Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max review: More power with a whole new vibe


Alvin R Cabral
  • English
  • Arabic

Seeing is believing as they say or, in the case of the new iPhone 15 Pro series, touching is.

Apple has released phones with increased power and efficiency.

There are new finishes and some design cues from the iPhone's previous iterations are gone. Some long-rumoured changes have come to fruition.

That, and many more upgrades, forms the gist of the company's latest top-end flagship smartphone.

We take a look at the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2015%20PRO%20MAX
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Design: a smoother feel

While the iPhone 15 line-up retains the flat-edges and curved-corners design – the classic look last seen in the iPhone 5 and brought back in the iPhone 12 – the Pro models come with a major aesthetic overhaul.

One of the most talked about features is their titanium frame, which Apple says makes the iPhone 15 Pro models lighter but tougher.

In fact, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is nearly 20g lighter than its predecessor, as titanium – used in a variety of industries including medicine, aerospace, engines, aircraft and sports – has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any metal.

Apple specifically used Grade 5 titanium, the most widely-used titanium alloy, which was also used on the Mars rover.

The edges of the iPhone 15 Pro Max now come with a brushed finish.

As subtle as that change seems, the phone does feel smoother to the touch compared with previous models.

And as Apple also eliminated those sharp edges from the iPhone's three previous iterations, we can say that this is the most comfortable in this design series.

Two major hardware shifts

Over to the left above the volume buttons, you'll find another big change: the mute button, ever present since the 2007 original, is now gone and has been replaced by the Action Button.

This makes it more versatile, as you can now assign a specific action for it, including firing up the camera, flashlight, voice memo or magnifier, toggle focus and silent modes, setting an accessibility feature, or assigning a shortcut to any app – or do nothing at all.

You'll have to press and hold the Action Button to activate whatever you've assigned to it. If you've been a long-time iPhone user, you might find that this new button will need some getting used to.

And, of course, the change that has a domino effect of sorts – the switch to USB-C.

As we explained before, USB-C has faster transfer and charging speeds compared to Apple's proprietary Lightning tech (we'll circle back to this later).

This change was coming. And it is for the better: this means one less cable to bring along. For Apple users, this sort of unifies the iPhone-and-MacBook combo – throw in the new AirPods Pro for good measure – as well as other devices you may need to connect.

Lastly, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max are identical in some ways, you still can't use the same protective cases for them. Why? Because of the dimensions: the iPhone 15 Pro Max's width and height are smaller, while its depth is thicker.

Camera through a 'tetraprism'

The triple-lens camera system with a 48MP lead sensor carries over into the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but with one interesting addition.

Apple has used what it has dubbed tetraprism tech, which basically fits a 120mm lens in the device, to achieve 5x optical zoom, or what is also being called a periscope lens. That's compared to the 3x optical zoom, equivalent to 77mm, on its predecessor.

As Apple explains, the tetraprism design is a folded glass structure below the lens that reflects light rays more than four times, allowing light to travel for longer in the same space, giving a new focal length. They've also improved its optical image stabilisation, which is critical when taking photos with long lens.

The results speak for themselves: Apple has been very good at photography, especially in retaining the natural mood of shots, day or night.

In the gallery above, we found ourselves shooting during a rather hazy day, which is captured nicely by the iPhone 15 Pro Max – normal or zoomed in.

While iPhone Pros have been a go-to for photography enthusiasts, with the addition of improved zoom and OIS systems, better light performance and the simplicity of how to use it, the 15 Pro Max should be their new choice. A reminder: the tetraprism tech comes only on the Pro Max.

Battery keeps going

The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a 4,441mAh battery, slightly bigger than its predecessor's 4,323mAh. In our one-hour YouTube-at-full-brightness test, the device lost 6 per cent, at par with the 14 Pro Max. Ditto for how long it lasted: it was good enough for a day-and-a-half, starting early in the morning.

In our charging session, it seems the switch to USB-C is showing its benefits. Within half an hour, the device shot up to 60 per cent, up from the 53 per cent in our review of the 14 Pro Max, using the woven power noodle out of the box and a 30W brick.

We also have to address reports of overheating that have surfaced in recent days.

During our tests, our unit, fortunately, did not encounter any such issue.

As of this review, Apple has said that it has identified the issue, and will be patching things up in a software update.

The verdict

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is, by far, the most complete package for an iPhone. While every iteration comes with some improvement, the combination of a sturdier camera, an even faster chip, the switch to USB-C and that smooth feel of its design make it a versatile device.

Some things that we did find to be disappointing were that battery life that hasn't been bumped up from its predecessor and the Action Button is limited to just one action. However, it's really hard to find a weakness in this iPhone – especially considering the fact its price hasn't moved.

Take note, though, that this year's Pro Max no longer has a 128GB variant, so the base device is now at 256GB.

We're also looking forward to when we can finally play Resident Evil Village and the remake of the legendary Resident Evil 4 – console-level gaming – on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Good times.

THE SPECS

Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now

The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe


Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km

BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES

SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities

Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails

Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies

Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Cultural fiesta

What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421,  Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day. 

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Rating: 2/5
 
Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final

Esperance de Tunis 0
Al Ain 3
(Ahmed 02’, El Shahat 17’, Al Ahbabi 60’)

Results:

5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1.400m | Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

5.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1,400m | Winner: AF Saab, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,600m | Winner: Majd Al Gharbia, Saif Al Balushi, Ridha ben Attia

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (PA) Listed Dh 180,000 1,600m | Winner: RB Money To Burn, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh 70,000 2,200m | Winner: AF Kafu, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 2,400m | Winner: Brass Ring, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed

MATCH INFO

Mumbai Indians 186-6 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 183-5 (20 ovs)

Mumbai Indians won by three runs

Asia Cup 2018 final

Who: India v Bangladesh

When: Friday, 3.30pm, Dubai International Stadium

Watch: Live on OSN Cricket HD

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

THE BIO

Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979

Education: UAE University, Al Ain

Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6

Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma

Favourite book: Science and geology

Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC

Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.

Usain Bolt's time for the 100m at major championships

2008 Beijing Olympics 9.69 seconds

2009 Berlin World Championships 9.58

2011 Daegu World Championships Disqualified

2012 London Olympics 9.63

2013 Moscow World Championships 9.77

2015 Beijing World Championships 9.79

2016 Rio Olympics 9.81

2017 London World Championships 9.95

Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2015%20PRO%20MAX
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Updated: October 04, 2023, 4:22 AM`