New iPhone 15 models compared: iPhone 15 vs. Plus vs. Pro vs. Pro Max

Apple this week unveiled not one, not two, not three, but four new iPhones, so there’s basically a model for every type of user, right? Yes, but not really.

Also: Everything Apple just announced: iPhone 15, Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods

The iPhone 15 series starts at $799 and ranges up to $1,199, so I wouldn’t go as far as to say that the buying decision for budget-minded shoppers can be made easily. If you do fall into that group, allow me to direct you to ZDNET’s best iPhone deals guide instead.

But if you’re dead set on the next generation of Apple handsets, let this decision tree help you make the best purchase for your needs, use cases, and preferences. I guarantee that one of the four iPhone 15 models will resonate with you more than the others.

Specifications

You should buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if…

1. You want the best iPhone camera experience, period.

This year, Apple has made its iPhone Pro Max model more fitting of its name by giving it the exclusive benefit of a new periscope zoom lens. How is this different than the telephoto lens found on the smaller Pro model? A periscope lens allows the iPhone to capture distant subjects with a 5x optical zoom as opposed to a digital one, which translates to greater detail and less blurriness.

Also: iPhone 15 Pro hands-on: I found a lot of reasons to upgrade and one to wait until next year

2. You’re a multimedia connoisseur

Besides the superior camera, the iPhone 15 Pro Max also offers the best multimedia experience of the four models released. With a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display that refreshes at 120Hz and powerful dual-channel speakers, the Pro Max variant remains the phone of choice if you often find yourself watching shows, short-form videos, and more, on your mobile device.

It’s rather heavy at 221 grams, but the thinner bezels and lighter Titanium material this year make the Pro Max more ergonomic than ever. The same couldn’t be said about last year’s 14 Pro Max.

You should buy the iPhone 15 Pro if…

1. You want the Pro benefits without the Pro Max size

Bigger is not always better, as the smaller iPhone Pro model has proved year after year. For most people, the 6.1-inch form factor of the standard Pro phone is more than enough. I personally find it to be more enjoyable to use than the Pro Max because of its combination of portability and power.

Also: iPhone 15 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro: Which model is best to buy?

Aside from the periscope lens and larger proportions, the iPhone 15 Pro offers just about every other utility that the Pro Max does, including the updated A17 Pro Bionic chip, iOS 17 features, and new Action Button. In fact, the Action Button is much more reachable on the smaller 15 Pro. And for photos and videos, it shares the same 48MP primary sensor, which is what you’ll rely on the most.

2. You can’t justify the $200 Max Tax

Due to the hardware gap, Apple is charging an extra $100 for the Pro Max model this year, making a $200 difference between the bigger device and the regular Pro. That’s a hefty sum, and is enough to cover a case, screen protector, and USB-C charging case — should you want to update your AirPods Pro to Apple’s new port standard. Or, you can just save the $200 and carry on.

You should buy the iPhone 15 Plus if…

1. You want a big-screen iPhone at a more accessible price

While the new iPhone 15 Plus isn’t necessarily cheap at a starting price of $899, it is the most affordable option if you want a big-screen iPhone that doesn’t cost $300 more. Like the Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Plus features a 6.8-inch panel with a similar-behaving Dynamic Island interface.

Also: Should you buy an iPhone 15? Here’s how my wife and I are deciding

The display doesn’t get quite as smooth with a 60Hz refresh rate, and the speakers are not as punchy as the Pro Max’s, but if you just want an iPhone that gets the basics right, and looks good doing them, then the 15 Plus is the way to go.

You should buy the iPhone 15 if…

1. You want the latest iPhone for less

If features like ProRes video recording, 120Hz ProMotion display, and an A17 Pro Bionic chip don’t raise your eyebrows, then the standard iPhone 15 may be the best option for you. It’s also the most accessible of the bunch, with a starting price of $799, and most carriers offering buy-one-get-one (BOGO) or “free with trade-in” deals for this model in particular.

Also: Apple iPhone 15 hands-on: New features left me with no Pro model envy at all

2. One of the colors suits your vibe

Smartphones are arguably our most personal piece of technology, so something as basic as color can be a deciding factor when purchasing one. Apple tends to give the non-Pro iPhones the more poppy and adventurous colors, with this year’s crop getting splashes of pastel yellow, pink, blue, white, and black. If one of those colors speaks to you, then it may be your calling to opt for an iPhone 15 instead of an iPhone 15 Pro.

Alternatives to consider

BEST IPHONE 15 ALTERNATIVE

iPhone 14

Last year’s iPhone 14 doesn’t have a Dynamic Island, but it’s nearly as capable as the iPhone 15 in every other regard. At $100 less, it’s still a viable option to buy in 2023.

BEST PRO MAX ALTERNATIVE

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

I don’t always recommend an Android phone as an iPhone alternative, but if peak camera performance is what you’re after, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra may give the iPhone 15 Pro Max a run for its money.