iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XS Max
Quick answer
The iPhone XS Max is the same size as the iPhone 16 Plus, 9 grams0.32 ounces heavier.
The iPhone XS Max on Amazon (paid link) is stuck on its last iOS version and won't receive future updates, making it a dead-end for most buyers. The iPhone 16 Plus (paid link) delivers years of software support and battery life that lasts significantly longer without a charger. It costs more now, but the modern hardware makes it the only realistic choice for a long-term buy.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: Same
Pocket: Unclear
Weight difference: Not noticeable
iPhone 16 Plus
from $899 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.3 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 16 Plus: 160.9 by 77.8 by 7.8 millimetres, 199 grams. iPhone XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams.
16 Plus, XS Max shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 16 Plus
from $899 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 16 Plus 160.9 millimetres, XS Max 157.5 millimetres.Height: 16 Plus 6.33 inches, XS Max 6.20 inches.Width: 16 Plus 77.8 millimetres, XS Max 77.4 millimetres.Width: 16 Plus 3.06 inches, XS Max 3.05 inches.Depth: 16 Plus 7.80 millimetres, XS Max 7.70 millimetres.Depth: 16 Plus 0.31 inches, XS Max 0.30 inches.Weight: 16 Plus 199 grams, XS Max 208 grams.Weight: 16 Plus 7.02 ounces, XS Max 7.34 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 16 Plus | XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 160.9 millimetres6.33 inches | 157.5 millimetres, 3.4 millimetres less6.20 inches, 0.13 inches less |
| Width | 77.8 millimetres3.06 inches | 77.4 millimetres, 0.4 millimetres less3.05 inches, 0.02 inches less |
| Depth | 7.80 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.70 millimetres, 0.10 millimetres less0.30 inches, the same |
| Weight | 199 grams7.02 ounces | 208 grams, 9 grams more7.34 ounces, 0.32 ounces more |
| Volume | 97.6 cubic centimetres5.96 cubic inches | 93.9 cubic centimetres, 3.8 cubic centimetres less5.73 cubic inches, 0.23 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 88 percent | 84 percent, 4 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.7 inches | 6.5 inches, 0.2 inches less |
| Resolution | 1290 × 2796 | 1242 × 2688 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 458 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | Notch |
| Rear main | 48MP | 12MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A18 | A12 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 27 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP67 (1m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 128 – 512 GB | 64 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 899 dollars | 1,099 dollars, 200 dollars more |
| Released | Sep 2024 | Sep 2018 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone XS Max is 3.4 mm (0.13 in) shorter, 0.4 mm (0.02 in) narrower, 0.10 mm thinner and 9 g (0.32 oz) heavier than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus measures 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.80 mm (6.33 × 3.06 × 0.31 in) and weighs 199 g (7.02 oz). The iPhone XS Max measures 157.5 × 77.4 × 7.70 mm (6.20 × 3.05 × 0.30 in) and weighs 208 g (7.34 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 18 Pro
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 16 Plus than the iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone 16 Plus is 3.4 mm taller and 0.4 mm wider than the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 16 Plus also features a 6.7 inch screen compared to the 6.5 inch display on the iPhone XS Max.
Is the iPhone XS Max lighter than the iPhone 16 Plus?
The iPhone XS Max is 9 grams heavier than the iPhone 16 Plus. This weight difference is generally not noticeable in daily use.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
Both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone XS Max are rated as equally easy for one-handed use. The iPhone XS Max is considered better for smaller hands due to its slightly shorter height.
Do these phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone XS Max fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Neither model fits a typical women's jeans pocket according to measured median sizes.
Is it worth upgrading to the iPhone 16 Plus for size only?
Whether upgrading from the iPhone XS Max to the iPhone 16 Plus is worth it for size alone depends on your preference. The iPhone 16 Plus is marginally larger and lighter but offers similar handling characteristics.
What is the screen size difference between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7 inch display while the iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch display. This gives the iPhone 16 Plus a small edge in screen real estate.