iPhone 16 Pro Max Review: Seamless and Powerful

The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts the largest display ever in an iPhone at 6.9 inches, along with the longest-tested battery life to date. The camera upgrades and the addition of a camera control button are notable improvements. However, the phone lacks a standout "wow" feature for now, and its charging speed could use improvement. Starting at $1,199 USD for 256GB of storage, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available on September 20. Upgrading to 512GB costs $200 more, with another $200 securing a 1TB option.

As a long-time Pro Max user since the iPhone 11 Pro Max, I find myself torn about this new model. While the larger 6.9-inch display is impressive, the thinner bezels help somewhat in maintaining compactness, but the device is still taller, wider, and heavier than its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Despite its advancements, I feel the size of the new Pro Max is slightly cumbersome. It’s more challenging to perform simple tasks like scrolling through web pages or using apps like TikTok, especially once a protective case is added, turning the device into a mini tank. On the bright side, the build quality is enhanced with a titanium band and a ceramic shield display, which Apple claims is 50% tougher than the previous generation.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in four colors: titanium white, titanium black, natural titanium, and desert titanium. While the natural titanium has a modern aesthetic, I personally prefer the desert titanium for its eye-catching appeal. The display technology remains unchanged in terms of brightness and refresh rate, maintaining its status as one of the best OLED panels on a phone. However, the screen can now dim down to just 1 nit, making it ideal for use in dark environments without disturbing others. Despite this, competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro XL surpass the iPhone 16 Pro Max in brightness, reaching over 2,300 nits compared to Apple's 1,500 nits. However, the iPhone retains an advantage in heat management, sustaining performance longer under intense conditions.

A standout design update is the addition of the camera control button. This haptic-enabled button on the right side allows for quick access to the camera. A single press takes a photo, while a long press starts recording a video. The button also facilitates smooth zooming by sliding your finger across it. While the feature works well, the implementation has some learning curves, such as understanding the varying functions of single and double presses. Macro photography using this button was less effective as it caused the camera to shake when focusing on close-up subjects.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max also sees several camera upgrades, including a new 48MP fusion camera for the main sensor, which promises faster focus and reduced shutter lag. In side-by-side comparisons with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the new model was indeed quicker in capturing fast-moving subjects, though the results were not always sharper. The phone also introduces creative tools like photographic styles and audio mix features, further enhancing its appeal to photo enthusiasts.

In summary, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is an iterative upgrade that retains its position as the best phone for those seeking the biggest screen and the longest battery life. However, it lacks groundbreaking features, with some promised capabilities rolling out over time. While competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro XL offer superior AI features and smarter software capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro Max wins on performance, durability, and overall quality. It remains the best choice for those who prioritize endurance and display size, even if it feels like Apple played it safe this time around.