Apple just made the new iPhone 16 lineup official and, as expected, there are four new devices that replace last year’s models. But let’s be honest, it’s the Pro models that get the best upgrades, like before. If you’re wondering which of the two models is the right fit, then read along. This iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max comparison will help you decide which one you should buy.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Specs Overview
Before we get into the details on what the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max offer, let’s first look at the specifications.
iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max Display 6.3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, 2622 x 1206 pixels 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 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 48PM wide, 12MP telephoto, 48MP ultra-wide, TOF 3D LiDAR 48PM wide, 12MP telephoto, 48MP ultra-wide, TOF 3D LiDAR Front Camera 12MP wide 12MP wide Video Max: 4K at 120fps Max: 4K at 120fps Battery up to 85 hours on audio playback, up to 27 hours on video playback, up to 22 hours on streaming video up to 105 hours on audio playback, up to 33 hours on video playback, up to 29 hours on streaming video 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 preinstalled iOS 18 preinstalled Protection Ceramic Shield (2024), IP68 Ceramic Shield (2024), IP68
Display and Design
A major factor in choosing a phone is its form factor and how large you want the display to be. So, it makes sense if we start our comparison with that first. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a 6.3 inch display, while its Max sibling comes in with a much bigger 6.9-inch panel. This size difference also translates to the resolutions, which are 2622 x 1206 pixels and 2868 x 1320 pixels respectively for the Pro and Pro Max models.
Other than that, the rest of the aspects remain the same across both devices. They get Super Retina XDR LTPO OLED panels with 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. The peak brightness is 2,000 nits outdoors, and SDR and HDR max brightness values remain the same. The Pro models get Dolby Vision and HDR 10 support, and Ceramic Shield glass protection for displays.
Because of the bigger displays on both models compared to last year’s siblings, 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, in comparison to the 163mm height and 77.6mm of the Pro Max. Despite the dimensions, the placement of the buttons remain the same across both. These include the Power, Volume, and Action buttons that have been on last year’s models.
Speaking of buttons, you get a new Capture Button which is a mechanical key that makes clicking pictures 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 lineups also have a glossier finish for the titanium edges. On that note, you’ll be able to get your hands on them in these finishes – Space Black, White, Gray, and our best pick Desert Titanium.
Hardware and Software
As you may have come to expect, there are literally 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. Although it’s built on the same 3nm process node, it’s using TSMC’s N3E architecture and thus is more efficient.
It also offers more Neural Engine cores than the A17 Pro’s 16-core Neural Engine. So the newer SoC will perform better and faster for AI intensive tasks. Both models will be available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations. All of them have the same 8GB RAM.
To prevent overheating, both the Pro models now equip a graphene heatsink and metal battery casing for better thermals. Alongside the new chipset, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max get the upgraded Snapdragon X75 modem for improved 5G connectivity. This unit is 20% energy efficient and 25% smaller than the previous modem.
Connectivity-wise, the Pro models now support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and Ultra Wideband 2. Other than that, you can a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 port for charging and data and it also doubles up as the DisplayPort.
Both the new iPhones come running iOS 18. So, they get all the new OS features we’ve seen until now like customizable home/lock screens, revamped Photos app, RCS support, and a new Control Center. They also get Apple Intelligence support thanks to a more powerful 16-core Neural Engine which 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 main aspect when differentiating the regular Pro iPhone with its Pro Max counterpart. However, that’s not the case this time around. To start with, both models pack the 48 MP wide f/1.78, 24mm sensor, a secondary 48 MP ultra-wide 0.7µm sensor, and a third 12 MP 120mm periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and 25x digital zoom.
This means, you’ll be able to capture the same level of details, lighting, and zoom regardless of whichever Pro model you opt for. The similarity also transitions to the front camera, with don’t get any upgrades to speak. You get the same old 12MP wide sensor for selfies and Face ID. Another significant update is in the video recording department, as the new Pro models come with 4K at 120fps.
Battery and Charging
This is where you may see the Pro Max as a clear winner. Apple claims the regular 16 Pro can last you up to 85 hours (audio), 27 hours (video), and 22 hours (streaming). Although they provide 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).
Coming to charging, both models retain the same wired charging speeds from their predecessors. However, MagSafe wireless charging has been bumped up to 25W from 15W on the iPhone 15 Pro.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Which One Should You Buy?
Since there isn’t much to separate the iPhone 16 Pro models from each other, it all comes down to your preference and budget (obviously!). For $999, the standard Pro model almost everything its Max sibling does if you’re okay with the limited backup and smaller screen. But if the largest iPhone is what you’re after, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will feel like an upgrade for just $200 more.
