iPhone 16 Pro Max review
Overview
The iPhone 16 Pro Max refines Apple’s big‑screen flagship formula with a larger display, faster silicon, a genuinely useful new Capture button, and meaningful camera upgrades. It’s a powerhouse for photographers, creatives, and anyone who wants the best battery life and performance Apple offers. The price and size will be the sticking points, and Apple still trails some Android rivals in charging speed and extreme zoom, but this is the most complete iPhone yet.
Key features
– Design and display: Larger ProMotion OLED with slimmer bezels, 1–120 Hz LTPO refresh for smooth scrolling and battery savings, durable titanium frame with improved finish.
– Performance: A18 Pro chip with a stronger neural engine for on‑device AI features and top‑tier gaming and editing performance.
– New Capture button: A dedicated camera control that supports quick launch and nuanced focus/shutter control; complements the Action button.
– Cameras: Triple‑camera system with a 48 MP main sensor, improved higher‑resolution ultra‑wide, and 5x tetraprism telephoto; better low‑light capture, Smart HDR, and advanced video modes (ProRes, Log, Dolby Vision, spatial video).
– Battery and charging: All‑day battery life with efficient 120 Hz panel and A18 Pro; USB‑C wired and MagSafe wireless charging.
– Connectivity: 5G, Wi‑Fi 7 on Pro models, second‑gen Ultra Wideband for precise Find My, Emergency SOS via satellite (availability varies by region).
– Software: iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence features for writing tools, image generation, and smarter Siri; many AI features run on‑device, with availability and language support expanding over time.
– Storage and I/O: USB‑C with high‑speed data for pro workflows, generous base storage on Pro Max, support for external drives and cameras.
Pros
– Best‑in‑class performance and thermal stability under sustained loads.
– Excellent camera versatility: sharper ultra‑wide, reliable 5x optical zoom, strong low‑light photos, and industry‑leading video tools.
– Bigger, brighter, smooth 120 Hz display with thinner bezels and superb color accuracy.
– Battery life that comfortably handles a heavy day; efficient standby.
– New Capture button meaningfully improves the shooting experience.
– Premium yet lighter titanium build with excellent haptics and speakers.
– Apple Intelligence adds genuinely useful, privacy‑forward AI features on device.
– Long software support and tight ecosystem integration with Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch.
Cons
– Expensive, especially at higher storage tiers.
– Very large; one‑handed use is tough and the flat sides can feel wide.
– Charging speeds lag behind top Android phones; MagSafe still tops out below rivals’ wireless speeds.
– 5x optical zoom is good, but not as long as competitors with 10x periscope lenses.
– Apple Intelligence feature set and language/region support may be limited at launch and will roll out over time.
– Repair and out‑of‑warranty costs are high; accessories add up.
Who should buy it
– Power users, mobile photographers/videographers, and gamers who want the fastest iPhone with the best cameras and battery life.
– Creators who will use ProRes/Log video, external storage via USB‑C, and the Capture button.
– Anyone invested in Apple’s ecosystem who values long‑term updates and privacy‑centric AI.
Who should skip or consider alternatives
– Those who prefer smaller phones or want the best value: consider the iPhone 16 Pro or last year’s 15 Pro Max if discounted.
– Users who prioritize ultra‑fast charging or extreme long‑range zoom: look at flagship Androids with 80–120 W charging or 10x periscope cameras.
Verdict
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple’s most capable flagship to date, pairing a class‑leading chip and display with tangible camera improvements and a smart new Capture button that elevates everyday shooting. If you can live with the size and price—and don’t mind Apple’s conservative charging speeds—it’s the most no‑compromise iPhone for power users and creators.
