Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Redefines Excellence

The iPhone has long been the gold standard for smartphones, with anticipation reaching a fever pitch before each new release. Every year follows a familiar script: Apple unveils its latest iPhone, sparking both excitement and debate online. Memes flood social media, especially from the Android camp, while die-hard iPhone fans around the world line up on launch day, eager to get their hands on the latest model. In typical Apple fashion, the new iPhone 16 models strike a delicate balance between familiarity and innovation. But has Apple once again perfected this blend?

In a year dominated by foldable phones and generative AI, Apple has made its strategic move as well. While competitors have rushed to integrate AI into their devices, Apple has taken a more measured approach, prioritising accuracy over speed. Apple Intelligence, set to redefine the iPhone experience, will have a gradual rollout, starting in the US and expanding to India in 2025. However, the iPhone experience goes beyond AI. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features an improved camera system, faster processor, iOS 18, and more, starting at ₹1,44,900—a significant ₹15,000 less than its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which launched at ₹1,59,900.

Apple has retained its signature design language with the iPhone 16 Pro Max while introducing a few subtle yet impactful refinements. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 6.7-inch display was already exceptional for content creation and consumption, but Apple has taken it a step further with the new 6.9-inch screen, offering an even more immersive and visually stunning experience. The display technology remains largely unchanged, featuring ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits outdoors. However, Apple has added the ability to scale the brightness down to a minimum of 1 nit for enhanced viewing comfort in low light. Initially, there were some touchscreen unresponsiveness issues but the iOS 18.0.1 update has fixed this. 

The bezels around the display have been minimised, allowing the larger screen to blend seamlessly into the design. Although the device’s height has increased by 3.1mm and its width by just 0.9mm, these changes are hardly noticeable in everyday use. The phone is also 6 grams heavier than its predecessor, but the well-balanced build makes it feel lighter and more ergonomic in hand. Despite the larger screen, the phone doesn’t feel too large or unwieldy, ensuring comfort even during extended use.

Apart from the screen, Apple has added a dedicated camera button positioned just below the power button on the right side. Named 'Camera Control,' the button is seamlessly integrated into the surface, providing quick and easy access to the camera app and various camera functions. At first glance, a physical camera button may seem like a throwback to older smartphones. After all, the concept of a dedicated camera button isn't entirely new, but the way Apple has executed, it is.

Apple didn’t stop at using the button just to launch the camera and snap photos. It’s a multifunctional tool that allows access to advanced camera settings, switch between photo modes, and even start recording video without manually opening the app. Think of Camera Control as a modern take on the dial found on top of a DSLR camera, enhanced with swipe and click gestures for a more streamlined experience. A simple click opens the Camera app, while a click-and-hold gesture instantly starts recording video in up to 4K at 60 fps with Dolby Vision. A light double press of the button brings up an overlay of advanced camera settings, including exposure, depth of field, zoom levels, Photographic Styles, and tone adjustments. By sliding a fingertip across the button, I could cycle through these options, and with a light press, select and further adjust each control. 

In two weeks with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the advanced triple-camera system quickly became one of the standout features. Whether capturing the vibrant ‘Navratri’ festivities or snapping candid moments with family and friends. The 48MP primary sensor is wow, delivering crisp, vibrant images, even when the lighting wasn’t ideal. Even in a dimly lit café, the details it captured were incredible. It handled shadows well, preserving even the subtlest details in the dim lighting. Testing the 12MP 5x telephoto lens with a seasonal bird, zooming in on the bird, and the results were impressive – the colours and even the texture of the bark were crystal clear, with no noticeable drop in quality.

The 48MP ultrawide camera truly impresses during city outings. Walking through the bustling streets of Old Delhi, the wide angle managed to capture the vibrant stalls, the crowd, and the architecture in the background all at once, without losing any detail. One area where the camera setup truly excels is low-light or night photography, producing excellent shots with balanced exposures and deep, detailed shadows.

A stark difference between the iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy flagship photography experiences is that iPhone colours appear more natural and lifelike, while Samsung’s tend to be more vibrant. However, Apple’s new Photographic Styles can add a touch of elegance to the images. The latest generation of Photographic Styles is no longer restricted to just a few presets. The new style icon in the top right allows users to adjust both tone and colour according to personal preference. In addition to the natural mode, there are five options for skin undertones and nine mood-based styles. Using the slider under the control pad, you can adjust the intensity of the colours in each style to my liking. The skin undertone styles are positioned to the left of the default Standard option, while mood-focused styles are located to the right. This feature is accessible not only while capturing images but also during on-device editing.

In the era of reels and short videos, everyone is a content creator. With the iPhone 16 Pro Max, you can capture high-quality videos in 4K at 120fps of local festivities. Even more intriguing is the ability to adjust the playback speed to 30fps, 60fps, or a fifth-speed option that corresponds to 24fps playback. The phone is equipped with four studio-quality microphones, delivering clearer and more authentic sound. When filming outdoors, wind can often spoil the audio, but Apple has introduced a Wind Noise Reduction feature that minimises unwanted wind noise while preserving the clarity of the sounds you want to hear. Additionally, the Audio Mix feature mimics the work of an expert video editor in seconds. One setting even allows you to switch the video’s audio to studio-like quality with just a tap, in real time. If multiple voices are present in the video, there's a feature that highlights the subject's voice within the frame. However, it’s important to note that this functionality works only with the phone’s built-in camera and not with external microphones.

All these editing features operate in real-time, with virtually no lag, which is truly impressive. This seamless performance is powered by Apple’s latest and most advanced chip, the A18 Pro, built on cutting-edge 2nd generation 3nm technology. This chip boasts a six-core CPU and a six-core GPU, enabling it to handle demanding tasks effortlessly.

While last year's iPhone 15 Pro Max was fast and delivered great performance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max takes it up a notch. It excels in handling extended gaming sessions, allowing for smooth gameplay even during the most intense moments. Apple's claims about heat dissipation are not exaggerated; the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains remarkably cool during prolonged gaming sessions, extensive photography work, or intensive video editing. 

When putting the new iPhone 16 Pro Max through its paces, the battery life was a surprise. With heavy usage, a full charge lasts a day and a half, even while capturing the world around, snapping photos and shooting stunning 4K videos, and edited those clips. 

Enhancing the standout features of past models with a stunning display, exceptional performance, and a highly adaptable camera system, Apple has once again delivered a flagship smartphone that sets the bar for the industry. The introduction of a dedicated Camera Control button is a welcome addition, enhancing the overall photography experience. While the rollout of Apple Intelligence may take a little longer, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, starting at ₹1,45,900 for 256GB storage, still offers a compelling package for those seeking a premium smartphone. 

iPhone 16: Pro Experience, Smart Price 

Want the iPhone 16 Pro experience without the Pro price tag? The iPhone 16 is a fantastic option at ₹79,900. Apple has made the distinction between Pro and non-Pro models less pronounced this year, making the standard model a great value.

The iPhone 16 introduces several hardware upgrades, narrowing the gap between the standard and Pro models. While its design remains closely aligned with that of the iPhone 15—featuring an aerospace-grade aluminium frame and colour-infused glass back—the subtle addition of a matte finish brings an elevated, more premium feel, making it resemble the Pro line more closely. Apple has used a new manufacturing process to infuse the colour directly into the glass back of the iPhone 16. The new colours - teal, ultramarine blue, and pink – are vibrant, and the soft matte finish makes the device feel more polished and premium.

One notable design change is the shift from the familiar diagonal rear camera layout to a new vertical arrangement, lending the phone a more refined aesthetic. Another significant update is the replacement of the iconic silent slider with the innovative Action button, a feature initially rolled out on last year's Pro models, offering more customisable functionality. You can choose between various shortcuts - camera, flashlight, switching between Ring and Silent, recognising music with Shazam, activating focus mode and more. Additionally, Apple has introduced a brand-new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 as well, further enhancing the user experience by providing quicker access to camera settings, making the device even more appealing to photography enthusiasts. 

The iPhone 16 comes equipped with a stunning 6.1-inch XDR OLED display that delivers bright, vibrant, and highly accurate colours, making it ideal for everything from streaming content to browsing photos. While the display is impressive, it does fall short in certain areas compared to the Pro model. The iPhone 16 lacks ProMotion technology. It is capped at a 60Hz refresh rate, unlike the Pro models that offer adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. This limitation is notable, especially when compared to Android competitors in the same price range, many of which feature higher refresh rates, providing smoother scrolling and animations. Another missing feature is the always-on display, which has become more common in premium smartphones. The absence of this feature may be disappointing for users who enjoy quick, at-a-glance information without having to unlock their devices. Despite these constraints, the iPhone 16 still provides a responsive and smooth user experience, with animations and transitions feeling fluid. The iPhone 16 retains noticeable bezels around the screen, unlike the nearly bezel-free Pro models. However, it still features Dynamic Island, which also houses the front camera and Face ID sensors.

Apple has also improved the durability of the iPhone 16 with the inclusion of its latest Ceramic Shield glass. According to the company, this new glass offers twice the drop resistance of previous models, providing an added layer of protection against accidental falls. However, even with this enhanced durability, it's still advisable to use a screen protector for added peace of mind, as no screen is completely immune to scratches or damage.

A noticeable difference between the iPhone 16 and the Pro counterparts is the camera setup, as once again, Apple has continued with a dual camera setup. The one onboard is the 48MP fusion camera along with a new 12MP ultra-wide camera. Even though Apple has continued with the two lenses, they offer more functionality. The 48MP camera can also be used for 2x optical quality telephoto zoom, whereas the ultra-wide’s support for autofocus enables macro photography. 

The iPhone 16 shines when capturing stunning images across various lighting conditions. Daytime shots are incredibly sharp, highlighting intricate details with a natural colour balance that steers clear of oversaturation. 

Low-light performance has seen impressive improvements, offering greater detail with noticeably reduced noise. Customisable photographic styles allow for a highly personalised touch. The ultrawide lens is perfect for landscapes and group photos, while its intelligent design effortlessly transitions to macro mode for close-up shots (even though the viewfinder shows 1x framing), capturing fine details like the delicate veins on flower petals. 

The experience is elevated by the dedicated Camera Control as the button does more than merely launch the camera or act as a shutter release; it provides access to a range of camera settings right at your fingertips. Camera Control button is handy, incredibly intuitive and user-friendly. It completely transformed taking photos, allowing you to focus entirely on the subject without the nagging worry of shaky hands or missed taps. 

Even the all-new Photographic Styles is also available on iPhone 16, bringing exceptional customisation options. The phone also captures footage at 4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps, and the cutting-edge Audio Mix feature allows one to create professional-grade content directly on the device, making it ideal for sharing on YouTube or social media platforms.

In 2024, most flagship smartphones are prioritising AI features, marking a significant trend in the tech industry. Apple is keeping pace in this race by betting heavily on its own AI platform, Apple Intelligence, which will be accessible on iPhone 16 as well. To power this, Apple has equipped the iPhone 16 with the A18 chip, a leap two generations ahead of the iPhone 15. Built on second-generation 3-nanometer technology, the A18 chip is optimized for large generative models, forming the foundation for Apple Intelligence. However, Apple is taking a measured approach with its AI rollout. Apple Intelligence will debut with iOS 18.1, initially available to U.S. users later this month, while support for Indian users (English India) is expected to arrive in 2025.

Apple Intelligence aside, the iPhone 16 runs on iOS 18, which offers a stable experience and several new features, including Home Screen personalisation and an updated Photos app interface that simplifies gallery searching and scrolling. The iPhone 16 delivers noticeable improvements in real-world usage, feeling faster when handling workloads compared to previous models. This performance boost is evident when switching between apps and scrolling through them. The A18 chip also enhances hardware ray tracing, ensuring a smooth gaming experience, and offers a lag-free experience even with on-device video editing. Despite long periods of use, such as extended gaming sessions, the device maintains its cool, delivering a true flagship-grade performance.

The iPhone 16’s performance is further enhanced by its impressive battery life, which outshines its predecessor. Throughout the testing, the battery consistently lasted a full day with above-average usage, including a mix of camera testing—snapping photos and shooting 4K videos—streaming La Grande Maison Tokyo on Netflix, keeping up with email, scrolling through social media, browsing the web, and even squeezing in some gaming. Despite all this, by 10 PM, it still had about 15% charge left.

Even though this is a non-Pro model, Apple has made the iPhone 16 a compelling buy starting at ₹79,900. As Chinese competitors aim to establish a foothold in the premium segment (priced between ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000), the iPhone 16 will once again challenge their efforts. With its exceptional value, the A18 chip, and impressive camera capabilities for photography and videography, the iPhone 16 is a good buy.