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While the iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple’s most expensive offering, the smaller iPhone 16 Pro offers no less of a flagship experience. In fact, there are a few reasons why I actually prefer the iPhone 16 Pro over its larger, more expensive counterpart.
1It Has the Same 5x Telephoto Lens
The camera system was the biggest difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models in 2023. The former had a 3x telephoto lens, whereas the latter offered a 5x telephoto camera. This was likely due to the tetraprism lens design, which couldn’t fit into the smaller chassis of the iPhone 15 Pro at the time.
This year, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature the same camera system, meaning the smaller iPhone 16 Pro now also has the same 5x telephoto camera. There are no other major differences between the two models as well, and both iPhones are now fully matched in the camera department.
2The iPhone 16 Pro Is $200 Cheaper
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max cost $999 and $1,199, respectively, which is the same as last year’s models. However, spending well over a grand for a phone still feels like a bit too much. Although the $999 price tag of the iPhone 16 Pro also seems steep, given that both models now have nearly identical features across almost every category, there are not many reasons to justify going for the iPhone 16 Pro Max this time around.
It’s worth noting that the iPhone 16 Pro starts with 128GB of storage, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at 256GB. If you want the 256GB version of the iPhone 16 Pro, it will cost you $1,099. However, if you’re confident that 128GB is enough for your needs, especially alongsidean iCloud+ storage plan, the iPhone 16 Pro could be the better option.
3The iPhone 16 Pro Max Is Too Big
This time around, both iPhones have slightly larger displays, measuring 6.3 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. While the increase in display size is partially due to Apple shrinking the bezels, the chassis of the new iPhones are also wider and taller.
Despite having relatively large hands, I sometimes struggle with one-handed use on the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max, particularly when trying to reach the top corners, like whenusing the iOS Control Center. Now that the iPhone 16 Pro Max is even bigger, it’s clear that the iPhone 16 Pro would be a much better fit for me and would feel much more comfortable in my hand.
The smaller Pro series iPhones have never been known for great battery life, but with the iPhone 16 Pro’s larger battery and more efficient chip, it now lasts 4 hours longer for video playback, according toApple, so battery life shouldn’t be an issue anymore.
However, if battery life is your top priority, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is still the better choice, as its much larger battery will last significantly longer. If your usage is pretty basic, though, you might want toconsider the base iPhone 16 over the Pro models instead, as that offers excellent value for money.
