iPhone 16 Pro Max review

Bigger Screen, Bigger Presence — The Big, Powerful iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is undeniably large. Its 6.9-inch LTPO OLED screen is the biggest ever on an iPhone, thanks to slimmer bezels. Reviewers note this creates a wonderful canvas for watching movies, playing games, or editing photos. The display is bright and colorful, making everything look fantastic. However, this larger size makes the phone harder to use with one hand. It also weighs 227 grams, making it a hefty device. Apple added a new Camera Control button on the right side.

This recessed control responds to light presses, gestures, and full clicks. It provides instant access to the camera and will soon help activate Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature. While the design is premium titanium, the sheer size is a major factor to consider before buying. You can browse our full collection of phone reviews to compare sizes and designs.

A18 Pro Chip and Strong Performance — The Big, Powerful iPhone 16 Pro Max

What this means for The Big, Powerful iPhone 16 Pro Max

Inside the iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple’s new A18 Pro chip. Reviewers say it is very fast and makes everything feel smooth, though most users will not push it to its limit. The phone handles demanding tasks easily, from gaming to video editing. On the camera side, the system uses a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP 5x telephoto lens. This setup takes excellent photos and videos. The new Camera Control button adds convenience but also brings some extra complexity to photo editing.

Apple Intelligence features are promising but are still a work in progress during early testing. Reviewers agree that these AI tools need more time to become a must-have reason to upgrade. The phone starts at 256GB of storage and comes in several titanium finishes. For a complete list of models, visit our phone directory.

Battery Life That Keeps Going — The Big, Powerful iPhone 16 Pro Max

One of the biggest strengths of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is its battery life. The large size allows for a bigger battery, and reviewers report exceptional endurance. In testing, the phone lasted over 17 hours for video playback and often provided two full days of moderate use. This is the best battery life ever seen on an iPhone. The phone supports 25W-class wired charging, but reviewers note that charging speeds feel slow compared to some rivals. The same 25W MagSafe wireless charging is also available.

For anyone who needs a phone that lasts all day without worry, this model is a top choice. The strong battery, combined with the beautiful screen and capable camera, makes it a fantastic multimedia device, even if its size and weight are not for everyone.

New Camera Control Button — The Big, Powerful iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max adds a new button on the right side called Camera Control. This is not just a simple button; it can detect light presses and gestures. A quick press opens the camera app instantly, which reviewers found very useful for capturing moments quickly. A light press brings up camera settings like zoom or exposure without needing to touch the screen. You can also slide your finger on it to adjust settings.

While it is mainly for photography, this button can also be used for a future feature called Visual Intelligence, which will identify objects you point the camera at. Some reviewers found the extra photo editing controls complex, but the button itself was praised for making the iPhone feel more like a real camera.

Apple Intelligence: Still Growing — The Big, Powerful iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple Intelligence is a big part of the new iPhone's story, but many reviews say it is not finished yet. The features available in early testing were promising but left people wanting more. For example, the phone can summarize notifications and help with writing. However, there is no single 'wow' feature that makes it essential right now. Reviewers agree that Apple Intelligence will grow over time with software updates. For now, it is a small glimpse of what might come.

If you are upgrading just for AI, you might be disappointed. But if you buy the phone for its hardware, you will get the AI features later as they improve.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max right for you? — The Big, Powerful iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a big investment, starting at $1,199. It is the largest and heaviest iPhone ever, which can make it hard to use with one hand. But if you can handle its size, you get a lot in return. The battery life is outstanding, often lasting two full days on a single charge. The 6.9-inch screen is bright and beautiful, perfect for watching videos or playing games. The new Camera Control button adds a new way to take photos quickly.

For anyone coming from an older iPhone like the 12 or 13 Pro Max, this is a great upgrade. However, charging speed is still slow compared to competitors. If you want the biggest and best iPhone, this is it. For a smaller option, you can use our side-by-side comparison. To explore other options, check our phone finder.