Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Compare Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max side by side: Apple A18 Pro vs Apple A20 Pro, 48MP vs 48MP camera, 4685mAh vs 5567mAh battery…
Apple
iPhone 16 Pro Max
$1,199
4categories won
Apple
iPhone 18 Pro Max
$1,299
4categories won
5 categories tied · 13 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, outperforming on battery endurance and daily usability. In camera testing, the iPhone 16 Pro Max leads with sharper imaging, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 16 Pro Max if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
iPhone 18 Pro Max takes battery honors offering 5,567 mAh.
iPhone 18 Pro Max provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A20 Pro and 12GB RAM.
iPhone 16 Pro Max wins photography with 48MP main imaging and 5x dedicated optical zoom.
iPhone 16 Pro Max provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $1199 vs $1299.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.9" | 6.9" |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1320 x 2868 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nits | 3000 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Apple A20 Pro |
| Process node | 3 nm | — |
| AnTuTu score | 1,810,000 | — |
| Geekbench multi | 8580 | — |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 12 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 1TB | 2TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 3Winner | 1 |
| Optical zoom | 5x | — |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | — |
| Max video | 4K at 120fps Dolby Vision | 4K |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,685 mAh | 5,567 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 30 W | — |
| Wireless charging | 25 W | 25 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 227 gWinner | 249 g |
| Thickness | 8.25 mmWinner | 8.75 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Grade 5 Titanium frame, textured matte glass back | Aluminum frame, glass back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 18 | iOS 27 |
| OS updates | 6 years | — |
| Security updates | 7 years | — |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | — |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $1,199Winner | $1,299 |
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
With an expansive 6.9-inch borderless Super Retina XDR OLED, the powerful 3nm A18 Pro silicon, and dedicated 4K 120fps Dolby Vision capture, Apple sets a towering standard for creator-centric mobile performance.
- Display
- 6.9"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 Pro
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 4,685mAh
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a $1299 super-sized flagship aimed at power users and mobile gamers. Featuring a massive 6.9-inch OLED display, a huge 5567 mAh battery, and a new variable aperture 48MP camera, it offers peak hardware performance but compromises with a surprisingly heavy 249g aluminum chassis.
- Display
- 6.9"
- Chipset
- Apple A20 Pro
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 5,567mAh
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