They are closely matched: Apple iPhone 16 Plus scores 80/100 and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max scores 80/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max leads Apple iPhone 16 Plus overall by 7 points (84 vs 77 out of 100).
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out on Storage capacity: 256 GB, Display Size: 6.9 in, Display Resolution: 1320 × 2868 px.
- Best value: Apple iPhone 16 Plus (from $899) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max leads overall
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
84
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
77
Why it stands out
- Storage capacity: 256 GB
- Display Size: 6.9 in
- Display Resolution: 1320 × 2868 px
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is an option for users who want a larger iPhone size without purchasing the highest-tier Pro Max model. It features upgrades such as a new chipset, an Ultra wide camera, and added control buttons.
Best for users wanting larger phone sizeBest for those avoiding Pro Max tier spending
Pros
- Large display: Features a 6.7-in OLED Super Retina XDR display while being larger than models paired with a vanilla iPhone
- Camera system includes dual setups: It has both a wide and ultra-wide camera.
- Video recording capability is high quality, supporting 4K at 60 frames per second on both front and back cameras.
- The device features the Action button and the new Camera Control key.
Cons
- The display utilizes a 60 Hz refresh rate, which some users may find sluggish compared to modern high-refresh-rate Android screens.
- Some sources report ongoing questions regarding whether the device is worth buying if it was out for a period of time.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the flagship generation of Apple's smartphone line, designed for advanced users who require high performance and premium features. As one of Apple’s top-tier devices, it incorporates the latest processor technology and sophisticated camera systems. Its large display makes it suitable for content creators, power users, and media consumers.
Best for video creationBest for heavy media consumptionBest for professional photographers
Pros
- Features a powerful A18 Pro chip combined with Snapdragon X71 modem capabilities (Source 2)
- Offers an advanced cinematic experience on its large screen with up to 120Hz refresh rates (Source 2)
- Includes professional-grade camera hardware, such as a 48 MP main lens and dedicated telephoto/ultrawide cameras (Source 2)
- Provides comprehensive connectivity options including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and advanced GPS capabilities (Source 2)
Cons
- The device is a large and relatively heavy phone, weighing up to 227g (Source 2)
- Requires the latest connection standards like Wi-Fi 7 and USB 10Gbps to utilize its full potential (Source 2)
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone 16 Plus1,640,000
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max1,780,000
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPhone 16 Plus4,674 mAh
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max4,685 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPhone 16 PlusApple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is 28 g (14%) heavier than Apple iPhone 16 Plus.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max comparison
Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 80/100 for Apple iPhone 16 Plus and 80/100 for Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.
At launch, Apple iPhone 16 Plus was the more affordable option ($899) versus Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (80/100 vs 80/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Apple iPhone 16 Plus (80/100) and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (80/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.