iPhone XS Max vs iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 is 5.8 millimetres0.23 inches narrower and 38 grams1.34 ounces lighter than the iPhone XS Max.

The iPhone XS Max on Amazon (paid link) has stopped receiving iOS updates, so its app ecosystem will shrink over time. The iPhone 16 (paid link) feels lighter, lasts longer on a charge, and handles new apps without complaint. If you want a phone that remains secure past next year, the 16 is your only choice.

Paid link.

Easier one-handed: iPhone 16

Pocket: iPhone 16

Weight difference: Noticeable

iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (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 · 1.4 PX/MM

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

iPhone XS Max
from $1,099 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
iPhone 16
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)

Paid link.

HeightWidthDepthWeightXS Max157.5 millimetres6.20 inches77.4 millimetres3.05 inches7.70 millimetres0.30 inches208 grams7.34 ounces16147.6 millimetres, 9.9 millimetres less5.81 inches, 0.39 inches less71.6 millimetres, 5.8 millimetres less2.82 inches, 0.23 inches less7.80 millimetres, 0.10 millimetres more0.31 inches, the same170 grams, 38 grams less6.00 ounces, 1.34 ounces less

Height: XS Max 157.5 millimetres, 16 147.6 millimetres.Height: XS Max 6.20 inches, 16 5.81 inches.Width: XS Max 77.4 millimetres, 16 71.6 millimetres.Width: XS Max 3.05 inches, 16 2.82 inches.Depth: XS Max 7.70 millimetres, 16 7.80 millimetres.Depth: XS Max 0.30 inches, 16 0.31 inches.Weight: XS Max 208 grams, 16 170 grams.Weight: XS Max 7.34 ounces, 16 6.00 ounces.

Specifications

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

Height	157.5 millimetres6.20 inches	147.6 millimetres, 9.9 millimetres less5.81 inches, 0.39 inches less
Width	77.4 millimetres3.05 inches	71.6 millimetres, 5.8 millimetres less2.82 inches, 0.23 inches less
Depth	7.70 millimetres0.30 inches	7.80 millimetres, 0.10 millimetres more0.31 inches, the same
Weight	208 grams7.34 ounces	170 grams, 38 grams less6.00 ounces, 1.34 ounces less
Volume	93.9 cubic centimetres5.73 cubic inches	82.4 cubic centimetres, 11.4 cubic centimetres less5.03 cubic inches, 0.70 cubic inches less
Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure.	84 percent	87 percent, 3 percent more

Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches.	6.5 inches	6.1 inches, 0.4 inches less
Resolution	1242 × 2688	1179 × 2556
Pixel density	458 pixels per inch	460 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch more
Cutout	Notch	Dynamic Island

Rear main	12MP	48MP
Rear ultra-wide	—	—
Rear telephoto	—	—
Front camera	12MP	12MP

Chip	A12 Bionic	A18
Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity.	15 hrs	22 hrs

Port	Lightning	USB-C
Wireless	5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0	5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth
Water resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 min)	IP68 (6m for 30 min)

Storage	64 – 512 GB	128 – 512 GB
Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars.	1,099 dollars	799 dollars, 300 dollars less

Released	Sep 2018	Sep 2024
Status	Legacy	Current

Dimensions

The iPhone 16 is 9.9 mm (0.39 in) shorter, 5.8 mm (0.23 in) narrower, 0.10 mm thicker and 38 g (1.34 oz) lighter than the iPhone XS Max. 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). 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 iPhone 16 than iPhone XS Max?

iPhone 16 is 9.9 mm shorter and 5.8 mm narrower than iPhone XS Max. It is also 0.1 mm thicker.

Is iPhone 16 lighter than iPhone XS Max?

Yes, iPhone 16 weighs 170 g while iPhone XS Max weighs 208 g. The 38 g difference is noticeable.

Which phone has a bigger screen?

iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch display while iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch display. The XS Max screen is 0.4 inches larger.

Is iPhone 16 easier to use one-handed?

iPhone 16 is easier to use one-handed than iPhone XS Max. It is better for small hands due to its smaller size.

Do these phones fit in a jeans pocket?

Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. iPhone 16 is more pocketable due to its smaller dimensions.

Is upgrading for size worth it?

Whether the size only upgrade is worth it depends on your needs. iPhone 16 is significantly smaller and lighter than iPhone XS Max.

iPhone XS Max vs iPhone 16

Quick answer

Specifications

Dimensions

Also compared with iPhone XS Max

Questions about these phones