iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 16 Plus vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £419.91 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone XS Max differ mainly in performance, screen detail, camera quality, battery capacity, and connectivity. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger screen, more memory, a higher resolution, and notably higher megapixel cameras, making it suitable for users wanting sharper images and more space for apps. It also supports 5G and uses a USB-C connector. The iPhone XS Max is a solid choice for those comfortable with its slightly smaller screen, 4G connectivity, and Lightning connector.
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 4674 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the 16 Plus is better suited for longer usage between charges, which benefits users who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 16 Plus measures 160.9 mm in height and 7.8 mm in depth, slightly larger than the iPhone XS Max's 157.5 mm height and 7.7 mm depth. The 16 Plus is also a bit wider and lighter, weighing 199 g compared to the XS Max's 208 g. These differences may affect how the phones feel in your hand or pocket.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance differences focus on processing power, memory, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much data and media you can keep on the device.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 16 Plus features the Apple A18 chipset with 8 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic with 4 GB of RAM. More RAM and a newer chipset in the 16 Plus help keep multiple apps running smoothly and improve overall responsiveness, suiting users who multitask frequently or use demanding apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions, offering a range for everyday to extensive storage needs. The iPhone XS Max comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, giving options for lighter to heavier storage demands, especially if you prefer a smaller starting capacity.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels during use. Both phones have similar refresh rates but differ in size, resolution, and display technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1290 by 2796 pixels, which offers a slightly larger and sharper display than the iPhone XS Max's 6.5 inch screen at 1242 by 2688 pixels. This makes the 16 Plus better for watching videos or viewing detailed content.
Screen Type
The iPhone 16 Plus uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone XS Max has a Super Retina OLED. Both deliver high-quality visuals, but the XDR version in the 16 Plus is designed to offer improved brightness and contrast, benefiting those who use their phone outdoors or for media viewing.
Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 60 Hz refresh rate. This standard rate is suitable for everyday use, including browsing, video playback, and gaming at typical frame rates.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera specifications often influence photo and video quality. The front and main camera megapixels differ notably, affecting detail capture.
Front Camera
The iPhone 16 Plus features a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and may produce clearer selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixel front camera.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone 16 Plus is designed for capturing highly detailed photos. The iPhone XS Max's 12 megapixel main camera suits everyday photography needs but offers fewer pixels for detail.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features include connectivity, physical attributes, and ports, which affect compatibility and convenience.
Mobile Network and Connector
The iPhone 16 Plus supports 5G networks, providing faster mobile data where available, while the iPhone XS Max supports 4G.
Carrier and SIM Options
Both phones are unlocked and support a physical SIM plus eSIM, offering flexibility for different carriers and plans.
Weight and Size
The iPhone 16 Plus weighs 199 g and is slightly larger in all dimensions compared to the iPhone XS Max, which weighs 208 g. This may influence comfort in hand or pocket depending on your preference.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £419.91 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 16 Plus often praise its like-new appearance and strong battery life. Many mention that the phone feels fresh and performs well, with several highlighting the excellent condition and the high quality of the device. Some customers noted minor setup challenges related to updates, but overall the device is enjoyed for its speed, screen, and camera. There are a few reports of issues such as glitching and cosmetic concerns, but positive experiences dominate, with users appreciating the phone's modern features and battery capacity.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max show satisfaction with the device's condition and performance for everyday use. Customers find the phone reliable and good value, enjoying features like the screen and general functionality. Some users experienced battery wear or minor faults like Face ID issues, but these were often resolved. The XS Max appeals to those looking for a capable smartphone with solid performance and a familiar design. Many appreciate the device as a quality refurbished option that meets their needs without requiring the latest specifications.
Overall, the iPhone 16 Plus suits those who want a larger, sharper screen and more powerful cameras, along with longer battery life and 5G connectivity. The iPhone XS Max fits well for users who prefer a slightly smaller phone with proven performance and lower storage entry points. Both offer unlocked flexibility and support for current iOS versions.
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 16 Plus vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 16 Plus adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 3174 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £419.91 more (from £588 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
