Spec cross-check · 2026-10-14
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max lines up the September 2024 iPhone 16 with the September 2026 iPhone 18 Pro Max. The spec score is a weighted share of comparable published rows. Manufacturer spec sheets are the source.
iPhone 18 Pro Max leads iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, storage, and camera hardware.
Spec sheet
| Spec | iPhone 16 | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556×1179, 460 ppi, 60Hz, 2,000 nits peak | 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868×1320, 460 ppi, 120Hz, 3,000 nits peak, always-onLeads |
| Chip | A18 | A20 ProLeads |
| Memory | Not published | Not published |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TBLeads |
| Camera hardware | 48MP Fusion main, 12MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop | 48MP main with variable aperture f/1.48–f/4, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 4x optical telephoto (8x optical-quality)Leads |
| Optical zoom | No optical telephoto | 4xLeads |
| Front camera | 12MP | 18MP Center Stage |
| Battery | up to 22 hours video playback | up to 45 hours video playbackLeads |
| Charging | 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher adapter. MagSafe up to 25W | 50% in about 15 minutes wired. 50% in 30 minutes wirelessLeads |
| Weight | 170 gLeads | 249 g |
| Water resistance | IP68Tie | IP68Tie |
| Software support | Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window | Apple does not publish a fixed OS support window |
| Launch price | $799 launch priceLeads | $1,299 launch price |
| Software | iOS 18 at launch | iOS 27 |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | USB-C, 5G (C2 modem), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread |
Who should buy which
Choose the iPhone 16 if you want iOS 18 at launch. It leads on weight and launch price.
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if you want iOS 27. It leads on display, chip, storage, camera hardware, optical zoom, battery, and charging.
Questions
Which is better, iPhone 16 or iPhone 18 Pro Max?
iPhone 18 Pro Max leads iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max on the weighted spec sheet, ahead on display, chip, storage, and camera hardware.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: which has the better battery?
iPhone 18 Pro Max leads on battery. iPhone 16: up to 22 hours video playback. iPhone 18 Pro Max: up to 45 hours video playback.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: which has the better camera?
iPhone 18 Pro Max leads on camera hardware. iPhone 16: 48MP Fusion main, 12MP ultrawide, 2x optical-quality crop. iPhone 18 Pro Max: 48MP main with variable aperture f/1.48–f/4, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP 4x optical telephoto (8x optical-quality). This rank is hardware class, not a photo lab test.
What did iPhone 16 and iPhone 18 Pro Max cost at launch?
iPhone 16 leads on launch price. iPhone 16: $799 launch price. iPhone 18 Pro Max: $1,299 launch price.
Sources
- Apple iPhone 16 technical specifications
- Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max technical specifications
- Apple newsroom, September 9, 2026