Back in April this year, I picked up a used iPhone 15 Pro Max for just under €900. It wasn’t a planned upgrade, just something that made sense at the time — and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best tech decisions I’ve made recently.
Now, we’re well into 2025, and while everyone’s hyped about the iPhone 16 lineup (and even rumors about the 17), I figured I’d share why the 15 Pro Max is still such a solid option — especially if you’re trying to get the most out of your money.
1. The Price Gap Is Massive — and Makes No Sense
Let’s talk numbers. Right now, a used 15 Pro Max in good condition can be found for around €815 if you shop around. Compare that to a used iPhone 16 Pro Max, which still floats around €1,100 or more — and that’s before tax if you’re buying new.
Here’s the kicker: they’re not that different. Spending a few hundred extra for such small changes didn’t seem worth it to me. I’d rather keep that money in my pocket (or spend it on something actually useful).
2. It’s Basically the Same Phone
I’ve used both side by side — mine and a friend’s 16 Pro Max — and if I’m being totally honest, the experience is almost identical.
Yes, the 16 has a new “Capture Button,” which is cool for like five minutes, but I rarely miss it. The bezels are slightly thinner, and the screen is a hair bigger, but day-to-day? No one’s noticing that. What does matter is performance, and the A17 Pro chip in the 15 Pro Max is still a beast.
Unless you’re obsessed with always having the “latest,” it’s really hard to justify the extra money.
3. That Zoom Lens Is No Joke
One feature that seriously impressed me was the 5x tetra prism zoom. I didn’t think I’d use it much — but I was wrong. It’s sharp, fast, and works great for anything from concerts to city shots.
Fun fact: you only get this on three phones — the 15 Pro Max, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. So if you want pro-level zoom without the pro-level price, this is the way to go.
I had a regular iPhone 15 Pro before this, and as soon as I saw what the Pro Max could do with zoom, I kinda regretted not getting it sooner.
4. Starts With 256 GB (Finally)
This one might sound small, but if you’ve ever had to manage space on a 128 GB phone, you’ll get it. The 15 Pro Max starts at 256 GB — no upgrades needed, no extra fees.
And if you’re into video content or ProRes recording, this makes a huge difference. If you’ve got a 128 GB model, Apple makes you plug in an external SSD to shoot in 4K ProRes. Yeah, seriously.
5. It’s Ready for Apple’s AI Stuff
Apple Intelligence (their fancy name for on-device AI) was a big deal in iOS 18. Most of it is still early-stage — things like writing suggestions, image generation, etc. — but the good news is that the 15 Pro Max is fully compatible.
It’s got the same A17 Pro chip and RAM as the new models, so when Apple does roll out more serious AI tools, you’re already covered.
Bonus: Avoid the iPhone 16 Plus
Just a quick note in case you’re considering the iPhone 16 Plus instead: don’t. No ProMotion, no always-on display, no telephoto lens, and still starts at 128 GB. Oh, and it uses slow USB 2.0 speeds.
It’s lighter, sure — but that’s the only real “plus.” I genuinely think the 15 Pro Max offers more, even though it came out the year before.
Final Thoughts
Look, I get the excitement around new phones. But after using the iPhone 15 Pro Max every single day for the last few months, I’ve got zero regrets. It’s fast, it’s powerful, and it feels premium.
Unless the iPhone 17 introduces something mind-blowingly new, I’m staying put.
If you’re in the market for a flagship iPhone and don’t want to overpay for minimal upgrades, the 15 Pro Max is still the smartest buy in 2025.
