“Let’s make sure to charge the iPhone 15 Pro Max before going to bed,” I thought wearily after a grueling day at Apple Park. I had just unboxed the device a few hours earlier, and it still had at least 80 percent battery left, but I didn’t want to risk it running out of juice the next day. Time with a new review unit is precious, and I couldn’t afford to waste any of it because of a dead phone. I dragged myself over to the work desk in my hotel room, unplugged my iPhone 14 Pro, and plugged in the Lightning charger into the iPhone 15 Pro Max. But to my surprise, it didn’t work. In my sleep-deprived state, I tried multiple times to jam the cable into the port before realizing that the iPhone 15 Pro Max uses USB-C.
Pros of the iPhone 15 Pro Max include its smaller and lighter form compared to previous Pro Max models, the addition of the handy Action button, and the adoption of USB-C as the way of the future. The device also supports console-level gaming and has useful zoom cameras. On the downside, the location of the Action button is hard to reach on the larger handset, and the available color options are considered boring.
Initially, the prospect of a one-charger-fits-all world seemed like a dream come true. However, in reality, it’s not as perfect as I had envisioned. While it is convenient to use any cable I have to charge any of my devices, it doesn’t make a significant difference yet. This could change when more people start using USB-C and it becomes the standard. Currently, the changes introduced by the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max that matter more are the new Action button, camera improvements, refined design, updated processor, and the doubling of storage capacity in the base model of the Pro Max.
For the first time, I am seriously considering switching to the Pro Max model. In the past, it felt too hefty for my liking, despite its performance benefits. However, thanks to its new titanium build, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. The device also features slightly curved edges, making it feel less sharp and giving it the illusion of being thinner. Additionally, the smaller bezels make it easier to use with one hand. The brushed metal finish on my Natural Titanium review unit is also appreciated, although I am disappointed with the limited color options.
While the iPhone 15 Pro Max is smaller and lighter than previous models, it is still one of the heaviest in its category. The Pixel 7 Pro is slightly lighter, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the heaviest. The smaller Pro model is lighter than some competing devices. The durability and scratch-resistance of the titanium build are yet to be determined, but both models are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.
Notable external hardware changes include the adoption of USB-C and the introduction of the Action button. The USB-C port may not be immediately noticeable, but it is a significant change. The Action button replaces the mute slider found on older iPhones and offers a range of functions, such as opening the camera, turning on the flashlight, starting a voice recording, changing Focus modes, or launching a shortcut. The button can be customized to perform specific actions, and its primary function can be controlled through repeated presses.
In my testing of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, I found the Action button to be both a blessing and a curse. It is faster to use the button to open the camera than using the on-screen shortcut. However, reaching for the button can be challenging, and accidental presses of the volume keys can occur. Over time, I expect to get used to the gesture and find it more convenient. Despite concerns about accidentally triggering the Action button, I have yet to experience any unintended launches of the camera.
In conclusion, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers several improvements over previous models, including a smaller and lighter design, the addition of the Action button, and the adoption of USB-C. However, the convenience of using any cable to charge multiple devices may not be a significant game-changer yet. The device’s camera improvements, refined design, and updated processor make it a worthy upgrade for those using older iPhones. Overall, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a powerful and feature-rich smartphone that caters to the needs of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.
