A Flagship Worth Considering
The iPhone 16 Pro Max stands as the pinnacle of Apple's smartphone lineup, a true flagship that has undoubtedly caught the attention of its competitors. I had the opportunity to review the Desert Titanium color variant, and the first thing that struck me was its weight. It's slightly heavier than the 15 Pro Max due to hardware upgrades and material changes. While I've always been a fan of Apple's blues and purples, this year's subtle tones are equally sleek and sophisticated.
Under the hood, the real star is the A18 Pro chip, boasting more power than many laptops. It handles everything effortlessly, from demanding editing tasks to high-performance gaming. The battery life is also a standout, likely the best on any iPhone yet, thanks to the efficiency of iOS 18 and the A18 Pro chip.
The camera system is packed with features, including pro-level exposure and depth-of-field controls. The new camera button operates like a trackpad, allowing you to hold it down and double-tap for MacBook-like control. This is an impressive feature for anyone serious about photography or content creation.
Interestingly, Apple hasn't ventured into foldables yet, but they've given us the biggest iPhone screen ever at 6.9 inches. It's noticeably larger than the 15 Pro Max, yet it still feels comfortable to hold. This extra screen real estate, combined with the Pro's power, makes it a truly powerful device.
256GB for Rs 1,44,900, 512GB for Rs 1,64,900, and 1TB for Rs 1,84,900 in India.
One of the biggest headlines in India is that the Pro models are Rs 15,000 cheaper than their predecessors, thanks to local assembly and reduced import duties. So, if you're used to buying iPhones from the US or Dubai, that's no longer the best deal.
Overall, if you're using an iPhone older than the 15 Pro Max, this is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you already have the 15 Pro Max, you might want to wait for next year's model. Regardless, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains the top choice for power users and content creators.