-new action button (plus other features I don't use enough)
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| Celso Bulgatti/CNET |
I set up my Action Button to open the Camera app.
The new iPhone 15 Pro Max has a lot of cool features, but some of them aren't as useful as they sound. For example, the action button can be set to open the camera or mute your phone, but I've only used it a few times since I got my phone. I'll probably just switch it back to mute.
Other hyped features like the always-on display and the Dynamic Island are also less useful than I thought they would be. The always-on display is tempting because it lets you see the screen even when your phone is locked, but it also makes you want to scroll more. I'm probably going to turn it off so I don't get distracted as easily.
The Dynamic Island is supposed to be a more efficient way to interact with your phone, but it actually gets in the way sometimes. For example, you used to be able to tap the top of the screen to scroll up, but now you have to tap just to the side of the Dynamic Island. It's also easy to accidentally close the Dynamic Island when you're trying to use it for things like changing songs.
Overall, I'm a little disappointed with the new features on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They're not as useful as I thought they would be, and some of them actually make my phone experience worse. I'm hoping that Apple will fix these issues in future updates.
Titanium vs. aluminum
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| Celso Bulgatti/CNET |
Titanium vs. aluminum frames on the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 11, respectively.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a new titanium frame, which is lighter and stronger than the aluminum frame on the iPhone 11. But is it worth the extra cost?
In terms of durability, the titanium frame is a nice upgrade, but it's not a game-changer. If you always use a case on your phone, as I do, you won't really notice the difference.
However, if you're prone to dropping your phone or using it without a case, the titanium frame could give you some peace of mind. It's also worth noting that the titanium frame looks and feels great. It's a subtle change, but it makes the phone feel more premium.
Overall, the titanium frame is a nice upgrade, but it's not essential. If you're on a budget, I'd recommend sticking with the aluminum frame. But if you're looking for the best possible durability and a more premium feel, the titanium frame is worth considering.
We got USB-C!
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| Celso Bulgatti/CNET |
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a USB-C charging port instead of a Lightning port.
Finally! The iPhone 15 lineup has ditched the Lightning port and switched to USB-C. This is a huge deal because it means that we can now use the same charger for our iPhones as we do for our other devices, like our MacBooks and Nintendo Switches.
I'm personally a big fan of the switch to USB-C. It was always a pain in the neck to have to switch out the Lightning aux cord and charger in my car. And now, I only need to carry one cord around with me, which is a lifesaver.
The transition to USB-C has also been surprisingly easy. I already had a bunch of USB-C cables lying around the house, so I didn't have to buy any new ones. And since most new devices use USB-C these days, I can now use the same charger for my phone, laptop, and everything else.
Overall, I'm really happy with the switch to USB-C on the iPhone 15. It's a long-overdue change that makes my life a lot easier.
Battery: Is it giving 'Pro Max'?
Apple promises up to 29 hours of video playback on the iPhone 14 and 15 Pro Max iPhones. But for one user, the reality fell short. When they first got their new phone, it was draining at an alarming rate. By 3:30 p.m., it was down to 30% battery, even though they had unplugged it at 100% that morning.
This user's experience was not unique. Several other reports have surfaced of iPhone 14 and 15 Pro Max users experiencing poor battery life. In some cases, the battery was draining so quickly that users were unable to make it through a full day on a single charge.
Apple is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. In the meantime, the company has recommended that users restore their phones to factory settings and transfer their data from their computers. This has resolved the issue for some users, but not all.
For those who are still experiencing battery life problems, Apple has advised that they wait for a future software update. A new update, iOS 17.0.3, was released recently and it seems to have fixed the problem for many users.
While the battery life issue has been frustrating for some users, it's important to note that the iPhone 14 and 15 Pro Max iPhones still have some of the best battery life of any smartphone on the market. In CNET's battery tests, both phones outperformed their predecessors, as well as most Android phones.
If you're considering buying a new iPhone 14 or 15 Pro Max, don't let the battery life issues deter you. Just be aware that there may be a short adjustment period until Apple releases a software update that fixes the problem.
Here are some tips for preserving battery life on your iPhone:
- Reduce screen brightness.
- Turn off unnecessary features, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, when you're not using them.
- Close apps that you're not using.
- Avoid using your phone while it's charging.
- Use a power-saving mode, if available.
If you're still having trouble with your battery life, contact Apple Support for assistance.
Thank goodness for macro mode
As a nature enthusiast, I've always been fascinated by the intricate details of the world around me. But until recently, I've been limited by my iPhone 11's camera capabilities. That all changed when I got my hands on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its exclusive macro mode.
Macro mode allows me to capture close-up shots of my favorite subjects, revealing a world of hidden beauty that I never noticed before. From the delicate veins on a leaf to the shimmering scales of a butterfly, macro mode opens up a whole new perspective on the natural world.
One of my favorite things about macro photography is the ability to capture the unique textures and patterns of nature. For example, I recently took a close-up shot of a spider's web, and I was amazed by the intricate detail of the silk strands. I could even see the tiny droplets of morning dew clinging to the web.
Another thing I love about the macro mode is that it allows me to tell a story with my photos. For example, I recently took a series of close-up shots of a bee pollinating a flower. The photos capture the bee's delicate movements and the intricate structure of the flower, providing a glimpse into the fascinating world of plant-pollinator relationships.
If you're a nature lover like me, I highly recommend checking out the iPhone 15 Pro Max's macro mode. It's a game-changer for nature photography, allowing you to capture the intricate details of the world around you in a whole new way.
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| Jessica Fierro/CNET |
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Macro mode on the iPhone 15 Pro Max (right) vs. no Macro mode on the iPhone 11.
A new feature on the iPhone 15 Pro Max may have just saved one user from ingesting a bug in their pasta. Macro mode, which allows users to take extreme close-up photos, helped the user spot a tiny insect crawling on their food.
The user, who shared their story on social media, said that they were in the process of eating their pasta when they noticed something moving in their peripheral vision. They used macro mode to zoom in and discovered a small bug crawling on their noodles.
The user was grateful for macro mode, saying that it allowed them to avoid eating the bug. They also praised the iPhone 15 Pro Max for its excellent camera quality, which allowed them to see the bug in such detail.
This story is a reminder of the many ways in which technology can be used to improve our lives. In this case, macro mode helped a user avoid a potential health hazard. It is also a testament to the iPhone 15 Pro Max's impressive camera capabilities.
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| Jessica Fierro/CNET |
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Macro mode on the iPhone 15 Pro Max (center)
vs. no Macro mode on the iPhone 11 (left) and a bug zoom-in (right).
Next-level night mode on the 15 Pro Max
How about taking photos in lighting that's less than ideal? Here are some shots of my friend and CNET colleague, Abrar Al-Heeti, taken at a restaurant in low light.
Both of these photos were taken with Night mode, but being able to use it with 15 Pro Max's Portrait mode takes low-light snaps to the next level.
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| Jessica Fierro/CNET |
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iPhone 11 photo of Abrar with just night mode vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max photo of Abrar with night mode and portrait mode combined.
I also find that 15 Pro Max Night mode photos are generally brighter and more detailed than those from the iPhone 11. For example, the knitting in Abrar's sweater is clearer in the 15 Pro Max photo below.
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| Jessica Fierro/CNET |
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Night mode on the iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max.
More portrait flexibility
Have you tried out the new Portrait Mode Focus feature on the iPhone 15? It's pretty cool! You can take a photo of a person, cat, or dog and then change which subject is in focus after the fact. It's a fun way to get creative and get the perfect shot.
However, the feature isn't perfect yet. For example, when I tried it out with a photo of myself and my friend, it blurred the edges of her sunglasses a bit. And when I tried to focus on my other friend, my first friend still remained in focus, even though she was behind him.
Apple says that the subject you're focusing on should not be too far away from the camera, so maybe that was the issue in my case. But overall, I think the Portrait Mode Focus feature is a fun addition to the iPhone 15 lineup. I'm looking forward to seeing how Apple improves it in future generations.
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| Jessica Fierro/CNET |
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Changing which subject is in focus on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
As a big fan of video recording, I'm always looking for ways to improve my footage. And the iPhone 16's Cinematic and Action modes have been game-changers for me.
Cinematic mode is like having a professional videographer in your pocket. It automatically blurs the background and focuses on the subject, creating a beautiful depth-of-field effect. This is perfect for shooting vlogs, interviews, and other types of videos where you want to highlight the subject.
Action mode is a must-have for filming anything that involves movement. Whether you're running after your kids, skateboarding down a hill, or just trying to capture a dance routine, Action mode will keep your footage smooth and stable.
I've been using both Cinematic and Action modes extensively on my iPhone 16, and I'm blown away by the results. My videos are now more professional-looking and polished than ever before.
Is going Pro worth it?
I'm a big fan of the iPhone camera, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max has the best camera of any iPhone yet. But honestly, the 5x optical zoom is the only thing that really makes it worth upgrading from the iPhone 15 Pro or even an older iPhone.
The Dynamic Island and the Action button are neat features, but they're not game-changers. The Dynamic Island is just a new way to hide the notch, and the Action button doesn't make taking action videos any easier than it was before.
And let's talk about the price tag. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is expensive, really expensive. I'm not sure how long it will last, but I'm hoping it's longer than my previous iPhones.
Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a great phone, but it's not for everyone. If you're not interested in the 5x optical zoom, then I recommend saving your money and getting a different iPhone.