The iPhone 16 Pro Max represents the largest model ever produced by Apple, boasting the longest battery life seen in an iPhone to date. It also carries the highest initial price of any iPhone, starting at $1,199 and escalating rapidly from that point.
Some individuals may dismiss the Pro Max variant solely due to its size, a consideration that has become even more pronounced following this year's increase in screen dimensions. However, after a year with a more compact iPhone, I have opted to return to the largest model available and have no regrets.
Related Article: Does iPhone 14 Pro Case Fit iPhone 16 Pro?
With few exceptions, I have favored larger smartphones since the introduction of the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014. Battery longevity has consistently been a critical factor for me, and I value the enhanced speaker and larger display, particularly for Braille Screen Input, which enables individuals who are blind to type in braille on a touchscreen.
Should I Upgrade to iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Nevertheless, my experience with smaller devices has not been entirely absent; I attempted to use an iPhone 13 mini in 2021 but ultimately returned it, and last year, I chose the iPhone 15 Pro over the 15 Pro Max. I convinced myself that the iPhone 15 Pro was preferable due to its smaller size and improved battery technology.
Which I believed would suffice for daily use. Both assertions proved accurate, as I never experienced battery depletion and, to my recollection, never dropped below 20% in a single day. Despite my concerns regarding battery life, whether founded or unfounded, I found much to appreciate in the iPhone 15 Pro.
In all honesty, the primary reason for selecting the iPhone 15 Pro last year was Apple's decision to eliminate the 128 GB storage option for the Pro Max, resulting in a starting price that was $200 higher than the Pro model.
I was reluctant to be perceived by my colleagues and social circle as someone who purchased a $1,199 phone. At that time, spending $1,199 on a phone was not considered 'cool,' and it remains so today. However, my experience with the iPhone 15 Pro has reaffirmed what I value most in a smartphone: battery life and the reassurance it provides.
The iPhone 16 models present numerous appealing features, including support for Apple Intelligence, the introduction of a new Camera Control Button, and enhanced battery life across all variants. Notably, for the first time in several years, the more affordable models exhibit considerable feature parity with their Pro counterparts, which is advantageous for consumers and broadens access to advanced technology.
Initially, this article was intended solely as a review of my experience with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, as I delved deeper, I found myself with much to discuss regarding the entire iPhone 16 lineup and the recommendations for specific use cases and scenarios. Consequently, this piece has evolved into an evaluation and comparison of Apple’s current-generation iPhone offerings in practical, everyday contexts rather than merely recounting my experience with the largest iPhone to date.
Dimensions, Weight, and Handling
In 2024, Apple expanded the screen sizes of the iPhone Pro and Pro Max models; however, the iPhone 16 Pro Max does not feel markedly larger than its predecessors. The device measures 6.42 inches (133 millimeters) in height and 3.06 inches (77.6 millimeters) in width, weighing 7.99 ounces (227 grams).
In contrast, the iPhone 16 Plus stands at 6.33 inches (160.9 millimeters) high and 3.06 inches (77.8 millimeters) wide, with a weight of 7.03 ounces (199 grams). The iPhone 16 Pro is 5.89 inches (149.6 millimeters) high and 2.81 inches (71.5 millimeters) wide, also weighing 7.03 ounces (199 grams).
While the iPhone 16 measures 5.81 inches (147.6 millimeters) in height and 2.82 inches (71.6 millimeters) in width, weighing 6.00 ounces (170 grams). Notably, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Plus share a weight of 7.03 ounces (199 grams), despite the significant size difference between the two.
Screen sizes are measured diagonally, with the following specifications: iPhone 16 Pro Max at 6.9 inches, iPhone 16 Plus at 6.7 inches, iPhone 16 Pro at 6.3 inches, and iPhone 16 at 6.1 inches. Should I Upgrade to iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Regarding weight, my initial impression of the iPhone 16 Pro Max was that it felt lighter compared to the last large phone I frequently used, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, it was only after conducting research for this review that I confirmed this perception: the iPhone 14 Pro Max weighs 8.47 ounces.
One notable observation was the significant presence of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in my pocket during the initial days of use. This may be attributed to my previous experience with the smaller Pro model, which I found to be remarkably compact and lightweight.
Read Also: Switching from Android to iPhone -The Complete Guide
The terms 'small' and 'lightweight' are relative; for instance, the 2021 iPhone 13 Mini exemplifies a truly small device, one I wished to appreciate more despite its understandably limited battery life.
Alternatively, the slightly larger dimensions of this year's model may have contributed to the perception of increased bulk. Regardless, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is certainly a device that one will be aware of carrying, particularly for those new to the Pro Max or Plus variants.
Performance
I primarily assess a device's performance based on the responsiveness of VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader, to touch gestures, as well as the speed at which applications and screens load. For the first time in several years, Apple has equipped all four iPhone 16 models with the same-generation processor and 8GB of RAM.
In contrast, previous non-Pro models, such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, utilized processors from the prior year's Pro models. This led to the perception that consumers purchasing non-Pro iPhones were essentially acquiring last year's technology under a current-generation label. Fortunately, this is not the case this year, which is a positive development for consumers.
Related Content: Which Is Better, The iPhone 16 Or The Google Pixel 9?
What implications does this have? Practically speaking, Apple's decision to equip all models in the iPhone 16 series with the same-generation processor and RAM suggests that users can anticipate a consistent high level of performance across the entire lineup, except in the most demanding scenarios.
Concerning older devices, I have often expressed my concerns regarding Apple's software approach, particularly the tendency for annual major software updates to result in a noticeable decline in performance, both for VoiceOver and overall functionality. However, this trend has significantly improved in recent years, with this year potentially being the most favorable.
In my experience comparing the iPhone 15 Pro, which operated on various versions of iOS 18, to the iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18.0 and 18.0.1, I observed only a minimal enhancement in device responsiveness—an improvement that was only apparent when I was actively monitoring it. Therefore, unless one is upgrading from a non-Pro iPhone 15 or an earlier model, substantial performance gains should not be anticipated.
Wellington Importadora
The iPhone 16 Pro Max represents the largest model ever produced by Apple, boasting the longest battery life seen in an iPhone to date. It also carries the highest initial price of any iPhone, starting at $1,199 and escalating rapidly from that point.
Some individuals may dismiss the Pro Max variant solely due to its size, a consideration that has become even more pronounced following this year's increase in screen dimensions. However, after a year with a more compact iPhone, I have opted to return to the largest model available and have no regrets.
Related Article: Does iPhone 14 Pro Case Fit iPhone 16 Pro?
With few exceptions, I have favored larger smartphones since the introduction of the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014. Battery longevity has consistently been a critical factor for me, and I value the enhanced speaker and larger display, particularly for Braille Screen Input, which enables individuals who are blind to type in braille on a touchscreen.
Should I Upgrade to iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Nevertheless, my experience with smaller devices has not been entirely absent; I attempted to use an iPhone 13 mini in 2021 but ultimately returned it, and last year, I chose the iPhone 15 Pro over the 15 Pro Max. I convinced myself that the iPhone 15 Pro was preferable due to its smaller size and improved battery technology.
Which I believed would suffice for daily use. Both assertions proved accurate, as I never experienced battery depletion and, to my recollection, never dropped below 20% in a single day. Despite my concerns regarding battery life, whether founded or unfounded, I found much to appreciate in the iPhone 15 Pro.
In all honesty, the primary reason for selecting the iPhone 15 Pro last year was Apple's decision to eliminate the 128 GB storage option for the Pro Max, resulting in a starting price that was $200 higher than the Pro model.
I was reluctant to be perceived by my colleagues and social circle as someone who purchased a $1,199 phone. At that time, spending $1,199 on a phone was not considered 'cool,' and it remains so today. However, my experience with the iPhone 15 Pro has reaffirmed what I value most in a smartphone: battery life and the reassurance it provides.
The iPhone 16 models present numerous appealing features, including support for Apple Intelligence, the introduction of a new Camera Control Button, and enhanced battery life across all variants. Notably, for the first time in several years, the more affordable models exhibit considerable feature parity with their Pro counterparts, which is advantageous for consumers and broadens access to advanced technology.
Initially, this article was intended solely as a review of my experience with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, as I delved deeper, I found myself with much to discuss regarding the entire iPhone 16 lineup and the recommendations for specific use cases and scenarios. Consequently, this piece has evolved into an evaluation and comparison of Apple’s current-generation iPhone offerings in practical, everyday contexts rather than merely recounting my experience with the largest iPhone to date.
Dimensions, Weight, and Handling
In 2024, Apple expanded the screen sizes of the iPhone Pro and Pro Max models; however, the iPhone 16 Pro Max does not feel markedly larger than its predecessors. The device measures 6.42 inches (133 millimeters) in height and 3.06 inches (77.6 millimeters) in width, weighing 7.99 ounces (227 grams).
In contrast, the iPhone 16 Plus stands at 6.33 inches (160.9 millimeters) high and 3.06 inches (77.8 millimeters) wide, with a weight of 7.03 ounces (199 grams). The iPhone 16 Pro is 5.89 inches (149.6 millimeters) high and 2.81 inches (71.5 millimeters) wide, also weighing 7.03 ounces (199 grams).
While the iPhone 16 measures 5.81 inches (147.6 millimeters) in height and 2.82 inches (71.6 millimeters) in width, weighing 6.00 ounces (170 grams). Notably, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Plus share a weight of 7.03 ounces (199 grams), despite the significant size difference between the two.
Screen sizes are measured diagonally, with the following specifications: iPhone 16 Pro Max at 6.9 inches, iPhone 16 Plus at 6.7 inches, iPhone 16 Pro at 6.3 inches, and iPhone 16 at 6.1 inches. Should I Upgrade to iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Regarding weight, my initial impression of the iPhone 16 Pro Max was that it felt lighter compared to the last large phone I frequently used, the iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, it was only after conducting research for this review that I confirmed this perception: the iPhone 14 Pro Max weighs 8.47 ounces.
One notable observation was the significant presence of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in my pocket during the initial days of use. This may be attributed to my previous experience with the smaller Pro model, which I found to be remarkably compact and lightweight.
Read Also: Switching from Android to iPhone -The Complete Guide
The terms 'small' and 'lightweight' are relative; for instance, the 2021 iPhone 13 Mini exemplifies a truly small device, one I wished to appreciate more despite its understandably limited battery life.
Alternatively, the slightly larger dimensions of this year's model may have contributed to the perception of increased bulk. Regardless, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is certainly a device that one will be aware of carrying, particularly for those new to the Pro Max or Plus variants.
Performance
I primarily assess a device's performance based on the responsiveness of VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader, to touch gestures, as well as the speed at which applications and screens load. For the first time in several years, Apple has equipped all four iPhone 16 models with the same-generation processor and 8GB of RAM.
In contrast, previous non-Pro models, such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, utilized processors from the prior year's Pro models. This led to the perception that consumers purchasing non-Pro iPhones were essentially acquiring last year's technology under a current-generation label. Fortunately, this is not the case this year, which is a positive development for consumers.
Related Content: Which Is Better, The iPhone 16 Or The Google Pixel 9?
What implications does this have? Practically speaking, Apple's decision to equip all models in the iPhone 16 series with the same-generation processor and RAM suggests that users can anticipate a consistent high level of performance across the entire lineup, except in the most demanding scenarios.
Concerning older devices, I have often expressed my concerns regarding Apple's software approach, particularly the tendency for annual major software updates to result in a noticeable decline in performance, both for VoiceOver and overall functionality. However, this trend has significantly improved in recent years, with this year potentially being the most favorable.
In my experience comparing the iPhone 15 Pro, which operated on various versions of iOS 18, to the iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18.0 and 18.0.1, I observed only a minimal enhancement in device responsiveness—an improvement that was only apparent when I was actively monitoring it. Therefore, unless one is upgrading from a non-Pro iPhone 15 or an earlier model, substantial performance gains should not be anticipated.