iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at
£737.50£999.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 16 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £569.41 less than the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro 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, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro has a bigger battery: 3582 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone XS Max offer different strengths suited to distinct users. The iPhone 16 Pro has a more advanced chipset and double the RAM, making it better for users who want faster performance and smoother multitasking. Its screen has a higher refresh rate for more fluid visuals, although it is slightly smaller. The 16 Pro's cameras capture more detail, appealing to those who prioritise photography. Battery capacity is higher on the 16 Pro, which may benefit heavier users. The XS Max has a larger screen and offers storage starting at a lower capacity, which suits users who prefer a bigger display or need less storage.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates are key durability factors. Battery size differs, which can affect how long each device lasts between charges.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 3582 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the 16 Pro may offer longer usage time for those who use their phone heavily throughout the day. The XS Max's battery size suits users with lighter or more moderate daily use.
Software Updates
This ensures each phone continues to receive new features and security improvements, keeping them functional over time.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 16 Pro has newer and higher specs designed for demanding users, while the XS Max offers solid performance for everyday tasks.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 16 Pro runs on the Apple A18 Pro chipset, which is more recent compared to the XS Max's Apple A12 Bionic. This difference means the 16 Pro handles intensive apps and multitasking more smoothly, ideal for users who run many apps or use demanding software.
Memory Size
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Pro can keep more apps active in the background without slowing down. The iPhone XS Max has 4 GB of RAM which works well for everyday use and lighter multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 Pro offers a wide range of storage from 128GB up to 1TB, suiting those who store large files or many apps. The XS Max starts at 64GB and goes up to 512GB, which is suitable for users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view content daily. Differences in size, refresh rate, and screen technology mean each phone suits different preferences for media, gaming, or reading.
Screen Size
The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3 inch screen is slightly smaller but still offers a spacious display for most tasks.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 16 Pro features a 120 Hz refresh rate which delivers smoother motion and scrolling. This is noticeable in animations and gaming. The XS Max's 60 Hz refresh rate is standard and suits those who do not prioritise ultra-smooth visuals.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 16 Pro uses LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which can adjust refresh rates to save battery and offers high contrast. The XS Max has Super Retina OLED, providing vibrant colours and deep blacks suitable for everyday viewing.
Resolution
The XS Max has a slightly higher resolution at 1242 x 2688 pixels compared to 1206 x 2622 pixels on the iPhone 16 Pro. Both provide sharp and clear displays, so the difference is subtle and unlikely to affect typical use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality is important for capturing photos and video calls. The iPhone 16 Pro offers higher resolution cameras, which is suited to users who value detail and clarity.
Front Camera
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 12 megapixel front camera, making it well suited for clearer video calls and detailed selfies. The XS Max has a 7 megapixel front camera, which is sufficient for everyday video chats and casual selfies.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone 16 Pro captures more detail in photos, which benefits users who take a lot of pictures or want higher quality images. The XS Max's 12 megapixel main camera works well for general photography needs.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other features include physical size, network and connector types, which affect convenience and compatibility with accessories or networks.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 16 Pro supports 5G networks, suitable for users wanting faster mobile internet where 5G is available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, providing reliable connectivity for everyday browsing and calls.
Connector Type
The XS Max uses a Lightning connector, which is common in many Apple accessories.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 16 Pro is smaller and lighter at 149.6 mm height, 71.5 mm width, and 199 g weight, making it easier to hold and pocket. The XS Max is larger at 157.5 mm height, 77.4 mm width, and 208 g weight, offering a bigger presence in hand and on flat surfaces.
SIM Options
Both phones support a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for different mobile plans or travel.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3582 mAh vs 3174 mAh)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £569.41 less than the iPhone 16 Pro
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.3 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 16 Pro looks like new and comes in excellent or premium condition. Many mention battery health around 94 to 95 percent, supporting good battery life. The screen and camera quality receive positive comments, with users noticing the camera is much better than older phones. Some customers note the phone feels almost new and works perfectly, even when buying fair condition. A few mention issues with battery life or heating but say these experiences are rare. Overall, the 16 Pro is praised for its performance, condition, and value.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max note good condition and reliable use for everyday tasks. Customers appreciate the phone's value and mention the screen and battery are in good shape, though some report battery life lasting only about six hours. The phone is described as working well for basic needs, with some users highlighting its larger screen size. Few mention minor scratches that are easy to cover with a case. The XS Max is seen as a solid choice for those who want a quality smartphone without the newest features.
The iPhone 16 Pro suits users wanting a smooth, fast, and detailed experience with a smaller, lighter phone. The iPhone XS Max is suitable for those who prefer a larger screen and solid daily performance with fewer advanced features.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 16 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £737.50 for the iPhone 16 Pro.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a bigger battery: 3582 mAh vs 3174 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 Pro 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 Pro adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3582 mAh vs 3174 mAh) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £569.41 more (from £737.50 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
