iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: A Complete Comparison for 2024 Find Your Perfect Match
Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup has arrived with two heavyweight contenders in the big-phone category — the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max. While both models offer large displays and cutting-edge technology, they come with distinct differences in features, performance, and price. If you’re in the market for a large iPhone, it’s essential to understand these differences before making your purchase. Read more
Design and Display
One of the first things to notice between the iPhone 16 Plus and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is their size. The iPhone 16 Plus continues with a 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display, while the Pro Max boasts an even larger 6.9-inch display, making it the biggest iPhone ever.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
Both phones have OLED Super Retina XDR screens with identical pixel densities (460 ppi), but the Pro Max outshines the Plus in terms of resolution. The Pro Max’s screen has a resolution of 2,868 x 1,320 pixels, compared to the Plus’s 2,796 x 1,290 pixels.
However, the most significant difference lies in the refresh rate. While the iPhone 16 Plus sticks with the traditional 60 Hz refresh rate, the Pro Max adopts Apple’s ProMotion technology, which delivers a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
| Specification | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7-inch OLED | 6.9-inch OLED |
| Resolution | 2,796 x 1,290 | 2,868 x 1,320 |
| Pixel Density | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz (ProMotion) |
| Brightness (Max) | 2,000 nits | 2,000 nits |
Performance and Processing Power
When it comes to performance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a clear edge with its A18 Pro chip, offering more advanced features compared to the A18 chipset found in the iPhone 16 Plus. Both chips feature Apple Intelligence, but the Pro Max is designed to handle more intensive tasks, especially for gaming and productivity apps. Read more
RAM and Storage Options
Apple doesn’t typically disclose the exact RAM configurations, but storage options differ between the two models. The iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, while the Pro Max offers more expansive options starting from 256GB, going up to 1TB.
| Specification | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A18 | A18 Pro |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| RAM | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Max Storage | 512GB | 1TB |
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max share impressive camera systems, but the Pro Max adds extra professional-level features.
Rear Camera Setup
The iPhone 16 Plus is equipped with a 48-megapixel fusion camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, offering versatile photography options, including a 2x digital zoom. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max adds a third lens: a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, providing far more flexibility for long-distance shots.
Video Recording
For videographers, the Pro Max stands out with 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second, perfect for creating slow-motion videos. The iPhone 16 Plus, on the other hand, maxes out at 60 fps for 4K video. Both models offer Spatial Video, optimized for Apple’s Vision Pro headset, giving depth and a sense of immersion to recorded content.
| Camera Feature | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 12 MP, 5x optical zoom |
| Video Capture | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 120fps |
| Spatial Video | 1080p at 30fps | 1080p at 30fps |
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor for many, and both iPhones deliver exceptional performance. Apple claims the iPhone 16 Pro Max can last up to 33 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 Plus clocks in at 27 hours. Streaming videos? The Pro Max offers up to 29 hours, compared to 24 hours on the Plus.
Both phones support MagSafe wireless charging up to 25 watts with a 30W or faster adapter. Wired charging remains at 20 watts for both models, which hasn’t changed from the previous generation.
| Battery Performance | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Video Playback | Up to 27 hours | Up to 33 hours |
| Streaming Playback | Up to 24 hours | Up to 29 hours |
| Wired Charging | 20W | 20W |
| Wireless Charging | 25W (MagSafe) | 25W (MagSafe) |
Audio and Microphones
The iPhone 16 Pro Max outshines the Plus model in audio recording, thanks to its four microphones that enable superior noise isolation. This setup is beneficial for professional-grade audio capture in podcasts or vlogs. The iPhone 16 Plus, while still impressive, is limited to three microphones.
Both models introduce Audio Mix settings, offering customization options to prioritize audio from in-frame speakers, optimize podcast-quality recordings, or blend environmental sounds in cinematic-style captures.
| Audio Features | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Microphones | 3 | 4 |
| Audio Mix Options | Yes | Yes |
Build and Materials
The build quality between the two phones differs significantly. The iPhone 16 Plus features an aluminum frame, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is crafted from titanium, giving it added durability and a premium feel. This difference also makes the Pro Max slightly heavier at 227 grams, compared to the Plus at 199 grams.
In terms of design, the Pro Max comes in more subdued colors like black, white, natural, and desert titanium. The iPhone 16 Plus, however, offers more vibrant color options such as pink, teal, and ultramarine, appealing to those who prefer bolder aesthetics.
| Build Feature | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Titanium |
| Weight | 199 grams | 227 grams |
| Color Options | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine | Black, White, Natural, Desert Titanium |
Software and Special Features
Both phones run on iOS 18, packed with features like Apple Intelligence and the Action Button, which debuted on previous Pro models but is now available across both lines. Both devices feature the new Camera Control button, which offers innovative ways to interact with the camera, such as adjusting zoom and aperture settings by simply swiping along the side of the phone.
Additionally, both phones introduce Visual Intelligence, Apple’s AI-powered camera assistant, which can recognize objects in your frame and provide contextual information in real-time.
| Software and Features | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| iOS Version | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Action Button | Yes | Yes |
| Camera Control Button | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes |
Price Comparison
The price difference between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max is notable, with the Plus starting at $899 for the base 128GB model, while the Pro Max starts at $1,199 for 256GB. The price gap can be attributed to the extra features like the telephoto camera, ProMotion display, and the more premium build of the Pro Max.
| Price (US) | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $899 | N/A |
| 256GB | $999 | $1,199 |
Conclusion:
The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max are both incredible smartphones, but they cater to different users. The iPhone 16 Plus is a powerful and cost-effective choice, ideal for users who need a big screen and solid performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers premium features, like the A18 Pro chip, a larger battery, more storage, and a superior camera system, making it the ultimate choice for tech enthusiasts and professionals. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your budget and needs.
FAQs:
What are the main differences between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger display, better camera, faster chip, and more storage options compared to the iPhone 16 Plus.
Does the iPhone 16 Plus have the same display as the Pro Max?
Both phones have OLED Super Retina XDR displays, but the Pro Max has a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Plus has 60Hz.
Which iPhone has a better camera?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a more advanced camera system, including a 12MP telephoto lens and 5x optical zoom.
is the battery life better on the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Yes, the Pro Max offers up to 33 hours of video playback, compared to the 27 hours on the iPhone 16 Plus.
Which iPhone has more storage capacity?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers up to 1TB of storage, while the iPhone 16 Plus maxes out at 512GB.
