The iPhone 16 Pro Max has been in use for 90 days now, and its position as the top smartphone has changed significantly. If you’re considering purchasing this device, this review will give you a fresh perspective on whether it’s worth it.
One of the first things I did was remove the camera app from the lock screen to see how it felt using only the camera control button. Initially, I believed this button would be a convenient alternative, but I quickly realized a major issue. Every time I tried to take a picture using the camera control button, most of the photos turned out shaky. At first, I thought I was using it incorrectly, so I had my entire team test it out. The results were consistent—pressing the camera control button caused enough movement to result in blurry images. The reason for this is that the power button is slightly raised, making it easier to press, whereas the camera control button is completely flat and requires more effort. This implementation could have been better.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a large device, and getting used to its size takes time. If you’re not used to typing or holding such a big phone for long periods, it can feel uncomfortable. Adding a case only increases its weight, making it even more challenging to handle. However, using a case is essential for protection. For this review, I didn’t use a case to see how durable the phone really is. The results? There were visible scratches on the frame, especially on the white-colored areas, and the black variant showed even more noticeable wear. The display also accumulated multiple scratches, confirming that using both a screen protector and a case is highly recommended.
Over the past three months, I’ve used the iPhone 16 Pro Max in various lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors. The visibility remains excellent even under direct sunlight while browsing, texting, or using navigation. When it comes to media consumption, such as watching content on OTT platforms, the color tuning is well-balanced, providing a flagship experience.
Now, let’s talk about the battery. This is one of the most impressive aspects of the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Throughout my usage, the battery backup was fantastic, consistently providing 3 to 9 hours of screen-on time. In some instances, it even exceeded 9 hours, proving its reliability. However, while the battery life is strong, the charging speed is disappointing. Charging from 0 to 80% takes about an hour, which is acceptable, but going from 80 to 100% takes an additional 45 minutes. Apple’s charging speeds have not improved significantly compared to previous models.
Customization has seen notable changes in this generation. Setting up the control center and home screen according to personal preferences took me a couple of hours, but it was a satisfying experience. Additionally, some bugs that existed in previous models, like the iPhone 11, have been fixed. However, software stability remains an issue. I encountered multiple instances where apps suddenly froze and became unresponsive, requiring a restart. There were also times when scrolling in certain apps caused the refresh rate to drop significantly, forcing me to lock and unlock the phone to restore smoothness.
One peculiar issue I noticed was rearranging icons on the home screen. Often, when I moved an app, it would end up in a completely different location. Additionally, Siri’s integration with ChatGPT didn’t feel seamless. When I asked Siri a question, it frequently required me to grant permissions to ChatGPT, making the process unnecessarily complex. At this point, it would be easier to use ChatGPT directly rather than relying on Siri’s collaboration. Another feature that sparked controversy was the ability to disable notifications, and Apple’s AI-driven Image Playground, which creates cartoon images, didn’t seem very practical for daily use. In contrast, AI-powered writing tools were quite useful, as they helped with grammar correction and tone adjustments.
Despite being three months into the phone’s release, the software still doesn’t feel entirely stable. Some features, like WhatsApp’s integration, don’t work as expected. On the hardware side, the iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to offer excellent raw performance. Even older models, like the iPhone 11, were able to handle high frame rates, and the latest chipset inside this phone ensures smooth performance. For users who don’t engage in gaming or intensive tasks, the iPhone 16 Pro Max still delivers a next-level experience.
One of the most critical aspects of any smartphone is reliability. In my experience, this phone has been very dependable. Pulling it out of my pocket and capturing an important moment feels effortless. However, like any camera, it has its drawbacks. The iPhone 16 Pro Max tends to brighten dark areas in photos excessively, reducing natural contrast. Low-light photography using the 12MP telephoto lens sometimes results in a loss of detail, particularly in complex shots like tree branches. These minor shortcomings, however, don’t take away from the fact that it remains one of the best smartphone cameras available today.
Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has proven to be an excellent device with strong battery life, a great display, and a reliable camera. While some software bugs and charging speed issues remain, it still offers a flagship experience. If you understand what’s available in the current market and manage your expectations, you’ll be very satisfied with this phone. That concludes my three-month review of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
