Compare iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Which one is best for you?
iPhone 18 Pro Max is Apple's latest flagship, and iPhone 16 Pro Max is a large-screen Pro model from the 2024 lineup. Both are big-screen devices with 48MP camera systems, Face ID, and 5G, but iPhone 18 Pro Max moves things forward with a newer chip, a brighter display, and a more durable build.
Both phones share a large 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, a 48MP rear camera system with pro camera features, Face ID, and 5G connectivity, so the core Pro Max experience is familiar on either. The screens on both 16 Pro Max and 18 Pro Max have an Always-On display and ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates for up to 120Hz, for smoother scrolling. They’re built for people who want the biggest screen Apple offers.
iPhone 18 Pro Max is where the real advantages show up for creators. Its A20 Pro chip with a next-generation vapour chamber and Dual 16-core Neural Engine is purpose-built for AI and delivers up to 40% better GPU performance than the previous Pro 17 Max, which suits AAA gaming and video editing. The 48MP Fusion Main camera adds a variable aperture for improved low-light photos and video, 8x optical-quality zoom, and custom Pro controls, plus an 18MP Center Stage front camera with front and rear Dual Capture video. You also get up to 30 hours of use per charge, faster wired charging to 50% in around 15 minutes, and a Ceramic Shield 2 front that is 3x more scratch resistant than iPhone 16 Pro.
In summary, both phones deliver a premium large-screen pro experience. Choose iPhone 18 Pro Max if you want the newest chip, a better battery, and the most advanced camera, or choose iPhone 16 Pro Max if you want a big-screen Pro phone at a lower price.
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Frequently asked questions
Both have a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz. However, iPhone 18 Pro offers a Ceramic Shield 2 front, which offers 3x better scratch resistance than 16 Pro Max. If you want the most durable screen, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the better choice.
Both phones have a 48MP rear camera system with pro features, but iPhone 18 Pro Max adds a variable aperture for improved low-light photos and video, 8x optical-quality zoom, and custom Pro controls. iPhone 18 Pro Max also has an 18MP Center Stage front camera with front and rear Dual Capture video. iPhone 16 Pro Max remains a strong camera phone, but iPhone 18 Pro Max offers more creative control.
iPhone 18 Pro Max offers up to 43 hours of video playback and faster wired charging to 50% in around 15 minutes. 16 Pro Max offers up to 33 hours of video playback and faster wired charging to 50% charge in 35 minutes. If longer battery life and fast charging matter to you, iPhone 18 Pro Max is the clearer choice.
Yes, both phones support 5G connectivity, plus WiFi 7 and USB-C charging. iPhone 18 Pro Max offers Bluetooth 6, while iPhone 16 Pro Max offers Bluetooth 5.3.
iPhone 18 Pro Max has a newer A20 Pro chip with a next-generation vapour chamber and Dual 16-core Neural Engine, purpose-built for AI. iPhone 18 Pro Max delivers up to 40% better GPU performance, making it better suited to intensive tasks and AAA gaming. iPhone 16 Pro Max uses an older A18 Pro chip that is still capable for everyday performance and Apple Intelligence.
iPhone 18 Pro Max has a Ceramic Shield 2 front that is 3x more scratch resistant than iPhone 16 Pro, plus a Ceramic Shield back. iPhone 16 Pro Max uses Ceramic Shield and a titanium frame. Both are built to last, but iPhone 18 Pro Max offers improved scratch resistance for daily use.
iPhone 18 Pro Max has an aluminium unibody design with colour-matched back glass and comes in four colours, while iPhone 16 Pro Max has a titanium frame. Both are large Pro Max phones, but iPhone 18 Pro Max uses a newer unibody construction. Choose based on which design and finish you prefer.
iPhone 16 Pro Max is the older model, so it typically comes at a lower price point, making it a good choice if you want a big-screen Pro phone for less. iPhone 18 Pro Max costs more but adds a newer chip, brighter display, and an advanced camera. It comes down to whether the newest features are worth the extra to you.
Yes, both phones use Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication. iPhone 18 Pro Max pairs Face ID with its 18MP Center Stage front camera, while iPhone 16 Pro Max also relies on Face ID. You get the same familiar biometric experience on either phone.
iPhone 18 Pro Max is the stronger choice for power users thanks to its A20 Pro chip, up to 40% better GPU performance, and up to 30 hours of use per charge. iPhone 16 Pro Max is still a capable performer with its A18 Pro chip, but iPhone 18 Pro Max handles intensive tasks and AAA gaming more comfortably.