Home
» Mobile Tips
»
Why should you buy iPhone 16 Pro instead of iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Why should you buy iPhone 16 Pro instead of iPhone 16 Pro Max?
While the iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple's most expensive offering, the smaller iPhone 16 Pro offers an equally top-notch experience. In fact, there are a few reasons why many people actually prefer the iPhone 16 Pro over its larger, more expensive counterpart.
1. iPhone 16 Pro has the same 5x telephoto lens as iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro camera system
The camera system is the biggest difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models in 2023. The former has a 3x telephoto lens, while the latter has a 5x telephoto camera. This is likely due to the tetraprism lens design, which wouldn't fit into the smaller chassis of the iPhone 15 Pro at that time.
This year, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have the same camera system, meaning the smaller iPhone 16 Pro now has the same 5x telephoto camera. There are no other major differences between the two models, and both iPhones now have exactly the same cameras.
2. iPhone 16 Pro is $200 cheaper
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max cost $999 and $1,199, respectively, the same as last year’s models. Still, spending more than $1,000 on a phone seems like a lot. While the $999 price tag of the iPhone 16 Pro also seems steep, given that both models now offer nearly identical features in almost every category, there’s not much to justify going with the iPhone 16 Pro Max this time around.
It’s worth noting that the iPhone 16 Pro starts at 128GB of storage, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at 256GB. If you want the 256GB version of the iPhone 16 Pro, you’ll have to pay $1,099. However, if you’re confident that 128GB is enough for your needs, especially when paired with an iCloud+ storage plan, the iPhone 16 Pro might be the better choice.
3. iPhone 16 Pro Max is too big
iPhone 16 Pro Max running Voice Memos app
This time around, both iPhones have slightly larger screens, with the iPhone 16 Pro coming in at 6.3 inches and the iPhone 16 Pro Max coming in at 6.9 inches. While the increased screen size is partly due to Apple shrinking the bezels, the new iPhones' chassis is also wider and taller.
Even people with fairly large hands sometimes have trouble using the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max with one hand, especially when trying to reach the top corners, such as when using the iOS Control Center. Now that the iPhone 16 Pro Max is even larger, it's clear that the iPhone 16 Pro will fit much better and be much more comfortable to hold.
The smaller Pro-line iPhones have never been known for great battery life, but with the iPhone 16 Pro's larger battery and more efficient chip, it can now last up to 4 hours longer for video playback, according to Apple, so battery life is no longer an issue.
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 you significantly longer. However, if you're just going for basic use, you might want to consider the base iPhone 16 over the Pro models, as it offers great value for money.