Torn between iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max? 3 things you need to know

iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max in hand showing displays
(Image credit: Future)

It's easy to be on the fence when trying to decide between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max — they're now more similar than ever. After all, the iPhone 16 Pro steals the 5x telephoto zoom lens from the Pro Max series. And you get the same A18 Pro chip on both models, the same Camera Control button and the same Apple Intelligence features.

As you'll see in our iPhone 16 Pro review, we really like the performance, camera quality and improved Siri, as well as the impressive Audio Mix feature for videos. But you'll also discover in our iPhone 16 Pro Max review that the phone's premium price is justified by the huge 6.9-inch display and insane battery life. 

The Difference Between iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max | What Should You BUY? - YouTube The Difference Between iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max | What Should You BUY? - YouTube
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So which new iPhone should you buy? We have a video guide to help you make the right call and some quick advice below. And if you need more help we have an in-depth iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max comparison. 

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iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Specs Compared
Row 0 - Cell 0 iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max
Price $999/£999/AU$1,799$1,199/£1,199/AU$2,149
Display6.3 inches (2622 x 1206) 6.9 inches (2868 x 1320)
ChipA18 ProA18 Pro
Rear cameras48MP main (f/1.78), 48MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 12MP telephoto (5x, f/2.8)48MP main (f/1.78), 48MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 12MP telephoto (5x, f/2.8)
Front camera 12MP (f/1.9) 12MP (f/1.9)
Video 4K Dolby Vision up to 120fps4K Dolby Vision up to 120fps
BatteryUp to 22 hours streaming videoUp to 29 hours streaming video
ColorsBlack, White, Desert and Natural Titanium Black, White, Desert and Natural Titanium
Size5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches6.42 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches
Weight7.03 ounces7.99 ounces

Size and weight

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro in hand

(Image credit: Future)

The easiest way to think about the iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max comparison is that the Pro is small enough to use in one hand and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is best used with two hands.

Obviously, your mileage may vary based on how big your hands are, but there's a clear difference in terms of size and weight. The 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro (up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 15 Pro) measures 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches and weights 7.03 ounces. The iPhone 16 Pro Max packs a huge 6.9-inch display and measures 6.42 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches; it weighs about 8 ounces.

If you want a phone that will easily slip into your pocket, get the iPhone 16 Pro, but if you want the largest screen possible get the Pro Max. 

Battery life 

iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max displays standing up on bench

(Image credit: Future)

The battery life of the iPhone 16 Pro Max was so good in our lab testing that it delayed my review. Seriously, we're talking more than 18 hours on one run and more than 17 hours on two other runs. The average was a whopping 17 hours and 35 minutes, which puts the iPhone 16 Pro Max on our best phone battery life list. 

The iPhone 16 Pro achieved an average endurance of 14 hours and 7 minutes. That's good but about 3.5 hours behind the Pro Max. 

Price 

iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max in hand showing back of phones

(Image credit: Future)

Here's the rub. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 / £999 / AU$1,799 for 128GB of storage. That's $200 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU $1,249 and comes with 256GB.

Note that you could still save $100 versus the iPhone 16 Pro Max if you jumped up to 256GB for the iPhone 16 Pro. So it really comes down to what are you willing to pay to have the biggest screen and longest battery life on an iPhone. I think for many the iPhone 16 Pro might be good enough. 

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Mark Spoonauer

Mark Spoonauer is the global editor in chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for over 20 years. In addition to overseeing the direction of Tom's Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and appears regularly on TV to discuss the latest trends, including Cheddar, Fox Business and other outlets. Mark was previously editor in chief of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Popular Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.