Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Verdict
The Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple iPhone 16 is the cheaper of the two at $799 versus $1,199, a difference of about $400. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPhone 16 stands out for a18 chip enables apple intelligence, while Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is praised for 48mp periscope telephoto with 8x optical zoom. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 16 if…
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- →New Camera Control button
- →Compact and lightweight design
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if…
- →48MP periscope telephoto with 8x optical zoom
- →4823 mAh battery for all-day use
- →Up to 2TB storage
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 16
Pros
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence
- New Camera Control button
- Compact and lightweight design
- Improved 48 MP main camera
- Strong battery life for its size
Cons
- Still 60Hz display in 2024
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto lens
- No always-on display
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Pros
- 48MP periscope telephoto with 8x optical zoom
- 4823 mAh battery for all-day use
- Up to 2TB storage
- Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- Spatial Video recording
Cons
- 227g is heavy
- Still 27W wired charging
- $1199 starting price
- Aluminum unibody less premium feel than titanium
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | iOS 19 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 170 g | 227 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum unibody frame, Ceramic Shield 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 163 x 78 x 8.3 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP, f/1.6, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 24 MP, f/1.9 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@120fps ProRes, Spatial Video |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 48 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 48 MP, f/2.8, 8x optical zoom, periscope |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3561 mAh | 4823 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 27W wired |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | 25W MagSafe |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1320 x 2868 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | 6-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | 6-core GPU |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Apple A19 Pro |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 (Thunderbolt) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Apple products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 16 or the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.