15 Pro Max - was it good for you? Long term review

[@CoolTatts]

Hated the 15PM 512GB and left Apple to try Android. Missed iPhone so reluctantly I ended up getting just the iPhone 15 Pro 256GB. Turns out it was the larger size I hated and after a couple months don’t use more than 130GB (even when travelling and downloading lots of content from all my video streaming services). Now really enjoying the iPhone 15 Pro on iOS 18 Beta. Glad to be back.

[@DavidLewisTech]

As I said, I didn't dare to put the beta on my phone due to the banking apps. But, I can't wait to play with iOS 18. It's amazing how 256GB is now enough storage - but it's ample, right? Great to hear from you - and thanks for commenting 👊🏻

[@TheTruthScribbler]

Im happy with my 15pm! Wont upgrade to the 16. Will wait till 17.

[@slavax7096]

Not sure about 17, 15pm is more than enough for at least three more years

[@derrickswanegan9907]

I worry about battery health I had the 12 pm for 3 years and 87% battery health I won’t get the 16 but the 17 yes

[@robhughes8516]

@@derrickswanegan9907why worry? When it comes to the time, just have the battery replaced, all good.

[@DavidLewisTech]

well, in a few weeks, I'll be able to let you know if there is anything major you are missing out on...👌🏻 but as of right now, I'd say that's probably a smart decision 🤛🏻

[@PSy84]

odd numbers are the best in iPhone models

[@conalhendry]

Im actually leaving the P8P for an iPhone, im getting on a bit now and i dont want to deal with bugs etc. iOS is no drama and absolute refinement 👌🏼

[@DavidLewisTech]

hi ya - as you may know I tried the Pixel 8 Pro last year and enjoyed it, but Android just feels a little frenetic for me...iPhone and iOS, love it or hate it just does what it says on the tin!

[@bpresgrove]

I’ve got the 15 pro max now for almost a year and have no plans to upgrade. It’s a really good phone. I plan on getting the wife one to upgrade from her 13. Great video as always.

[@DavidLewisTech]

yeah - I have been pretty pleased with mine too. It'll be interesting to see what the 16 brings to the party

[@bpresgrove]

@@DavidLewisTech agreed and I may upgrade to the 17 when it comes out but it has to be more than a camera upgrade. I’m not a huge picture taker, I am an IT Pro so the guts of a tech device is what I’m more interested in.

[@DavidLewisTech]

so the rumoured iPhone Air won't interest you all that much then 😀

[@bpresgrove]

@@DavidLewisTech lol doooont think so

[@bpresgrove]

@@DavidLewisTech I’m really hoping they may find some way to cram one of those m chips in a phone. However there would be a much bigger heat problem than now already. I was on a teams call and my phone literally became to uncomfortably hot to hold unless I gripped from the bottom edges. That’s the one huge downside to a phone is poor cooling. It’s a constant fight. I have to take mine out of its case sometimes to help it cool down.

[@Adamtendo_player_1]

Nice summary of the iPhone 15 pro Max. I’m currently using the iPhone 14 pro Max and it’s very good phone still I was a little disappointed with it especially with the camera. Everything just felt a bit blurry. Had this horrible smear. I don’t know over sharpening effect but I think they did improve it with software updates, I don’t know but I did go to love my 14 pro Max which I’ve had for almost 18 months, but I will be upgrading to the iPhone 16 pro Max I currently have 512 gigs of storage on my 14 pro Max but I think I’ve got over half of my storage left but I feel like definitely need more storage due to suit in a little video but I am thinking of investing in an SSD hard drive so I will never reach my storage limit I would say in regards to the iPhone 16 pro I’m looking forward to Apple intelligence the most and I’m hoping the aperture will be wider. Maybe they’ll go to 1.6 or something for the aperture and I’m gonna go for the 1TB model for the first time ever and see how that goes because I do get anxiety with storage because at the moment I don’t have any thing to offload my videos too, as I think the iPhone 14 Pro Max wasn’t supported for the SSD hard drive as well as just making my phone pretty much obsolete now with the Apple and intelligence requiring eight gigs of ram at minimum. Anyway great video on your thoughts of the 15 pro Max which was very detailed and informative.

[@DavidLewisTech]

hi there - great to hear from you and your thoughts on the 14 PM and what you are considering moving forwards. The big difference for you this time will be not having to worry about temporary local storage with your video work. When I first used the 15 PM I was sceptical about how well the SSD would work - but honestly, it is SO good! You'll love it and I swear by it! I can't wait to get my hands on the 16 and start to make content about it.

[@davidhughes4489]

I have been saying for the past 6 years im not upgrading this time around, then every September yet here I am wondering what colours will be available and making my choice. all the best.

[@DavidLewisTech]

Hi David - great to hear from you! Yup, I think we all try to deny we're hooked, but we are Apple junkies! Thanks for getting in touch 🙏🏻

[@marcustaylor9210]

Good review, very few mention the scratch screen on reviews my 15pro max is my first smartphone to get a scratch and that was after 2 weeks, my first smartphone was the HTC Legend and that screen is scratch free, I have never dropped a phone and would prefer the iPhone 12 Pro Max screen,

[@DavidLewisTech]

Really? No one else has mentioned the micro-scratches? That surprised me as it seems a real issue. Gald you've picked up on it as well...🙏🏻

[@HistoryNut-1701]

I’m still using the iPhone 12 Pro. If I can afford to upgrade this year, I may go with the standard iPhone 16 Max, as I don’t really use all the “Pro” features on my phone, and the cameras on the standard unit are still pro quality, but without the specialty lenses that I seldom ever used.

[@Elizabeth-jk4yj]

Does ur 12 have any issues?

[@HistoryNut-1701]

@@Elizabeth-jk4yj It only has an older, less efficient SOC processor. The battery is still at 86% health.

[@PSy84]

48mp cam may come to ultrawide in 16pm. which means better ultrawide photos, and better action mode since it uses ultrawide before cropping

[@DavidLewisTech]

Looking forward to getting my hands on it 😊

[@stephenmarks4927]

Great real world experience video David, looking forward also to the upcoming videos you'll be making on the 16 Pro Max phone which is the phone that I personally plan on getting myself.

[@DavidLewisTech]

hi there Stephen - thanks for watching and commenting. What phone are you trading up from? 🤷🏻

[@stephenmarks4927]

@@DavidLewisTech David I will finally after so many years be switching away from Android, I will be trading in and switching from a Galaxy s23 ultra to the 16 pro Max model and staying with Apple from now on. It's just simply in my opinion a higher quality phone in the ways that I prefer a phone to be

[@DavidLewisTech]

Hi Stephen - that interests me... Samsung are on such a roll with AI and you are choosing to come back to Apple at this time. Is that BECAUSE of AI? Personally, I don't use or rely that heavily on AI daily...

[@stephenmarks4927]

@@DavidLewisTech David, just so many features that Apple offers over Samsung I like, magsafe built in for example better animations, Samsung is still glitchy with these. Faster software updates at least here in the US. Also the phone holds its value far greater than Samsung, at least here in the US. Just so much more to go into. I will try out the upcoming 16 max phone. I'm expecting definitely to keep it, but if I don't at least I can say I gave it a shot. Also Apple's use of AI both now as well as upcoming hopefully soon, upcoming is a better usage at least to me for every day then what Samsung at least in my individual opinion is offering. Each top tier model phone of each brand is pretty comparable, so now I will try out Apple. I've always admired Apple, but the rigid limited ability to customize in the past kept me away from Apple. Thankfully that's now begun to change in Apple. With their latest iOS update. There's more but this will help explain

[@DavidLewisTech]

you make some great points! Yeah, what is currently boring with the AI race is all the useless stuff - being able to draw crowns on images...so what? I'll never use it anyway. Hopefully, Apple Intelligence will be a more refined and grown-up approach 🙏🏻

[@momotaroux264]

Wasn’t intending on upgrading for 5 plus years, but my mom’s 11 is almost out the door now so she’s getting my 15PM and it gives me an excuse to upgrade this year 😂

[@DavidLewisTech]

good ol' mom!! Great she'd given you that 'excuse' 😋

[@tomasazcarate8925]

I am thinking of buying the iPhone 15 Pro when the iPhone 16s are out, but I wanted to know your opinion. I plan to upgrade from my iPhone SE 3. I think I will go for that iPhone because it will have a similar price point as the normal iPhone 16, but I will get some pro features like the three cameras and the ProMotion screen.

[@DavidLewisTech]

Most importantly, you will be future-proofing yourself too as it will be Apple Intelligence-ready! At least you can make up your own mind whether you like it or not!

[@tomasazcarate8925]

overall do think its a good choice?

[@DavidLewisTech]

I think it's a great idea, and as you saw from my video, overall, I have been ever so happy with my 15 PM this past year. I think you'll love it 🤛🏻

[@whatisthisevenfor27]

I have been getting a new iPhone every year since the 3G my question is in regards to the iPhone 16 Pro Max do you know if they’re going to upgrade the main camera?🤔🤔🤔 I want to see the main camera get upgraded no one has talked about that yet

[@DavidLewisTech]

hi there - the only changes to the camera that I have heard of are a 48 MP ultra-wide camera, the Pro Max is getting a larger Sony sensor and we are expecting Tetraprism Telephoto lenses too. That's about all I have for you though...

[@conalhendry]

Also subbed off this video. Liking your content

[@DavidLewisTech]

amazing - thanks, fella. It means so much! 🙏🏻

[@pinky1933]

I’m enjoying my 15 pro max 512gb but honestly getting bored. I hope iOS 18 is a greatly needed refresh to everything anyone wants to do with their phone. Personally want more customization so I’m looking forward to app placement most. Battery is subpar if I have everything maxed like 5g, aod and 120 htz. But the best thing about it are the cameras. Absolutely love them. And I agree, 2TB would be far too much. Hell, my 512 is a lot.

[@DavidLewisTech]

yeah - who could ever need 2TB of storage is beyond me. Even if you downloaded a few movies you wouldn't need that much...and just think how much it would cost? My 1TB phone cost me £1700 two years ago. The battery needs to be looked at - a Pro device should last longer and not give so much battery anxiety!

[@06501026fewa]

Agreed. I have a 15PM as well. But I got bored and bought an s24 ultra last week. Ngl s24u is a beast. Gaming is not as good as iPhone tho but customization is next level.

[@DavidLewisTech]

so is gaming good on the 15PM then?

[@Involvement82]

I’m using it now and also on the IOS 18 beta 4. I’m loving the customization

[@DavidLewisTech]

hi ya - I didn't risk running the Beta for banking app reasons etc but I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on it! Thanks for watching and commenting...👌🏻

[@Evan_Rodgers]

Great long term review! I always find myself buying the first storage upgrade on iPhone bc I hate nothing more than seeing the low storage warning pop up. If the 17 Pro gets a pinhole camera I might wait lol.

[@DavidLewisTech]

oooohhhh - I've not heard that rumour? Is there talk of the 17 having a pinhole camera then?

[@leebeeskee]

I really wanted the 15 Pro but I'm holding out for the 16 Pro which I will be purchasing and I'm looking forward to it!

[@DavidLewisTech]

What phone ar you on now Lee? Just a few weeks to go and the 16 will be in your hands 🙌

[@Milansef123]

I sold the 14 pro, which had a terrible battery. I couldn't wait for the sixteenth series, so a few days ago I got the 15 pro max 256gb in natural titanium.

[@robhughes8516]

You still got the best iPhone that will be able to utilize all of the upcoming AI features. You’re good for a few years or more.

[@DavidLewisTech]

same as mine then! I think you are in for a treat my friend 👍🏻

[@Milansef123]

@@robhughes8516 Absolutely, i think i will upgrade when iphone 18 arrives.

[@stevegeekscorner]

Let's hope that Apple Intelligence comes out sooner rather than later

[@DavidLewisTech]

yeah, Steve - I want Apple to get this right and not drop the ball over it! Hope you are well my friend 🤛🏻

[@anthonys8254]

Great video. You asked for others experiences so here's mine. Never been so underwhelmed to be honest in the last few models. The titanium is nice, action button never used as it's too far up, batter life worse, agree RE micro scratches. But overall - no flip, AI features or anything that has the wow factor. Watched the Google event the other night and on software (AI) and hardware Apple need to up their game. I'll get the 16 Pro Max as I'm on an annual upgrade but tempted by the smaller model (which EE won't let me go to) and also the Pixel Flip Pro 9 (but I'm too far in the Apple ecosystem).

[@DavidLewisTech]

Hi Anthony - I tried a flip briefly last year, the Flip 6 but found it too gimmicky for me and the cameras were not good enough for me. Horses for courses I know. Those micro scratches are a real problem and Apple needs to look into that. The Pixel lasted far better. And I am still concerned that they will release the 16 with hardly any mainline Apple Intelligence features. Yup, the ecosystem does trap us - I'm not sure if that's good or bad?

[@ld3534]

Sheesh. I'm at 235 cycles and I'm at 97% health. Yours dropped pretty significantly

[@houssamadnane271]

do you stop charging at 80%?

[@ld3534]

@@houssamadnane271 nah my charging habits are pretty static because I have a desk job. During the day I stay between 20% and 80%. But at night I use optimized battery charging and for once the phone actually learned my habits because I wake up the same time every day. And I use both magsafe and wired depending on where I am or how quickly I need to top up. Magsafe/low power mode/optimized while home and wired at work.

[@DavidLewisTech]

OOOF! God job I am swapping in a few weeks then! 😋. Maybe charging past 80% is the reason...?

[@Karthikeyan-2066]

Not really bruh draining below 20 makes the battery worse

[@jd7089]

I’m at 413 Cycles and I’m at 94% Battery Health…😬

[@ZaWarudo_TokiWoTomare]

I think 120hz matters. For gaming or just scrolling it just feels better. I hope we get it on the base model iPhones next year.

[@emilsecker7881]

Agreed. I doubt it’s coming though. It’s called ProMotion for a reason

[@DavidLewisTech]

As you know, I don't game, but the scrolling is super smooth....would the SE interest you?

[@ZaWarudo_TokiWoTomare]

@DavidLewisTech I have a 13 pro right now. I couldn't get used to the max size. I don't think I will be upgrading it in a while. Oh, and the SE doesn't interest me.

[@DavidLewisTech]

Interesting - I was thinking about picking an SE up to review next year just to see what it's all about...

[@ZaWarudo_TokiWoTomare]

@DavidLewisTech I'd like to see a review still. If you can make one, I would still watch it.

[@bishwasmishra6447]

You are forgetting the fact that the reason you have 256 GB and still manageable space left is because of iCloud. I too have the 256 GB that I bought 12 months back and right now I have around 127 GB free. But around six months back, when I had visited Nepal, my phone used to often get full storage by me capturing videos and pictures and uploading to iCloud was slower than the rate at which I was taking pictures and videos because there was no good Wi-Fi service available. Also, I’m disappointed by the fact that the iPhone 15 Pro suddenly stopped taking the macro photos that it used to take.

[@DavidLewisTech]

hi there - one thing I do agree with over is the speed of syncing to iCloud. Too often I have to 'resume' which shouldn't be the way. The biggest files I work with are the log files and they go directly to the external SSD. Also, I have 2TB of iCloud storage which means I can keep nearly everything off the phone. Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏🏻

[@vernearase3044]

I believe the 5x camera is only on the pro models.

[@DavidLewisTech]

yup - you are quite right 🤛🏻

[@yordantrifonov6449]

The overheating is the only issue I experienced with my 15 pro max. 63 cycles 98% battery health. 😩

[@DavidLewisTech]

hi ya - getting various stories on the battery health here - interesting...

[@danielbozev6942]

I feel the glass back different from the 14 pro and 13 pro. I feel it more matte and not so smooth. I know its glass but it feels a little bit like plastic. Anyone with the same feeling or i have falty unit?

[@DavidLewisTech]

hi - I think it is because it is more frosted and matte which gives it that feeling. I think it feels quite premium actually... Great to get your point of view though 🤛🏻

[@Martytw1]

Apple Intelligence with ChatGPT advanced voice mode, that is what I'm looking forward to!

[@DavidLewisTech]

I was at an Apple event in Londo n yesterday where they were talking about the ChatGPT integration and how they have tried hard to make it feel like an Apple experience...🤞🏻

[@Buzza235]

Now that you've experienced 120hz, going back to 60hz would be awful.

[@DavidLewisTech]

yeah, as i said, I think it's because I've become so used to it, but I wouldn't want to go backwards!

[@derrickswanegan9907]

I just hit 235 cycles and dropped to 99% battery health on my 15 pro max

[@DavidLewisTech]

Damn!! That is a healthy battery! 🔋

[@graham1155]

Mine has been an overheating glitchy mess

[@DavidLewisTech]

so the heating has caused it to glitch out then?

[@graham1155]

@@DavidLewisTech no, I wouldn’t say it’s heat related. The screen often becomes unresponsive in some apps. The other issue I’ve had is cellular connection is poor

[@DavidLewisTech]

oh - snap! My cell connection has been awful. I was blaming my provider. Do you think it could be partly the iPhone's fault then?

[@graham1155]

@DavidLewisTech I thought the same, however, many of my friends and colleagues are complaining of the same issues. I placed my sim into a Samsung phone to test and had no issues.

[@DavidLewisTech]

cool - I have made a note of this. I may mention it in a future video. I will certainly compare the 15PM to the 16PM re connectivity over cell

[@Involvement82]

The iPhone definitely gets hot 🥵

[@DavidLewisTech]

I think I've been pretty lucky then 😋

[@obtrunco]

HUh? I have the 14 Pro Max, there are no square edges.

[@DavidLewisTech]

the 15s are much smoother I promise. Go and compare side by side. It's ever subtle but makes a massive difference

[@videomaniac108]

Just get s Pixel 9 Pro and be happy; Gemini stomps all over Apple Intelligence.

[@DavidLewisTech]

Google are certainly way ahead right now! 🫢

[@jumaaljbar3255]

Apple colours more useful then 120hz apple say lf apple say its over

[@DavidLewisTech]

great to hear from you - cheers 🤛🏻

[@nolongerhavetowork]

I don't like AI.

[@DavidLewisTech]

and I can't say I blame you!

[@k.vn.k]

I have pro Max at 99% health. Edit: 330 cycles

[@DavidLewisTech]

I'm glad I covered the battery health it's gained some interesting feedback. Do you only charge to 80%?

[@kurt120032002]

What "Ecosystem"? There is no Ecosystem to speak of. Let's try this with Apple "ecosystem": Let's get iPad Pro with keyboard to make it a laptop replacement, with pen. First we'll do some spreadsheet work, nothing out ordinary, then I'll take my apple pen and my iPhone pro max ultra premium bs, becasue I need to take a few notes and a 12.9" tablet would be too much, and when I came back and resume work, I think I will connect my portable dac/amp to the keyboard USB so I don't have the cable hanging, and I will send the full 192/24 audio from my Apple Music library. Nothing out of ordinary, nothing that every day user would not do. What was that? NOTHING of the above actually work? so we don't have an "ecosystem" do we? Also as a fun note, all of the above can be done just with A samsung galaxy, a display and wireless mouse and keyboard... just saying. An "Ecosystem" is when products PERFORM AT THEIR ACTUAL PRICE and if paired with products from the same brand, they got something extra. Apple does NOT perform at their actual price, in fact they are the bare minimum above useless, and the extra that suppose to get, is nothing more then a party trick, like "look I can talk to Siri on my speaker". Nice... can I connect the most expensive iPad to send all 24/194 out of USB in to my 10.000 Euro audio system? No? What we got with these apple boot lickers is what I call "but syndrome". They always go "But, but, it's an acosystem, if you just use the apple 400Euro speaker, will work better. You don't understand" I am sure I don't.

[@DavidLewisTech]

I bet we could have great banter over a drink 🥃! You make some good points and I lover great conversation - thank you 🙏🏻. Thoughtful comments like this are always welcome

[@kurt120032002]

@@DavidLewisTech I know I have a disregard for people feelings. I am the same in person. I only care if an argument is true or false, and I don’t feel offended If I am proven wrong.

[@DavidLewisTech]

opinions are a good thing....I approve, especially when they are based on good, well based thoughts

[@froggboy]

Barely on a 98% 🔋

[@DavidLewisTech]

ouch!

[@Vibie100]

I can’t stand 60hz, it’s horrible.

[@DavidLewisTech]

I need to do a side-by-side comparison - I'll do that soon on a video...

[@Hard_7_Iron]

Hmmmm seems you don’t need a Pro. You don’t use many of the features.

[@DavidLewisTech]

other than recording every week in ProRes Log, the Final Cut Camera app, using the majority of the focal lengths in the camera, relying on fast transfer from the USBC port, and relying on Apple Maps and Apple Music every day you mean....