iPhone 16 Pro vs Pro Max, which phone comes out on top? That’s the question of the hour for an Apple enthusiast. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra that was recently released has reignited conversations around Apple’s supremacy and whether the brand can truly hold on to its popularity, but for those that have remained loyal to Apple, there’s no question of switching away to an Android.
If you aren’t interested in the upcoming iPhone SE 4 that may be released as soon as next week, now is a great time to consider buying something from the iPhone 16 series as we’re still a long time away from the iPhone 17. The iPhone 16 Pro vs Pro Max specs are extremely close drawn, but there is a difference between the two, to be sure.
If you’re wondering which iPhone 16 model to buy and whether the iPhone 16 Pro Max is really worth it, then we’re here to help make the decision a little easier.
Image: The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the biggest display on any iPhone.
The iPhone 16 Pro vs Pro Max, Which Should You Buy Next?
The iPhone 16 series was launched in September 2024 during the Apple Glow Time event, and the device was well received by fans. Apple knows how to make a classy device and everything about the iPhone 16 lineup, particularly the Pro Max, screams luxury. The series brought along advanced Apple Intelligence AI features with it, which has been the primary selling point for most smartphones for the last two years.
While the base iPhone 16 is as good a buy as any for the regular user, those who want something extra have looked to the Pro line of devices to see what it has to offer. Overall, there is very little to the debate in terms of the iPhone 16 Pro vs Pro Max, as the two are very evenly matched. All the functionalities, features, colors, and even the Apple A18 Pro chip are exactly the same.
iPhone 16 Pro vs Pro Max Specs—Are There Any Differences?
Let’s place the specs of the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max side-by-side so you know what we mean when we say the two phones are extremely similar.
|
Specifications |
iPhone 16 Pro |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Chip | Apple A18 Pro, iOS 18 | Apple A18 Pro, iOS 18 |
| Weight | 199 g (7.03 oz.) | 227 g (7.99 oz.) |
| Display Size | 6.3 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, Dynamic Island feature | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, Dynamic Island feature |
| Resolution | 2622×1206 pixels, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak brightness | 2868×1320 pixels, 120Hz, 2,000 nits peak brightness |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Camera | 48 MP wide lens (f/1.8), 48 MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2), 12 MP periscope telephoto lens(5x, f/2.8) | 48 MP wide lens (f/1.8), 48 MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2), 12 MP periscope telephoto lens(5x, f/2.8) |
| Front Camera | 12 MP (f/1.9) | 12 MP (f/1.9) |
| Battery | 3,582 mAh | 4,685 mAh |
| Colors | Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium, White Titanium | Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium, White Titanium |
| Buttons | Action button, Camera button | Action button, Camera button |
| Price | $999 USD onwards | $1,199 USD onwards |
Image: The color variants available for both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models.
Which iPhone 16 Model to Buy?
As you can tell, the iPhone 16 Pro vs Pro Max specs don’t present too big of a difference for you to struggle too hard with which one to buy, but an iPhone 16 Pro Max will cost you $200 more for the base model.
There are four factors that will determine which device is right for you—battery, size, storage, and price.
iPhone 16 Pro vs Pro Max Battery
If you want a smartphone with a really reliable battery, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better option. While the iPhone 16 Pro should be enough to support you through the day on a single charge, there is the possibility that it will wear out within a year or two and require you to charge it twice a day at least. The iPhone Pro Max can also face the same limitation in the future, but its larger battery will last you longer even for a few years.
If the battery life is your top priority, buy the iPhone Pro Max.
iPhone 16 Pro vs Pro Max Size
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a behemoth of a phone and it looks great despite the size. If you spend all your time streaming and gaming, you can reap the benefits of a bigger screen by picking this as your next purchase.
If you have smaller hands or prefer to use one hand to operate your phone, however, the Pro Max can feel too big to carry around and use comfortably. From our experience and the reviews we’ve collected from others as well, the 16 Pro is better designed for daily use.
For those who like putting on chunky, heavy-duty cases on their phones, the iPhone 16 Pro is a better alternative as the 16 Pro Max becomes a little too bulky with these additional considerations.
iPhone 16 Pro vs Pro Max Storage and Price
Both devices in the Pro lineup offer the same 8GB RAM and similar storage options. If you buy the cheapest iPhone 16 Pro, you can get a 128GB model for $999. If that amount of storage is enough for your needs, you don’t need to think twice and can invest in the phone at once.
The lowest price iPhone 16 Pro Max at $1,199 gives you 256GB of storage. If that level of storage space is what you’re after, you can still invest in the iPhone 16 Pro instead as the 256GB model is cheaper at $1,099. While determining which iPhone Pro model to buy, consider if the additional price you pay for the iPhone Pro Max battery and storage is worth it to you.
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max Worth It?
In our personal opinion, the upgrade to the iPhone Pro Max is not necessarily worth the money you spend on it. The iPhone Pro provides better value for your money and while a better battery on the device would have been much appreciated, it still performs well enough in its own right. Its more compact design and formwork are best for most people.
If you’re really keen on having a bigger screen, we’d suggest checking out our list of foldable phones and picking up one of those instead, as these versatile devices fold up nicely to provide a cover screen for your regular tasks. They can be opened up for a bigger screen to stream shows when you need a bigger display.
In the battle of the iPhone 16 Pro vs the Pro Max, the former device comes out on top for us, but let us know which one you’re picking.
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