Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: Identical except for display size and battery
There are no major differentiators between the two iPhone Pro models this year. The Apple iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max can do exactly the same thing.
Last year, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max was updated with a 5x telephoto lens that uses tetraprism technology. The iPhone 15 Pro was limited to 3x zoom. This year, however, Apple has also done away with this differentiator – both iPhones have a 5x telephoto lens.
While some Apple iPhone 16 Pro rumors have suggested a new camera sensor exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro Max or a new super zoom feature, none of these things have actually happened. Both models feature the same 48-megapixel “Fusion” camera with f/1.78 aperture, as well as the same 12-megapixel telephoto lens with f/2.8 aperture. Both models have also been upgraded with a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera that lets in more light and supports better quality macro photos.
With the same camera technology found in both iPhone 16 Pro models, the only difference between the new models is the display size, smallest storage configuration, and battery life. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at 128GB of storage, while the iPhone 16 Pro starts at a minimum of 256GB. A maximum of 1TB of total storage is possible in each case.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in at 6.9 inches. In terms of battery life, the Pro lasts up to 27 hours while playing videos, while the Pro Max can manage a maximum of 33 hours.
iPhone 16 Pro supports JPEG-XL format
In addition, both Apple iPhone 16 Pro models support the JPEG-XL file format, according to code in iOS 18. Compared to JPEG, JPEG-XL offers improved compression for smaller file sizes. While Apple did not mention JPEG-XL support during the event, it had already appeared in the rumor mill ahead of the Apple iPhone 16 Pro launch.
Compared to the HEIC format that Apple introduced a few years ago, JPEG-XL supports both lossy and lossless compression. HEIC is a lossy format and while it offers better quality than JPG images, professionals will likely prefer JPEG-XL to keep the lossless option. HEIC never caught on in the market, but will remain available.
Both iPhone 16 Pro models can be pre-ordered starting this Friday.
