Your smartphone is an extension of who you are. It’s almost impossible to go about daily life without a reliable smartphone. Apple’s iPhone continues to dominate the smartphone industry with its annual releases setting the bar for future smartphone releases. The new iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB is being hailed as one of the best – and most game changing – releases.
The new Camera Control Switch, the debut of Apple Intelligence, and the next-generation Siri are the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s most impressive features. Apple’s latest iOS 18 update looks set to make the iPhone 16 Pro Max even more competitive against other smartphones, enhancing privacy and enabling more personalisation.
We’re sharing everything you need to know if you’re considering upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB or choosing between it and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Meet the iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB
Launched in September 2024, the iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB is set to be one of this year’s top Christmas presents. A direct rival to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with the launch of Apple Intelligence, the latest iPhone packs a punch. The new iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger display with its 6.9-inch screen, ideal for working and streaming on the go. The OLED Super Retina XDR display features the ProMotion technology as the previous two iPhone models.
An improved camera and filming experience are two of the main selling points for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The new Camera Control switch is located below the lock button on the right side of the phone, enabling you to use it as a shutter when taking phones and videos. Apple also gave the iPhone 16 Pro an upgrade with a 48MP ultrawide camera for sharper photos. The new 4K video recording at 120 frames per second is a welcome addition for fans of slow-motion videos and content creators.
The main selling point of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple Intelligence and the new Siri. Designed to rival Galaxy AI, Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated into the new iOS with writing tools, summarised notifications, and even a clean-up feature for photos. The new version of Siri is designed to be further integrated into the user experience as a more flexible tool. Siri’s new ‘glow lights’ are an elegant upgrade for a more visually pleasing look.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max
Should you upgrade – or pay the extra – to go from an iPhone 15 Pro Max to the new iPhone 16 Pro Max? While the two phones appear similar design-wise, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has thinner bezels and a larger display. The battery life has been improved slightly from the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which already had an excellent battery endurance rate.
Beyond the new camera features and Apple Intelligence, the Apple A18 Pro Chip has a greater impact with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Combined with a hexa-core CPU, it outperforms the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s A17 Pro chip with a 16-core NPU that delivers better AI capabilities. The A18 Pro Chip is the reason behind the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s biggest upgrades, including its 4K video at 120 frames per second.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max has a better battery life, higher performance, and access to the new Apple Intelligence. But is it worth the upgrade or price difference? That depends on how much you value these minor improvements and the new beta Apple Intelligence add-ons.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra launched in January 2024, powered by Galaxy AI, and has become one of the year’s best-selling Android phones. If you’re not a diehard Apple fan or have an iOS ecosystem of products, you might be debating between the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Although the Samsung model is due for an upgrade in early 2025, it’s worth comparing these two as we head into the Christmas shopping season.
From a visual perspective, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a boxier look than the iPhone 16 Pro Max and is harder to use one-handed due to its heavier and larger design. One of the main practical differences between the two phones is the S Pen that tucks into the left corner of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It recreates the paper and pen experience and comes with additional functionalities, like doubling as a remote control for the camera.
Previously, the Samsung Galaxy phones have had a bigger display than their iPhone counterparts. The new iPhone 16 Pro Max changes this with its 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display, narrowly larger than the 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Battery life is where the Galaxy S24 Ultra outperforms the iPhone 16 Pro Max, lasting almost 25 hours. If you miss the touch ID of previous iPhones, this Android device still gives you the fingerprint option. However, Apple’s Face ID feature is more accessible than its Samsung counterpart, allowing you to unlock your phone without removing your face mask or sunglasses.
Elsewhere, Samsung’s AI features are comparable to Apple Intelligence with both deeply integrated into the user experience.
Should I Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for Christmas 2024?
If you’re buying a new phone this Christmas, the iPhone 16 Pro Max beats the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is due to get an upgrade in January 2025. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger display screen, Apple’s impressive A18 Pro Chip, and new features like Camera Control. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra still performs well with its S Pen stylus and Google AI.
Personal preference for Android vs. iOS will usually determine which of these phones will be the winner. Due to its impending upgrade, you’ll likely be able to snag the Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra at a discount during this Christmas shopping season.
Improving the iPhone 16 Pro Max with the 2025 iPhone 17
Speculation is already starting about the next iPhone. How can the iPhone 16 Pro Max be improved in the 2025 iPhone 17? It’s crucial that Apple acts on consumer concerns about the rising number of phone thefts, particularly in the UK.
A lanyard or soft handcuff accessory that could be clipped onto the phone would help secure it against theft, while a remote ‘kill switch’ would make stolen iPhones unusable. Other add-ons like an enhanced iCloud system and continuous tracking, even when the phone is turned off, would give consumers more protection and help tackle rising phone theft.
What are your thoughts on the iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB? How can Apple build on these new features for the 2025 iPhone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
References:
- Apple, iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-16-pro/6.9-inch-display-512gb-black-titanium
- Apple, Apple Intelligence https://www.apple.com/uk/apple-intelligence/
- Apple, iOS 18 https://www.apple.com/uk/ios/ios-18/
- Samsung, Galaxy S24 Ultra https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/
- PC Mag, ‘How Much Faster is the iPhone 16 Pro?’ https://uk.pcmag.com/mobile-phones/154430/which-iphone-16-is-fastest-a18-vs-18-pro-processors-benchmarked
- Forbes, ‘Global Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones’ https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2024/05/06/global-top-10-best-selling-smartphones-all-from-apple-samsung/
- Metropolitan Police, ‘Met Police Urges Phone Manufacturers to Fix Security Issues Fuelling Thefts in the Capital’ https://news.met.police.uk/news/met-police-urges-phone-manufacturers-to-fix-security-issues-fuelling-thefts-in-the-capital-491202
