Which Is Better For Designers: the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max?
Posted on November 14, 2024 | Updated on November 22, 2024
If you’re thinking about upgrading your phone for the multiple technical advances of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, you’re probably wondering what the difference is between the models. You’ll pay a bit more for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here’s how to know whether it’s worth the added expense or whether the Pro model will do what you need for your design needs.
Differences Between the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Once you’ve made the decision to move to the pro model of the iPhone 16, the differences between the two sizes are small. However, there are some things you should consider as a designer when deciding which works best for your needs.
Camera
One of the top reasons for designers to upgrade to iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max is the upgraded camera, featuring an ultra-wide lens capability. The up to 48-megapixel sensor has four times the resolution of previous generations and ability to take macro shots.
The camera also comes with better focus and depth control. Gain Dolby Vision up to 4K at 120 fps. Optical zoom options include .5x, 1x, 2x and 5x. Apple also updated their photographic styles to give you more options for different conditions and lighting. Another option that videographers will find helpful is the ability to isolate a voice with Audio Mix. You can choose a studio mode and improve audio quality.
One thing you’ll gain that previous models lack is a side capture button. Rather than having to tap and navigate to your camera, you can click the side button and the camera pops right up for use. Press the button again to take a photo. Long press for a video or lightly tap several times to pull up the menu. No more missed shots because of fumbling with your phone.
Previously, the iPhone 15 came with a 12MP camera, so the ability to go as high as 48MP is a huge jump that designers will welcome when taking photos with their smartphones.
Screen Size & Display Quality
The differences between Pro and Pro Max may come down mainly to the size, weight and ergonomics of the phone. Someone with larger hands may find the Pro Max is a better option for their needs, while someone with smaller hands might prefer the iPhone 16 Pro.
| iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| 5.89 inches tall x 2.81 inches wide | 6.42 inches tall x 3.06 inches wide |
| 7.03 ounces | 7.99 ounces |
| Refresh rates up to 120Hz | Refresh rates up to 120Hz |
| Display 2622-by-1206 pixels | Display 2622-by-1206 pixels |
| HDR TrueTone Display | HDR TrueTone Display |
Battery Life
Both models come with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Features include:
| iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max | |
| Video Playback | Up to 27 hours | 18 hours 6 minutes |
| Video Streamed | Up to 22 hours | Up to 29 hours |
| Audio Playback | Up to 85 hours | Up to 105 hours |
| Fast Charging | Up to a 50% charge in 30 minutes | Up to 50% charge in 35 minutes |
| Varied Use | 14 hours 7 minutes | 18 hours 6 minutes |
Since designers often have to take their work on the road, knowing how long the battery might last for various activities is helpful in understanding if you should take a power bank on location or ensure there is somewhere to charge your phone. The faster charging times can mean the ability to take a break and get your phone back to full battery life before continuing with a photo shoot.
Even if you just use your phone to respond to clients or do some light editing while commuting to and from the office, having more time to complete tasks is a welcome addition.
The iPhone 15 Pro battery lasted around 23 hours and the Pro Max around 29. The advances come in the faster charging times. It took closer to an hour and a half for the 15 to charge versus around 30 minutes for the 16.
On-the-Go Editing
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max come with an A18 processing chip. Some of the advantages of this particular processing chip include:
- 50% faster speed
- Uses less power than the A16 chip found in iPhone 15
- Utilizes the 3nm chip, which is the most powerful one to date and brings that advantage of being more power efficient.
Faster cache and memory means the A18 gives you the ability to edit almost any file size your phone will hold on the go. You can even do video editing on your iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max and avoid the lag times you may have experienced in the past.
Pricing Difference
The iPhone 16 has a hefty price tag no matter what model you select. Some carriers do offer trade-in specials or discounts for signing up with their service. Shop around for the best deal for you in the long-term. If you choose to buy the iPhone from the Apple store, you’ll pay around:
iPhone 16 Pro: $999 for 128 GB, $1099 for 256GB, $1299 for 512GB, $1499 for 1TB
iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1199 for 256GB, $1399 for 512GB, $1599 for 1TB
The difference between the two models tends to be about $100, so in the big scheme of things, choose the screen you think works best for your needs. If you’re unsure, visit an Apple retailer or your local carrier and hold each in your hands. Test how you hold it to take a photo and how comfortable it feels. You might also want to try viewing a video and considering where you’ll carry the phone and how well it fits.
Aesthetics
The latest iphone Pro and Pro Max come in four colors:
- Desert Titanium
- Natural Titanium
- White Titanium
- Black Titanium
Whereas, the iPhone 16 standard and Plus models are available in:
- Ultramarine
- Teal
- Pink
- White
- Black
Even though you might be using your phone for business purposes, as a designer, you likely wish there was more variety in finishes. It’s a minor aggravation, but the aesthetics of the new iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max don’t appeal to everyone. Your best option if you don’t like the available colors is to opt for a decorative case, which can serve double-duty and protect your phone from drops.
The screens are made of Apple’s latest Ceramic Shield glass. Various claims state it is twice as strong as before. However, multiple users say the screens still shatter when dropped, so make sure you protect your investment accordingly.
Should Designers Invest in the Newest iPhone 16?
Only you can decide if a new phone is in your budget as a designer. While you can likely take some of your costs off on taxes–consult with your accountant to be sure–if you use the phone for anything personal, you won’t be able to take the full cost off as an expense.
The advantage of the upgraded camera lenses may make this particular upgrade worthwhile but Apple improves the camera with each upgrade, so you could also wait for the iPhone 17 if you’re on the fence.
If you do choose to upgrade, you can’t go wrong with either the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max. Many of the differences are so minor as to come down to user preference.
