Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max review: attack on titanium

2023-09-28 10:00:00

Apple retains the three modules present since the 11 Pro Max model. Obviously, in five years the formula has evolved to become almost “professional” on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The main 48 megapixel module now allows photos to be captured in 24 Mpx by default, and no longer 12 Mpx. The photos are thus more detailed, without switching to the full definition of 48 Mpx. This same main module allows three different focal lengths: 24 mm (default), 28 mm and 35 mm. The x3 telephoto lens disappears on this model in favor of a periscopic lens with x5 magnification (120 mm equivalent) of 12 Mpx. Finally, the ultra wide-angle retains the same characteristics as on the iPhone 14 Pro Max (12 Mpx).

For this test, we will focus on the default focal length of 24mm. The other two, 28 and 35mm, will be covered in a more detailed article.

Main module: 48 Mpx, f/1.8, eq. 24mm

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (12 Mpx, éq. 23 mm, f/1,7, ISO 60, 1/180 s)

iPhone 15 Pro Max (24 Mpx, éq. 24 mm, f/1,8, ISO 80, 1/372 s)

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With its wide-angle and pixel-binning in pairs, the iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers excellent photos. The image has very good sharpness and one of the best exposures we have observed on a smartphone. Same, the colorimetry is completely different from that offered by the Galaxy S23 Ultra, its main competitor. But like the latter, the strength of this iPhone lies in the retention of details on the periphery. It’s quite impressive and few smartphones do it correctly.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (12 Mpx, 23 mm eq, f/1.8, ISO 50, 1 s) iPhone 15 Pro Max (24 Mpx, 24 mm eq, f/1.8, ISO 1600, 1/25). s) to enlarge

At night, Apple avoids forcing the exposure too much and prefers to maintain a fairer brightness. In fact, the iPhone 15 Pro Max captures a “natural” photo with a level of detail just as acceptable as that offered by the S23 Ultra. We note a slight smoothing of the scene and the slight increase in sensitivity (1600 ISO) avoids digital noise.

Night mode Night mode Night enlarge

Night mode handles exposure a little differently. The microcontrast is well reinforced to enhance shadows and certain details, which is somewhat detrimental to the overall quality of the image. However, the shot is quite good as long as you don’t zoom in 100%. For reference, the photo was captured on a tripod with a timer of only 3 s.

Ultra wide-angle module: 12 Mpx, f/2.2, eq. 13mm

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (12 Mpx, éq. 13 mm, f/2,2, ISO 80, 1/100 s)

iPhone 15 Pro Max (12 Mpx, éq. 13 mm, f/2,2, ISO 40, 1/134 s)

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The ultra wide angle is just as impressive as the wide angle. Not benefiting from a hardware improvement, everything is played out at the software level. The shot taken is already superior to the proposal for the iPhone 14 Pro Max of 2022. The sharpness is better, but at the cost of a microcontrast that is a little too forced.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (12 Mpx, éq. 13 mm, f/2,2, ISO 2500, 1/14 s)

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (12 Mpx, éq. 13 mm, f/2,2, ISO 1600, 1/25 s)

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At night, it’s more or less the same song, except that the image is all blurred. The photo sports a little more detail compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra, but at the cost of digital noise which covers a good part of the scene. This is the complete opposite of the Samsung model, which favors a slightly overexposed image, but completely smoothed by software processing.

Periscopic module x5: 12 Mpx, f/2.8, eq. 120mm

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (jour)

iPhone 15 Pro Max (12 Mpx, éq. 120 mm, f/2,8, ISO 64, 1/100 s)

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Even if the magnifications differ – Samsung offers a x3 zoom on its Ultra model – the iPhone 15 Pro Max does better with its x5 zoom. Certainly, the image presents a microcontrast that is a little too forced (the watchword this year on the iPhone 15 Pro), but the level of sharpness is much more satisfactory. As usual, Samsung tends to slightly overexpose its photos.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (nuit)

iPhone 15 Pro Max (12 Mpx, éq. 120 mm, f/2,8, ISO 2500, 1/20 s)

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In low light conditions, you shouldn’t ask too much, because smartphones that perform admirably in this area are rare, if not non-existent. The iPhone 15 Pro Max therefore offers a scene covered in digital noise and complicated to exploit.

Front module, portrait and video mode

The front module has not evolved one iota. The iPhone 15 Pro Max still benefits from a 13 Mpx copy with f/1.9 aperture. Selfies are precise and vibrant, do not suffer from too much brightness and will generally provide satisfaction.

Portrait mode is also true to itself, but obviously takes advantage of the new photographic capabilities. Understand by this that you can take portraits with x5 magnification using the periscopic lens. You may also no longer use portrait mode to capture these types of images. Indeed, the iPhone 15 Pro adopts the portrait functionality in the followingmath. In normal photography, iPhone can detect whether a person or animal is in the frame. Once the shot has been captured, you can then apply a background blur. Quite practical.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a real filming machine. After the appearance of ProRes, Apple will integrate the LOG format in 2023 dedicated to professionals, as it allows complete color calibration. For ordinary mortals, filming in 4K allows you to shoot up to 60 fps, in 1080p up to 240 fps, in Dolby Vision HDR at 60 fps and in 4K Cinematic mode at 24 or 30 fps. /s.

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