iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Here's the biggest differences

If you're trying to make a decision between the iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max, let me be your guide. Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro now shares the 5x tetraprism zoom lens from the Max model, but there's still some pretty big differences between these two phones.

In our iPhone 16 Pro review and iPhone 16 Pro Max review, we really liked the powerful A18 Pro chip, camera improvements and the range of Apple Intelligence features. So how do you decide on the best iPhone for you?

I'll break down all iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max differences, including the pricing and storage, size and weight and battery life so you can buy with confidence. And if there's anything this guide doesn't answer hit me up in the comments and I'll get back to you.

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iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Price and storage

The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 / £999 / AU$1,799 for 128GB of storage. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has 256GB of storage standard and starts at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU $1,249.

A $200 might not seem like much between the iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max. But you could upgrade to 256GB of storage for the iPhone 16 Pro and still save $100 versus the 128GB Pro Max.

That's plenty of money left over to buy an iPhone 16 Pro case. So if you don't mind carrying a smaller phone the regular iPhone 16 Pro is the value pick.

No matter what you do, avoid paying full price by checking out our iPhone 16 deals roundup. There's a ton of discounts out there.

iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Shared features

To start out with, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are powered by Apple's A18 Pro system-on-chip. Apple also equips both phones with 8GB of RAM. As a result, there's not much difference in performance between the Pro models.

In fact, in some tests, the iPhone 16 Pro actually posted better numbers, though the results are close enough to where you won't notice a difference in daily use.

The specs are also identical now that the iPhone 16 Pro has adopted the tetraprism zoom lens from the Pro Max series. As a result, both phones feature a 48MP main Fusion Camera, a 48MP ultrawide shooter, and that 12MP telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom.

In addition, both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max share the Action button, as well as the Camera Control button. The latter lets you easily launch the camera and use the Visual Intelligence feature (think Google Lens)

Finally, like all iPhone 16 models, the iPhone 16 Pro offerings run on iOS 18. That includes the Apple Intelligence features Apple added via software updates. In fact, the same AI tools are available on all iPhone 16 models, even the cheaper versions.

For more on Apple Intelligence, see our guide to all of the latest Apple Intelligence features.

iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Size and weight

The regular iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, which is an increase from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 15 Pro. I don't have big hands, but I think it's still fairly easy to use this phone with one hand. Not so for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a ginormous 6.9-inch screen, which is the largest display on a phone we've tested that's not a foldable. It's a pretty sizable jump from the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max — and to me — results in a phone that's pretty much a two-handed affair.

Yes, both of the new iPhone 16 Pro models have slimmer bezels, which helps, but I still find it a stretch to reach to the other side of the Pro Max with my thumb when using it with one hand. The Pro Max measures 6.42 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches, compared to 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches for the regular iPhone 16 Pro. And there's a full ounce separating these flagship phones at 7.99 ounces vs. 7.03 ounces.

If you're going to be watching a lot of video on your phone and taking and reviewing a lot of photos, having the larger display on the iPhone 16 Pro Max will be totally worth it, but you're going to pay for it in terms of everyday comfort and how it feels in your pocket.

iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Battery life

Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are equipped with larger batteries, and we saw seriously improved endurance in our testing.

On the Tom's Guide Battery Test, which involves continuous web surfing over 5G at 150 nits of screen brightness, the iPhone 16 Pro Max averaged an epic 17 hours and 38 minutes. That's nearly 4 hours longer than the iPhone 15 Pro Max and good enough to land on our best phone battery life list.

Now, the iPhone 16 Pro is no slouch. It endured for 14:07, which is very good and should get you through a good portion of your day in terms of mixed usage. Our test measures only a single activity.

Here, the iPhone 16 Pro Max's larger size gives it something of an edge, as there's more space for a larger battery. Apple doesn't disclose battery sizes, but teardowns have revealed that the iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a 4,685 mAh power pack compared to the 3,582 mAh cell in the iPhone 16 Pro.

iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Bottom line 

I'm personally torn between which iPhone 16 Pro model I'd buy. I think the iPhone 16 Pro is the best option for most shoppers willing to spend $999 or more on one of the best phones. You get the same strong A18 Pro performance as the Pro Max, very capable cameras and Apple Intelligence features in a more compact design. I especially like that you get all these benefits for $200 less.

On the other hand, I love the immersive 6.9-inch display on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. I'd rather have this screen when I'm streaming Netflix, playing games or just using it as a viewfinder for my next photo or video. And the more than 17 hours in our battery life testing is absolutely stellar. I just wish the iPhone 16 Pro Max was easier to use in one hand.