The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are Apple’s latest flagship smartphones, boasting cutting-edge technology and impressive features. Both models offer incredible performance, stunning displays, and advanced camera systems. But with subtle differences in size, battery life, and price, choosing between them can be tricky. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive comparison of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, exploring their key features and helping you decide which model is the perfect fit for your needs and preferences.
Table of contents
iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max at a glance
| Feature | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.33 in 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm | 6.42 x 3.06 x 0.33 in 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 7.02 oz 199 g | 8.01 oz 227 g |
| Screen size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display technology | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels | 2778 x 1284 pixels |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 120Hz ProMotion |
| Processor | A18 Bionic | A18 Bionic |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Main camera | 48MP Wide, f/1.78 Sensor-shift optical image stabilization | 48MP Wide, f/1.78 Sensor-shift optical image stabilization |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto camera | 12MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom | 12MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom |
| Front camera | 12MP TrueDepth with autofocus | 12MP TrueDepth with autofocus |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Battery capacity | 3,582 mAh | 4,685 mAh |
| Battery life | Up to 27 hours of video playback | Up to 33 hours of video playback |
| Charging | 30-minute USB-C charge with 20W adapter or higher MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W | 30-minute USB-C charge with 20W adapter or higher MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W |
| Colors | Black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, desert titanium | Black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, desert titanium |
| Other features | Face ID, LiDAR Scanner, Emergency SOS via satellite, Crash Detection, Action button | Face ID, LiDAR Scanner, Emergency SOS via satellite, Crash Detection, Action button |
| Price (new) | Starts at | Starts at |
| Price (refurbished) | Starts at | Starts at |
Reasons to choose the iPhone 16 Pro
- More affordable, with a lower starting price.
- Lighter and easier to hold.
- More comfortable for one-handed use.
- Fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- Offers a longer battery life relative to size.
64GB storage
Black
64GB storage
Black
Reasons to choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Larger, more immersive display for better viewing.
- Offers the longest battery life in the lineup.
- It may have higher starting storage options.
- Longer battery life, lasting up to 33 hours.
64GB storage
Black
64GB storage
Black
iPhone 16 Pro vs. Pro Max: Which one should you buy?
Keep reading to know the differences between the iPhone 16 Pro and the Pro Max and which is better for your needs and budget.
Design and display
The most obvious difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max lies in their dimensions.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the Pro Max boasts a larger 6.9-inch screen.
Both models feature the same stunning display technology with ProMotion, offering adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. You can expect vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredible detail on both devices.
While the core display technology is identical, the size difference significantly impacts the overall user experience.
The Pro Max provides a more immersive viewing experience for videos, games, and multitasking, while the Pro offers a more compact and pocket-friendly form factor.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preference for screen size and portability.
Performance
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are powered by Apple’s latest A18 Pro chip, a powerhouse designed for demanding tasks and smooth performance.
You can expect blazing-fast speeds, seamless multitasking, and effortless handling of graphics-intensive games and apps on both models.
While benchmarks might reveal minor differences, in real-world usage, you’re unlikely to notice any significant performance variations between the two.
Beyond the processor, both phones have ample RAM to ensure smooth operation even with multiple apps open.
This means you can seamlessly switch between tasks, edit photos, and stream videos without experiencing any lag or slowdown.
Whether you choose the Pro or Pro Max, you’re getting a phone that can handle anything you throw at it.
👉 Learn more: 20 best AI apps for your iPhone
Image by: Apple
Cameras
Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max share an impressive camera system designed to capture stunning photos and videos in any situation.
They have a triple-lens setup with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
This versatile combination allows you to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups.
The primary 48MP sensor excels in low-light conditions and offers incredible detail.
The ultra-wide lens expands your field of view, perfect for capturing expansive scenes.
Lastly, the telephoto lens brings distant subjects closer, which is ideal for portraits and capturing details from afar.
Battery life and charging
When it comes to battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max takes the lead. Thanks to its larger size, it houses a more capacious battery, allowing for extended usage compared to the iPhone 16 Pro.
Expect up to 33 hours of video playback on the Pro Max, while the Pro offers up to 27 hours.
However, both models support fast 30-minute charging with a 20W adapter or higher, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when needed.
They also feature MagSafe wireless charging of up to 15W and Qi wireless charging of up to 7.5W for convenient cable-free power.
👉 Related: 8 Best MagSafe Accessories for Your iPhone
While the Pro Max boasts a longer overall battery life, the Pro still offers impressive endurance for its size.
Consider your typical daily usage and how important all-day battery life is to you. If you’re a heavy user or frequently away from a charger, the Pro Max might be the better choice.
However, if you prioritize a more compact size and find the Pro’s battery life sufficient, it’s still an excellent option.
Conclusion
Choosing between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max depends on your daily usage (and budget!). Both excel with performance, displays, and cameras. The Pro Max has a larger screen and longer battery life, while the Pro is compact and less expensive. Consider if the Pro Max’s extras are worth the cost or if the Pro’s portability and value are better for you.
To save money, explore refurbished options on RefurbMe. We find the best deals on refurbished Apple products, including iPhones, from reputable sellers with warranties. You’ll get a quality device for less. Whether you choose the 16 Pro or Pro Max, we can help you find the perfect phone for you!
See all available iPhones in real time here. 👇
64GB storage
Black
64GB storage
Black
Happy shopping! 🛍️
