OnePlus 15 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max

Two Flagships, Very Different Priorities

In 2025, if you want a large flagship phone with triple cameras, strong performance, and long battery life, the choice in North America narrows quickly. The iPhone 17 Pro Max and the OnePlus 15 sit at the top — and despite targeting very different users, they’re closer than expected.

At first glance, the price gap is obvious:

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: USD $1,200

• OnePlus 15: Around USD $1,000

That $200 difference matters, but it’s not the whole story.

Camera Performance: Consistency vs Specs

On paper, the OnePlus 15 looks stronger with triple 50MP rear cameras, compared to Apple’s triple 48MP setup. In real use, it doesn’t quite play out that way.

All three rear cameras on the iPhone use larger sensors, which gives Apple an advantage in consistency — especially with the main 1× lens. Image processing is more restrained and natural, while OnePlus tends to smooth details, particularly at high zoom levels.

Long-range zoom performance is underwhelming on both devices. At 40× and beyond, neither competes with the Pixel 10 Pro series. The difference is approach:

• OnePlus: Heavy smoothing, almost watercolor-like

• iPhone: Strong processing, but more natural textures

For video, the gap widens. Even without 8K recording, the iPhone delivers better footage across 4K60 and 4K120, with ProRes and ProRes RAW offering class-leading video options. For creators, this alone may justify the higher price.

Verdict:
If camera quality matters, especially video, the iPhone still leads.

Display: Numbers Don’t Tell the Full Story

Both phones offer large, bright displays with slim bezels. However, side-by-side testing makes the difference clear.

The iPhone’s display is brighter and better tuned out of the box, appearing punchier without looking artificial. Everyday tasks — gaming, scrolling, video — simply look better.

The OnePlus 15 does support 165Hz in select games, but in daily use, both phones sit at 120Hz. The higher refresh rate sounds impressive, but it’s rarely noticeable.

Verdict:
The iPhone’s display is more refined for daily use.

Performance and Software Longevity

Raw performance is excellent on both. The OnePlus 15’s hardware may edge ahead on paper, but in real-world gaming and multitasking, the difference is negligible.

These are both 5-year phones in terms of performance. Where Apple pulls ahead is software support — the iPhone is likely to receive one to two extra years of updates.

Software preference comes down to taste:

• OxygenOS 16 (Android 16) on OnePlus felt stable with fewer bugs

• iOS 26 offers more AI features, though results are mixed

Verdict:
Performance is a tie. Software choice depends on ecosystem and preference.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery capacity tells a misleading story:

• OnePlus 15: 7,300mAh

• iPhone 17 Pro Max: 4,823mAh

In practice, Apple’s efficiency narrows the gap.

• OnePlus can be a 3-day phone for light users

• iPhone is more consistently a 2-day phone

Charging, however, is no contest:

• OnePlus: 120W wired, 50W wireless

• iPhone: Much slower top-ups

If you charge overnight, this may not matter. If you value fast top-ups, OnePlus wins decisively.

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Design, Build, and Ergonomics

This is where OnePlus surprised.

The OnePlus 15 feels better in the hand, with:

• Easier-to-grip sides

• A less aggressive camera bump

• A uniquely grippy rear glass finish

It’s also IP69K rated, alongside IP68 — a step above Apple’s water and dust resistance.

The iPhone’s design feels more awkward this year, with a scratch-prone finish and sharper edges. Face ID remains reliable, but many will prefer the ultrasonic fingerprint reader on the OnePlus.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the better all-round device thanks to:

• More consistent camera performance

• Stronger video capabilities

• A better-tuned display

The OnePlus 15 is a compelling alternative if you:

• Want excellent performance and battery life

• Prefer Android and OxygenOS

• Care about fast charging

• Want to save $200

Both are excellent. The right choice depends on what you value most.

Protect Your Phone with Komodoty

Whichever flagship you choose, protecting it properly matters.

OnePlus 15 Cases

👉 View OnePlus 15 cases

iPhone 17 Pro Max Cases

👉 View iPhone 17 Pro Max cases

Komodoty cases are designed for everyday use — slim profiles, precise cut-outs, and materials selected for durability without bulk.