The iPhone 16 Pro Max has been my daily driver for six months now, accompanying me through countless tasks and experiences. While I’ve reviewed numerous Android phones during this period, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has remained my constant companion. It’s time to delve into why this phone is my “permanent” device and why I consider it exceptional.
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Consistent Performance and Reliability
I juggle two SIM cards: one primary for calls and a secondary for data. My primary SIM constantly rotates through review Android devices, while the data SIM resides in my iPhone 16 Pro Max. This setup allows me to directly compare iOS and Android experiences. Despite testing high-end and budget-friendly Android phones, the iPhone 16 Pro Max consistently delivers superior performance. While not flawless, it’s the device I turn to for speed and reliability. Its durability has also impressed me. Even without a screen protector, the screen has held up remarkably well over the past six months. Paired with an Apple Watch, it remains the top phone/smartwatch combination, even with strong competition from other brands. The 16 Pro Max’s standout feature is its battery life, which surpasses every Android phone I’ve tested.
Unmatched Battery Life
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
With five to six hours of daily screen time, the iPhone 16 Pro Max rarely dips below 50% battery. This usage includes video calls, apps, photos, and music, along with constant connections to my Oura Ring 4 and Apple Watch Series 10. Gaming is excluded from this usage pattern. In contrast, few Android phones offer the same battery confidence, often requiring charging within eight to ten hours. Past iPhone models occasionally suffered from inconsistent battery life, seemingly tied to iOS updates. However, iOS 18 appears to have resolved this issue, providing predictable and reliable battery performance.
Superior Core Experiences
FaceTime consistently delivers excellent call quality with clear audio, minimal latency, and high-quality video. The quick camera switching and in-app 1x and 5x zoom options are convenient features. My experience with WhatsApp video calling on Android has been less consistent, with latency issues and a lack of in-app camera controls. The overall experience is less polished compared to FaceTime.
Seamless Integration and Functionality
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Parking apps are enhanced on iOS thanks to Dynamic Island and Live Activities, allowing me to quickly check remaining time. This experience isn’t as intuitive on Android. Wired Apple CarPlay in my car has been consistently reliable, with only occasional connection hiccups likely due to the cable. Managing music playlists and cover art in the Music app is seamless. While the Photos app has become less intuitive with recent updates, I still prefer it over Google Photos for storing frequently accessed images. Face ID and Apple Pay are consistently fast and reliable, making everyday transactions effortless.
Areas for Improvement
Apple Intelligence on-screen on the iPhone 16e
Apple Intelligence hasn’t proven particularly useful for me, with inconsistent or unnecessary features. Notification summaries are app-specific, and while helpful for some apps like Teams, they aren’t essential. Image Playground and the writing assistance features haven’t found a place in my workflow. Similarly, I’ve found limited use for the Camera Control feature, often resorting to quicker camera access methods. The camera itself produces good images, especially candid shots of my kitten indoors, but I haven’t tested it as extensively as other flagship phone cameras. However, its reliability, comprehensive editing suite, and seamless AirDrop integration with my Mac make it a go-to for quick photo needs.
A Long-Term Perspective
The back of the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.
This isn’t blind Apple fandom. My daily workflow involves both iOS and Android devices. This review reflects my long-term experience with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It seamlessly handles my daily tasks, making it a reliable and comfortable device. Even halfway through its expected lifespan, the iPhone 16 Pro Max remains a solid purchase due to its software longevity and capable hardware. While I anticipate the iPhone 17’s arrival, my continued reliance on the 16 Pro Max speaks volumes about its excellence as an everyday smartphone.
