Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Review: Strong Battery, Mixed AI
Digging into months of user feedback, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (Renewed Premium, Unlocked) emerges as a device that delivers exceptional battery life and camera performance, but with enough quirks and rollout missteps to make some buyers hesitate. Across Amazon, Reddit, Best Buy, and Apple’s own forums, the consensus leans positive, but recurring complaints about software bugs, the new camera control button, and unfinished AI features temper the enthusiasm. Overall score: 8.7/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — best suited for power users and content creators who value battery life, camera versatility, and integration with Apple’s ecosystem, but less ideal if you expect flawless software or immediate access to all advertised AI tools.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional battery life — often 1.5–2 days | Apple Intelligence features incomplete at launch |
| Stunning 6.9" OLED display with 120Hz | Camera control button feels gimmicky to some |
| 5x optical zoom and excellent low-light shots | Reports of touchscreen responsiveness issues |
| Premium titanium build, lighter than expected | Occasional CarPlay and network glitches |
| Seamless ecosystem integration | Expensive, minimal design changes over iPhone 15 Pro Max |
| Strong resale value for refurbished models | Heating during photo/video use |
Claims vs Reality
Apple’s marketing pushed three big ideas: “best battery life ever in an iPhone,” “game‑changing camera control,” and “Apple Intelligence redefining productivity.”
On battery, users back the claim. Reddit user mundane_complex_1902 said: “I wake up at 7 a.m., use my phone all day, and still have 40–50% left at midnight.” Digital Trends reported 5–6 hours of daily screen time without dipping below 50%. This makes the 16 Pro Max a clear win for travelers, vloggers, and heavy multitaskers.
The camera control button, however, hasn’t lived up to the hype. While Apple pitched it as a tactile shortcut, multiple reviewers found it unintuitive. Mundane_complex_1902 described the complex press/swipe combinations and poor placement, noting it’s slower than on‑screen controls. Digit.in went further, calling it “more like a gimmick” that can introduce shake and blur.
Apple Intelligence was marketed as the flagship feature, but early buyers felt misled. Many, like the Reddit reviewer above, only discovered post‑purchase that most AI tools wouldn’t arrive until future iOS updates. In India, Quora reviewers noted the need to change region and Siri language to US English for beta access — a workaround that can break payment features.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Battery endurance is the standout. Best Buy customer mariahc called it “a powerhouse… battery easily lasts over a day”, while Florida Stoner on Reddit highlighted improved thermal management over the 15 Pro Max. For commuters, this means no midday charging anxiety. Digital Trends emphasized consistent performance even with heavy app use, video calls, and continuous Bluetooth connections.
Camera quality earns similar praise. The 5x telephoto lens is a hit for sports fans and nature photographers — mundane_complex_1902 loved zooming without quality loss, and Best Buy’s nadia described the zoom as “amazing.” Low-light shots are cleaner, and spatial video captures, while limited to 1080p, appeal to those with an Apple Vision Pro.
The titanium build impresses for comfort and durability. A Back Market buyer, el‑hajj r., said the refurbished unit “literally feels brand new… beautiful phone.” Slightly rounded edges make the Max size manageable; Reddit users switching from smaller models adapted quickly.
Common Complaints
Software stability is the sore spot. Apple Community user mcmanus1806 cataloged camera crashes, app logouts, and repeated passcode prompts for Apple Watch. Others reported persistent CarPlay issues — especially with BMW — and muffled audio. Touchscreen responsiveness problems cropped up in multiple forum threads, with one user noting “have to touch the screen several times before there is a response.”
Heating during photo sessions was flagged by Digit.in and Quora reviewers, more noticeable than on the 15 Pro Max. While not a dealbreaker for casual use, mobile photographers may find extended shooting uncomfortable.
Apple Intelligence rollout frustrations are widespread. Reddit users felt the phone was “sold as an unfinished product,” with Genmoji and Image Playground delayed into next year. This affects buyers who prioritized AI over incremental hardware upgrades.
Divisive Features
The 120Hz ProMotion display splits opinion. Mundane_complex_1902 found it negligible outside side‑by‑side tests and even forgot when limiting to 60Hz, while Redditor mysterious_shit_stain insisted, “For me personally the 120Hz has been a huge jump… hard to go back to 60Hz.” Gamers tend to notice; casual users may not.
The camera control button also divides users. Some, like Best Buy’s mangnelang, praised it for making photo capture “so much easier,” while others ignore it entirely in favor of on‑screen controls.
Trust & Reliability
Refurbished buyers express high satisfaction with condition and longevity. Back Market’s isaac e. reported a “basically brand new phone… 100% battery life and only 9 charge cycles.” Best Buy’s tibaa noted no scratches or wear on a pre‑owned unit.
However, Apple’s own forums show a longer‑than‑usual tail of complaints for a new release, suggesting more than the typical “break‑in” period. Forum veterans advised full device resets to rule out corrupted backups, and in some cases, Genius Bar visits for potential hardware faults.
Long‑term, Digital Trends’ six‑month review found the 16 Pro Max still outperforming Android rivals in reliability, especially for battery and FaceTime quality, though Apple’s Photos app was criticized for becoming “messier and less intuitive.”
Alternatives
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL were cited in expert reviews as stronger in global AI availability. Pixel edges out in peak display brightness outdoors, while Samsung’s Galaxy AI offers more mature photo editing tools now. However, neither matches the iPhone’s video recording polish or ecosystem integration.
For those already on an iPhone 15 Pro Max, Reddit consensus is to wait — the battery and camera gains are incremental, and Apple Intelligence will arrive on older Pro models via software.
Price & Value
Renewed Premium units on Amazon start around $1,199 for 512GB, with Back Market and Best Buy often undercutting by 20–30% during promotions. eBay listings for used 256GB models hover near $1,400, indicating strong resale value.
Refurbished buyers recommend “Excellent” or “Premium” grades for near‑new condition. Back Market user john a. warned that “Excellent” can still mean visible wear; check seller photos before buying. With trade‑in offers (e.g., Verizon’s $1,000 for an iPhone 12 Pro), monthly payments can drop below $20.
FAQ
Q: Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max support physical SIM cards?
A: No. It uses dual eSIM only, storing up to eight profiles with two active at once. This offers more convenience and security but limits compatibility in regions reliant on physical SIMs.
Q: Is the camera control button customizable?
A: Partially. It can launch the camera or trigger certain functions, but complex gestures are fixed. Many users find it less efficient than on‑screen controls for changing settings.
Q: How is refurbished battery health?
A: Premium sellers like Best Buy and Back Market often ship with 100% health and minimal charge cycles. Verify condition before purchase; Amazon guarantees at least 80% for Renewed units.
Q: Can Apple Intelligence be used outside the US?
A: Not fully at launch. Some regions require changing device language/region to US English, which can disrupt services. Broader language support is expected in future iOS updates.
Q: Does the 16 Pro Max overheat?
A: Light warming during extended photo/video use is reported, more than on the 15 Pro Max but not at throttling levels for most users.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a power user, content creator, or traveler who values long battery life, versatile cameras, and Apple’s ecosystem. Avoid if you’re AI‑focused in a non‑US region or need flawless software from day one. Pro tip from Reddit’s mundane_complex_1902: “If you want the shiny new thing, get it — but know the coolest features might not arrive until next year.”
