Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16
We compare the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Scored 9.8/10 in our testing
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best iPhone for power users — A18 Pro chip, 5x zoom, ProRes video, titanium build, best battery life
Apple iPhone 16
Best iPhone for most people — A18 chip, Camera Control, and Action button at $799
Score Breakdown
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Category | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 10/10 ✓ | Performance | 9.8/10 |
| 10/10 ✓ | Features | 9.3/10 |
| 9.5/10 | Ease of Use | 9.5/10 |
| 8.5/10 | Value | ✓ 9.5/10 |
| 9.8/10 ✓ | Overall | 9.5/10 |
Specs Comparison
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Spec | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| A18 Pro | Chip | A18 |
| 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 120Hz ProMotion | Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 60Hz |
| 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 5x 12MP telephoto | Camera | 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide, Camera Control |
| Best-in-class battery life — 33 hours video playback | Battery | Up to 22 hours video playback |
| Titanium frame, textured matte glass back | Build | Aluminum frame, color-infused back glass |
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pros
- + Best battery life of any iPhone — two-day endurance
- + 5x optical zoom telephoto — best iPhone zoom ever
- + A18 Pro chip — fastest iPhone processor available
- + Titanium build is lighter and stronger than steel
Cons
- − Starts at $1,199 — significant investment
- − Large 6.9-inch size may be too big for some users
- − ProRes video fills storage quickly
Apple iPhone 16
Pros
- + Same A18 chip as the Pro — not a cut-down version
- + Camera Control button for new photo/video interactions
- + Aluminum build saves weight vs titanium Pro
- + MagSafe charging ecosystem compatibility
Cons
- − 60Hz display — no ProMotion smooth scrolling like Pro models
- − 2x zoom (digital crop) vs 5x optical on Pro
- − No ProRes video recording
Our Verdict
Based on our scoring, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max comes out on top with an overall score of 9.8/10. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the pinnacle of what Apple currently offers. The 6.9-inch display is stunning with 1-2000 nit brightness and 120Hz ProMotion. The A18 Pro chip dominates every benchmark. The triple camera system — particularly the 5x telephoto — produces images that rival dedicated cameras. Battery life has improved significantly from the 15 Pro Max and comfortably lasts two days of moderate use. The Camera Control button enables new ways to shoot photos and video. If price is not a concern, this is the best iPhone money can buy.
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max on AmazonRead the full Best iPhones of 2026: Tested and Ranked guide for complete reviews of all 7 products.