Iphone 16 Pro Max Review: Still the Best, or Time to Look Ahead?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has been out for six months, giving me ample time to put Apple’s flagship device through its paces. I upgraded from my 13 Pro Max, which I had been using extensively since 2021. After using it for a couple of months, here’s my iPhone 16 Pro Max half-year review.
Design: Refining Perfection
Apple stuck with the titanium build introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro series, making the 16 Pro Max both durable and lightweight. The subtle design refinements, including slightly thinner bezels and an improved ergonomic feel, continue to make this a visually stunning device. The matte finish also does a better job resisting fingerprints, which was a major annoyance with previous models.
One of the first things I noticed was that it’s still heavy. Compared to my old 13 Pro Max, which weighed 238 grams, the new 16 Pro Max only lost 13 grams, coming in at 225 grams. If you hold them side by side, you’d probably notice the difference. But still, my first thought was: “Hûh, that’s still heavy.”
Performance: A18 Pro in Action
Under the hood is Apple’s new A18 Pro chip, and it is an absolute beast. Yes, there will always be creative minds out there begging for more performance, but for me, that’s not the main draw. I did notice the performance difference, especially in Siri, search, and the Photo Library features. For me, the main reason I buy Apple’s flagship phone is convenience.
For me the main reason I buy Apple’s flagship phone is convenience.
Display: The very best there is?
The larger screen size the increased brightness and the (industry standard) 120 hertz refresh rate have become the reasons why I look at the Pro Max first. And yes my eyesight isn’t fantastic, but it’s not terrible either. Having a larger, high-performing display is just an absolute must for me. The second reason is cost… but I’ll get to that later.
The second reason is cost,.. but I’ll get to that later.
The latest Pro Max features a 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED display, and after testing a wide range of phones, I still believe it remains one of the best in the business. Taking the Pro Max outside even on the water while sailing the 2,500 nits peak brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility. The rumored anti-reflective coating seems to be paying off, reducing glare under harsh lighting conditions. Watching HDR content on this screen is fantastic, and scrolling through media feels smoother than ever.
Camera System: More Than Just Megapixels
The triple-lens setup remains a highlight, featuring:
- 48MP main sensor with improved low-light performance.
- Ultra-wide lens with sharper edge details.
- Periscope-style 5x telephoto zoom for capturing distant subjects with clarity.
Night mode photos show less noise, thanks to software improvements and larger sensor pixels. Apple’s Photonic Engine ensures images look natural, while ProRAW capabilities continue to cater to photography enthusiasts.
One of my favorite personal upgrades is the telephoto zoom. It’s fantastic for capturing distant subjects without sacrificing quality. Alright, so Apple isn’t the absolute winner in this category, but still, I’ve taken some incredible shotsthat would’ve been impossible with my 13 Pro Max. The low-light performance is also something that stood out to me, making nighttime shots look more detailed and less grainy.
Battery Life: My Real-World Experience
It’s the never-ending debate: should a vendor prioritize fast charging so you can quickly get back to a decent battery level, or opt for a larger battery capacity? Apple is very much in the second camp, and for me, this has always worked.
Having a battery that lasts two days even after three years of use is one of the biggest reasons I choose the Pro Max. Even after nearly four years with my 13 Pro Max, it would still last two days on a single charge (under normal use) with a battery health of 82%. Of course, this is subjective and depends on how you use the phone.
it would still last two days on a single charge
Apple claims modest battery enhancements in the 16 Pro Max, and to be honest, I don’t notice a significant difference—but that’s a good thing. It’s exactly why I stuck with the iPhone Pro Max instead of switching to the 16 Plus, which also has a bigger screen. However, I do wish Apple had improved MagSafe charging beyond 27W—this would have been a welcome upgrade.
iOS 18 & AI Features: Frustratingly smart?
One of the biggest promises of the iPhone 16 Pro Max was how it would take full advantage of iOS 18’s AI-driven features. Apple heavily marketed improvements like the new Siri with generative AI, real-time transcriptions, and smarter personalization, making the phone feel more intuitive than ever. However, there’s a catch: in Europe, we’re still waiting for many of these features.
While the general iOS 18 experience has been excellent—bringing new customization options, better app interactions, and improved performance—the AI-powered additions that are supposed to define the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s capabilities are still missing in Europe. Apple has cited regulatory challenges and compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) as the primary reason for the delay. This means that while users in the U.S. are already enjoying enhanced Siri conversations, automatic text summaries, and more proactive AI suggestions, European users are left in limbo.
It’s frustrating, to say the least. Having invested in the latest and greatest hardware, it feels like we’re not getting the full experience that Apple envisioned. Hopefully, Apple will resolve these regulatory hurdles soon so that we can truly see what the iPhone 16 Pro Max with AI-driven iOS 18 is capable of. Until then, we’re left with an incredible phone—but one that’s still waiting for its full potential to be unlocked.
Cost & Longevity: A Smart Investment?
There’s no denying that iPhones (especially the Pro Max models) come with a premium price tag. But after years of using them, I firmly believe that their durability and longevity make them one of the most economical smartphone investments you can make.
While many smartphones start to feel outdated or require battery replacements within two to three years, my 13 Pro Max lasted nearly four years without significant performance dips. The titanium build, high-quality components, and strong software support mean that an iPhone Pro Max can last you a long time, reducing the need to upgrade frequently.
Sure, you can buy a cheaper phone, but if you find yourself replacing it every two years due to slowdowns, battery degradation, or lack of software support, you’re actually spending more in the long run. Apple continues to provide updates for five to six years, making these devices a better long-term investment than many Android flagships.
For me, the choice is clear: spending more upfront for a device that lasts four or more years makes financial sense. And with trade-in programs, you can recoup some of the cost when upgrading, making the Pro Max models an even smarter buy
Half-Year Verdict: Buy, Hold, or Wait?
Who Should Buy It?
- If you own an older iPhone (13 series or earlier), the 16 Pro Max is a worthy upgrade.
- If you want the best battery life, camera, and display in an iPhone, this is the one.
- Gamers and content creators will love the powerful A18 Pro chip.
Who Should Wait?
- If you already own a 15 Pro Max, the upgrades might not be significant enough.
- If you’ve got a 14 Pro Max in Europe but are mainly looking to upgrade because of the new AI features.
- If you’re curious about the iPhone 17 rumors, which could bring even more AI features and design changes, holding off might be wise.
Final Thoughts
After six months, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the best iPhone ever, but its improvements over the 15 Pro Max are incremental rather than groundbreaking. If you’re upgrading from an older model, you’ll appreciate the power, display, and battery life. However, those with a recent iPhone may want to see what Apple has in store for 2025.
As someone who upgraded from the iPhone 13 Pro Max, I can confidently say the experience has been worth it. The lighter design, improved cameras, and longer battery life have made a noticeable difference in my daily use. That said, if you’re on the 15 Pro Max, you might want to wait for the iPhone 17 to see what’s next.
