Apple has recently unveiled its iPhone 16 lineup, and this year’s upgrades are quite impressive. While the base models received notable updates like the A18 chip and vibrant color options, my preference still lies with the Pro models. Once you experience the 1TB storage and 120Hz ProMotion displays, it’s challenging to go back to anything else.
This year, I decided to switch things up. Despite always opting for the smaller variant when Apple introduced a Pro model, I’ve never been a fan of large phones after my experience with a Plus model. The Pro Max models always appeared massive to me, and with the increased 6.9-inch display size this year, the size is just overwhelming.
Having spent time with an iPhone 16 Pro Max, I’ve come to appreciate certain aspects while also facing some difficulties.
Big phones are not meant for small hands
Out of all the iPhone generations, the iPhone 5 remains one of my favorites due to its 4-inch display that was perfect for single-handed use. With petite hands, I found the smaller size ideal. While the iPhone SE was a great compact phone, subsequent models with larger 4.7-inch displays didn’t quite meet my needs.
As Apple transitioned to the 5.8-inch size with the iPhone X, I adapted to one-handed use, albeit with some finger acrobatics. The introduction of the mini size with the iPhone 12 and 13 was promising, but its poor sales led to a shift towards larger “Plus” models.
This year, the standard “small” size is 6.1 inches, while the Plus and Pro Max feature a 6.7-inch and 6.9-inch display, respectively. While the increase in display size isn’t significant, for someone with small hands like me, the Pro Max feels exceptionally large, making one-handed usage nearly impossible.
The appeal of large phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max may cater to individuals with larger hands, while the regular iPhone 16 Pro might seem “too small.” Despite spending time with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, my first experience with a Pro Max model, I reaffirm that it’s simply too sizable for me.
The battery life is great, though
Kudos to Apple for delivering exceptional battery life on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Among the entire iPhone 16 lineup, the Pro Max boasts the most impressive battery performance, followed by the iPhone 16 Plus.
Having used smaller Pro models for years, the extended battery life that lasts through the day is truly commendable. It’s akin to the satisfaction I felt when transitioning from an Apple Watch Series 5 to an Apple Watch Ultra.
While my aging iPhone 15 Pro struggles with degraded battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max sets a new benchmark. Despite the battery improvements in the regular iPhone 16 Pro, the Pro Max’s battery longevity rivals that of larger Android phones like the OnePlus 12 or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
If it weren’t for the size issues I face with such a large phone, the iPhone 16 Pro Max would easily become my primary device, primarily due to its exceptional battery life.
The Camera Control placement is wrong
A key feature of the iPhone 16 lineup is the new Camera Control button, positioned at the bottom right of the frame across all models. While this button enhances the camera functionality with its intuitive controls, the placement poses practical challenges, especially on the Pro Max with its larger size.
A slight adjustment to the Camera Control’s position, closer to the rounded corner, would facilitate more comfortable usage for landscape photography. Currently, in landscape mode, pressing the button obstructs the viewfinder, requiring additional hand repositioning, which is inconvenient.
This issue isn’t exclusive to the Pro Max model; it affects the smaller Pro as well. However, the Pro Max’s larger size exacerbates this issue, making camera handling less ergonomic.
A powerful iPhone, but not for everyone
For the first time in years, I embraced Apple’s large-size phone with the Pro Max, relishing the extended battery life and expansive display. However, the size ultimately detracts from my overall comfort, prompting me to appreciate the preference for larger phones among some users. The feature parity between the Pro and Pro Max models this year empowers users to choose based on size preference, a welcome shift from previous years.
