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; estimated prices are $1199 and $999. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone Air leads — 64/100 vs 62/100 (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 (2,550,000 vs 1,890,000); 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).
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone Air
- Bigger battery: 4685 vs 3149 mAh
- Better camera (89/100 vs 73/100)
- Longer battery life (35/100 vs 9/100)
- Higher AnTuTu: 2550000 vs 1890000
- Better Geekbench Single: 3850 vs 3400
- Better Geekbench Multi: 9800 vs 8400
- Faster charging: 40W vs 27W
- Lighter: 165g vs 227g
- Cheaper: $999 vs $1199
- Higher performance (70/100 vs 54/100)
- Better design/ergonomics (93/100 vs 16/100)
- Better value for money (41/100 vs 27/100)
Comparing the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs the Apple iPhone Air, the Apple iPhone Air scores 2 points higher (64/100 vs 62/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air leads (70/100 vs 54/100). 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 (35/100 vs 9/100). In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone Air leads (41/100 vs 27/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (70/100 vs 54/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100. 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 (35/100 vs 9/100). In the "design" category, the Apple iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (93/100 vs 16/100). In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone Air is a bit better (41/100 vs 27/100).
| Specification | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Apple iPhone Air | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 Pro | Apple A19 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 1890000 | 2550000 | |
| 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 | — | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 163.0×77.6×8.3 mm | 6.0×None×None mm | |
| Weight | 227 g | 165 g | |
| Price | $1199 | $999 |
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Main: 48MP f/f/1.78
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Telephoto: 12MP
- Front: 12MP
Apple iPhone Air
- Main: 48MP f/f/1.6
- Front: 12MP
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
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
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 25.9% in our overall performance rating.
Price difference: $200. Apple iPhone Air is cheaper by $200.
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (70/100 vs 54/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 100/100.
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 (35/100 vs 9/100).
design
In the "design" category, the Apple iPhone Air significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (93/100 vs 16/100).
value for money
In the "value for money" category, the Apple iPhone Air is a bit better (41/100 vs 27/100).
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or the Apple iPhone Air?
The Apple iPhone Air edges out the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 62/100, the Apple iPhone Air — 64/100.
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 (70/100 vs 54/100).
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 mobile photography enthusiasts. The Apple iPhone Air is a better fit for active users.