[Review] iPhone 16 Pro Max More Camera-Like Than a Camera

Improved Camera Features on Large Screen
AI Functions, Weight, and Price Are Disappointing
High-Efficiency Performance Without Battery Worries

I recently tried the Apple iPhone 16 series' highest-end model, the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Its strengths include enhanced camera features, a large display, and the thinnest bezel ever. However, the high price of 1.9 million KRW (256GB) and the current inability to use the AI system 'Apple Intelligence' were limitations. The weight also increased to 227g, 6g heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, making it somewhat cumbersome to carry around.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a diagonal screen length of 17.4 cm, making it suitable for watching videos or enjoying mobile games. The bright and clear display was comfortable on the eyes and flawless. The newly introduced 'Camera Control' on the side allows you to turn on the camera and adjust zoom, exposure, and tone with a single finger, which was convenient. The functions are so delicate and diverse that, once familiar, you gain confidence that you can take artistic photos, such as changing only the background hue while keeping the skin tone of people in the camera unchanged. It was possible to shoot objects very close without blurring the focus, and the 5x telephoto camera produced highly satisfying results when capturing distant subjects.

Apple's 'iPhone 16 Pro Max' features the largest display ever and the thinnest bezel. The camera capabilities have been enhanced, and it is equipped with the A18 Pro chip, which is well-suited for using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The price starts at 1.9 million KRW (256GB model).

The 'Audio Mix' feature, which removes surrounding noise after video recording, is likely favored by YouTubers and creators producing content on smartphones. After recording a scene playing piano in a practice room and removing noise with Audio Mix, the piano sound from the adjacent room was quieter than in the original video. Thanks to the A18 Pro chip, the device became smarter and more energy-efficient. The battery capacity was ample enough to last all day on a full charge. It is said to be capable of recording videos for over 30 hours. Contrary to the public criticism calling it the 'worst design ever,' the Desert Titanium color seen in person gave off a luxurious feel with its apricot hue.

Although the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence could not be used, the feature that automatically translates spoken Korean into foreign languages is included. Currently, to use Apple Intelligence, the device language must be set to English and updated to the iOS 18.1 beta version. Official Korean support is expected to be available early next year.

I also used the Apple Watch Series 10, released alongside the iPhone 16 series. This new product is the thinnest ever. Wearing the watch all day was comfortable. When a call came while washing hands, I easily answered it on the watch, and when walking or running, it automatically detected movement and activated exercise mode. Listening to music like Apple Music is now possible on the watch. The battery life (18 hours) is the same as the previous model but charges quickly, so charging for 20 to 30 minutes while getting ready for work was sufficient. Compared to the Watch 3, the Watch 10’s display is 75% larger, reducing errors when typing or touching. This once again proved that large screens are the trend, whether on phones or watches.