iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 8
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 8?
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £750.13 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 specs
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 8 differ significantly in features and specifications, suiting different users. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger, higher-resolution OLED screen suited for immersive video and detailed viewing, along with stronger performance thanks to its Apple A18 Pro chipset and 8 GB of RAM, which keeps apps running smoothly. Its battery capacity is much larger, supporting longer use between charges. The iPhone 8 is a simpler, smaller device with a compact screen and less RAM, fitting those who prefer a more straightforward phone for everyday tasks. Storage options also vary, with the 16 Pro Max available up to 1TB and the iPhone 8 up to 256GB.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating systems, which affect how long each device lasts and stays supported.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 4685 mAh battery, much larger than the iPhone 8's 1821 mAh. This means the 16 Pro Max is better suited for users who need longer battery life throughout the day, especially with demanding apps or media use. The iPhone 8 suits those with lighter daily use or who prefer more frequent charging.
Operating System
The iPhone 8 handles standard iOS functions well for everyday use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options, affecting speed, multitasking, and capacity for apps and files.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features the Apple A18 Pro chipset, offering more processing power compared to the iPhone 8's Apple A11 Bionic. This means the 16 Pro Max handles complex tasks and newer apps more efficiently, suitable for users who want strong performance.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Pro Max keeps more apps open and runs demanding software smoothly. The iPhone 8 has 2 GB of RAM, meeting the needs of users with basic app usage and less multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is available with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage, offering ample space for photos, videos, and apps. The iPhone 8 comes in 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB variants, fitting users with lighter storage requirements or simpler needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos, and apps. Size, resolution, and screen type determine clarity and colour experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1320 x 2868, providing a large and detailed display for immersive media and easier multitasking. The iPhone 8 offers a 4.7 inch screen at 750 x 1334 resolution, suitable for users preferring a compact phone with a clear display for everyday use.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks, ideal for users who prioritise high-quality viewing. The iPhone 8 uses Retina IPS LCD, which offers sharp and accurate colours suitable for standard viewing needs.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that capture photos and video quality for calls and pictures.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing sharper and more detailed selfies or video calls. The iPhone 8's front camera is 7 megapixels, suitable for clear but simpler images and video.
Main Camera Quality
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures higher detail in photos, making it suitable for users who enjoy photography or want more detailed pictures. The iPhone 8's main camera has 12 megapixels, good for everyday photos and standard use.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 size and design
This section covers additional features that influence everyday use, connectivity, and phone size.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 5G networks and uses an eSIM, catering to users wanting faster mobile data and a digital SIM setup. The iPhone 8 works on 4G and uses a physical SIM, suitable for users with traditional SIM cards and standard network speeds.
Connector Type
The iPhone 8 uses a Lightning connector, supporting a wide range of existing Apple accessories.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Pro Max measures 163 mm tall, 77.6 mm wide, and 8.3 mm deep, weighing 227 g. This larger size suits users who prefer a bigger screen and don't mind a heavier phone. The iPhone 8 is smaller at 138.4 mm tall, 67.3 mm wide, and 7.3 mm deep, weighing 148 g, ideal for those wanting a compact and lighter device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 8: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 1821 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £750.13 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 16 Pro Max looks like new with very good battery health, often close to 100%. They find the touchscreen responsive and the phone performs perfectly, matching expectations for a premium refurbished device. Reviews mention the phone feels well cared for and is a great option for those wanting a nearly new experience. The display quality, battery life, and overall condition receive strong praise, with several customers happy with the device's condition and performance.
Reviews for the iPhone 8 highlight it working like new with good battery health, appreciated by users who want a reliable phone for everyday use. Some customers mention the device looks nearly new and runs well for basic tasks. There are fewer mentions of performance or screen quality, but the device is described as solid and suitable for those needing a straightforward iPhone.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 FAQs
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 8 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £750.13 more (from £840.13 vs £90).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.









