The gap between the larger phones has decreased in the iPhone 16 era, despite Apple having introduced their largest iPhone to date.
IPhone 16 Plus vs. IPhone 16 Pro Max: Battle of the Big iPhones Apple revealed its newest range of iPhone 16 smartphones at its Glowtime event. Even while the new phones have many of the same features, this year’s two large phones—the standard and premium—differ even more from one another. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Plus are shown here.
Given that they are no longer tied for the largest iPhone ever made, size is the most obvious difference between the two larger phones. The iPhone 16 Pro Max holds the record for being the largest iPhone ever produced with a 6.9-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus retains its 6.7-inch display.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is little pricier than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Pro Max with 256GB of storage starts at $1,199 (£1,199, AU$2,149), while the iPhone 16 Plus with 128GB of storage starts at $899 (£899, AU$1,599).
Although there is a significant price difference between the two, the larger phone has a few features that its smaller sister does not. The iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom in addition to the 48-megapixel fusion camera (which has a cool new 12-megapixel 2x digital zoom capability) and 48-megapixel ultrawide camera. A 12-megapixel TrueDepth front-facing camera with FaceID is featured on both phones.
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The Pro Max can record 4K video at 120 frames per second, which is a decent frame rate for slow motion conversion. In comparison, the Plus can only record 4K video at 60 frames per second. Both phones are capable of recording 1080p at 30 frames per second in spatial video, a depth-focused video format that can only be viewed with Apple Vision Pro.
The Pro Max’s four microphones compared to the Plus’s three provide it a more sensitive audio recording capability over its less expensive brother. Both phones come with Audio Mix, a set of three expert toggles that allow you to select which sound sources to record during a video shoot: studio, designed specifically for podcasters and vloggers, allows you to create the impression that your subject is nestled in the sound-damped walls of a studio; cinematic, on the other hand, blends sounds together in a way that makes your subject appear to be speaking directly in front of the camera (much like a standard movie mix).
It should come as no surprise that, despite supporting Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a more sophisticated A18 Pro chipset than the iPhone 16 Plus’s A18 silicon. While the Plus includes 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB choices, the larger phone has higher maximum capacity with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options. Apple hasn’t made the RAM for every model available.
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The Pro Max is 6.42×3.06×0.32 inches (163×77.6×8.25mm), while the Plus measures 6.33×3.06×0.31 inches (160.9×77.8×7.8mm). This implies that the larger phone weighs 227 grams (7.99 ounces), whereas the smaller phone weighs 199 grams (7.03 ounces). Four titanium frame colors are available for the Pro Max: black, white, silver-toned natural, and tan desert. The color palette of the Plus is more vivid and includes black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine. Both phones have USB-C connections and are IP68 certified for protection to dust and water.
Although the larger Pro Max logically has more pixels on its screen (2,868×1,320 pixel resolution) than the comparably smaller Plus (2,796×1,290 pixel resolution), both phones’ displays are equally clear thanks to OLED Super Retina XDR and 460 pixels per inch resolution. The Pro Max’s 120 Hz display refresh rate, which comes from its ProMotion technology, sets it apart from the Plus, which keeps the 60 Hz refresh rate that the base iPhone has had for years. Both phones have a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits when exposed to direct sunshine, but they can reduce to only one nit when it’s dark, which helps save battery life.
More battery life results from that more room, however in classic Apple manner, we don’t get precise capacity data, only approximate hourly usage. The maximum video playback time for the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 33 hours, or up to 29 hours if streaming, while the maximum video playback time for the iPhone 16 Plus is 27 hours, or up to 24 hours if streaming. While MagSafe wireless charging has been increased to 25 watts when using a 30-watt or faster charger, both phones have the same wired charging capabilities as the previous generation (up to 20 watts).
Both phones come pre-installed with iOS 18, and when Apple Intelligence becomes available later in September, both will get it. Apple only showed off a small portion of its AI capabilities during WWDC in June. The generative AI will improve Siri’s performance, provide recommendations for enhancing a message’s tone, intelligently organize your photo library, and provide more precise contextual searches inside it.
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Additionally, Apple has added AI-generated emoji, which users can create by sending in suggestions. An example of one would be a cowboy frog on a diving board.
Visual Intelligence, which sees Apple’s AI used in the camera, is the major revelation. Visual Intelligence can see through your viewfinder and find what’s there. The new hardware feature that calls for this is the Camera Control button, located on the right side of both phones, beneath the lock button. Its capacitive and physically clickable nature allows you to either press it for Visual Intelligence or tap it to activate its secondary use, which is to work as an additional toggle for camera settings.
For instance, you may run your touch over the screen of your open camera app to adjust the aperture or zoom in and out. It also functions as an additional menu in third-party apps. In the Apple presentation, it was shown using Snap.
In a similar vein, the Action Button—which functions as an adjustable app shortcut—has replaced the ringer-silent button on both the regular and premium phones. It is no longer limited to expensive phones.
As a result, the Pro Max has fewer exclusives than the Plus, which makes the $300 price difference less tenable. It is larger, for sure, sporting a titanium frame, a larger battery, and a third rear camera (telephoto). However, since Apple Intelligence is now present in both phones (returning to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max variants exclusively), it is more difficult to defend the more expensive phones against their less expensive counterparts.
iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max
| Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | |
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate, brightness | 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2,796 x 1,290 pixels | 6.9-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2,868 x 1,320 pixels |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 inches | 6.42 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm | 163 x 77.6 x 8.25mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 199 g, 7.03 oz | 227 g, 7.99oz |
| Mobile software | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Camera | 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (fusion) | 5x telephoto, 48-megapixel (ultrawide), and 48-megapixel (fusion) |
| Front-facing camera | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video capture | Spatial video at 30 frames per second in 1080p and 4K | 4K at 120 frames per second; 30 frames per second for spatial video at 1080p |
| Processor | A18 | A18 Pro |
| RAM/storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable storage | No | No |
| Battery | Video playback for up to 27 hours; video playback for up to 24 hours (streamed). 20 watts of connected charging. Qi2 up to 15W and MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with a 30W adaptor or higher | 33 hours of maximum video playback; 29 hours of maximum video playback (streamed). 20 watts of connected charging. Qi2 up to 15W and MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with a 30W adaptor or higher |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | No | No |
| Special features | Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, IP68 resistance, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, and Apple Intelligence are all features. Black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine are the colors. | Action button, Camera Control button, four audio microphones, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance, and Apple Intelligence are all included. Black, white, natural, and desert titanium are the available colors. |
| US price off-contract | $899 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,199 (512GB) | $1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB) |
| UK price | £899 (128GB), £999 (256GB), £1,199 (512GB) | £1,199 (256GB), £1,399 (512GB), £1,599 (1TB) |
| Australia price | AU$1,599 (128GB), AU$1,799 (256GB), AU$2,149 (512GB) | AU$2,149 (256GB), AU$2,499 (512GB), AU$2,849 (1TB) |
iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max
Q. The main differences between the iPhone 16 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro Max
The camera system is one major difference, followed by the display quality, performance, and build materials. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will comprise advanced main and telephoto lenses, LiDAR scanner, higher refresh rate ProMotion display, and a more premium build with the use of stainless steel or titanium instead of the aluminum frame used in the iPhone 16 Plus. This two models also vary in performance as the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with an A18 Pro chip while the iPhone 16 Plus comes with the A17 Bionic chip.
Q. Compare the display of iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max:
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 60Hz Super Retina XDR, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max sports 120Hz ProMotion for an even smoother experience for scrolling and gaming, among other things. In size, the two devices are fairly comparable-inches 6.7-but Pro Max edges out its plus sibling in brightness and HDR capabilities.
Q. How is the camera on the iPhone 16 Plus compared to that on the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a triple-camera system with an additional ultra-wide-angle sensor, wide-angle camera as the primary sensor, and telephoto with optical zoom. The device is also incorporated with a LiDAR scanner that extends with regard to depth sensing under lighting-restrained and augmented reality experiences. The iPhone 16 Plus has dual cameras with a wide-angle sensor, an ultra-wide-angle sensor, without telephoto zoom and LiDAR.
Q. How long will a battery last of the iPhone 16 Plus compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Both would boast almost the same level of battery life since both will look like plus-sized, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max might last a little longer when heavy usage is concerned because it packs the more efficient A18 Pro chip. However, both devices will easily make it through one day of normal usage.
Q. How much storage do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer?
The iPhone 16 Plus usually starts with 128GB of storage and goes up as high as 512GB. In comparison, the iPhone 16 Pro Max begins at 256GB with up to 1TB, offering more options for those who need space for their high-resolution photos, videos, and apps.
Q. How would you describe iPhone 16 Pro Max concerning gaming performance versus iPhone 16 Plus?
Yes, iPhone 16 Pro Max is more likely to be more efficient on the gaming side because of its ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate and also because of the A18 Pro chip, which brings in much smoother graphics and faster loading times. iPhone 16 Plus would still be able to perform but cannot be in comparison as high-end devices as the Pro Max.
Q. Material differences in both models?
The aluminum frame and front Ceramic Shield glass make the iPhone 16 Plus very robust but almost weightless. The iPhone 16 Pro Max would employ a pricier material such as stainless steel or titanium that enables weight but a more premium look and feel along with it, durable enough.
Q. How much does the price differ when comparing the iPhone 16 Plus and the Pro Max?
Comparatively, the starting price of the iPhone 16 Plus would be lower than that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Prices for the Pro Max are also expected to be high as well as the additional hardware capabilities and premium build with exclusive features onboard. Prices for the Plus model may begin at around $899, but the Pro Max will start at about $1,199 or more, depending on configuration.
Q. Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max support ProRAW and ProRes video recording?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports recording in ProRAW and ProRes video. Therefore, it is a great tool for professional photographers and videographers. The iPhone 16 Plus records only in classical RAW and video formats. It lacks ProRAW and ProRes video recording capabilities
Q. Which is better for professional use: an iPhone 16 Plus or an iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is more suitable for professionals because of its advanced camera system, LiDAR scanner, ProRAW/ProRes support, a really powerful display, and more importantly, the A18 Pro chip. For photographers, videographers, and anyone who requires more performance to run heavy applications, this is the best bet.
