iPhone 16 vs iPhone XS Max
Quick answer
The iPhone XS Max is 5.8 millimetres0.23 inches wider and 38 grams1.34 ounces heavier than the iPhone 16.
The iPhone XS Max on Amazon (paid link) is stuck on its last version and won't get iOS updates, which matters more than the screen size here. The iPhone 16 (paid link) runs the newest software and holds a charge longer, but you are buying into a brand-new lineup since Apple refreshed the flags this month. If budget is tight, a renewed Max can work, but the 16 is the clearer pick for the next decade.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 16
Pocket: iPhone 16
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 16
from $799 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 · 1.4 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: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 170 grams. iPhone XS Max: 157.5 by 77.4 by 7.7 millimetres, 208 grams.
16, XS Max shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 16
from $799 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: 16 147.6 millimetres, XS Max 157.5 millimetres.Height: 16 5.81 inches, XS Max 6.20 inches.Width: 16 71.6 millimetres, XS Max 77.4 millimetres.Width: 16 2.82 inches, XS Max 3.05 inches.Depth: 16 7.80 millimetres, XS Max 7.70 millimetres.Depth: 16 0.31 inches, XS Max 0.30 inches.Weight: 16 170 grams, XS Max 208 grams.Weight: 16 6.00 ounces, XS Max 7.34 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 16 | XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 147.6 millimetres5.81 inches | 157.5 millimetres, 9.9 millimetres more6.20 inches, 0.39 inches more |
| Width | 71.6 millimetres2.82 inches | 77.4 millimetres, 5.8 millimetres more3.05 inches, 0.23 inches more |
| Depth | 7.80 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.70 millimetres, 0.10 millimetres less0.30 inches, the same |
| Weight | 170 grams6.00 ounces | 208 grams, 38 grams more7.34 ounces, 1.34 ounces more |
| Volume | 82.4 cubic centimetres5.03 cubic inches | 93.9 cubic centimetres, 11.4 cubic centimetres more5.73 cubic inches, 0.70 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 87 percent | 84 percent, 3 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 6.5 inches, 0.4 inches more |
| Resolution | 1179 × 2556 | 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. | 22 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. | 799 dollars | 1,099 dollars, 300 dollars more |
| Released | Sep 2024 | Sep 2018 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone XS Max is 9.9 mm (0.39 in) taller, 5.8 mm (0.23 in) wider, 0.10 mm thinner and 38 g (1.34 oz) heavier than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 measures 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm (5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in) and weighs 170 g (6.00 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
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- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro
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- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 14
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro
Questions about these phones
How much taller and wider is the iPhone XS Max compared to the iPhone 16?
The iPhone XS Max is 9.9 mm taller and 5.8 mm wider than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 is the smaller device overall.
Which phone is heavier between the iPhone 16 and iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone XS Max weighs 38 grams more than the iPhone 16. This weight difference is noticeable when holding the phones.
Is the iPhone 16 easier to use one-handed than the iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone 16 is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone XS Max. It is also better suited for small hands due to its narrower width.
Do the iPhone 16 and iPhone XS Max fit in jeans pockets?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a typical women's jeans pocket. The iPhone 16 is more pocketable than the iPhone XS Max.
What is the screen size difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone XS Max?
The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch display while the iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch display. The iPhone XS Max screen is 0.4 inches larger.
Is upgrading from the iPhone XS Max to the iPhone 16 worth it for size alone?
Upgrading from the iPhone XS Max to the iPhone 16 is not worth it for size alone. The iPhone 16 is smaller and lighter but the size difference is minor.