When deciding between the iPhone 16 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it can be challenging to determine which one is the better fit for your needs, especially with a $300 price difference between the two. The iPhone 16 Plus is priced at $899, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in at $1,199. But beyond the price, each phone offers unique features that may sway your decision. Here’s a breakdown of how these two models compare across various aspects to help you make an informed choice.
iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: Specifications
| iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max | |
| Starting price | $899/£899/AU$1,599 | $1,199/£1,199/AU$2,149 |
| Screen size | 6.7 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Processor | A18 | A18 Pro |
| RAM | Unknown | Unknown |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main (f/1.6) with 2x opitcal quality zoom, 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) | 48MP main (f/1.78), 48MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 12MP telephoto (5x, f/2.8) |
| Front camera | 12MP (f/1.9) | 12MP (f/1.9) |
| Battery size | Unknown | Unknown |
| Battery life | 27 hours, video playback; 100 hours, audio playback | 33 hours, video playback; 105 hours, audio playback |
| Size | 6.3 x 3.1 x 0.31 inches (160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm) | 6.42 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches |
| Weight | 7.03 ounces (199 grams) | 7.99 ounces (227 grams) |
| Colors | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine | Black, White, Desert and Natural Titanium |
Design and Build Quality
One of the most noticeable differences between the iPhone 16 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro Max lies in their build materials. The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a titanium alloy frame, which gives it a more premium and durable feel compared to the iPhone 16 Plus. However, the extra durability comes at a cost—literally. The titanium frame makes the iPhone 16 Pro Max slightly heavier and bulkier, but it also adds to the phone’s solid, robust construction. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Plus opts for an aluminum frame, making it lighter in the hand, which could be a deciding factor for those who prioritize comfort over ruggedness.
When it comes to color options, the iPhone 16 Plus offers more vibrant and playful choices like pink, teal, and ultramarine, which might appeal to users who want their phone to stand out visually. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max sticks to neutral colors such as black, white, and desert titanium, which could attract those looking for a more professional appearance.
Both phones are protected by Ceramic Shield glass, which Apple claims is the toughest glass on any smartphone. They also share an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability against the elements.
Display: 60Hz vs. 120Hz
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, slightly larger than the 6.7-inch screen on the iPhone 16 Plus. Although the size difference is minor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max benefits from slimmer bezels, which make the screen feel even bigger without significantly increasing the phone’s physical dimensions.
One of the most significant distinctions between these two models is the refresh rate. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a 120Hz ProMotion display, which provides smoother scrolling and better responsiveness, especially noticeable during gaming and video playback. The iPhone 16 Plus, unfortunately, is stuck with a 60Hz refresh rate, which could feel sluggish by comparison. If you’re a gamer or someone who watches a lot of videos, the Pro Max’s higher refresh rate might be worth the extra cost.
Both displays offer the same peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making them excellent for outdoor use under direct sunlight. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a higher resolution of 2,868 x 1,320, compared to the iPhone 16 Plus’s 2,796 x 1,290. While the difference in resolution is not drastic, the higher pixel density of the Pro Max contributes to slightly crisper images and text.
Camera Systems: More Lenses, More Versatility
When it comes to photography, the iPhone 16 Pro Max takes the lead with its triple-camera system. It features a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This setup offers more versatility, especially for users who enjoy capturing a variety of shots, from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups. The telephoto lens is particularly useful for zooming in without sacrificing image quality, a feature that the iPhone 16 Plus lacks.
In contrast, the iPhone 16 Plus is equipped with a dual-camera system consisting of a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. While the iPhone 16 Plus does not have a dedicated telephoto lens, Apple compensates by offering 2x optical-quality zoom through pixel binning. This technique uses the main sensor to simulate optical zoom, but it may not deliver the same clarity as a dedicated telephoto lens.
Both phones now feature the Camera Control button, which allows users to switch between photo and video modes more easily. They also support Spatial photos and videos, leveraging their advanced camera systems for more immersive content creation.
Video Capabilities: 4K at 120fps vs. 60fps
If video recording is a priority, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the clear winner. It supports 4K video recording at 120fps, enabling users to capture stunning slow-motion footage with high resolution. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Plus can record 4K video, but only at 60fps, which limits its ability to produce smooth slow-motion videos.
Both phones come with a new feature called Audio Mix, which uses four microphones to capture better audio quality during video recordings. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, however, is equipped with “studio-quality” microphones, which are expected to produce even higher-quality audio than those on the iPhone 16 Plus.
Performance: A18 vs. A18 Pro Chip
Both phones are powered by Apple’s latest A18 chip, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max features a turbocharged variant known as the A18 Pro. The Pro chip includes a 6-core GPU, compared to the 5-core GPU in the iPhone 16 Plus, offering more power for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing.
Both chips have a 6-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, as well as a 16-core Neural Engine for AI tasks. While the performance difference between the two chips may not be noticeable during everyday tasks, the A18 Pro is expected to shine in more demanding applications, making the iPhone 16 Pro Max a better choice for power users.
Battery Life: Endurance Matters
Although Apple does not disclose the exact battery capacities of its iPhones, both models are expected to have larger batteries than their predecessors. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers up to 33 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 Plus provides up to 27 hours. Historically, the Plus models have outperformed the Pro Max in terms of battery life due to the latter’s more power-hungry features, such as the 120Hz display and the A18 Pro chip.
While both phones support fast wireless charging at 25W, neither model sees a significant improvement in wired charging speeds over their predecessors.
Software and Features: iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence
Both the iPhone 16 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro Max ship with iOS 18, ensuring that users will have access to the same core software features. New additions in iOS 18 include home screen customization, RCS support in Messages, and a redesigned Photos app. One of the most anticipated features is Apple Intelligence, a set of AI-driven tools that will roll out in a future software update. Both phones will receive nearly identical Apple Intelligence features, such as Siri upgrades, Writing Tools, and the Photo Clean Up tool.
While the iPhone 16 Pro Max may handle these features slightly faster due to its A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Plus will still provide a robust software experience without any significant compromises.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
The choice between the iPhone 16 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro Max ultimately comes down to your priorities. If you want a more affordable option with great battery life, vibrant color choices, and a solid camera system, the iPhone 16 Plus offers excellent value for its price. However, if you need top-tier performance, a superior display, and a more versatile camera system, the iPhone 16 Pro Max justifies its higher price tag.
In short, for budget-conscious buyers who still want a big iPhone with plenty of features, the iPhone 16 Plus is the way to go. But if you’re willing to spend extra for a more premium experience, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the clear choice.
