# iPhone 16 Plus vs. Pro Max: Why You May Not Need the Pro
As Apple launches its latest iPhone 16 collection, many buyers encounter the age-old dilemma: Which model should I select? Traditionally, the Pro versions have been preferred by those in search of the top-tier smartphone advancements. However, with the iPhone 16 lineup, the distinction between the standard and Pro versions has considerably diminished. This piece examines why the iPhone 16 Plus could be the optimal choice for the majority of users, even more so than the Pro Max.
## What You’re Sacrificing by Not Choosing Pro
### 1. **Dimensions and Display**
The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max are almost the same size, with the Pro Max being marginally taller (163mm compared to 160.9mm) and thicker (8.25mm versus 7.80mm). The Pro Max features a 6.9-inch display versus the 6.7-inch on the Plus, benefiting from thinner bezels. However, for most users, the variation in screen size is minor.
Both variants provide similar display capabilities, achieving peak brightness levels up to 2000 nits outdoors and 1600 nits for HDR content. The Pro Max boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and Always-on Display functionality, but if you’re anything like me, you may not find these features essential. In fact, even with these options available on my iPhone 14 Pro, I seldom utilized them.
### 2. **Mass**
One of the more obvious contrasts is the weight. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a titanium frame, making it heavier at 227 grams compared to the 199 grams of the iPhone 16 Plus. If a lighter device appeals more to you, the Plus could be a preferable choice.
### 3. **Photography System**
The camera setup is where the Pro Max excels, but the iPhone 16 Plus still performs admirably. The Plus is equipped with a dual-lens system featuring a 48-megapixel wide lens and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. Conversely, the Pro Max adds a 12-megapixel telephoto lens for optical zoom and includes advanced functionalities like Night mode for portraits, Apple ProRAW, and ProRes video capture.
For the average user, the camera on the iPhone 16 Plus will more than suffice. Unless you’re a devoted professional photographer or videographer, the extra features on the Pro Max may not warrant the additional $200.
### 4. **Battery Duration**
The iPhone 16 Plus delivers commendable battery performance, boasting estimates of 27 hours for video playback, 24 hours for streamed video, and up to 100 hours for audio playback. While the Pro Max does offer slightly improved stats, with up to 33 hours of video playback and 105 hours of audio playback, the Plus’s battery life should be more than adequate for most users.
### 5. **USB-C Speeds**
An area where the Pro Max distinctly excels is in USB-C transfer speeds. The Pro versions support USB 3 speeds reaching up to 10GB/s, while the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are capped at USB 2 speeds. If you often transfer large files, this could influence your decision, but it’s unlikely to significantly affect daily usage.
## What You’re Gaining with the iPhone 16 Plus
### 1. **Cost**
The most apparent benefit of opting for the iPhone 16 Plus is its price. The 256GB iPhone 16 Plus is priced at $999, which is $200 less than the comparable iPhone 16 Pro Max. For many buyers, this price difference alone makes the Plus a more appealing selection.
### 2. **Apple Technology**
Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are equipped with Apple’s new A18 chip, which enables the company’s latest AI functionalities. The A18 chip, produced on a 3nm framework, offers notable performance enhancements over the A16 Bionic found in last year’s iPhone 15 lineup. The A18 Pro in the Pro variants does provide slightly superior GPU performance, yet for most tasks, this discrepancy will be minimal.
### 3. **Camera Control Feature**
A highlight of the iPhone 16 series is the new Camera Control button, facilitating easier photo and video shooting. This feature is present on both the iPhone 16 Plus and Pro models, providing yet another compelling reason to select the Plus.
### 4. **Enhanced Wireless Charging**
The iPhone 16 Plus enables accelerated wireless charging, supporting up to 25W MagSafe charging when utilized with a 30W adapter. This marks a significant upgrade over earlier generations and is available on both the Plus and Pro Max.
