iPhone 16 Pro Max Did you return your 16 series iPhone?

[thadoggfather]

I returned my (white/silver) 16pro 256gb after having 14pm for the bulk of past two years.

Couldn't get on with the battery life, I tried though.
The display had some nice qualities too but couldn't get on with that either I didn't like the hue or off axis tint and nothing destroys my enthusiasm for a new release faster than panel lottery and return hoops and burning up time and gas.

..Also the device a bit heftier than I was hoping (I didnt' have a 15 pro as reference either).

My (black) 16plus 256gb I just got feels considerably lighter for its footprint. The battery life in under a day seems stellar, and wouldn't be surprised if a good chunk of that testing yesterday was during 'settling' as well. This phone excels at what I prioritize.

and I always have my 13mini if I want a device that has some compromise of keeping tabs on battery levels / a truly one hand able device.

Back to the extremities

 

[Carlsberg69]

I returned my (white/silver) 16pro 256gb after having 14pm for the bulk of past two years.

Couldn't get on with the battery life, I tried though.
The display had some nice qualities too but couldn't get on with that either I didn't like the hue or off axis tint.

Also a bit heftier than I was hoping.

My (black) 16plus 256gb I just got feels considerably lighter for its footprint. The battery life in under a day seems stellar, and wouldn't be surprised if a good chunk of that testing yesterday was during 'settling' as well. This phone excels at what I prioritize.

and I always have my 13mini if I want a device that has some compromise of keeping tabs on battery levels / a truly one hand able device.

Back to the extremities

Congrats! Have the 15 plus as a work phone, a real battery champ, really nice. I will hold on to the 16pro for a week more and see, my fourth day so far.

 

[prospervic]

Came on this forum to see if there were others like me who prefer the 15 pro max. I actually prefer the size of the 15 pro max over the 16 pro max hence returning it. The new camera notch is gimmicky to me (it's really just faster to use the touch screen) and .5x zoom is something I rarely use.

15 Pro Max feels so good in my hand after the brick-like 14 Pro Max. This was a major upgrade: Titanium frame, USB-C, 5x optical zoom. The 16 PM is not an equivalent leap and doesn't justify another 1-year upgrade.

(Plus, I'm so not a fan of this year's colors!)

 

[SmugMaverick]

Returned my 16 Pro in black (dark grey)

dim display, yellow tint, lag, touch input issues, and that stupid f%$%^£$^£$^ camera button put me right off this awful update of an iPhone.

Lazy from Apple this year.

 

[thatJohann]

After having to exchange 5 different 16 Pros due to subpar OLED displays with blue shifts on the display and uneven tinting, yesterday I bought one impulsively expecting another dud, and finally happy to say I lucked out and got a perfectly uniform, warm and even display.

Finally.

The last one I had been using, while not as bad as the rest, had something that was bugging me and I realized it was that it had a very cool temperature display, like having your TV set to Cool 2 which I don’t like as it’s not pleasing to the eye.

My new one is equivalent to a Warm 2, which is what properly calibrated TV displays are set to. Colors look nice and warm and pleasing to look at. Just like my 15 Pro Max had. Color temperature makes such a big difference. My eyes felt relief quickly. Colors now have a natural and softer appearance now.

Finally my hunt is over and I will enjoy this phone the way it was meant to. Shame it took so many exchanges but glad their return policy exists to account for these quality control issues.

 

[Carlsberg69]

After having to exchange 5 different 16 Pros due to subpar OLED displays with blue shifts on the display and uneven tinting, yesterday I bought one impulsively expecting another dud, and finally happy to say I lucked out and got a perfectly uniform, warm and even display.

Finally.

The last one I had been using, while not as bad as the rest, had something that was bugging me and I realized it was that it had a very cool temperature display, like having your TV set to Cool 2 which I don’t like as it’s not pleasing to the eye.

My new one is equivalent to a Warm 2, which is what properly calibrated TV displays are set to. Colors look nice and warm and pleasing to look at. Just like my 15 Pro Max had. Color temperature makes such a big difference. My eyes felt relief quickly. Colors now have a natural and softer appearance now.

Finally my hunt is over and I will enjoy this phone the way it was meant to. Shame it took so many exchanges but glad their return policy exists to account for these quality control issues.

Congrats, happy to hear! 😃
I must have been lucky the first time, your story makes me appreciate it even more!
No touch screen issues on all of the ones you tried?

 

[thatJohann]

Congrats, happy to hear! 😃
I must have been lucky the first time, your story makes me appreciate it even more!
No touch screen issues on all of the ones you tried?

Thanks! No touch screen issues on any of the devices I tried, just messed up displays.

 

[whattodo11]

Yes I was being sarcastic, because I don't believe you, and science is on my side. The weight increase from 15-16 series is not perceptible in the hand. Its literally like the weight of a couple paper clips. Going from a Pro to a Pro max, ya you would likely notice. My 14 Pro at 7.4 (screen protectors and case on) oz to my 8.2oz 16 pro max (protections in place) measured with my food scale really isn't that apparent but its there. No way you are feeling .2 oz of weight difference.

I just saw this lol. If you dont think I can feel the difference then IDK what to tell you. It is taller and heavier and feels both. But i appreciate you telling me what I feel.

 

[Fred Zed]

After having to exchange 5 different 16 Pros due to subpar OLED displays with blue shifts on the display and uneven tinting, yesterday I bought one impulsively expecting another dud, and finally happy to say I lucked out and got a perfectly uniform, warm and even display.

Finally.

The last one I had been using, while not as bad as the rest, had something that was bugging me and I realized it was that it had a very cool temperature display, like having your TV set to Cool 2 which I don’t like as it’s not pleasing to the eye.

My new one is equivalent to a Warm 2, which is what properly calibrated TV displays are set to. Colors look nice and warm and pleasing to look at. Just like my 15 Pro Max had. Color temperature makes such a big difference. My eyes felt relief quickly. Colors now have a natural and softer appearance now.

Finally my hunt is over and I will enjoy this phone the way it was meant to. Shame it took so many exchanges but glad their return policy exists to account for these quality control issues.

Until next year. 😂🤣

 

[ubinko]

I really like the 16 pro, you can really feel the power in your hands. The ProMotion is super smooth. I like the camera control button - it's really handy for when you want to capture a moment and activate the camera app really quick. The large screen is lovely. I just couldn't get over one thing - the weight. With reluctance, I returned it today. Back to the 12 mini it is for now. I will either just stick with it until we get a standard iPhone with ProMotion or I will get a cheaper model (maybe used) to tie me over for a few years, or I will grit my teeth and get the standard 16 with the 60hz display 😬

 

[thatJohann]

After so many exchanges of the 16 Pros due to subpar displays with blue shift, I thought I had gotten a good one, but turns out that I noticed the same issue this morning and once you see it, no turning back. Top half white, bottom half yellow/green tinted.

I went to the apple store one last time today and the manager noticed the display issue immediately and offered to swap it out for another 16 Pro so i agreed. I unboxed it with anticipation to find the same issue. The manager was also puzzled and also noticed the discrepancy against the store display units. I told him I'm done with the 16 Pros this year. Clearly something is up with the panels on recent shipments.

So, I swapped it out for a regular 16 in black and, lo and behold, an absolutely pristine display. Like night and day difference to the Pros. My journey ends here. Will try the iPhone 17 Air next year, but rocking the regular 16 cause I don't want to keep playing OLED lottery. Hopefully apple improves quality control for next year.

 

[Carlsberg69]

After so many exchanges of the 16 Pros due to subpar displays with blue shift, I thought I had gotten a good one, but turns out that I noticed the same issue this morning and once you see it, no turning back. Top half white, bottom half yellow/green tinted.

I went to the apple store one last time today and the manager noticed the display issue immediately and offered to swap it out for another 16 Pro so i agreed. I unboxed it with anticipation to find the same issue. The manager was also puzzled and also noticed the discrepancy against the store display units. I told him I'm done with the 16 Pros this year. Clearly something is up with the panels on recent shipments.

So, I swapped it out for a regular 16 in black and, lo and behold, an absolutely pristine display. Like night and day difference to the Pros. My journey ends here. Will try the iPhone 17 Air next year, but rocking the regular 16 cause I don't want to keep playing OLED lottery. Hopefully apple improves quality control for next year.

Sorry to hear this, incredible, close to scandalous in fact. Must be many with same issues, we can probably expect a another huge ”gate” perhaps on this!?

 

[Fred Zed]

After so many exchanges of the 16 Pros due to subpar displays with blue shift, I thought I had gotten a good one, but turns out that I noticed the same issue this morning and once you see it, no turning back. Top half white, bottom half yellow/green tinted.

I went to the apple store one last time today and the manager noticed the display issue immediately and offered to swap it out for another 16 Pro so i agreed. I unboxed it with anticipation to find the same issue. The manager was also puzzled and also noticed the discrepancy against the store display units. I told him I'm done with the 16 Pros this year. Clearly something is up with the panels on recent shipments.

So, I swapped it out for a regular 16 in black and, lo and behold, an absolutely pristine display. Like night and day difference to the Pros. My journey ends here. Will try the iPhone 17 Air next year, but rocking the regular 16 cause I don't want to keep playing OLED lottery. Hopefully apple improves quality control for next year.

You gave up to soon. Should have kept exchanging until the iPhone 17 is released 😂

 

[thadoggfather]

After so many exchanges of the 16 Pros due to subpar displays with blue shift, I thought I had gotten a good one, but turns out that I noticed the same issue this morning and once you see it, no turning back. Top half white, bottom half yellow/green tinted.

I went to the apple store one last time today and the manager noticed the display issue immediately and offered to swap it out for another 16 Pro so i agreed. I unboxed it with anticipation to find the same issue. The manager was also puzzled and also noticed the discrepancy against the store display units. I told him I'm done with the 16 Pros this year. Clearly something is up with the panels on recent shipments.

So, I swapped it out for a regular 16 in black and, lo and behold, an absolutely pristine display. Like night and day difference to the Pros. My journey ends here. Will try the iPhone 17 Air next year, but rocking the regular 16 cause I don't want to keep playing OLED lottery. Hopefully apple improves quality control for next year.

Regular (and plus) for the win this year! No guarantee won't be a worse panel lottery next year either, or more disappointment than this year if you are disappointed with the iPhone 15S. As I stated in another thread, you can't will a device of your dreams into existence just because you want to. Apple is resting on their laurels and fully embracing incremental and it seems it's working out alright for them financially.

And tbh though I think 120hz should be standard in 2024, I am a little worried about the Ultra being razor thin and 120hz having dubious battery life, and the base models possibly as well... I hope they don't skimp on battery life a lot next year to bring display refresh rate tech 'up to speed'. It's a juggling act

Honestly considering iOS 18 only does 80hz or whatever, I dont see why they dont split the difference and put 90hz native panels in on regulars + Ultra. Save on costs and battery and shut people up.

 

[Amplelink]

After so many exchanges of the 16 Pros due to subpar displays with blue shift, I thought I had gotten a good one, but turns out that I noticed the same issue this morning and once you see it, no turning back. Top half white, bottom half yellow/green tinted.

I went to the apple store one last time today and the manager noticed the display issue immediately and offered to swap it out for another 16 Pro so i agreed. I unboxed it with anticipation to find the same issue. The manager was also puzzled and also noticed the discrepancy against the store display units. I told him I'm done with the 16 Pros this year. Clearly something is up with the panels on recent shipments.

So, I swapped it out for a regular 16 in black and, lo and behold, an absolutely pristine display. Like night and day difference to the Pros. My journey ends here. Will try the iPhone 17 Air next year, but rocking the regular 16 cause I don't want to keep playing OLED lottery. Hopefully apple improves quality control for next year.

What do you do for work? I'm willing to bet most people wouldn't be able to identify these differences.

 

[thatJohann]

What do you do for work? I'm willing to bet most people wouldn't be able to identify these differences.

I head up Product at an international media company. I am picky, yes.

 

[pugxiwawa]

After so many exchanges of the 16 Pros due to subpar displays with blue shift, I thought I had gotten a good one, but turns out that I noticed the same issue this morning and once you see it, no turning back. Top half white, bottom half yellow/green tinted.

I went to the apple store one last time today and the manager noticed the display issue immediately and offered to swap it out for another 16 Pro so i agreed. I unboxed it with anticipation to find the same issue. The manager was also puzzled and also noticed the discrepancy against the store display units. I told him I'm done with the 16 Pros this year. Clearly something is up with the panels on recent shipments.

So, I swapped it out for a regular 16 in black and, lo and behold, an absolutely pristine display. Like night and day difference to the Pros. My journey ends here. Will try the iPhone 17 Air next year, but rocking the regular 16 cause I don't want to keep playing OLED lottery. Hopefully apple improves quality control for next year.

Really can’t take this serious if you are praising 60 hz display over ProMotion. Sorry even someone who’s half blind can tell OLED ProMotion is so much better. Enjoy the old technology I guess before it becomes obsolete next year.

And please stop the return after 2 tries. The endless return is wasteful and driving up cost for everyone.

 

[SoYoung]

Returned my 16 Pro in black (dark grey)

dim display, yellow tint, lag, touch input issues, and that stupid f%$%^£$^£$^ camera button put me right off this awful update of an iPhone.

Lazy from Apple this year.

Wow, if you had all those issues, go buy a lottery ticket immediately LOL. I seriously don't believe anything of this.

 

[SoYoung]

Sorry to hear this, incredible, close to scandalous in fact. Must be many with same issues, we can probably expect a another huge ”gate” perhaps on this!?

I just think many of those people are just full time complainers who's never satisfied of anything. I just don't believe all this BS at this point and it's the kind of people who just abuse of their rights on anything they can. Those posts are borderline stupid at this point.

 

[Harthag]

Returned my launch day 16PM today and re-bought the same model. Original one had noticeable pink tint when tilting the screen that I didn't think was an issue before but became much more obvious over the last 2 weeks. LG screen. Replacement 16PM is Samsung G9P screen, much better. Just the usual blue shift at extreme angles. Apple employee saw it as well and agreed with trying a new one. For $1400, yes I returned and bought another one to get the screen quality I paid for.

 

[Carlsberg69]

Replacement 16PM is Samsung G9P screen, much better.

Very intriguing, how do you actually check what screen you have, that confirms Samsung or LG?

 

[thadoggfather]

Returned my launch day 16PM today and re-bought the same model. Original one had noticeable pink tint when tilting the screen that I didn't think was an issue before but became much more obvious over the last 2 weeks. LG screen. Replacement 16PM is Samsung G9P screen, much better. Just the usual blue shift at extreme angles. Apple employee saw it as well and agreed with trying a new one. For $1400, yes I returned and bought another one to get the screen quality I paid for.

At any reasonable pricey price I think it’s justified

If it bothers you immediately you’re gonna be looking at it for a year possibly a few

I fully support the cause

 

[Harthag]

Very intriguing, how do you actually check what screen you have, that confirms Samsung or LG?

You need to download 3uTools app. Once you connect your iPhone to PC (I think it is same for Mac) you click on verification of phone or something like that; the option is the left one underneath the image of your iPhone. Once there you will see screen / display serial number toward the bottom left of the box that pops up. When you click on it, you'll see either Samsung or LG pop up. Usually Samsung screens are G9N or G9P. LG is new on the Pro Max phones, but my screen serial was GH which is LG. I wouldn't say LG is trash and Samsung is good, it's complete luck of the draw.

At any reasonable pricey price I think it’s justified

If it bothers you immediately you’re gonna be looking at it for a year possibly a few

I fully support the cause

Yep, it's not like I wanted a different color or storage size, the screen is what I look at every day for at least the next year. I don't feel bad for returning it. They can very well spend more money to ensure the good displays get cut from the main OLED sheet at the factories, they choose to not do it.

 

[Carlsberg69]

You need to download 3uTools app. Once you connect your iPhone to PC (I think it is same for Mac) you click on verification of phone or something like that; the option is the left one underneath the image of your iPhone. Once there you will see screen / display serial number toward the bottom left of the box that pops up. When you click on it, you'll see either Samsung or LG pop up. Usually Samsung screens are G9N or G9P. LG is new on the Pro Max phones, but my screen serial was GH which is LG. I wouldn't say LG is trash and Samsung is good, it's complete luck of the draw.

Yep, it's not like I wanted a different color or storage size, the screen is what I look at every day for at least the next year. I don't feel bad for returning it. They can very well spend more money to ensure the good displays get cut from the main OLED sheet at the factories, they choose to not do it.

Ok, thanks for the tip!!

 

[DevinNj]

Fixed for me!



Yesterday I leaned towards the pro but today it’s the max. What I’m doing on a particular day definitely influences. Such a 1st world struggle 😬. Using a phone grip helps but it’s still a 2 handed phone most of the time. I don’t think anything can change how it is in a pocket though. I can’t believe people use cases on this thing, it’d be an absolute brick.

At any reasonable pricey price I think it’s justified

If it bothers you immediately you’re gonna be looking at it for a year possibly a few

I fully support the cause

You need to download 3uTools app. Once you connect your iPhone to PC (I think it is same for Mac) you click on verification of phone or something like that; the option is the left one underneath the image of your iPhone. Once there you will see screen / display serial number toward the bottom left of the box that pops up. When you click on it, you'll see either Samsung or LG pop up. Usually Samsung screens are G9N or G9P. LG is new on the Pro Max phones, but my screen serial was GH which is LG. I wouldn't say LG is trash and Samsung is good, it's complete luck of the draw.

Yep, it's not like I wanted a different color or storage size, the screen is what I look at every day for at least the next year. I don't feel bad for returning it. They can very well spend more money to ensure the good displays get cut from the main OLED sheet at the factories, they choose to not do it.

100%. You’re not returning it because you’re unsure if you like the color, you’re not returning it and flip-flopping sizes back and forth several times and let’s face it, these aren’t cheap, and you have to live with it for at least a year like Doggfather said. So yeah, I get it.
On a side note, I wonder if any of the touch issues some have had are manufacturer related?