iPhone 15 Pro Max What exactly is better about the 16pm??

[heyyitssusan]

I have the 15 pro and am tempted to upgrade to the 16. I was hoping for a lighter phone with the 16 pro.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Slightly faster processor, slightly longer battery life, slightly tweaked design(slimmer bezels, slightly bigger & added camera button), wifi 7 and slightly better A.I. capabilities in the future over the 15 pro? I dunno what people were expecting. The iPhones are at the point where most yearly updates will be incremental. Yeah I wish Apple had given BOTH the ultra wide AND tele cameras 48mp sensors. But i guess they gotta save the tele update for the iphone 17 pros. Every 5 yrs or so the iphone gets a radical redesign. Rumor has it they’ll add the super thin iphone Air btwn the regular iphone and iphone pros next year. Perhaps in 2026 or 27 we’ll get a foldable iphone, but again, most yearly updates will be incremental not revolutionary at this point.

 

[Starship77]

Answering the question objectively:
What's better about the 16 Pro Max (vs 15 Pro Max)?

0.2'' bigger display
1 nit minimum brightness
Latest-gen Ceramic Shield
15% faster CPU
20% faster GPU
??% faster Neural Engine (They don't say how much faster...)
2x faster hardware raytracing
20% increase in memory bandwidth (faster RAM)
Longer battery life (33h of video playback instead of 29h)
Faster MagSafe charging up to 25W
New Camera Control button
"Fusion" Camera (instead of "Main". Same hardware, tho. No idea if there are software differences to Deep Fusion. Maybe combining data from the 48MP Ultra Wide?)
48MP Ultra Wide
Dolby Vision video recording up to 4K at 120fps
QuickTake video up to 4K at 60 fps in Dolby Vision
Spatial photos and videos (Isn't portrait mode the same as Spatial Photos? Not sure about this one...)
Latest-gen Photographic Styles
"Studio-quality" four-mic array
Wind noise reduction
Audio Mix
WI-FI 7 (Max theoretical speed of 46Gbps)

That's it

 

[skyyo]

While I’m fairly happy with my 15PM my battery capacity is currently at 88% after a year. I’m on the Apple annual upgrade plan so if I upgrade to the 16PM with the same memory my monthly payments are unchanged. That being the case I’m wondering why not upgrade?

I am as well. I purchased the new iPhone every year for 17 years. This is the first year I'm considering skipping. Well even with the upgrade program you still have to make 1st payment + tax so you will be paying more out of pocket to upgrade. For me this is like $160+

 

[ToddH]

After watching the keynote iPhone pro section, I have decided that I will upgrade and pre order Friday. Going for gold 1TB. The new video and photo software is awesome. Plus the camera is probably better than mentioned, a lot like the difference coming from the 14 pro max to the 15 pro max. Camera on the 15 pro max (1x) is 2.5x better than the 14 pro max when shooting in night mode of the night sky. I love photography, I upgrade for the camera

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I can understand for most users it's not a huge upgrade over the 15PM, but for myself it's a good enough upgrade for the following reasons:

Larger display with smaller bezels. On paper, a 0.2 difference seems meh, but I know from previous experiences, it makes a noticeable difference.

Larger capacity battery.

Wifi 7. I have a 10gb home network between my server, desktop PC, and Mac Mini, and I soon plan on getting a Wifi 7 router with 10gbe ports. So with Wifi 7 on the iPhone, I'll be able to wirelessly view, download, and upload from my server much faster when I'm home.

A18 & A18 Pro ... Since when nobody gets excited about a faster cpu/gpu? The upgrade doesn't seem negligible.

The camera control looks very useful. And now I can set the action button to something else, since I only used it as a camera shortcut.

Faster charging

 

[4sallypat]

After watching the keynote iPhone pro section, I have decided that I will upgrade and pre order Friday. Going for gold 1TB. The new video and photo software is awesome. Plus the camera is probably better than mentioned, a lot like the difference coming from the 14 pro max to the 15 pro max. Camera on the 15 pro max (1x) is 2.5x better than the 14 pro max when shooting in night mode of the night sky. I love photography, I upgrade for the camera

Same here - pre-ordering the gold/desert brown/bronze 16 Pro 128GB.

Haven't needed to get more than 128GB - my 14+ is less than half full after 2 years.

Since my Apple Card got paid off, it's time to do it again!

Pre-authorized Apple Card for 16 Pro + case:

 

[LoveOnBumperCars]

Has anyone considered going from a 15PM to a 16P? I’m so tired of having a phone that’s large enough I can’t reach with my thumb one handed. Small potatoes but I’ve considered the pro for a few years now. But the think I’m worried about is being used to the larger battery and the bigger screen for videos and such. Hoping someone can give some perspective.

 

[NotApplicable]

Has anyone considered going from a 15PM to a 16P? I’m so tired of having a phone that’s large enough I can’t reach with my thumb one handed. Small potatoes but I’ve considered the pro for a few years now. But the think I’m worried about is being used to the larger battery and the bigger screen for videos and such. Hoping someone can give some perspective.

Lots of discussion about this topic every year.

You already know the tradeoffs. Lose battery, lose screen. Gain lighter and smaller phone.

 

[timeconsumer]

Lots of discussion about this topic every year.

You already know the tradeoffs. Lose battery, lose screen. Gain lighter and smaller phone.

I had planned to go 15 PM to 16 Pro, but I’m not so certain it’s going to feel that much lighter. It’ll definitely be smaller though.

Here’s a post that explains why:
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...an-iphone-15-pro-models.2435517/post-33373253

 

[LoveOnBumperCars]

Lots of discussion about this topic every year.

You already know the tradeoffs. Lose battery, lose screen. Gain lighter and smaller phone.

I was hoping that wasn’t the case. But I was more interested in someone that’s done that and enjoyed it or regretted it fully. But you’re right, the trade-offs are evident and I know I want the larger one. I’m just so tired of my thumbs being too small to reach.

 

[PPCmike]

Just watched the whole thing which I felt was very drawn out.. I have a 12 Pro Looks like I'll just get a 15 Pro Max I felt a little underwhelmed.. I will get a new Apple watch since the screen on my S7 is cracked and water damage.

 

[PPCmike]

I just finished watching the keynote and I’m surprised they didn’t do much else to the camera. I was hoping for a 5X upgrade with a larger sensor and higher ISO capabilities. Of course, Apple sometimes doesn’t disclose during the keynote additional features in the cam system until you actually get it and try it out yourself. For example, I’m wondering if night mode with the new sensor is improved two times better or not. As many of you said the upgraded features are minimal and its kind of is an “S” upgrade. I always upgrade to the next iPhone based on the cameras. I don’t shoot ultra wide all that often at all so having 48 megapixels on the 13 mm lens really matter much. Especially if they didn’t change the optical design. They supposedly put anti-reflective coatings on the new lenses to keep ghosting and flaring down, but they didn’t really touch on that very much. I was working during the keynote so I’m gonna have to watch it again later to see if I missed anything.

That and the selfie cam they didn't talk about

 

[4sallypat]

I was hoping that wasn’t the case. But I was more interested in someone that’s done that and enjoyed it or regretted it fully. But you’re right, the trade-offs are evident and I know I want the larger one. I’m just so tired of my thumbs being too small to reach.

I am going from 14+ to 16 Pro - smaller screen yes, but my hands are small and I already have a work 14PM so I don't need to carry 2 large phones with me 5 days a week.

With the larger 16 Pro screen, I think it's a good fit and lighter weight tradeoff.

 

[thecautioners]

I’m a photographer/videographer, it’s a hobby, not a profession. I choose to use my phone for my hobby. The 16PM is exactly what I expected it to be and I will happily upgrade from my 15PM. I’m very excited about the camera button. I upgrade yearly through JUMP on T-Mobile and it costs me next to nothing up front. I’ll pay off half of the phone and send it in next year to get the 17PM, lather rinse repeat.

Also? I just want the shiny new toy. It makes the brain chemicals do the good thing.

 

[MayaUser]

Answering the question objectively:
What's better about the 16 Pro Max (vs 15 Pro Max)?

0.2'' bigger display
1 nit minimum brightness
Latest-gen Ceramic Shield
15% faster CPU
20% faster GPU
??% faster Neural Engine (They don't say how much faster...)
2x faster hardware raytracing
20% increase in memory bandwidth (faster RAM)
Longer battery life (33h of video playback instead of 29h)
Faster MagSafe charging up to 25W
New Camera Control button
"Fusion" Camera (instead of "Main". Same hardware, tho. No idea if there are software differences to Deep Fusion. Maybe combining data from the 48MP Ultra Wide?)
48MP Ultra Wide
Dolby Vision video recording up to 4K at 120fps
QuickTake video up to 4K at 60 fps in Dolby Vision
Spatial photos and videos (Isn't portrait mode the same as Spatial Photos? Not sure about this one...)
Latest-gen Photographic Styles
"Studio-quality" four-mic array
Wind noise reduction
Audio Mix
WI-FI 7 (Max theoretical speed of 46Gbps)

That's it

dont forget they add up thermals that makes everything from A18 Pro and using it on daily basis much better overall
People doesnt realise what this means, it changes heat inside, battery life, battery lifetime, performance sustain

 

[eoblaed]

The only people who upgrade their phones every 12-24 months are stupid or rich and stupid. Nobody else does.

Or because we do so much with our phones, we value having the most capable device in our hands. For something we use every hour of every day, especially with an upgrade plan, it's worth the few extra bucks a year to have that device always be the most state-of-the-art and feature-rich iPhone possible.

Some people value fancy coffee things every day, or the latest tennis shoes sponsored by their favorite athlete, steam or console games, or whatever. Some of us value having the best quality tools at our disposal.

Upgrading annually is a very easy decision for that group of us.

 

[Tsepz]

I don’t think Apple created the 16P/16PM with the purpose of marketing it to 15 Pro Max users, the 16 PM is a great upgrade for those coming from 15 non-Pro/15 Plus and 14 Pro Max and lower as those models are missing out on Apple Intelligence.

15 Pro/Pro Max users who upgrade to 16 Pro/Pro Max are likely enthusiasts who just want the latest and greatest.

Happily going to stay with my 15 Pro Max, the 16 PM is making look even more forward to the 17 as that should bring more RAM and therefore a lot more Apple Intelligence features.

At this point it seems the main exclusive feature the 16 Pros get is that Visual Intelligence.

 

[memo90061]

$1,000 trade is when buying through carrier. $800 via unlocked direct.

Where is it $800 unlocked?

 

[welles13]

Answering the question objectively:
What's better about the 16 Pro Max (vs 15 Pro Max)?

0.2'' bigger display
1 nit minimum brightness
Latest-gen Ceramic Shield
15% faster CPU
20% faster GPU
??% faster Neural Engine (They don't say how much faster...)
2x faster hardware raytracing
20% increase in memory bandwidth (faster RAM)
Longer battery life (33h of video playback instead of 29h)
Faster MagSafe charging up to 25W
New Camera Control button
"Fusion" Camera (instead of "Main". Same hardware, tho. No idea if there are software differences to Deep Fusion. Maybe combining data from the 48MP Ultra Wide?)
48MP Ultra Wide
Dolby Vision video recording up to 4K at 120fps
QuickTake video up to 4K at 60 fps in Dolby Vision
Spatial photos and videos (Isn't portrait mode the same as Spatial Photos? Not sure about this one...)
Latest-gen Photographic Styles
"Studio-quality" four-mic array
Wind noise reduction
Audio Mix
WI-FI 7 (Max theoretical speed of 46Gbps)

That's it

Tim Apple just logged in

 

[Isaacd93]

Answering the question objectively:
What's better about the 16 Pro Max (vs 15 Pro Max)?

0.2'' bigger display
1 nit minimum brightness
Latest-gen Ceramic Shield
15% faster CPU
20% faster GPU
??% faster Neural Engine (They don't say how much faster...)
2x faster hardware raytracing
20% increase in memory bandwidth (faster RAM)
Longer battery life (33h of video playback instead of 29h)
Faster MagSafe charging up to 25W
New Camera Control button
"Fusion" Camera (instead of "Main". Same hardware, tho. No idea if there are software differences to Deep Fusion. Maybe combining data from the 48MP Ultra Wide?)
48MP Ultra Wide
Dolby Vision video recording up to 4K at 120fps
QuickTake video up to 4K at 60 fps in Dolby Vision
Spatial photos and videos (Isn't portrait mode the same as Spatial Photos? Not sure about this one...)
Latest-gen Photographic Styles
"Studio-quality" four-mic array
Wind noise reduction
Audio Mix
WI-FI 7 (Max theoretical speed of 46Gbps)

That's it

Answering the question objectively:
What's better about the 16 Pro Max (vs 15 Pro Max)?

0.2'' bigger display
1 nit minimum brightness
Latest-gen Ceramic Shield
15% faster CPU
20% faster GPU
??% faster Neural Engine (They don't say how much faster...)
2x faster hardware raytracing
20% increase in memory bandwidth (faster RAM)
Longer battery life (33h of video playback instead of 29h)
Faster MagSafe charging up to 25W
New Camera Control button
"Fusion" Camera (instead of "Main". Same hardware, tho. No idea if there are software differences to Deep Fusion. Maybe combining data from the 48MP Ultra Wide?)
48MP Ultra Wide
Dolby Vision video recording up to 4K at 120fps
QuickTake video up to 4K at 60 fps in Dolby Vision
Spatial photos and videos (Isn't portrait mode the same as Spatial Photos? Not sure about this one...)
Latest-gen Photographic Styles
"Studio-quality" four-mic array
Wind noise reduction
Audio Mix
WI-FI 7 (Max theoretical speed of 46Gbps)

That's it

And visual intelligence is only on the 16 https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/9/2...ntrol-iphone-16-ai-camera-control-google-lens

 

[Webcat86]

And visual intelligence is only on the 16 https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/9/2...ntrol-iphone-16-ai-camera-control-google-lens

Exactly. I view the 16 as like a line in the sand for the iPhone, where if you want all the features you need it. It’s an easier decision for me coming from the 14PM, but the complaints about incremental upgrades are overlooking that Apple has put most focus onto internal enhancements and AI

 

[dotnet]

And that’s pretty much it??

I know, right? I was hoping for an ice cube maker myself.

 

[MoreAwesomeDanU]

I have a shocking concept, that may be too out there for this forum, but maybe u don't have to upgrade a $1000 personal computer every year... just maybe...

 

[winxmac]

2014 - iPhone 6 and 6 Plus virtually identical except screen size, battery, optical image stabilization [only on Plus]
2015 - iPhone 6s and 6s Plus virtually identical except screen size, battery, optical image stabilization [only on Plus]
2016 - iPhone 7 and 7 Plus virtually identical except screen size, battery, camera [dual camera on Plus]
2017 - iPhone 8 and 8 Plus virtually identical except screen size, battery, camera [dual camera on Plus]
2018 - iPhone XS and XS Max virtually identical except screen size, battery
2019 - iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max virtually identical except screen size, battery
2020 - iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max virtually identical except screen size, battery, sensor shift stabilization [only on Pro Max], camera zoom [2x on Pro and 2.5x on Pro Max]
2021 - iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max virtually identical except screen size, battery
2022 - iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max virtually identical except screen size, battery
2023 - iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max virtually identical except screen size, battery, camera zoom [3x on Pro and 5x on Pro Max]
2024 - iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max virtually identical except screen size, battery