WANT editor Sebastiën Hoek traded in his iPhone 15 Pro Max for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. He didn’t have high expectations for the upgrade, but was pleasantly surprised nonetheless.
Every time I unwrap a smartphone, the child in me comes out. It feels like a gift that you ‘play’ with a lot at first, but which often feels like ‘normal’ again after a few weeks. I also had this feeling earlier this year when I privately switched from my iPhone 12 Pro to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Very excited at first and then seeing it as the most normal thing in the world. With the arrival of iPhone 16 Pro Max, I expected to have the same or even less that feeling.
After all, what could possibly be new about the iPhone 16 Pro Max that makes me feel stylishly backwards? After all, Apple Intelligence, which was supposed to be the thing about iPhone 16 series is not coming to the Netherlands for now due to the Digital Markets Act. Now that I’m several weeks along and using the iPhone 16 Pro Max extensively on a daily basis, I can tell you that I’ve gone from skeptical to enthusiastic.
Everything you want to know about the iPhone 16 Pro Max
Subtle differences on the iPhone 16 Pro MaxThe iPhone 16 Pro Max made for Apple IntelligenceiPhone 16 Pro Max has the cameras rightCamera controlApple Intelligence is coming, but not yet in EuropeFinal verdict
Subtle differences on the iPhone 16 Pro Max
When I put the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro Max side by side, at first glance the difference is not very significant. The design hasn’t had any major upgrades and the Dynamic Island, as has been the case in recent years, hasn’t gotten smaller either. Look closer and you will see that the iPhone 16 Pro Max is really bigger than its predecessor after all. Even though it’s only 0.2 inches it’s certainly noticeable and tangible.
With the introduction of the iPhone 15 Pro Max the action button was of course already added, this year Apple adds another button: Camera Control. A button that should make it easier to take photos, but more on that later. I hope Apple doesn’t make it a sport to add a button to the smartphone design with every new iPhone series. Because then by the time the iPhone 20 is introduced, they won’t have any space left on the sides.
(Image: Sebastiën Hoek/WANT)
The iPhone 16 Pro Max made for Apple Intelligence
Under the hood is the new A18 Pro chip. A 3 nanometer processor built with Apple Intelligence in mind. The chip is 15 percent faster than its predecessor and has received an improved design that, in conjunction with the 16 Core Neural Engine, allows it to quickly and efficiently handle future features such as Image Playground and Writing Tools.
The improved processor also has a positive effect on battery life. Because the chip operates more economically, it requires less of the battery. So, combined with a larger battery, you can stream your favorite series or music for longer. Where this was 25 hours on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it has improved to 29 hours on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The 6.9-inch size of the iPhone 16 Pro Max not only makes it the biggest iPhone to date, you also get more screen in return. This is also because the screen bezels have become thinner compared to its predecessor.
The improvement to the screen, battery and chip will have everything to do with Apple Intelligence. Apple’s AI functions require a lot of capacity, so these improvements are certainly no luxury. Although in Europe that will still be unnecessary. Especially for the price you have to pay for your new iPhone.
(Image: Sebastiën Hoek/WANT)
iPhone 16 Pro Max gets the cameras right
A few years ago, it was always a bit of a shame if you were a hobby photographer taking pictures on your iPhone. The results weren’t always spectacular. In recent years, Apple takes photography even more seriously and you can shoot beautiful pictures with your iPhone, including on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Although you would think the difference from the iPhone 15 Pro Max is nil, you can see the difference when you hold both cameras side by side. So the iPhone 16 Pro Max wins out over its predecessor in this area.
What contributes to its success is the upgrade of the wide-angle lens on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This has gone from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels. Of course, you can’t quite see megapixels as a measure of a camera, but with Apple you can assume that when they add more megapixels to a camera that the difference is noticeable in use. And it is.
Camera control
The addition of the Camera Control button is another sign that Apple takes photography seriously. Although, as someone who takes a lot of pictures, I find it a handy addition. I must confess that in practice I don’t use the button very often. Not because I don’t want to use it, but because the “old” way of taking photos is so ingrained in my system.
Shooting videos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max is also very nice. The addition of slow motion in 4K with 120 frames is a reason for me to use the slow motion feature more often. The shots you can take with it really add to the experience of filming and it looks nice too. In short, the cameras and everything under them would already be a reason for me personally to switch.
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Notice the difference when you swap the iPhone 15 Pro Max for the iPhone 16 Pro Max? #apple #iphone #fyp #technology #techtok
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Apple Intelligence is coming, but not yet in Europe
Whether you like it or not the world around us is going to use artificial intelligence more and more. Apple Intelligence is Apple’s answer to AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. As a result, the iPhone 16 Pro Max could potentially have been an even better and, more importantly, smarter smartphone.
However, due to Apple’s failure to provide Intelligence in Europe due to the Digital Markets Act, the iPhone 16 Pro Max feels unfinished. It’s like having a race car out front, but the gasoline is only available in certain regions except yours.
For now, we are not the only ones who have to wait for Apple Intelligence, as Apple’s first AI features will be rolled out from iOS 18.1. Supposedly, Apple Intelligence will see the light of day around Oct. 28 in the United States. In this update in the US, features such as transcribing phone calls, photo retouching and the revamped Siri will make their appearance.
Hopefully Apple will not be too deterred by EU rules and Apple Intelligence can still make its appearance in Europe at a later date. In case you can’t wait that long, we still have a way for you to get Apple Intelligence on your iPhone.
(Image: Sebastiën Hoek/WANT)
Final Verdict
The big question, of course, is upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro Max worth it? I think it depends on two things: what iPhone do you have now and what are you looking for in a new phone? If you’re coming from an iPhone 14 Pro Max or below then it’s definitely worth getting the flagship.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a minor upgrade over its predecessor, but if you value an improved camera, faster chip and larger battery then it’s definitely worth upgrading. I myself came from the iPhone 15 Pro Max and although I was skeptical beforehand, I am pleasantly surprised to see the difference.
Should you want to get the iPhone to possibly be ready for Apple Intelligence already, I would advise you to wait a while. Currently there is no certainty if and when Apple’s AI will come to the Netherlands. It could well be that the Netherlands will not be introduced to Apple Intelligence until the iPhone 18 series.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max goes on sale with 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage capacities. It comes in four Titanium colors: Dessert, Black, White and Natural. The recommended retail price is between 1479 euros and 1979 euros.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple
8
Score
Plus points
Slightly larger display Improved chip Cameras Larger Battery
Minuses
No Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple’s latest flagship. At first glance, the lack of Apple Intelligence is one reason you might skip this variant of the iPhone. But look closer and there is still plenty to be excited about. If you take a lot of photos and film, as I do, then the iPhone 16 Pro Max is definitely worth considering. The larger battery and slightly larger display are also a nice bonus.