Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Compare Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max side by side: Apple A18 vs Apple A19 Pro, 48MP vs 48MP camera, 3561mAh vs 4823mAh battery, $799 vs $699…
Apple
iPhone 16
$799
3categories won
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max
$699
13categories won
5 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 16, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the iPhone 17 Pro Max leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 16 if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
iPhone 17 Pro Max takes battery honors offering 4,823 mAh alongside 42W charging.
iPhone 17 Pro Max provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A19 Pro and 12GB RAM.
iPhone 17 Pro Max takes photography with 48MP optics and 4x optical telephoto capabilities.
iPhone 17 Pro Max wins on budget and value at $699 compared to $799.
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 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 | 1320 x 2868Winner |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 458 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 HzWinner |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nits | 3000 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Apple A19 Pro |
| Process node | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 1,650,000 | 2,400,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 8150 | 8900Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 12 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 512GB | 2TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3Winner |
| Optical zoom | — | 4x |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 48 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 18 MPWinner |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,561 mAh | 4,823 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 42 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 25 W | 25 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 170 gWinner | 233 g |
| Thickness | 7.8 mmWinner | 8.75 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, color-infused glass back | Aluminum unibody, Ceramic Shield 2 front |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 18 | iOS iOS 26 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 6 years |
| Security updates | 7 yearsWinner | 6 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $799 | $699Winner |
Apple iPhone 16
Upgraded with the high-efficiency A18 chip, 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, macro photography, and both physical Action and Camera Control buttons, the iPhone 16 brings significant pro features to the mainstream.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A18
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,561mAh
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is a massive 6.9-inch flagship suited for power users and mobile videographers. With its new A19 Pro 3nm chipset, 12GB of RAM, and a complete triple 48MP camera system, it delivers top-tier performance, though its 233g aluminum build makes it exceptionally heavy.
- Display
- 6.9"
- Chipset
- Apple A19 Pro
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 4,823mAh