Three years after its launch, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has quietly become one of the smartest buys in the second-hand smartphone market. Newer models have pushed its price down, yet it still has the hardware that matters most for everyday use: a fast chip, an excellent camera system and years of software updates ahead. The catch is that a used flagship is only a good deal if it is in good shape. Here is what to check before you hand over your money.
Why the 15 Pro Max still makes sense
The phone was a bigger step forward than it looked on paper. Apple replaced the stainless-steel frame with titanium, which made it noticeably lighter than the 14 Pro Max, and switched from Lightning to USB-C, so you can charge it with the same cable as most laptops and Android phones. The A17 Pro chip still handles demanding games, 4K video editing and on-device features without stuttering.
The camera is the other reason people seek it out. The 5x telephoto lens, exclusive to the Max model that year, lets you shoot portraits and distant subjects without the grainy look of a digital zoom. For many buyers that alone justifies choosing it over a newer base-model iPhone.
1. Check the battery health first
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging. The iPhone 15 series also shows the cycle count and manufacture date in Settings → General → About. A battery above 85% capacity is in good condition; anything below 80% will need a replacement soon, and that cost should come off the asking price.
2. Confirm the phone is not locked or reported
Ask the seller to sign out of their Apple ID in front of you and make sure Find My is switched off. A phone still tied to someone else's account is effectively useless. It is also worth checking the IMEI (dial *#06#) with your mobile network to confirm the device has not been blacklisted.
3. Look for replaced parts
Apple lists non-original parts under Settings → General → About → Parts and Service History. A replaced screen or battery is not automatically a dealbreaker, but you should know about it and it should be reflected in the price. Pay attention to the display: aftermarket panels often have weaker brightness and slightly off colours.
4. Test the hardware, not just the screen
Spend ten minutes going through the basics:
- Take photos with all three rear cameras and the front camera, then switch to video and zoom in.
- Make a call and check both the earpiece and the loudspeaker.
- Set up a Face ID with your own face.
- Plug in a USB-C cable to confirm the port charges reliably.
- Press the Action button and all the volume keys.
5. Compare prices across several listings
Prices for the same model can vary a lot depending on storage, battery condition and whether the box and accessories are included. Before settling on a seller, browse a few listings to get a feel for the fair market range. If you are shopping in Kenya, for example, current listings for the iPhone 15 Pro Max give a quick picture of what 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB versions actually sell for, which makes it easier to spot a deal that is too good to be true.
6. Meet safely and pay last
Meet in a busy public place, ideally a mall or a shop, where you can test the phone properly. Never send a deposit before you have seen the device, and only pay once every check above has been completed. If the seller rushes you or refuses a test, walk away: there will always be another listing.
The bottom line
A well-kept iPhone 15 Pro Max gives you flagship performance, a genuinely useful zoom camera and several more years of iOS updates for a fraction of its original price. Take your time with the checks, compare prices and trust your instincts, and you can end up with a phone that feels almost new.
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