My Switch Back to the Max: Why the iPhone 16 Pro Max Won Me Over
Let’s be real: the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a giant. It’s not only the biggest iPhone Apple has ever made, but it also delivers the best battery life you can find on an iPhone today. That capability comes at a cost—it holds the highest starting price tag, beginning at $1,199 and climbing quickly from there. For many, the size alone is a deal-breaker, especially now that Apple has increased the screen dimensions again this year. But after spending a year with a smaller model, I’ve made the switch back to the largest option—and I have zero regrets.
For the better part of a decade, starting with the iPhone 6 Plus back in 2014, I’ve been a loyal user of larger phones. Battery life has always been my top priority, and as someone who relies on features like Braille Screen Input, I genuinely appreciate the extra screen space and improved speakers. That said, I’ve experimented with downsizing. I tried the iPhone 13 mini in 2021 (and sadly returned it), and last year, I chose the iPhone 15 Pro over the Pro Max.
At the time, I told myself the smaller form factor was easier to handle, and that advances in battery technology meant I didn’t need a huge phone to last a full day. Both points were valid—I never completely drained the battery, and if memory serves, I never even dropped below 20% in a single day. Beyond any battery concerns, there was a lot I genuinely liked about the iPhone 15 Pro.
If I’m being completely honest, though, the real reason I skipped the Pro Max last year came down to price and perception. Apple removed the 128GB storage tier from the Pro Max, making its starting price $200 higher than the Pro. Frankly, I didn’t want to be “that person” in my social or work circles who spent $1,199 on a phone. Paying that much didn’t feel justified then, and it’s still a significant investment. However, that year with the 15 Pro reinforced what matters most to me: all-day battery life and the peace of mind that comes with it.
Looking at the Bigger Picture: The iPhone 16 Lineup
There’s plenty to like across the entire iPhone 16 lineup:
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Support for Apple Intelligence
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The new Camera Control button
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Improved battery life across all models
What’s particularly notable this year is the increased feature parity between the standard and Pro models. This is a great move for consumers, making core Apple technology more accessible to a wider audience.
Final Thoughts
This post started as a simple review of my experience with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but it evolved into a broader reflection. It’s less about just the largest iPhone ever (though I had to say that once) and more about a practical, everyday assessment of Apple’s current offerings. If your priorities align with maximum battery life, a large, immersive display, and you’re comfortable with the size and price, the Pro Max is in a league of its own. For many others, the fantastic standard iPhone 16 or the balanced iPhone 16 Pro might be the smarter, more practical choice. It all comes down to what you value most in your daily device.
A Quick Note Regarding Sources
Apple provides the technical specifications for all four iPhone 16 models on its website:
Unless otherwise linked-to, all technical information I reference in this review was gathered from the above-linked pages.
Hands-On Feel: Size, Weight, and Daily Carry
In 2024, Apple bumped up the screen sizes for its Pro and Pro Max models. However, in daily use, the iPhone 16 Pro Max doesn’t feel drastically larger than my memory of past Pro Max versions. To break down the numbers:
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iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.42” (163.3 mm) tall, 3.06” (77.6 mm) wide, weighing 7.99 oz (227 g).
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iPhone 16 Plus: 6.33” (160.9 mm) tall, 3.06” (77.8 mm) wide, weighing 7.03 oz (199 g).
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iPhone 16 Pro: 5.89” (149.6 mm) tall, 2.81” (71.5 mm) wide, weighing 7.03 oz (199 g).
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iPhone 16: 5.81” (147.6 mm) tall, 2.82” (71.6 mm) wide, weighing 6.00 oz (170 g).
It’s interesting to note that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Plus share the same weight (199g), even though the Plus model has a much larger footprint.
Here are the diagonal screen measurements for clarity:
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iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9 inches
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iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7 inches
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iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3 inches
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iPhone 16: 6.1 inches
Subjectively, the iPhone 16 Pro Max felt lighter to me than the last large iPhone I used extensively—the iPhone 14 Pro Max. I initially thought this was just perception, but the data confirms it: the iPhone 14 Pro Max weighs a noticeable 8.47 oz (240g).
One unexpected takeaway was how present the phone felt in my pocket during the first few days of carrying it. Coming from a year with the smaller Pro model—which itself felt remarkably compact and light at first—the Pro Max’s size was immediately apparent. (Though for true “small and light,” the 2021 iPhone 13 mini still holds that title, a device I adored aside from its limited battery). If you’re new to the Pro Max or Plus size, you will definitely be aware you’re carrying it.
Performance and Real-World Responsiveness
My main benchmark for measuring performance is how snappily VoiceOver (Apple’s built-in screen reader) responds to gestures, followed by general app and screen load times.
This year marks a significant shift: for the first time in recent memory, Apple has equipped all four iPhone 16 models with the same-generation processor and 8GB of RAM. In previous years, non-Pro models like the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus used the prior year’s Pro chip. This meant buyers were essentially getting repackaged older technology. This change is a major win for consumers.
What does this mean in practice? For most users and all but the most extreme tasks, you can expect a consistent, high level of performance across the entire iPhone 16 lineup.
On the topic of older devices, I’ve often been critical of how a major iOS update can slow down previous iPhones, affecting VoiceOver and general responsiveness. Thankfully, this has improved considerably. Comparing my old iPhone 15 Pro on iOS 18 to the iPhone 16 Pro Max on iOS 18.0.1, I detected only the slightest uptick in responsiveness—and only when I was actively looking for it. So, unless you’re upgrading from an iPhone 15 (non-Pro) or earlier, you shouldn’t expect a dramatic performance leap. The real story is the excellent and uniform performance shared by all models this year.
Speaker Performance: A Mixed Bag
If I had to point out one disappointment with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it would surprisingly be the speaker quality.
The speakers are capable of producing full and impressive sound, but they are incredibly inconsistent. At lower volumes, the audio lacks depth—there’s almost no bass or high-end presence, resulting in a flat and uninspired soundscape that feels unworthy of such a large device. This was a stark contrast to my iPhone 15 Pro, which delivered satisfyingly rich bass even at low levels.
Cranking up the volume changes the profile, but not entirely for the better. While bass and treble become more pronounced, the mid-range noticeably drops out. Furthermore, I detected a slight, almost imperceptible audio “flutter” between the top and bottom speakers, most apparent in landscape mode. Occasionally, at high volumes, the mid-range will briefly surge—making the sound full and robust—only to vanish a moment later.
Interestingly, the speakers reveal their true potential during speakerphone calls, where the audio is full, balanced, and powerful across all ranges. This stark difference between media playback and call quality strongly suggests that Apple is applying heavy audio processing in certain scenarios, and the current algorithm simply doesn’t sound good. Will most users notice or care? Probably not. But the fact that the hardware is clearly capable indicates this is likely a software-related issue that Apple could potentially fix in a future update.
Battery Life: The Undisputed Champion
For me, as a blind user, one of the biggest draws of a larger iPhone is the superior battery life, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max absolutely delivers.
In over three weeks of daily use, the lowest battery level I’ve recorded by the end of any day was 53%. My typical setup includes the screen brightness at 0% with Screen Curtain enabled and Auto-Brightness off, though I made no special adjustments to Background App Refresh. Even on days where I disabled Screen Curtain and used 50% brightness, I noticed no significant hit to battery endurance.
For context, on my previous iPhone 15 Pro running iOS 18 (with Background App Refresh disabled), I would regularly end the day in the 40% range or lower.
Comparing across the lineup, battery estimates are proportional to size, with the Pro Max leading by a significant margin. According to Apple:
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iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to 33 hours video playback, 29 hours streamed video, 105 hours audio.
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iPhone 16 Plus: Up to 27 hours video, 24 hours streamed video, 100 hours audio.
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iPhone 16 Pro: Up to 27 hours video, 22 hours streamed video, 85 hours audio.
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iPhone 16: Up to 22 hours video, 18 hours streamed video, 80 hours audio.
Camera Control: A Niche Feature with Broad Potential
Camera Control is a new hardware feature across all iPhone 16 models—a dedicated button on the right side, below the Side Button, designed to trigger the camera and access controls without touching the screen.
As someone who isn’t a photography enthusiast, I can’t evaluate its utility for complex shooting. For a deep dive on camera performance, I’d recommend expert reviews like those from PetaPixel. However, I discovered one highly specific use case that highlights its tremendous potential for the blind and low-vision community: third-party app integration.
I found that the Camera Control button can capture photos within third-party apps. For instance, while using Be My Eyes and its Be My AI feature (which uses AI to describe photos for blind users), I could simply open the app and press the Camera Control button to take a picture instantly, bypassing the need to locate an on-screen button.
This functionality opens up exciting possibilities. I sincerely hope developers of assistive technology apps build deeper support for this button. Imagine launching your preferred image description app and having a picture taken and described solely through a press-and-hold gesture on the Camera Control button. This small hardware addition could significantly streamline and improve accessibility in powerful ways.
The Apple Intelligence Question: Promising, But Not Yet Present
A major headline for the iPhone 16 lineup is undoubtedly Apple Intelligence, Apple’s comprehensive suite of AI-powered features. The promise is substantial: Notification Summaries for a quick digest, a vastly improved Siri, Writing Tools to refine your tone, Visual Intelligence for identifying objects in your environment, and the integration of ChatGPT directly into iOS, among others.
However, there’s a catch: none of these Apple Intelligence features are available at launch. The initial set is scheduled to arrive later this month. While some early reviews criticized Apple for shipping a flagship product without its headline feature, I have a different perspective.
I firmly believe that AI-based features should not be rushed to market. More than any other type of software, they require extensive refinement. Apple should take all the time it needs to perfect Apple Intelligence, as the potential downsides of poorly executed AI—from misinformation to privacy issues—are significant. The company owes it to its users to get this right.
AI is a tool, not a superhuman solution. It can make tasks easier when used with proper expectations, but it can and does make mistakes. Its quality is entirely dependent on its training. Therefore, it’s imperative that Apple ensures Apple Intelligence avoids major pitfalls and that users maintain realistic expectations.
Despite my general reservations about AI hype, I do believe Apple Intelligence will be a game-changer in how we interact with our devices. It will be available on the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models, and Macs/iPads with M1 chip or later, including the new iPad Mini 7.
Buying Guide: Which iPhone 16 Is Right For You?
For anyone considering an upgrade, here are my personal recommendations, with the caveat that my hands-on time has been primarily with the Pro Max model. My thoughts are based on that experience, my year with the iPhone 15 Pro, and a close analysis of the technical specifications.
If there was ever a year to consider a non-Pro iPhone, 2024 is it. As noted, Apple has brought key hardware and features across the entire lineup. All models share the same-generation processor (A18 or A18 Pro) and the same 8GB of RAM. This means for everyday tasks, including VoiceOver performance, you can expect a consistently high level of responsiveness across all four devices. I now feel confident recommending the standard iPhone 16 or 16 Plus in situations where I wouldn’t have in previous years.
(A thoughtful reader pointed out after publication that Pro models offer improved GPS and a LiDAR scanner, which can significantly enhance outdoor navigation for blind users. While I lack firsthand experience with these features, they are worth considering if advanced navigation is a priority for you.)
All models now include the Camera Control button and the Action Button. However, if professional-grade photography is your goal, the Pro models remain the clear choice.
Battery life is the ultimate differentiator:
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For the absolute best battery life, choose the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
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For great battery life on a budget, the iPhone 16 Plus is your match.
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For the best balance of size and endurance, the iPhone 16 Pro is ideal (my year with the 15 Pro proved this size is very viable).
Important Considerations for Upgraders
If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone (especially from 3-4 years ago), keep these points in mind:
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The Switch to USB-C: All iPhones now use USB-C. Your old Lightning cables and accessories will not work without an adapter. The good news is that USB-C is now ubiquitous, and you likely already own compatible cables.
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What’s in the Box: Apple includes a USB-C charging cable, but no power adapter or EarPods. The company states this is part of its environmental goals. While I support sustainability, I believe a premium product should include everything needed to start using it immediately. The bottom line: you will likely need to purchase a USB-C power adapter. I recommend a 30W or higher model to take full advantage of fast wired and wireless charging.
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Setup is Easier Than Ever: Using Quick Start for a wireless device-to-device transfer is the simplest method. Other options include restoring from an iCloud backup or an encrypted Mac/PC backup (which preserves all saved passwords).
Price and Color Options
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iPhone 16 & 16 Plus: Colors include Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black. Starts at $799 (16) and $899 (16 Plus).
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iPhone 16 Pro & 16 Pro Max: Finished in Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Desert Titanium. Starts at $999 (16 Pro) and $1,199 (16 Pro Max).
What are your thoughts on the iPhone 16 lineup? Are you planning to upgrade this year? Did I miss a question you have? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your perspective.
