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Apple iOS 18 Released Sep 2024 Discontinued

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

8.6 / 10
Compass Score
Based on 47 critic reviews

Where to buy

Checked Oct 23
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iOS 18 Operating system
6.9" Screen size
48MP f/1.8 Main camera
A18 Pro Hexa-core Processor
256/512/ 1000 GB Storage
4,685 mAh Battery

Verdict

A sturdy, larger phone with impressive cameras and extensive video features, appealing to creative users.

+
What's good
+ Big, vivid display
+ Long battery life
+ Great camera features
+ New Camera Control
+ Quality build materials
−
What's not
− Large, heavy design
− Limited AI features now
− High price tag
− Slow wireless charging
By category

Key specs

What critics say

Critic consensus

Compass Score
47 reviews
weighted by credibility
PC Magazine
PC Magazine
8

“Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max is a content creator's dream, with extra-long battery life and leading video capabilities, but it's more phone than most people will need.”

Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck
8.9

“The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is clearly no bargain, but it is a true powerhouse.”

GSMArena
GSMArena
9.2

“The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is not a major update over the 15 Pro Max. There is little sense in upgrading if you have a last year's iPhone, but that has always been the case. That doesn't mean to say the iPhone 16 Pro Max underdelivers - just on the contrary, it has a class-leading build quality, an excellent screen, superb battery life, impressive speakers, top-notch performance, and, of course, some of the best cameras on the market.”

Macworld
Macworld
8

“This year’s flagship iPhones are a modest improvement over last year’s Pro model. Camera Control and the big boost in battery life are nice, but you don’t need to buy a Pro phone to get them. But they’re a work in progress—Apple is in a months-long process of finishing this iPhone’s core software features, and when that is done perhaps they will stand out more from the iPhones of prior years.”

Third-party data

Testing & benchmarks

AnTuTu v11 · Performance
1,750,331
DxOMark v6 · Camera
161
Photo 158 · Video 167
#15 globally
GSMArena v2.0 · Endurance
17:18h
Mixed-use battery rating
iFixit · Repairability
7/10
Performance in context · AnTuTu v11
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
1.75M
Video reviews

Watch before you decide

Reviews
My iPhone 16 / Pro / Max “Review”
Dave2D
Long-term
iPhone 16 Pro Max – 6 Months Later
zollotech
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max full review
GSMArena Official
Long-term
iPhone 16 Pro Max 4 Months Later | Long Term Review
MacRumors
Long-term
iPhone 16 Pro Max Review – 6 Months Later
6 Months Later
Long-term
iPhone 16 Pro Max – Who Should and Shouldn’t Buy in 2026?
Nick Ackerman
Long-term
iPhone 16 Pro Max Honest Review | A Long Term User Perspective
Andrew Clare
Long-term
iPhone 16 Pro Max Review: 16 Months Later
Tailosive Tech
Long-term
iPhone 16 Pro Max In 2026! (Still Worth Buying?) (Review)
Simple Alpaca
Long-term
Is The iPhone 16 Pro Max Worth it in 2026?
Jon Adams
Comparisons
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max Battery Test
PhoneBuff
Samsung S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera Battle
Mrwhosetheboss
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra VS iPhone 16 Pro Max
DrTech
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Vivo X200 Pro vs Magic 7 Pro – Battery Drain Test
XEETECHCARE
Battery tests
iPhone 16 Pro Max Battery Life Test
PhoneArena
iPhone 16 Pro MAX – Real Day In The Life (Battery Test + Real World Test)
Baris Alkis

In Depth

Design

The iPhone 16 Pro Max presents a refined titanium finish that not only enhances its premium look but also improves heat dissipation. With its larger build and thinner bezels, the 6.9-inch screen provides an immersive viewing experience. The phone maintains its sturdy design ethos with rounded corners and a matte glass back.

The innovative Camera Control button introduces a tactile approach to photography. Positioned flush within the right frame, it allows quick camera access and settings adjustments with gestures, contributing to its appeal for creative use. Though the phone is slightly heavier, reviewers appreciate its robust feel in hand, ensuring it remains comfortable during long usage despite its overall size.

Display(s)

The 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology offers vibrant, true-to-life colors. It keeps visuals clear and bright—even in sunlight. The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling for more enjoyable web surfing and app navigation.

“Apple’s color accuracy and HDR performance make it hard to notice any shortcomings,” according to reviewers, even though the pixel density doesn’t match all competitors.

The display also adjusts to 1 nit brightness at night, reducing eye strain in dark settings, and the thin bezels maximize the display area without increasing the phone’s physical size.

Performance

The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s performance excels thanks to the A18 Pro chip, boasting a 15% faster CPU and a 20% faster GPU over its predecessor. You’ll experience seamless multitasking and fluid app transitions, even with demanding applications like 4K video editing and graphic-intensive games.

Reviewers highlight the phone’s ability to perform “blisteringly fast performance across the board,” ensuring that from gaming to everyday tasks, the device feels responsive and snappy at all times.

This level of power also ensures more efficient battery use, meaning the iPhone 16 Pro Max can handle whatever you throw its way without compromising on all-day longevity.

Software & Storage

The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with iOS 18, offering enhanced customization and a user-friendly design. You can arrange app icons and widgets anywhere, including blank spaces for a personalized look.

While Apple Intelligence is the highlight, it isn’t available yet. It promises more context-aware responses and expanded Siri capabilities in future updates.

Even without all Apple Intelligence features at launch, the improved interaction and customization already benefit daily use.

Cameras

The iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers major camera improvements with a 48MP ultrawide lens and a 5x telephoto, enhancing shot versatility with minimal noise and rich color, even in challenging light. The updated ultrawide lens captures impressive macro shots, revealing fine details in everyday subjects.

The innovative Camera Control button offers intuitive access to various camera modes, enhancing your photo-taking experience. “This iPhone’s camera is more than a phone—it’s an extension of creative storytelling,” writes an expert. Quicker shutter speeds and advanced settings like Photographic Styles and Audio Mix set this camera system apart, ensuring every photo is captured beautifully.

Battery

The iPhone 16 Pro Max impresses with its extended battery life, lasting between 14 and 17 hours depending on how intensively you use it. “I experienced between 14 and 17 hours of battery life,” praised a review from experts, highlighting the significant endurance offered by Apple’s latest model.

The phone’s battery longevity comes in part from the efficient A18 Pro chip, which optimizes power use across various tasks. This means less worry about running out of juice during a busy day filled with streaming, gaming, or regular browsing.

Apple has streamlined MagSafe charging to be faster than in previous iterations. The phone charges up to 50% in about half an hour with a 30-watt charger, making quick power-ups a breeze. For a device of this size, the charging conveniences ensure that staying connected without lag is part of the daily experience.

Audio

Experts highlight the stereo speakers on the iPhone 16 Pro Max for providing loud, clear audio with decent bass. This makes watching movies or gaming more immersive. The audio is compelling, allowing you to enjoy entertainment without lacking quality, even at high volumes.

The microphones ensure clear voice pickup for calls. This is especially useful in noisy environments, helping your voice be heard clearly. Reviewers agree that these features contribute to a top-notch audio experience. So, whether you’re on a call or enjoying your favorite series, this device has you covered with impressive audio quality.

The Bottom Line

This phone provides a big and beautiful display that’s excellent for media lovers and content creators. The advanced camera system, especially the 48MP ultrawide lens, allows you to capture stunning photos and videos. A new Camera Control button offers added convenience for photography enthusiasts, making shooting seamless and intuitive. While Apple Intelligence isn’t fully available, features like a powerful chip and long battery life make it a great choice for anyone who prioritizes performance and longevity over cutting-edge AI integration.

Experts note that “it’s more of a stretch now to do simple things like scrolling through webpages” due to its larger size, highlighting the need for a comfortable grip.

This model is costly, and users from the previous year may not find enough incentive to upgrade immediately.

Common questions

What people actually want to know

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Community

Questions & answers

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Made by
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132
Phones reviewed
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