The latest addition to Apple's iconic iPhone lineup, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, has recently undergone rigorous battery life testing by DxOMark. While the device manages to deliver a commendable performance, there are notable disparities when compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Valued at $1,199.99 on Amazon, the iPhone 15 Pro Max exhibits robust battery life, yet the assessment reveals a somewhat perplexing scenario when juxtaposed with the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Battery Life Test Results
DxOMark's comprehensive battery life tests place the iPhone 15 Pro Max in a competitive position, outperforming the iPhone 14 Pro Max in specific areas. However, the margin is slim, resulting in an overall score of 134 points. This positions the iPhone 15 Pro Max in a tie for 29th place on DxOMark's leaderboard, alongside the Galaxy S23 Plus, Redmi Note 10, and Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G.
One would expect that the transition to a cutting-edge 3 nm chipset and a 2.7% larger battery would significantly enhance overall battery life. However, the reality proves somewhat different. The Apple A17 Pro chipset, while powerful, exhibits high power consumption during gaming, leading to a suboptimal performance in this particular scenario.
Performance Critique
The most substantial point of criticism arises from the iPhone 15 Pro Max's gaming performance, where it falls short of expectations. In a demanding gaming scenario, the device requires recharging in under 7 hours, notably inferior to its predecessor's 9:34 hours. This implies a 40% reduction in runtime compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max in similar conditions.
Surprisingly, the iPhone 15 Pro Max manages to surpass the iPhone 14 Pro Max in a singular battery life test, demonstrating superior endurance under low load conditions. This showcases the device's nuanced performance characteristics that vary across different usage scenarios.
Charging Time Considerations
Not only does the iPhone 15 Pro Max face challenges in prolonged usage scenarios, but its recharging time also raises eyebrows. DxOMark's observations reveal that the device takes 2:01 hours to reach a full charge when connected via USB Type-C, whereas wireless charging extends the duration to 2:36 hours. This relatively extended charging time aligns with the typical characteristics seen in iPhones.
