Apple has just made the new iPhone 16 lineup official, and as expected, there are four new devices replacing last year’s models. But let’s be honest, it’s the Pro models that get the biggest upgrades, just like before. If you’re wondering which one is right for you, read on. This iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max comparison will help you decide which one to buy.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Specs Overview
Before we get into the details of what the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max offer, let’s first take a look at the specs.
| iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch, 120Hz, 2622 x 1206 pixels, LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display | 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display, 120Hz, 2868 x 1320 pixels |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm | 163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm |
| Processor | 3nm, Apple A18 Pro | 3nm, Apple A18 Pro |
| Rear camera | 48 MP wide angle, 12 MP telephoto, 48 MP ultra wide angle, TOF 3D LiDAR | 48 MP wide angle, 12 MP telephoto, 48 MP ultra wide angle, TOF 3D LiDAR |
| Front camera | 12MP wide | 12MP wide |
| Video | Max: 4K at 120fps | Max: 4K at 120fps |
| Battery | up to 85 hours of audio playback, up to 27 hours of video playback, up to 22 hours of video streaming | up to 105 hours of audio playback, up to 33 hours of video playback, up to 29 hours of video streaming |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Software | iOS 18 pre-installed | iOS 18 pre-installed |
| Protection | Ceramic shield (2024), IP68 | Ceramic shield (2024), IP68 |
Display and design
Form factor and screen size are important factors when choosing a phone, so it makes sense to start our comparison with that. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a 6.3-inch display, while its Max sibling has a much larger 6.9-inch panel. This size difference also translates to the resolutions, which are 2622 x 1206 pixels and 2868 x 1320 pixels for the Pro and Pro Max models, respectively.
Other than that, the rest of the aspects remain the same on both devices. They feature Super Retina XDR LTPO OLED panels with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. The peak brightness is 2,000 nits outdoors, and the SDR and HDR peak brightness values remain the same. The Pro models get Dolby Vision and HDR 10 support, as well as Ceramic Shield glass protection for the displays.
Due to the larger displays on both models compared to last year’s models, the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max also have larger form factors. The standard Pro version measures 149.6mm in height and 71.5mm in width, compared to 163mm in height and 77.6mm for the Pro Max. Despite the dimensions, the button placement remains the same on both models. These include the power, volume, and action buttons that were on last year’s models.
Speaking of buttons, you get a new capture button which is a mechanical key that makes taking photos easier on the new iPhones. Since this button is pressure sensitive, it can be mapped to multiple actions depending on how you touch it.
The new Pro ranges also have a glossier finish for the titanium edges. Speaking of which, you’ll be able to get your hands on these finishes: Space Black, White, Gray and our top pick, Desert Titanium.
Hardware and software
As you might expect, there are virtually no changes between the devices on the hardware front. With the iPhone 16 Pro models, the company has replaced the existing Apple A17 Pro chip with the Apple A18 Pro. While it’s built on the same 3nm process node, it uses TSMC’s N3E architecture and is therefore more efficient.
It also offers more Neural Engine cores than the 16-core Neural Engine in the A17 Pro. This means the new SoC will be more capable and faster for AI-intensive tasks. Both models will be available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations. All feature the same 8GB RAM.
To prevent overheating, both Pro models now feature a graphene heat sink and a metal battery case for better thermal conductivity. In addition to the new chipset, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max get the upgraded Snapdragon X75 modem for better 5G connectivity. This unit is 20% more power efficient and 25% smaller than the previous modem.
In terms of connectivity, the Pro models now support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Ultra Wideband 2. Apart from that, you can use a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 port for charging and data and it also doubles as a DisplayPort.
Both new iPhones come with iOS 18, so they get all the new features we’ve seen so far in the operating system, like customizable Home/Lock screens, a revamped Photos app, RCS support, and a new Control Center. They also get support for Apple Intelligence thanks to a more powerful 16-core Neural Engine that unlocks features like writing tools, AI notification summaries, richer communication with Siri, and more.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: cameras
In previous years, photography has been a key aspect to differentiate the regular iPhone Pro from its Pro Max counterpart. However, that’s not the case this time around. For starters, both models feature a 48MP f/1.78 wide-angle sensor, a secondary 48MP 0.7µm ultra-wide-angle sensor, and a third 12MP 120mm periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom.
This means you’ll be able to capture the same level of detail, lighting, and zoom regardless of which Pro model you choose. The similarity extends to the front-facing camera as well, with no upgrades. You get the same old 12MP wide sensor for selfies and Face ID. Another big upgrade comes in the video recording department, as the new Pro models come with 4K at 120fps.
Battery and charging
This is where you can see the Pro Max as a clear winner. Apple claims the standard 16 Pro can last up to 85 hours (audio), 27 hours (video), and 22 hours (streaming). While they offer a slight improvement over last year’s model, the 16 Pro Max absolutely destroys it with up to 105 hours (audio), 33 hours (video), and 29 hours (streaming).
When it comes to charging, both models retain the same wired charging speeds as their predecessors. However, MagSafe wireless charging has been bumped up from 15W to 25W on the iPhone 15 Pro.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Which Should You Buy?
Since there’s not much that differentiates the iPhone 16 Pro models from each other, it all comes down to your preferences and budget (obviously!). For $999, the standard Pro model does almost everything its Max sibling does if you accept the limited backup and smaller screen. But if the larger iPhone is what you’re looking for, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feel like an upgrade for just $200 more.
