At “It’s Glowtime” event today, Apple finally unveiled the new iPhone 16 lineup, comprising the iPhone 16/16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max. The latest line of iPhones come with all the new iOS 18 features, Apple Intelligence and improvements to system-on-chip, display, design, and cameras. If you’re one of those who is interested in getting the iPhone 16 Pro Max and are wondering whether it’s an upgrade over last year’s top-of-the-line model, you’ve come to the right place. In this iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max comparison, we’ll help you figure that out.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max: Specs At a Glance
You can check out the specifications chart below to see how the iPhone 16 Pro Max differs from the 15 Pro Max on paper.
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, 2868 x 1320 pixels | 6.7-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, 2796 x 1290 pixels |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm |
| Processor | 3nm, Apple A18 Pro | 3nm, Apple A17 Pro |
| Rear Camera | 48MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 48MP ultra-wide, TOF 3D LiDAR | 48MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide, TOF 3D LiDAR |
| Front Camera | 12MP wide | 12MP wide |
| Video | Max: 4K at 120fps | Max: 4K at 60fps |
| Battery | up to 105 hours on audio playback, up to 33 hours on video playback, up to 29 hours on streaming video | up to 95 hours on audio playback, up to 29 hours on video playback, up to 25 hours on streaming video |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Software | iOS 18 preinstalled | upgradable to iOS 18 |
| Protection | Ceramic Shield (2024) | Ceramic Shield |
Display Differences
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a larger 6.9-inch display, boasting a resolution of 2868 x 1320 pixels, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels. This increase in size allows for a more immersive viewing experience.
Additionally, the bezels on the iPhone 16 Pro Max have been updated to provide a sleeker look while retaining the same overall form factor as its predecessor. The Dynamic Island cutout is also smaller, enhancing the display's visual appeal.
Both models utilize Super Retina XDR LTPO OLED panels with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The maximum brightness levels remain unchanged, providing 1,000 nits for SDR, 1,600 nits for HDR, and 2,000 nits for outdoor use.
Build and Design Enhancements
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a slight increase in dimensions, measuring 163mm in height and 77.6mm in width, compared to the 159.9mm height and 76.7mm width of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, the thickness remains consistent at 8.3mm.
With a matte-finish glass back and a new glossier titanium frame, the iPhone 16 Pro Max presents a more refined aesthetic. The button layout is similar, but the addition of a Capture Button allows for quick access to the camera app.
Available in a variety of colors, including Space Black, White, Gray, and Desert Titanium, the latest model offers a stylish and modern look that appeals to diverse tastes.
Performance Boost
Powered by the new Apple A18 Pro processor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers enhanced performance compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which features the A17 Pro chip. The A18 Pro is built on a 3nm N3E process, providing 15% more power and improved efficiency.
Both models come equipped with a 16-core Neural Engine, but the A18 Pro can process up to 35 trillion tasks per second, making it ideal for running advanced AI features and applications.
Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard and the Snapdragon X75 5G modem, offering faster data speeds and improved energy efficiency compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which uses Wi-Fi 6E and the Snapdragon X70 modem.
Software and AI Features
Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max run iOS 18, which includes various new features such as a redesigned home screen, customizable control panel, and a dedicated Passwords app. These enhancements provide a better user experience across both devices.
Apple introduces its AI capabilities under the banner of Apple Intelligence, with unique features available on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. These include improved Siri functionalities, integration with ChatGPT, writing tools, and notification summaries, providing users with a more intelligent and responsive device.
While iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence are accessible on both models, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers exclusive features that may be appealing for users looking for the latest technology.
Camera Capabilities
Both models showcase impressive camera systems, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max retaining the primary 48 MP wide sensor and introducing a new 48 MP ultra-wide sensor, enhancing image quality and versatility. The previous 12 MP ultra-wide sensor has been replaced, allowing for better low-light performance and wider shots.
The telephoto lens remains unchanged, offering a 12 MP resolution with 5x optical zoom and 3D sensor-shift optical image stabilization. The front camera also remains the same, featuring a 12 MP wide sensor capable of capturing stunning selfies with HDR support.
Video recording capabilities are robust, with both models supporting 4K recording at various frame rates, ensuring users can capture high-quality footage with ease.
Battery Life and Charging
Apple has incorporated stacked battery technology in the iPhone 16 Pro Max, offering improved energy density and longevity compared to the single-layer battery of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This results in a longer battery life, with the new model rated for up to 105 hours on audio playback.
The charging options have also been upgraded, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max supporting a faster 25W MagSafe charger, compared to the 15W charger of the previous model. Both devices retain the same wired charging capabilities, allowing for quick charging from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Should You Make the Switch?
Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers several enhancements over the iPhone 15 Pro Max, including a larger display, improved performance, and a new Capture Button for quick camera access. While many features remain similar, the new ultra-wide camera sensor and better battery life make the 16 Pro Max a compelling upgrade for those looking to enhance their smartphone experience.
However, if you currently
