iPhone 16 Pro Max Review: Apple’s Biggest Device Yet
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is here, and it’s the biggest, boldest, and most feature-packed iPhone yet. With a larger display, enhanced performance, and a suite of new features, this flagship device aims to set a new standard for smartphones in 2025. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Display: Bigger and Brighter
The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a massive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, the largest ever on an iPhone. The edge-to-edge screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use and HDR content. The new titanium frame feels premium and durable, with a slightly refined ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold despite its size.
Apple has introduced a new "Desert Titanium" color option, alongside the classic Black, White, and Natural Titanium finishes. The Ceramic Shield glass is tougher than ever, promising better drop resistance. However, at 227 grams, it’s a hefty device that might not suit everyone’s pocket or hand.
Performance: A18 Pro Chip Powers It All
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the A18 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process. This chip delivers a 15% boost in CPU performance and a 20% improvement in GPU performance compared to the A17 Pro. Whether you’re editing 4K videos, playing graphically intensive games like Resident Evil 4, or multitasking with multiple apps, the iPhone 16 Pro Max handles it all with ease.
The Neural Engine is also upgraded, enabling faster machine learning tasks and supporting Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI platform. From smarter Siri interactions to on-device photo editing, the AI capabilities feel seamless and intuitive.
Camera System: A Photographer’s Dream
The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s camera system is a standout feature. The triple-lens setup includes a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. New this year is the ability to shoot 4K video at 120fps, perfect for cinematic slow-motion footage. The upgraded Computational Photography engine enhances low-light performance and delivers more natural skin tones.
The new Camera Control button, a capacitive touchpad on the side, allows quick access to camera settings like zoom, exposure, and photographic styles. It’s a game-changer for one-handed photography, though it takes some getting used to. The macro mode, now available on both the main and ultrawide lenses, captures stunning close-up details.
Battery Life and Charging
With a larger 4,685mAh battery, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers all-day power, even with heavy usage. In testing, it lasted over 14 hours of mixed use, including gaming, streaming, and browsing. Fast charging (up to 40W wired and 20W MagSafe) means you can top up quickly, though Apple still doesn’t include a charger in the box.
Software: iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 16 Pro Max ships with iOS 18, which brings customizable home screens, a revamped Control Center, and enhanced privacy features. Apple Intelligence, rolling out in phases, adds generative AI tools like text rewriting, image generation, and smarter notifications. These features integrate smoothly into the iOS ecosystem, making everyday tasks more efficient.
Connectivity and Other Features
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports Wi-Fi 7 and 5G with improved modem performance for faster downloads and lower latency. The USB-C port now supports USB 3 speeds for faster data transfer, a boon for professionals working with large files. Spatial Audio is enhanced, and the device supports lossless audio playback with compatible AirPods.
Pricing and Availability
Starting at $1,199 for the 256GB model, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a premium investment. It’s available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options. Pre-orders began in September 2025, with devices hitting stores shortly after.
The Verdict
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a powerhouse that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. Its massive display, unparalleled performance, and pro-grade camera system make it a dream device for content creators and power users. However, its size and price may deter some buyers, especially those who don’t need the Pro features.
If you’re looking for the ultimate iPhone experience and don’t mind the heft, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple’s biggest and best yet. For those seeking a more compact option, the iPhone 16 Pro offers nearly identical features in a smaller package.
Pros:
- Stunning 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Blazing-fast A18 Pro chip
- Versatile camera system with 4K 120fps video
- Long-lasting battery life
- Apple Intelligence adds smart, practical features
- Large size may not suit everyone
- Premium price tag
- No charger included
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max worth it? If you’re all-in on Apple’s ecosystem and want the best they have to offer, this device is a no-brainer.
