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iPhone 15 Pro Still unsure about Pro vs. Pro Max (screen real estate)

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learjet

macrumors regular
Original poster
Dec 21, 2021
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I‘m still unsure whether to buy an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max:
  • Does the 15 Pro really display less content than previous models, e.g. the Xs or 11 Pro, despite featuring a larger display size and higher resolution?
  • Is the 15 Pro Max really better usable one-handed than previous models? I returned an iPhone 14 Pro Max for that reason, the phone was unwieldy.
  • How usable is reachability or the swipe-to-move-back-gesture w. the 15 Pro Max? Can you reach the left screen edge with your thumb, holding the phone with your right hand?
 
My 2c, owning the 14max but have handled both the 15pro/max… these are my personal takes: The 15pro doesn’t display less content then previous phones really to even mention, I think with display and content/text tweaks you can see more or bigger on a max, that’s why I rock it, together with unquestionable more battery time. I use glasses so I want bigger text. IMO both the pro and max is kind of 2 handed devices, even though I learnt to do a lot with one hand now actually, and that’s going to be easier on a pro of course compared, but I dont think of the pro as a 1 hander. So, my thinking was I can just as well have the max. And yes with training, with the laying in your hand in the right way, I can swipe from the left side. And the reachability thing works great on the max for me. You can always use the tapping on the back as an addition.
 
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Carlsberg69 said:
My 2c, owning the 14max but have handled both the 15pro/max… these are my personal takes: The 15pro doesn’t display less content then previous phones really to even mention, I think with display and content/text tweaks you can see more or bigger on a max, that’s why I rock it, together with unquestionable more battery time. I use glasses so I want bigger text. IMO both the pro and max is kind of 2 handed devices, even though I learnt to do a lot with one hand now actually, and that’s going to be easier on a pro of course compared, but I dont think of the pro as a 1 hander. So, my thinking was I can just as well have the max. And yes with training, with the laying in your hand in the right way, I can swipe from the left side. And the reachability thing works great on the max for me. You can always use the tapping on the back as an addition.
Click to expand...
Do you use the max with a case though?
 
I have had both pro and pro max phones and have seen a lot of people struggle with this decision.

If you’re on the fence, the best way forward is to pick based on what you prioritize in a phone. If portability (with a good sized screen) is the priority, get the pro. If the priority is having the most immersive experience, or if your eyes need the bigger screen, or if you just want the pro model with the longest battery life, get the max.
 
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Jesus, this decision is nightmarish: At first, I clearly wanted the Pro Max for its larger screen, because I’d like to avoid buying a separate iPad for reading and content consumption. But then I tried the 14 Pro Max and sent it back, because it was like a brick. Now I’m slightly leaning towards the 15 Pro (non Max). Coming from the Xs, I saw that even the smaller Pro does have a slightly larger screen. All In all, I like the one-handed usability of my Xs more than I could have imagined. So: 15 Pro (non Max) it is, I guess?
 
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learjet said:
Jesus, this decision is nightmarish: At first, I clearly wanted the Pro Max for its larger screen, because I’d like to avoid buying a separate iPad for reading and content consumption. But then I tried the 14 Pro Max and sent it back, because it was like a brick. Now I’m slightly leaning towards the 15 Pro (non Max). Coming from the Xs, I saw that even the smaller Pro does have a slightly larger screen. All In all, I like the one-handed usability of my Xs more than I could have imagined. So: 15 Pro (non Max) it is, I guess?
Click to expand...
Sounds like the pro (non max) is right for you.
 
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learjet said:
Jesus, this decision is nightmarish: At first, I clearly wanted the Pro Max for its larger screen, because I’d like to avoid buying a separate iPad for reading and content consumption. But then I tried the 14 Pro Max and sent it back, because it was like a brick. Now I’m slightly leaning towards the 15 Pro (non Max). Coming from the Xs, I saw that even the smaller Pro does have a slightly larger screen. All In all, I like the one-handed usability of my Xs more than I could have imagined. So: 15 Pro (non Max) it is, I guess?
Click to expand...
Lol not the easiest decision… Agree, if biggest battery isn’t a criteria for you and you are fine with the pro size screen, since you also like the Xs that much, I think the 15pro is right on for you, especially now when the edges are more rounded. Wish you good luck with your choice!
 
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learjet said:
Jesus, this decision is nightmarish: At first, I clearly wanted the Pro Max for its larger screen, because I’d like to avoid buying a separate iPad for reading and content consumption. But then I tried the 14 Pro Max and sent it back, because it was like a brick. Now I’m slightly leaning towards the 15 Pro (non Max). Coming from the Xs, I saw that even the smaller Pro does have a slightly larger screen. All In all, I like the one-handed usability of my Xs more than I could have imagined. So: 15 Pro (non Max) it is, I guess?
Click to expand...
This is a situation where, I appreciate that Apple has given us choices, but I almost miss the days of the 5S and prior where there was one phone and little thought to go into it. I am 6'7" with large hands and for some reason, I am still drawn to try the regular pro. I had the 15 PM for the 14 day window and I did enjoy it. The titanium does make it lighter, and I can one-hand most of it. The battery is great and the screen is easier on my eyes. But at the end of the day, whether it be while running errands, in my pockets, whipping out on the move, etc I like the smaller form factor. I get my regular Pro Tuesday. This will be the deciding factor for me I think. Something has to give and I need to stick with a decision. Both have pros/cons depending on specific situations.

Edit: I immediately missed the screen size and battery life. Back to the PM I go.
 
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learjet said:
Jesus, this decision is nightmarish: At first, I clearly wanted the Pro Max for its larger screen, because I’d like to avoid buying a separate iPad for reading and content consumption. But then I tried the 14 Pro Max and sent it back, because it was like a brick. Now I’m slightly leaning towards the 15 Pro (non Max). Coming from the Xs, I saw that even the smaller Pro does have a slightly larger screen. All In all, I like the one-handed usability of my Xs more than I could have imagined. So: 15 Pro (non Max) it is, I guess?
Click to expand...
the 15 pro max is slightly smaller and weighs less so it feels much better compared to the 14 pro max, i would go to an apple store and go hands on with both the pro and pro max to help with your decision.
 
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learjet said:
Jesus, this decision is nightmarish: At first, I clearly wanted the Pro Max for its larger screen, because I’d like to avoid buying a separate iPad for reading and content consumption. But then I tried the 14 Pro Max and sent it back, because it was like a brick. Now I’m slightly leaning towards the 15 Pro (non Max). Coming from the Xs, I saw that even the smaller Pro does have a slightly larger screen. All In all, I like the one-handed usability of my Xs more than I could have imagined. So: 15 Pro (non Max) it is, I guess?
Click to expand...
See to me the 14 pm and 15 pm are totally different. If your on the fence which seems like you maybe, 15PM is now light enough.
 
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learjet said:
I‘m still unsure whether to buy an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max:
  • Does the 15 Pro really display less content than previous models, e.g. the Xs or 11 Pro, despite featuring a larger display size and higher resolution?
  • Is the 15 Pro Max really better usable one-handed than previous models? I returned an iPhone 14 Pro Max for that reason, the phone was unwieldy.
  • How usable is reachability or the swipe-to-move-back-gesture w. the 15 Pro Max? Can you reach the left screen edge with your thumb, holding the phone with your right hand?
Click to expand...

Which did you end up with?
 
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