Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone Air
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (2024) runs on the Apple A18 Pro, while the Apple iPhone Air (2025) runs on the Apple A19 Pro; launch prices were $1199 and $999. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max leads — 77/100 vs 75/100 (a 2-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 3149); the Apple iPhone Air is faster in AnTuTu (2,538,751 vs 1,782,199); per DXOMark lab testing, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the stronger camera (161 vs 141); the Apple iPhone Air is noticeably lighter (165g vs 227g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone Air
What makes Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max better?
- Bigger battery: 4685 vs 3149 mAh
- Better camera (89/100 vs 73/100)
- Longer battery life (47/100 vs 26/100)
What makes Apple iPhone Air better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 2538751 vs 1782199
- Better Geekbench Single: 3850 vs 3400
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9800 vs 8400
- Faster charging: 40W vs 27W
- Lighter: 165g vs 227g
- Cheaper at launch: $999 vs $1199
- Higher performance (92/100 vs 85/100)
- Better portability (96/100 vs 40/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs the Apple iPhone Air, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max scores 2 points higher (77/100 vs 75/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max leads (89/100 vs 73/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max leads (47/100 vs 26/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max — 64/100, Apple iPhone Air — 60/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air is a bit better (92/100 vs 85/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100. In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone Air (89/100 vs 73/100). In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone Air (47/100 vs 26/100). In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (96/100 vs 40/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Apple iPhone Air | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro | Apple A19 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 1782199 | 2538751 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3400 | 3850 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 8400 | 9800 | |
| Display | 6.9" Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.5" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | |
| Resolution | 2868x1320 | 2736x1260 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4685 mAh | 3149 mAh | |
| Charging | 27W | 40W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | 25W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 161 | 141 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | 0 MP | |
| Telephoto | 12 MP | 0 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | iOS 18 | iOS 26 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2000 nits | 3000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 163.0×77.6×8.3 mm | 6.0×74.7×5.6 mm | |
| Weight | 227 g | 165 g | |
| Launch price | $1199 | $999 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/1.78
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 12MP
- Front: 12MP
Apple iPhone Air
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 6.9" Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2868x1320
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Apple iPhone Air
- 6.5" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2736x1260
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 4685 mAh
- Wired: 27W
- Wireless: 25W
Apple iPhone Air
- 3149 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 7:48 hrs, total 22:15 hrs
- Wired: 40W
- Wireless: 25W
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone Air, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Apple iPhone Air leads Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max by 29.8% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $200. Apple iPhone Air was $200 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air is a bit better (92/100 vs 85/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 85/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone Air (89/100 vs 73/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max notably outperforms the Apple iPhone Air (47/100 vs 26/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (96/100 vs 40/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max edges out the Apple iPhone Air by just 2 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has a MobileRank rating of 77/100, the Apple iPhone Air — 75/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max leads on camera score (89/100 vs 73/100).
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone Air leads on performance (92/100 vs 85/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max over the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts. The Apple iPhone Air is a better fit for gamers and power users.