Every September, Apple unveils a new iPhone and the world takes notice. In 2023, it was the iPhone 15 Pro Max that grabbed headlines. Apple called it its most advanced iPhone ever, powered by a brand-new chip and wrapped in aerospace-grade titanium. For many people in Kenya and across the globe, the question came up right away: Is this really Apple’s most powerful phone ever, or just another incremental upgrade?

Now that we’re in 2025 and the iPhone 16 line is out, it’s worth revisiting that question. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is still on sale at stores like Mobi Express, one of Kenya’s trusted online shops, so it’s also a practical question for anyone deciding what to buy. Let’s break it down.

The Power Behind the iPhone 15 Pro Max

When the iPhone 15 Pro Max launched, its A17 Pro chip was Apple’s headline feature. Built on a 3-nanometer process, it was smaller, faster, and more efficient than any chip Apple had released before. In simple terms, the A17 Pro could run demanding apps and games at console-quality levels while still keeping battery drain under control.

Apple highlighted three big improvements:

  • Performance cores 10% faster than the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 14 Pro series.

  • A neural engine that was twice as fast, making AI and machine learning tasks—like photo processing or real-time voice translation—feel almost instant.

  • A new GPU design with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, a feature gamers usually associate with PlayStation or PC graphics.

At the time, it was fair to say no iPhone had ever packed this kind of raw performance.

Titanium, Cameras, and Everyday Use

The chip wasn’t the only change. Apple made the Pro Max lighter by using titanium instead of stainless steel. For Kenyan users who carry their phones all day, often in hot or busy conditions, that weight reduction was noticeable.

Then there was the camera system. The 48-megapixel main sensor stayed from the 14 Pro Max, but Apple added something new: a 5× telephoto zoom lens, exclusive to the Pro Max. For photographers and content creators in Kenya—whether shooting Nairobi’s skyline, wildlife in the Maasai Mara, or family gatherings—this meant sharper, more detailed images from far away.

Another key upgrade was the switch to USB-C. For years, iPhones used the proprietary Lightning connector, which meant carrying an extra cable. With USB-C and USB 3 support, data transfer speeds jumped to 10Gbps, a big deal for anyone editing large video files.

Battery Life and Real-World Endurance

Specs are one thing, but Kenyans often want to know: How long will it last on Safaricom 5G or while streaming YouTube?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max had one of Apple’s biggest batteries at the time—about 4,422 mAh. In practice, that meant up to 10 hours of screen-on time for demanding tasks, or nearly a full day for mixed use. For a heavy user in Nairobi, that meant you could leave your charger at home and still get through the workday.

Is It Still Apple’s Most Powerful iPhone?

Fast-forward to 2025, and we now have the iPhone 16 Pro Max with the newer A18 Pro chip. Apple improved performance further, expanded AI capabilities, and added Wi-Fi 7 support. Benchmarks show the 16 Pro Max comfortably beating the 15 Pro Max in both speed and efficiency.

So if the question is whether the iPhone 15 Pro Max is still Apple’s most powerful phone today, the answer is no. The crown has moved on to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. But when it launched, the 15 Pro Max was absolutely the most powerful iPhone Apple had ever built.

Why the iPhone 15 Pro Max Still Makes Sense in Kenya

Here’s where things get interesting. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max is more advanced, it’s also more expensive and less widely available locally. In Kenya, many buyers look for a balance between performance, price, and availability. That’s where the iPhone 15 Pro Max shines.

  1. Price advantage: With the newer model out, the 15 Pro Max is now cheaper, especially through retailers like Mobi Express. You still get a flagship experience but at a lower cost.

  2. Still cutting-edge: Features like 5× zoom, titanium frame, and A17 Pro chip aren’t outdated—they’re still premium in 2025.

  3. Local accessories and support: Cases, screen protectors, and chargers for the 15 Pro Max are easy to find in Nairobi, Mombasa, and online. Repair parts are also more common compared to the brand-new 16.

  4. Resale value: iPhones hold their value longer than most Android phones. Even in 2025, a well-kept iPhone 15 Pro Max sells strongly on Kenyan marketplaces.

Shopping at Mobi Express

For Kenyans considering the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Mobi Express is worth highlighting. Unlike some international sites that make you deal with shipping fees or warranty confusion, Mobi Express is local. That means:

  • Genuine products sourced from trusted distributors.

  • Kenyan shilling pricing, so no worrying about dollar fluctuations.

  • Payment flexibility—from M-Pesa to card payments, sometimes even installments.

  • Quick delivery across Kenya, whether you’re in Nairobi, Eldoret, or Kisumu.

Having that level of support makes buying a high-end phone less stressful.

Should You Upgrade or Wait?

Here’s a simple guide for deciding:

  • Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if:

    • You want a pro-level phone at a slightly reduced price.

    • You take photography seriously and want the 5× zoom.

    • You care about local support and availability more than having the absolute latest chip.

  • Wait for the iPhone 16 Pro Max if:

    • Budget isn’t a concern and you want the newest tech.

    • You’re into future-proof features like Wi-Fi 7 or advanced AI.

    • You don’t mind waiting for wider Kenyan availability.

Conclusion

So, was the iPhone 15 Pro Max Apple’s most powerful phone ever? Yes—at launch. In September 2023, it outpaced every iPhone that came before it, thanks to the A17 Pro chip, titanium design, and that brilliant 5× zoom lens.

Is it still the king in 2025? Not quite. The iPhone 16 Pro Max now sits on the throne. But here in Kenya, where price, availability, and support matter just as much as specs, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains a smart buy. It offers flagship features without the steepest price tag, and when you buy through Mobi Express, you get local peace of mind.

If you’re in the market for an iPhone today, the iPhone 15 Pro Max still delivers power, style, and value. It may not wear the crown anymore, but it’s still a ruler in its own right.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. Does the iPhone 15 Pro Max support 5G in Kenya?
Yes. The iPhone 15 Pro Max works with 5G networks in Kenya, including Safaricom’s 5G, so you can enjoy faster browsing, streaming, and downloads.

2. What makes the iPhone 15 Pro Max different from the iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has the faster A17 Pro chip, a titanium body that makes it lighter, a USB-C port, and an exclusive 5× zoom camera.

3. How much is the iPhone 15 Pro Max in Kenya?
Prices vary depending on storage (128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB). At Mobi Express, you’ll find competitive Kenyan shilling prices with flexible payment options.

4. Is the iPhone 15 Pro Max good for photography and video?
Absolutely. With a 48MP main camera, 5× telephoto zoom, and advanced image processing, it’s one of the best phones for photography and 4K video recording.

5. How long does the iPhone 15 Pro Max battery last?
It lasts up to a full day of heavy use, with around 10 hours of screen time. In everyday Kenyan use, it comfortably handles browsing, calls, and streaming.

6. Where can I buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max in Kenya?
You can buy it online from Mobi Express, which offers genuine products, Kenyan warranties, local support, and nationwide delivery.