Now, this is the time of year! With the release of the new iPhone 16 series, Apple finally took the risk and fully invested in AI. referring to the newest iPhones as Apple Intelligence-built devices. Naturally, the business created its own interpretation of artificial intelligence (AI), as the rest of the world calls its goods, but because this is Apple, you can be sure of that. One major oversight, though, is that these phones lack any Apple Intelligence capabilities right out of the box.
We have the Watch 10 model and the new iPhone 16 series. I am going to kick things off with the brand-new iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is the largest iPhone that Apple has ever produced in terms of size and display. I will go on to the Watch Series 10 and iPhone 16 Plus models, but they are for another day, so check back with Gadgets 360 for them.
The first generation of iPhones created specifically for Apple Intelligence is the iPhone 16 series. Though Apple missed delivering things out of the box, this is likely the first time the company has maintained an AI-related theme for its September launch event, Glow time, to showcase how the new capabilities impact how everyone will use iPhones going ahead.
Readers should be aware that this article discusses how much the iPhone 16 Pro Max improves upon its predecessor in every manner. Naturally, when the most recent stable version of iOS 18 rolls out for the new devices with Apple Intelligence capabilities, I will write a detailed article. But for the time being, how about we explore the new Max?
Titan Touch-equipped iPhone 16 Pro Max Design: recognizable
- Colors: Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium
- 227 grams in weight
- Size: 163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is essentially the 15 Pro Max on steroids. Why? Allow me to clarify. Even with close inspection, few people will be able to distinguish the 16 Pro Max from the 15 Pro Max when they are put side by side on a table with the display facing down. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a lot of new design elements. The largest addition is, of course, the Camera Control. The 16 Pro Max’s bezels are also thinner than those of the 15 Pro Max. Not to mention, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the largest display on an iPhone to date. I will go in-depth on each one now.
Just when we believed that makers of smartphones were shifting toward gesture-based controls for user interactions, Apple changed course and included an additional physical button. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has four physical buttons total—power, volume, camera control, and action—in addition to the rockers. I purposefully deleted the camera app icon from the home screen during the iPhone 16 Pro Max setup process so that I could utilize the brand-new Camera Control. For the first few days, though, I was only able to access the home screen due to muscle memory before realizing that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a separate camera button.
There is no turning back once you become accustomed to the Camera Control. It is easily located, handy, and most of all, occasionally brings back fond memories of point-and-shoot cameras. The main issue is that social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube with Shorts have made vertical images and videos the new standard. It might be challenging to compose a picture with the iPhone 16 Pro Max while holding the phone in one hand and use the Camera Control.
The second hand is necessary to frame your shots more effectively. The smaller iPhone 16 Pro should be simple to operate in terms of camera control. The inclusion of the Camera Control is a nice touch and should inspire all photography aficionados to fully utilize this feature.
Apple has you covered if you are content to use the camera app on the home screen for other purposes and would like to use the camera control for something else. You have the option to start the Instagram, Magnifier, Code Scanner, Camera, or none at all. It is anticipated that Apple may expand the list of third-party apps in upcoming upgrades.
Despite the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s screen size increasing from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches, there has been very little weight gain. iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 227 grams, whereas the 15 Pro Max weighs 221 grams. The distribution of weights is the best feature. It is one-handed operated, even and beautifully designed.
It will be a little awkward for those with small hands to use the 16 Pro Max with one hand, though. Despite having the 15 Pro Max for about a year, it took me some time to get acclimated to theiPhone 16 Pro Max. It is odd to think that almost ten years ago, tablets were available with 7-inch screens that were substantial and had thick bezels.
The width and height adjustments are the main ones you will need to make on a regular basis. TheiPhone 16 Pro Max has dimensions of 163 mm in height and 77.6 mm in width, while the 15 Pro Max has dimensions of 159.9 mm in height and 76.7 mm in width. The 16 Pro Max is broader and higher than its predecessor, as you can see.
Going straight to the colors, this year’s Pro models are offered in titanium tones once more. Out of the four options this year (which also included Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium), Desert Titanium—which we received for review—is the best. Every color seems startling. However, this year’s iPhone 16 models come in some extremely nice colors.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the thinnest boundaries of all of Apple’s products and the biggest display the company has ever made. As soon as I started using the 16 Pro Max for this review, I noticed something. More screen real estate and a more immersive experience are possible with thin bezels. See our display section for further details.
Because it is made of Grade 5 titanium, the iPhone 16 Pro Max feels reliable and substantial in the hands. Apple has utilised the most recent generation of the Ceramic Shield at the front, and the 15 Pro Max is reminded of the textured matt glass rear.
Display of the iPhone 16 Pro Max: Stellar
- Screen: The largest iPhone display to date
- Display: 6.9-inch OLED with 460 ppi, 1320 × 2868 pixels
- Maximum luminosity: 2000 nits
Regarding the display, Apple managed to squeeze its largest display—measuring 6.9 inches—into the 16 Pro Max. To put things in perspective, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (6.8-inch) that was introduced earlier this year has a smaller display than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
With a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and Dynamic Island, the Super Retina XDR display has ProMotion technology. The usual maximum brightness is 1000 nits, while the outdoor peak brightness is 2000 nits, as observed with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The lowest brightness may now drop to 1 nit, which was not possible before this year. That is the sole change. This implies that you may continue using your phone while in bed to browse or scroll without disturbing others in the adjacent room.
It looks excellent that the iPhone 16 Pro Max display has rounded sides that match a curved design. In terms of display quality, the 16 Pro Max has one of the greatest screens available in iPhone models for 2024. The 16 Pro Max display seems suitable for all daily uses, including entertainment, gaming, and social media scrolling. That is it. You enjoy a more immersive watching experience with the larger screen size and smaller bezels. Excellent sunlight readability and a peak brightness of 2000 nits make it suitable for phone use in direct sunlight.
High-Octane Device: The Performance of the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- The A18 Pro chip set
- Breakdown: 8GB of RAM, 16-core Neural Engine, 6-core GPU, and six-core CPU
- 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of storage
The A18 Pro processor, which drives the iPhone 16 Pro Max, is a direct replacement for the A17 Pro chip found in the 15 Pro versions. In order to gauge the new chip’s strength, I tested a wide range of programs throughout my assessment, including AI, video editing, picture editing, and AAA gaming. The 16 Pro Max does not even slightly stutter anywhere, which surprised me because the 15 Pro Max (as well as the 14 Pro Max and prior Pro models) did. Heat optimization, however, is one of the main areas of improvement. Because to Apple’s increased heat dissipation arrangement, the 16 Pro Max cools down faster than the 15 Pro Max.
It felt like butter to play games like Fieldrunners 2, Alto’s Odyssey, Asphalt 9: Legends, and Call of Duty: Mobile. I also played Assassin’s Creed Mirage, a well-known game from Ubisoft, and had an excellent gaming experience.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s A18 Pro performs noticeably better in terms of performance than the previous model, which elevates the phone for demanding graphics gaming and mobile video editing. Regarding artificial benchmarks, the table below aims to illustrate the improvement in performance.
In terms of connection, the iPhone 16 Pro Max can quickly connect to networks, even in places like basements with spotty cellular service. The 16 Pro Max has several features with the 15 series, including compatibility for USB 3.2 and a USB-C charger.
I have remarked in past assessments of the iPhones that the haptic motors within are among the best found in contemporary devices. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is in the same boat. The loudspeakers are quite loud, yet in a positive way. The 16 Pro Max’s strong speaker arrangement is worth trying out in a medium-sized room; you will not be let down.
Apple’s iOS 18 release is expected to generate significant media attention until Apple Intelligence is integrated into all new devices. The 16 series’ debut with the phrase “Built for Apple Intelligence” and lack of an out-of-the-box offering is one of the reasons it is in the headlines. As I stated at the beginning of this review, when iPhone 16 Pro Max releases, I will write another article going into great detail about all the additional AI features. Numerous improvements have been made with the most recent iOS 18 version; some of them were long overdue, and some I am still getting used to.
One of my favorite applications for sharing photos between devices was the Photos app, but ever since the iOS 18 upgrade, the updated design has been puzzling. I adore the additional personalization choices in iOS 18. It is a good thing that Apple continues adding to the list. More customizability translates into more fresh home screen designs to experiment with.
I had a quick look at the iOS 18 beta, which has several AI functions and provides what Samsung has been promoting for months. I quickly experimented with a writing tool designed to enhance writing and the Notes app, which has a function that allows you to summarize meetings that you have recorded. Thanks to its Image Playground program, which encourages you to express your creativity to the fullest, Apple is introducing what it calls Genmoji.
Next, Apple rebranded Erase, the popular AI tool for Android cameras, as Clean Up, which may eliminate objects or distractions from your photos. Siri is, of course, undergoing a complete makeover and is nearly updated. Before deciding who did it better, I will give them a try in the final release.
Amazing iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera
- Cameras: 12 MP telephoto, 48 MP ultra-wide, and 48 MP main
- A new function while recording videos is Audio Mix.
- 120 frames per second in 4K With Dolby Vision
- Selfie using a 12MP lens
In addition to having a larger screen and battery, the 16 Pro Max at last improves the ultrawide camera. Apple has upgraded to a 48-megapixel sensor from a 12-megapixel one. However, the telephoto still only has 12 megapixels as of right now. The Pro versions could come with three 48-megapixel cameras next year. Cross your fingers.
If you have been following Apple, you are already aware of the company’s consistent efforts to improve its camera technology in order to meet the demands of professional users, including filmmakers, photographers, artists, and content producers. Another step in that process, the 16 Pro Max offers some intriguing new features.
One of those upgrades that, at least for me, has encouraged the usage of the camera more and more is Camera Control. Switching between zooming, modes, and other features is simple and intuitive. There is a slight learning curve involved, so be prepared.
One of the execs at Apple’s September unveiling discussed how the company’s new 48-megapixel Fusion Camera had zero shutter latency thanks to its two times quicker data reading speed. Moreover, I had the opportunity to try it during my review time; taking pictures of moving automobiles on the road works much better than it did previously.
As was the case with the 15 Pro Max, the 16 Pro Max produces amazing daylight photographs. Each photo has just the right amount of details, a remarkable dynamic range, superb saturation, and—above all—natural, exquisite colors. I have included some samples below to demonstrate the 16 Pro Max’s cameras’ quality. For daytime photos, the primary 48-megapixel sensor performs admirably.
This year, you may experiment with your photos using brand-new photographic styles that instantly change the tones, colors, and other aspects of your photos. With the new control pad in the Photography Styles, you can easily adjust and manage your photographs. Another minor change is that, unlike before, you may now alter the style after clicking a picture.
iPhone 16 Pro Max Verdict
Who ought to get a iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone? For iPhone owners who do not already own an iPhone 15 Pro Max, the solution is straightforward. Naturally, if your budget permits, purchase it. The entry-level iPhone 16, which has nearly all of this year’s features except for a third telephoto camera and a 120Hz refresh rate display, is still available for people who still prefer phones around Rs. 1 lakh and are willing to make some compromises. The greatest part is that there are reductions on all models in both online and physical locations during this sale season, so if moving to an iPhone is your top priority, you may score some amazing bargains.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has some of the largest changes when compared to the 14 Pro and 13 Pro series, and the 15 Pro Max now seems outdated. It has the largest iPhone display to date. The 16 Pro Max offered previously unheard-of battery performance in my tests, and as it is a Pro model, heavy users may still utilize it. The only drawback to the amazing display is the sluggish wired charging, which takes an eternity to update.
The absence of Apple Intelligence (i.e., stable) capabilities on the 16 Pro Max is a major disappointment and gives the impression that it is not a huge deal right now. But keep in mind that an iOS upgrade with all the bells and whistles could arrive in a few weeks as these phones are designed from the ground up to function with Apple Intelligence.
The two most popular substitutes for the iPhone 16 Pro Max are the iPhone 15 Pro Max (Review), which is now available for the lowest price ever during India’s holiday sales. The next closest flagship to challenge the 16 Pro Max is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Review).
iPhone 16 Pro Max Specification:
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Network Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | Announced: 2024, September 09. Released: 2024, September 20 |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm (6.42 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) |
| Weight | 227 g (8.01 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Corning-made), glass back, titanium frame |
| SIM |
Nano-SIM and eSIM (International) Dual eSIM (USA) Dual SIM (China) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min) |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Size | 6.9 inches (~91.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 pixels (~460 ppi density) |
| OS | iOS 18 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro (3 nm) |
| CPU | Hexa-core (2×4.05 GHz + 4×2.42 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (6-core graphics) |
| Internal Memory | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM (NVMe) |
| Main Camera |
48 MP (wide) 12 MP (periscope telephoto), 5x optical zoom 48 MP (ultrawide) TOF 3D LiDAR scanner |
| Camera Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, Panorama |
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60/100/120fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/1.9, 3D depth sensor, 4K@60fps |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm jack |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Battery | Li-Ion 4685 mAh, 50% in 30 min, 25W MagSafe wireless, 4.5W reverse wired |
| Colors | Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium |
| Price | $1,199.99 / €1,755.99 |
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Disclaimer : The Price & Specs May Be Different From Actual. Please confirm with the retailer before ordering.
IMPORTANT: Please always check and confirm the above details with the official notification / website.