Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max

Great camera, great screen, great battery. The iPhone 15 Pro Max was the first iPhone with a titanium frame, and its 5x optical zoom still takes photos that most phones can't. Buy it refurbished and you catch that spec at a fraction of the launch price, still 90-point checked and battery-backed at 85%+, so you get flagship zoom without flagship cost.

At a glance

Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max Summary


The iPhone 15 Pro Max is best for buyers who want Apple’s biggest screen, strongest battery life in the 15 range, and most flexible camera system without paying new-release prices. Its main upgrades over the iPhone 14 Pro Max are the lighter titanium design, USB-C charging, A17 Pro chip, Action Button and 5x optical zoom camera.

For buyers comparing used, second-hand and refurbished options, the key risks are condition, battery health, hidden faults and aftercare. A professionally refurbished iPhone at The Big Phone Store costs significantly less than new, and gives you the same premium Apple experience with clearer grading, testing, warranty and returns support.

Key Details

  • Best for: Anyone who wants the best camera and longest battery life in the iPhone 15 generation

  • Performance: A17 Pro chip — the fastest in the 15 range, built for demanding tasks and Apple Intelligence

  • Camera: 48MP triple camera with 5x optical zoom, Action button and ProRes video

  • Battery: Up to 29 hours of video, one of the strongest in the iPhone range

  • Software: iOS 26 supported, several years of updates still ahead

  • Consider a newer model if: you want a longer battery life and upgraded camera

About The iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max was announced at Apple’s “Wonderlust” event on 12 September 2023 as the most advanced iPhone of that year. While the standard iPhone 15 brought Pro-style features to the regular model, the Pro Max was about pushing Apple’s top-end phone further: a lightweight titanium frame, more power, and a much longer zoom camera. 

The biggest story was the new titanium frame. Apple moved away from the heavier stainless steel design used on earlier Pro Max models, and tech reviewers such as The Guardian’s Samuel Gibbs praised the change because it made Apple’s largest iPhone noticeably lighter. The A17 Pro chip added to the “Pro” positioning, with Apple leaning more heavily into high-end gaming and creator workflows.

But the launch also had a small accessory controversy. Apple introduced FineWoven cases as its new leather alternative for the iPhone 15 series, but the material was quickly criticised for marking easily. Even though this had nothing to do with the device itself, it became one of the main early talking points surrounding the iPhone 15 family.

Even so, the iPhone 15 Pro Max became one of the most widely praised premium iPhones of its generation, and iPhone 15 models are still some of the most in-demand devices in the second-hand market as of early 2026.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is our #11 best-selling iPhone model out of 37 for the past six months.

How The iPhone 15 Pro Max Compares

iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is not a complete rethink of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, but it improves the areas premium iPhone buyers care about most: weight, zoom, charging, speed and controls.

Feature

Technical Upgrade

What You Notice Day to Day

Design

Titanium frame replaces stainless steel

It feels lighter in the hand despite keeping the same large screen size.

Charging

Lightning replaced with USB-C

You can use the same cable with many other devices, such as newer laptops and power banks. There’s no need to carry a specific charger just for your iPhone anymore.

Camera zoom

New 5x telephoto camera, up from 3x on iPhone 14 Pro Max

Better close-up shots from further away, especially for concerts, travel, and wildlife photography.

Chip

A17 Pro replaces A16 Bionic

Faster performance, better gaming support and better long-term support for future iOS features.

Apple Intelligence

Supported on iPhone 15 Pro Max with compatible iOS versions

You can use Apple’s newer AI features, including writing tools, smarter photo features and more. This makes the 15 Pro Max feel more current than the 14 Pro Max.

Action Button

Replaces the mute switch

You can set it to open the camera, torch, Focus mode, or another feature you use often to personalise your experience.

Weight

221g, down from 240g on iPhone 14 Pro Max

It is still a large phone, but feels less heavy during long use. Easier for gaming sessions and photography.

Video

ProRes, Log video and USB-C workflow support

Higher video quality. Better for creators who plan to edit their videos later or transfer large video files to a computer.

  • Transfer Note: The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports faster USB 3 data transfer, but you need a compatible USB 3 cable for this. The cable included in the box is mainly for charging and does not give you the fastest transfer speeds. If you transfer large files often, you may want to use a different cable.

  • The Big Phone Store Team Summary: Compared with the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is lighter, faster and better for zoom photography. The biggest everyday changes are the convenient USB-C port, the 5x zoom camera, the customisable Action Button and the lighter titanium feel.

Our Expert Opinion

The refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max is a phone I’d confidently recommend to someone who wants a premium iPhone but doesn’t want to pay the retail price for this year’s newest model. Most customers looking at this model want one of three things: the biggest screen, the best camera in the iPhone 15 range, or a phone that will feel modern for the next few years. The 15 Pro Max covers all three. 

My best friend actually has the 15 Pro Max, and I’m still jealous of the camera quality. We used it to record some YouTube videos, and the colours looked really crisp.


Who Should Buy The iPhone 15 Pro Max?

I’d recommend the iPhone 15 Pro Max for photographers, content creators, mobile gamers, business users, and anyone who wants the biggest iPhone screen without moving to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

It’s also a strong choice for buyers upgrading from an iPhone 11 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max. You will notice the camera zoom, display brightness, battery life, USB-C charging and faster performance straight away.

Who Should Avoid The iPhone 15 Pro Max?

Avoid the 15 Pro Max if you want a smaller phone, lower price or lighter pocket feel. It’s still a large device, even though it weighs less than previous Pro Max models. The price is only really justified if you’ll make use of its more advanced features. If you won’t, the regular iPhone 15 may be more suitable.

If you already own an iPhone 14 Pro Max, the upgrade is useful but not essential unless you really want USB-C, 5x zoom, the Action Button or the lighter build.

Charlie Ingram, Content Writer at The Big Phone Store — Charlie Ingram, Content Writer at The Big Phone Store

Conditions and Availability

Find a cheap iPhone 15 Pro Max deal across our grades, colours and storage options.

  • Grades: Like New, Pristine, Very Good, Good

  • Colours: Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

Every grade (condition) of device we sell at The Big Phone Store is fully working. The grade describes cosmetic condition only, and all devices go through a 90+ point check before dispatch.

  • Like New is the cleanest cosmetic option and includes 100% guaranteed battery health. Choose it if you want the best condition available.

  • Pristine has very light signs of use and suits buyers who want a cleaner-looking phone for less.

  • Very Good may show light marks, but still gives you full iPhone 15 Pro Max performance.

  • Good shows more visible wear and is best if you want the lowest price on a fully working modern iPhone.

On the iPhone 15 Pro Max, cosmetic wear is most noticeable on the frame edges, camera surround and screen border. If you use a case and screen protector, Good or Very Good can make a lot of sense because the performance, camera system and software experience work exactly the same.

Key Specifications

Feature

Technical Details

Why it Matters

Screen

6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 2796 × 1290 resolution at 460 ppi, ProMotion up to 120Hz

Large and sharp display for streaming, gaming, editing photos and everyday use.

Camera

48MP Main, 12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP 5x Telephoto, 12MP TrueDepth front camera

Gives you Apple’s best iPhone camera system from the 15 range, with much better zoom than the standard models.

Battery Life

Up to 29 hours of video playback; TBPS devices have minimum 85% battery health

Lasts the whole day and is well suited to heavy use. Best battery life in the iPhone 15 range.

iOS

Supports current iOS updates and modern Pro iPhone features

You won’t need to upgrade your device for a few years. Gives you long-term app compatibility, security updates and access to newer Apple features.

Dimensions

159.9 mm × 76.7 mm × 8.25 mm, 221 g

Big screen and strong battery, but lighter in the hand than previous models.

Every iPhone 15 Pro Max from The Big Phone Store comes with at least 85% battery health, well above Apple’s 80% replacement threshold. This is the highest minimum battery health of any refurbished seller. Like New devices have 100% battery health guaranteed, and you can purchase a brand new battery for any phone at checkout.


Popular Models You May Want to Consider

  • If you’re looking for a reliable but less expensive device, try the iPhone 15.

  • If you want a large phone but aren’t interested in more expensive advanced features, try the iPhone 15 Plus.

  • Try the iPhone 15 Pro if you want a smaller device with many of the same pro features.

  • If you have a higher budget and would prefer longer support and even more advanced camera features, consider the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Model Highlight

Camera

The best feature on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the 5x telephoto camera. It is the biggest reason to choose this model over the regular iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus or even the smaller iPhone 15 Pro.

Most phone cameras are fine when your subject is close, but at a distance things can start to get blurry. The 15 Pro Max camera is better for capturing these distant details. That matters at concerts, school plays, sports events, holidays, wildlife spots and family days out, where you usually cannot move closer and need the zoom to do more of the work. 

The 5x zoom also gives the phone a longer useful life for people who care about photos and video. You are not only getting a larger screen and strong battery life, you are getting the most capable camera system in the iPhone 15 range, which is why the Pro Max is still a smart refurbished choice in 2026.

Trustpilot Reviews

Can highly recommend the Big Phone Store. Was looking for a pristine iPhone 15 Pro Max and Big Phone Store had a very good price. Phone arrived with upgraded new battery and looks like new. Will definitely be using the Big Phone Store in future. +++++

— Owen C, Unprompted Review

I needed a new phone and looked at the main used phone resellers. After comparing several it appeared that TBPS had the best prices based on a like for like comparison. I bought a used iPhone 15 Pro Max and it turned up well packed, quickly and was in brilliant condition.
Vary pleased and would highly recommend TBPS.

— Darren C, Unprompted Review

I was skeptical at first, read the reviews and took them with a pinch of salt. Couldn't justify the "like new" version of the 15 pro max so opted for the Pristine at £764. It is basically a new phone, 100% battery health, 125 charge cycles and still under warranty from apple for another 6 months.
Also, ordered at 3pm Thurs, arrived 9:30am the next morning. I am over the moon.

— Chris P, Unprompted Review

Ready to Buy?

two floating orange iPhones

If you're still undecided, we have dozens of other iPhone models available. See our range or get in contact!

How We Test the iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a premium camera phone, so we pay close attention to the parts customers rely on most: the 5x telephoto camera, 48MP main camera, screen, battery, and USB-C charging port.

Our testing does not stop at opening the camera app. We check photo and video performance, autofocus, lens switching, image clarity and front camera function. We also test charging behaviour through the USB-C port, because a worn or damaged port can affect daily use quickly.

Our internal refurbishment process for the iPhone 15 Pro Max includes device checks across 90+ points, including:

Visual and functional tests

  • 85%+ battery health confirmed and USB-C charging tested

  • Display brightness, colour and full-screen touch response

  • Face ID — tested, not assumed

  • Front camera and video

  • Speakers, microphone and haptic feedback

  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile signal

  • All buttons, sensors and MagSafe response

Background and history tests

  • IMEI and network history check via CheckMEND

  • Previous owner’s data fully erased

  • iCloud and other account locks removed

  • Lost, stolen and blacklist status checked

Only devices that pass every required check are approved for sale. If a device doesn’t meet our standards, it won’t be sold. Each reconditioned iPhone 15 Pro Max we sell is tested, cleaned and graded in-house before dispatch. 

Common Risks of Buying a Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max

There is a big difference between a second-hand iPhone 15 Pro Max and a refurbished one, but in both cases it's important to be careful. From years of working with used phones, we know a cheap iPhone 15 Pro Max can come with risks that are not obvious from photos. The main issues are weak battery health, unclear grading, hidden faults, poor replacement parts, blocked phones and sellers listing stock they do not actually have.

Don't just look at the cost. When buying a used iPhone 15 Pro Max, watch out for these common pitfalls.

Risk to Watch Out For

The Issue

What it Means for You

Non-UK or imported models

Some phones may not be intended for the UK market.

You'll pay marginally less upfront, however the phone may sell for as little as 10-20% of its original value later on. Whilst you'll make a small saving to start with, you'll take a huge hit when it's time to dispose of the device, because imported devices are seen as a risk for buyers.

Phones that are not actually in stock

Some sellers list phones before they physically have them ready to send.

Your phone is your lifeline, and we understand this well. Do you really want to purchase from a company who has a reputation of taking your money and then making you wait for weeks, or in some cases months for your device?

Weak battery health

A phone can look clean but still have a worn battery.

Many of our competitors don't even mention battery life, and the battery you get is left up to chance. Who wants to spend good money on a device that only turns on for a few hours? Our minimum battery health is 85%, and you can upgrade to 100% at checkout for much cheaper than a high-street battery replacement would cost.

Hidden faults

Camera, Face ID, sensors or charging port issues may not show in photos.

Many sellers cut costs by not testing your device properly, or in some cases not at all. We believe that every customer deserves a fully functional device from day one, which is why our return rate is one of the lowest in the industry.

Poor-quality replacement parts

Cheap screens, batteries or camera parts can affect how the phone feels and performs.

Mobile phones are precisely built and sensitive devices. Some sellers use cheap phone parts that are more likely to break or become faulty. We use genuine Apple parts in 95% of the iPhones we repair. On the rare occasion that third-party parts are used, these will be of the highest quality possible, and only for screens and batteries. See our quality charter.

Blocked, locked or finance-flagged phones

Risky sellers may list phones that later turn out to be blocked, iCloud locked, finance-flagged or not fully reset.

What might seem like a good deal initially could cost you further down the line when the phone is blacklisted from use. We check that your phone hasn't been reported stolen, isn't on the police register, doesn't belong to another company, isn't hacked, and doesn't have any viruses.

Weak aftercare

Some sellers offer limited support once the phone has been delivered.

If something goes wrong and you need quick support, you may be stuck talking to an AI chatbot. In some cases, the customer support team may live in a different timezone and can't help you when you need it most. Our award-winning team is here to help you by phone, WhatsApp, email and more.

Why Buy from The Big Phone Store?

The Big Phone Store has been refurbishing phones since 1999, and every device is tested, graded and shipped from our UK operation. The reason customers come back is simple: real stock, clear grading, minimum 85% battery health and UK support from people you can actually speak to. 

If you're looking for an iPhone 15 Pro Max refurbished in the UK, here’s why you should choose us:

What Matters

How We Help

Why it Matters to You

Experience

Refurbished electronics specialist since 1999

No one has more expertise in this industry than us. We’ve been refurbishing phones since before the iPhone existed.

Trust

A 4.8 Trustpilot rating with over 5000 reviews

We have over 80,000 satisfied customers across all platforms, and you can become one of them.

Security

Devices are data-wiped, network status and device history are checked for blacklisting, theft, loss or outstanding finance

Our checks help protect you from blocked, stolen or finance-flagged phones. Unlike with unverified sellers, there’s no risk of being scammed or ripped off.

Quality

90+ point quality check

We refuse to sell devices that don't work the same as if they were new. Your device is ready to go straight out of the box.

Support

UK-based customer support

Get help from real people who won the Best Customer Service (Consumer) award at the MNA 2026, beating major brands such as EE. We actually pick up the phone; no confusion or waiting around.

Stock

Website stock means actual stock

Unlike other sites, all devices on our website are in stock and ready to ship from our warehouse today. No false listings or seller delays.

Device Quality

Every part of the process is done in-house

We have full control over the refurbishment process. Unlike others who outsource their process, we confirm the quality of the devices ourselves, so you get a consistently good experience every time.

Every Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max refurbished at The Big Phone Store includes a 12-month warranty as standard, which you can upgrade to 2 years, 5 years, or lifetime. You also get free UK delivery for any order over £30 and a 45-day returns process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max handsets are SIM-free and unlocked for compatible UK networks.

You get at least 85% battery health as standard. Like New devices include 100% guaranteed battery health.

Yes. It includes a 12-month warranty as standard, with upgrade options where available.

Yes. The Big Phone Store offers a 45-day returns process.

Choose Like New for the best condition and 100% battery. Choose Good for the lowest price. Pristine and Very Good sit between those options.

Yes, if it has been professionally tested. A lower price usually reflects cosmetic grade, storage or offer, not poor function.

256GB suits most buyers. Choose 512GB or 1TB if you store lots of photos, 4K videos, games or offline content.

Yes. Free fast delivery is available on orders over £150, subject to the delivery options shown at checkout.