iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 is 6.4 millimetres0.25 inches narrower and 79 grams2.79 ounces lighter than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max on Amazon (paid link) is just released, delivering all-day endurance and smoother scrolling that you feel immediately. The iPhone 16 (paid link) remains a solid choice for one-handed use, but it shows its age with fewer cameras and less battery life. Pick the new Max if you want longevity; otherwise the 16 saves cash.

Paid link.

Easier one-handed: iPhone 16

Pocket: iPhone 16

Weight difference: Noticeable

iPhone 18 Pro Max
from $1,299 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)

Paid link.

TRUE SCALE · 1.3 PX/MM

Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.

iPhone 18 Pro Max
from $1,299 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)

Paid link.

HeightWidthDepthWeight18 Pro Max163.4 millimetres6.43 inches78.0 millimetres3.07 inches8.75 millimetres0.34 inches249 grams8.78 ounces16147.6 millimetres, 15.8 millimetres less5.81 inches, 0.62 inches less71.6 millimetres, 6.4 millimetres less2.82 inches, 0.25 inches less7.80 millimetres, 0.95 millimetres less0.31 inches, 0.04 inches less170 grams, 79 grams less6.00 ounces, 2.79 ounces less

Height: 18 Pro Max 163.4 millimetres, 16 147.6 millimetres.Height: 18 Pro Max 6.43 inches, 16 5.81 inches.Width: 18 Pro Max 78.0 millimetres, 16 71.6 millimetres.Width: 18 Pro Max 3.07 inches, 16 2.82 inches.Depth: 18 Pro Max 8.75 millimetres, 16 7.80 millimetres.Depth: 18 Pro Max 0.34 inches, 16 0.31 inches.Weight: 18 Pro Max 249 grams, 16 170 grams.Weight: 18 Pro Max 8.78 ounces, 16 6.00 ounces.

Specifications

Specifications for iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 16. Differences are given against iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Specification	18 Pro Max	16

Height	163.4 millimetres6.43 inches	147.6 millimetres, 15.8 millimetres less5.81 inches, 0.62 inches less
Width	78.0 millimetres3.07 inches	71.6 millimetres, 6.4 millimetres less2.82 inches, 0.25 inches less
Depth	8.75 millimetres0.34 inches	7.80 millimetres, 0.95 millimetres less0.31 inches, 0.04 inches less
Weight	249 grams8.78 ounces	170 grams, 79 grams less6.00 ounces, 2.79 ounces less
Volume	111.5 cubic centimetres6.81 cubic inches	82.4 cubic centimetres, 29.1 cubic centimetres less5.03 cubic inches, 1.78 cubic inches less
Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure.	91 percent	87 percent, 4 percent less

Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches.	6.9 inches	6.1 inches, 0.8 inches less
Resolution	1320 × 2868	1179 × 2556
Pixel density	460 pixels per inch	460 pixels per inch, the same
Cutout	Dynamic Island	Dynamic Island

Rear main	48MP Fusion, variable aperture f/1.48-f/4.0	48MP
Rear ultra-wide	48MP Fusion f/2.2	—
Rear telephoto	48MP Fusion 100mm (4x optical, 8x optical-quality)	—
Front camera	18MP Center Stage f/1.9	12MP

Chip	A20 Pro	A18
Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity.	45 hrs	22 hrs

Port	USB-C	USB-C
Wireless	5G · Wi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6 · Apple C2 modem	5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth
Water resistance	IP68 (6m for 30 min)	IP68 (6m for 30 min)

Storage	256 GB – 2 TB	128 – 512 GB
Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars.	1,299 dollars	799 dollars, 500 dollars less

Released	Sep 2026	Sep 2024
Status	Current	Current

Dimensions

The iPhone 16 is 15.8 mm (0.62 in) shorter, 6.4 mm (0.25 in) narrower, 0.95 mm (0.04 in) thinner and 79 g (2.79 oz) lighter than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The iPhone 18 Pro Max measures 163.4 × 78.0 × 8.75 mm (6.43 × 3.07 × 0.34 in) and weighs 249 g (8.78 oz). 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).

Questions about these phones

How much smaller is the iPhone 16 than the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

The iPhone 16 is 15.8 mm shorter and 6.4 mm narrower than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

How much lighter is the iPhone 16?

The iPhone 16 weighs 79 grams less than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

What is the difference in screen size between these phones?

The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch screen while the iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen.

Which phone is easier to use one handed?

The iPhone 16 is easier to use one handed compared to the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Do these phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?

Both the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max fit in a typical men's jeans pocket.

Is the size upgrade worth it?

Whether the size upgrade is worth it depends on your needs.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone 16

Quick answer

Specifications

Dimensions

Also compared with iPhone 18 Pro Max

Questions about these phones