iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: which refurbished should you buy?
Buying a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max? We compare chip, camera, display and price so you can make the best choice for your budget.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-07-18
iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max: what's the difference?
Both devices sit at the very top of Apple's line-up and make a smart refurbished purchase. That said, there are a number of differences that may matter for how you use your phone. We lay out the key distinctions honestly, so you can decide for yourself which iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max suits you best.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max runs on the A18 Pro chip, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with the A17 Pro. Both chips are more than powerful enough for everyday use, heavy multitasking and most games. The difference shows mainly in benchmarks and demanding tasks such as 4K video editing or intensive AI features — where the A18 Pro is noticeably faster and more efficient.
Display and size
The 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display; the 15 Pro Max a 6.7-inch. Both use ProMotion with 120Hz refresh and Always-On, so smoothness is essentially the same. The real difference is physical: the 16 Pro Max is slightly larger and heavier, which is great if you watch a lot of video but less ideal for smaller hands.
Camera
On the camera front, both devices share the same 5x telephoto lens, so they perform comparably for portraits and distant subjects. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger main sensor, which allows more light and delivers sharper detail — especially in low-light conditions. The 16 Pro Max also introduces the Camera Control button, a physical shortcut for quickly switching between camera modes. It's a handy addition, but not a dealbreaker if you never use it.
Materials, battery and software updates
Both models feature a titanium build, making them lightweight yet durable. On battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max edges ahead thanks to a more efficient chip and a slightly larger cell, though the difference in day-to-day use is not dramatic. As for software support, both devices will receive updates for years to come: Apple typically provides five to six years of updates, so the 15 Pro Max will stay current for a long time yet.
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
|---|
| Chip | A18 Pro | A17 Pro |
| Display | 6.9" ProMotion 120Hz | 6.7" ProMotion 120Hz |
| Telephoto lens | 5x zoom | 5x zoom |
| Main camera | Larger sensor | Standard sensor |
| Extra | Camera Control button | Not present |
| Build | Titanium | Titanium |
Refurbished price
The price difference between the two models refurbished is often significant in favour of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Being one generation older, you pay noticeably less for largely the same experience: the same titanium design, the same 120Hz ProMotion technology and a comparable telephoto lens. If you're looking for the best value for money, the 15 Pro Max is usually where you'll find it.
All refurbished devices at The Phone Shopper go through a 50-point inspection and come with a 2-year warranty, whichever model you choose. That way, you always buy a fully tested and reliable device.
Which one should you choose?
Go for the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want the latest technology, shoot a lot of photos in low light, rely on demanding apps or AI features, and don't mind paying a little extra. Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you want a top-tier camera, large display and smooth performance at a lower price — for most users, the real-world difference is barely noticeable, while the price difference very much is.
Still not sure? Browse all refurbished models and compare for yourself which device best fits your budget and needs.
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