Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Review: Worth Buying or Avoid?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (Renewed, Unlocked) has earned a split reputation—glowing praise from long-term users who call it “a powerhouse” and scathing criticism from others who label it “the worst iPhone I’ve ever owned.” With scores ranging from 2.7 to 5 stars across platforms, the reality is far more complex than Apple’s marketing would suggest. Based on hundreds of verified reviews, community discussions, and resale market data, this device appears to excel for heavy multimedia users yet frustrates those who expect bug-free reliability out of the box.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — worth it for battery, display, and camera; avoid if you’re sensitive to UI glitches or rely heavily on Apple Intelligence.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Battery life consistently exceeding a full day | Multiple reports of touch screen lag and crashes |
| Stunning 6.9-inch OLED display with high brightness | Apple Intelligence features delayed or unavailable in many regions |
| 5x telephoto zoom and versatile camera system | Camera Control button feels gimmicky or awkward to use |
| Premium titanium build, durable and lightweight | Some heating issues under load |
| Excellent resale value and refurb quality (90-day Amazon Renewed guarantee) | Poor Apple service experiences in certain regions |
| Reliable Face ID and ecosystem integration | High price even for pre-owned units |
Claims vs Reality
Apple’s marketing leans heavily on three core selling points: massive battery gains, revolutionary camera control, and next-gen Apple Intelligence. While the battery story seems accurate, users are less convinced on the other two fronts.
Battery Life
Apple touts up to “all-day battery life” with improved efficiency. Digging deeper, Reddit user u/shreyashs claimed: “Battery life is brilliant, gives me more than 1 day on full charge… started following 80-20 charging pattern.” A Digital Trends long-term review backs this up, describing 50% remaining after five hours of screen time. Across Best Buy and Back Market reviews, battery health on refurbished units often hits 100%, with one Trustpilot buyer noting, “came with 2 cycles and 100% battery health.” This consistency matches Apple’s claim.
Camera Control
Marketed as a must-have physical photographer’s tool, the Camera Control button didn’t universally impress. Quora reviewers labeled it “more like a gimmick,” while David Lewis observed, “I use it for one thing only—launching the camera… all other features are too fiddly.” That friction appears especially pronounced in portrait orientation, where the button’s position feels counterintuitive for balance.
Apple Intelligence
Promised as the future of personal AI, a Quora expert bluntly stated many buyers will face “an unfinished feel” because the features are “not available out of the box” outside U.S. English regions. Reddit’s u/hikeforSOS upgraded mainly for satellite messaging, but AI was not a driver. In practice, delayed rollouts leave this selling point aspirational rather than deliverable.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Multiple buyers found the display “stunning,” with mariahc on Best Buy praising “performance is flawless, and the battery easily lasts over a day.” Photographers and video creators benefit from the 5x zoom and refined color science. Digital Trends noted “reliable editing suite in the Photos app” and seamless AirDrop transfers to Mac, making it a staple for mixed Apple ecosystems. Heavy travelers appreciated satellite SOS capabilities—u/hikeforSOS called it “worth it for me” to avoid pricey Garmin service.
Filmmakers and YouTubers gravitate toward its video consistency. One Quora review called it “perhaps one of the most consistent and reliable camera systems on a mobile phone,” especially in 4K/120fps slow motion. Even refurbished conditions exceeded expectations, with el-hajj r. on Back Market enthusing, “literally feels like I am getting a brand new phone out the box.”
Common Complaints
Despite the polish, frequent bugs mar the experience for some. Apple Community user mcmanus1806 reported “crashes on camera, crashes on apps… constantly logging me out,” calling it “honestly worst phone I’ve ever owned.” Others faced touch latency; one family’s three devices “have to touch the screen several times before there is a response.”
CarPlay integration sparked repeated grievances—wired connections dropped unexpectedly, though wireless sometimes worked fine. Heating was noted during photo capture in Quora’s review, and David Lewis lamented screen scratches despite careful handling, suggesting Apple’s Ceramic Shield may underperform against Gorilla Glass in scratch resistance.
Divisive Features
The Camera Control button splits opinion: some, like Reddit’s u/photogProMax, found it “surprisingly handy,” while others barely touched it after novelty faded. Apple Intelligence is equally polarizing—enthusiasts see promise, skeptics avoid entirely. Device size draws mixed reactions; the 6.9-inch profile delights binge-watchers but daunts those seeking portability.
Trust & Reliability
Refurbished market confidence is strong, especially via Amazon Renewed and Back Market “excellent condition” listings. Trustpilot reviewers repeatedly describe devices as “working like new” and free of cosmetic damage. Isaac E., a Back Market buyer, detailed getting “100% battery life and only 9 charge cycles” on a skeptical first purchase.
Long-term durability appears mixed. David Lewis ran his unit case-free for a year and found the titanium frame pristine, but front glass scratches accumulated “mysteriously.” Several Apple Community threads suggest the 16 Pro Max may carry more unresolved bugs than prior models, with issues persisting months into updates.
Alternatives
Users frequently compare it to the iPhone 16E for portability and battery endurance—David Lewis now prefers the smaller model for daily carry. In camera and AI, competition from Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers more complete AI integration at launch. Quora’s verdict notes, “if AI capabilities are a priority… Pixel and Samsung offer a more complete and advanced experience.”
Price & Value
At launch, the renewed 256GB model sells around $1,099–$1,399 on Best Buy, slightly lower on eBay for certain carriers. Resale holds unusually firm; Robert K. on Back Market noted “price… did not drop at all” after iPhone 17 release, highlighting strong demand. Community advice suggests buying renewed “excellent condition” to avoid early depreciation, given Apple’s steady update support.
FAQ
Q: Does the refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max have original parts?
A: Amazon Renewed specifies parts are either new or reused in like-new condition. Buyers on Best Buy and Back Market often report no visible wear and full functionality.
Q: How is battery life on a pre-owned unit?
A: Many buyers received devices with 100% battery health; users consistently report more than a day’s use under heavy load.
Q: Is the Camera Control button worth using?
A: Opinions vary. Some find it handy for quick shots; others consider it awkwardly placed and stick to on-screen controls.
Q: Can I use Apple Intelligence outside the U.S.?
A: Not initially. Quora notes you must switch region and Siri to U.S. English for early access, at risk of disrupting certain local features.
Q: Does it heat up during normal use?
A: Occasional heating is reported during camera use or under load, but not universally experienced.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a multimedia creator, ecosystem devotee, or need maximum battery—especially at refurbished pricing. Avoid if you demand flawless stability or prioritize AI features today.
Pro tip from community: Opt for “excellent condition” from trusted refurbishers for near-new hardware and top resale value.
