iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs OnePlus 12: The Ultimate Camera Showdown

I took over 200 photos with the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL -- here's the winner

So far, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is proving to be a champ at taking photos with its refreshed cameras, showing off its much improved macro and low light performance. In my iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra photo shootout, Apple's flagship easily cruised to the finish line, but what I'm much more excited about is how an iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. Pixel 9 Pro XL showdown turns out. That's because I've spent nearly a year with the Pixel 8 Pro, which I think was one of the most underrated phones released in the last year. With its spiritual successor, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Google gives us a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and a 42MP selfie shooter. In my Pixel 9 Pro XL review, I mention how it's still the AI phone to beat with its new generative features and intuitive photo editing tools. Apple's obviously not looking to sit quietly, so the iPhone 16 Pro Max is expected to extend its lead in our best camera phones list. Given how our Pixel 9 Pro XL vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max photo shootout turned out not long ago, this might be yet another easy victory for Apple. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is armed with a 48MP main shooter, 48MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto with 5x zoom, and a 12MP selfie camera. Soon after Apple's 'Glowtime' event this month in Cupertino, I brought along both phones to nearby Half Moon Bay to shoot some photos with them -- then proceeded to view what I captured on a monitor later on for a proper side-by-side comparison. Starting off by the beach, the iPhone's main camera does a much better job at capturing the scene -- but I will say that the Pixel 9 Pro XL does an excellent job as well. Both manage to capture the textures of the Adirondack chairs in the foreground, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max's image gets more of my attention due to its warmer color temperature and brighter exposure. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a smidge under exposed and the colors are oversaturated. Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max For their dynamic range performance, I pointed the two camera phones toward the beer taps at the bar because of the strong light source coming from the outside. The first thing I notice is that the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a stronger contrast, but it doesn't tone down the highlights as well as the iPhone 16 Pro Max because the bright areas outside are overblown. Meanwhile, the iPhone manages to balance out the exposure between the shadows and highlights better. Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max This mosaic in downtown Half Moon Bay has a ton of color, and when I look quickly, the iPhone and Pixel photos look identical to me. But when I zoom into different parts of the photo, like the orange pumpkin in the lower bottom, the iPhone's brighter exposure gives it the extra pop that gets my attention. Even though it's not as apparent here, I notice that the Pixel 9 Pro XL tends to produce the more saturated looking colors between the two. Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max I know it might be hard to see it here, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL's ultrawide camera has the wider 123-degree field of view -- so you'll get more of the shot in frame compared to the iPhone's 120-degree FOV. For this sample, I like the Pixel's shot more, partly for how the colors pop and its stronger contrast. Both ultrawide cameras capture a lot of detail with the stained glass windows, but the iPhone is a tad softer with the details. Just look at the edges of the window frame and the siding of the church. Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL These macro photos of this flower are dramatic. I can't believe how close I'm able to get to it with their respective macro modes, but the iPhone 16 Pro Max pulls off the better capture. I'm astounded by the amount of detail, including all of the pollen around the petals and even the hidden spiker right smack in the middle. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also catches a superb shot that's rich in detail, but it doesn't achieve the same level of definition -- plus it's really heavy with the color saturation. Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max The Pixel 9 Pro XL's meatier 42MP selfie is the clean winner in these selfie shots I captured of myself. Not only does this new autofocus camera have a wider 103-degree field of view that lets me fill out the scene more, but it captures sharper details around my face -- like my hairline and yes, my wrinkles. The iPhone 16 Pro Max's 12MP selfie cam isn't too shabby either, but the Pixel wins this round. Winner: Pixel 9 Pro XL One thing to note about taking portrait photos with the Pixel 9 Pro XL is that the minimum zoom is 1.5x, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max can shoot them at 1x zoom. Both phones manage to capture my colleague Kate with plenty of crisp details, including the Apple Watch Series 10 on her wrist. But when I look around the edges of her face, I like how the iPhone casts that soft blur around the edges -- whereas the Pixel doesn't have as much consistency, like how some parts of the edges are in focus and others are not. Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max In true flagship form, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pixel 9 Pro XL feature dedicated telephoto cameras with 5x optical zooms. You'll be able to get closer to faraway objects than their main cameras without losing much detail, but these shots I captured at 5x zoom are tough. They both manage to match each other in terms of detail and clarity, like the textures of the giant eye and the letters around it. But this one comes down to how the iPhone 16 Pro Max brightens the shadows more, like the part of the tree in the lower left corner. Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max I really love how these panoramas turned out. Most importantly, they manage to have a consistent exposure throughout the shot -- plus they contain a ton of detail. There are the ripples in the far background overlooking Half Moon Bay Beach, as well as the license plates of the cars on the left. The biggest difference for me, however, is how the iPhone 16 Pro Max's shot looks brighter and more vivid. Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max Since the bar at Half Moon Bay brewery was already dark, I tried out the night modes of each camera phone on my lonely beer. Results were mostly the same, but the Pixel 9 Pro XL's tendency for saturating the colors is pronounced here again -- and there's this odd green tint to the reflecting area in the back. Switching it up, take a look at these shots from my backyard. The area around the tree and closed off patio are just about pitch black, with my neighbor's flood light in the far background being the strongest source of light. The iPhone's shot is superior not only for its brighter picture and vibrant colors, but also for the amount of detail it captures with the tree and its branches. Winner: iPhone 16 Pro Max There's just no stopping the iPhone 16 Pro Max. After cruising to the finish line against the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it also easily pushed ahead of the Pixel 9 Pro XL in this photo shootout. While the iPhone 16 Pro Max's camera performance is the clear winner here, I wouldn't count out the Pixel because I still prefer how it has a richer camera experience. That means it offers the manual controls I crave for photography, along with the ability to auto-track subjects when I record video. There's also all the AI-assisted tools that make it helpful, like Magic Editor and Add Me. Apple's still getting its feet wet with Apple Intelligence, so it has a long way to go before it can match the Pixel. But when it comes purely to camera performance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max can't be beat.

iPhone 16 vs Google Pixel 9: I used both compact flagships, here's the one I'd buy

iPhone 16 The iPhone 16 packs a new A18 processor, an upgraded ultrawide lens, and a slight redesign of the rear camera bump. There's also the Action button and the Camera Control button, which give you specialized control over your smartphone. Like last year, the iPhone 16 has a USB-C port and the Dynamic Island. It'll also get Apple Intelligence later this year, though AI features aren't available at launch. ProsA18 processor is snappy and will enable Apple Intelligence features laterCamera Control button will make taking photos and videos easierCamera bump redesign and fresh colors look sleek and snazzy ConsApple Intelligence not available at launchNo telephoto lens60Hz display and USB 2.0 port $800 at Apple$830 at Best Buy Google Pixel 9 The Pixel 9 is the latest compact flagship from Google, and it features yet another redesign. The chamfered rectangular edges make it look more like an iPhone, and the iconic Pixel camera bar now has an oval shape. On the inside, the Tensor G4 chipset powers the Pixel 9 and this phone has plenty of AI features you can use right now. Pros120Hz OLED display with small hole punch cutoutGreat main and ultrawide camera sensors and computational photographyPixel-exclusive software features shine once again thanks to Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio ConsGemini Advanced only included for the first yearGlossy glass back is slippery and not as comfortable as a matte finishTensor G4 chip can't compete with the A18 $799 at Best Buy$799 at Amazon$800 at T-Mobile$800 at Verizon$850 at AT&T This year, the iPhone 16 and the Google Pixel 9 are the exact same price. So, for $800, which is the better base-model flagship smartphone? I love a small phone, and I've been using the Pixel 9 and the iPhone 16 side-by-side for the last few days. They each do a lot of things right, and the decision of which one to buy will depend on what you value most. The processor makes the iPhone 16 feel snappier than the Pixel 9, but then, the 60Hz display on the iPhone lags behind the 120Hz panel on the Pixel 9. It's a back-and-forth affair. They're both great phones, and you can't go wrong by purchasing either one. Apple gives you the fantastic hardware now and is promising AI and software later. Google gives you the AI now, plus plenty of Pixel-exclusive software perks, but falls short of providing industry-leading hardware. Which would you prefer? Pricing, specs, and availability Google beat Apple to the punch, launching the Pixel 9 series in August 2024. The Google Pixel 9 is widely available now, starting at $800 for the 128GB variant. You can upgrade to 256GB for an extra $100, but that's where the Pixel 9's storage configurations top out. It's available in Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Peony colorways, and you'll find it at the Google Store, third-party retailers, and the major U.S. cellular carriers. The iPhone 16 launched in September 2024 and is available for the same $800 starting price as the Pixel 9. It also starts at 128GB, but it can be configured with up to 512GB of storage for an additional fee. The phone comes in Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine colorways, and it's available from Apple and third-party retailers, as well as U.S. cellular carriers. iPhone 16Google Pixel 9SoCApple A18Google Tensor G4Display6.1‑inch OLED, 60Hz, 2556‑by‑1179-pixel resolution at 460 ppi, 2,000 nits peak brightness outdoor6.3-inch Actua display, OLED, 2424x1080, 120Hz, up to 1800 nits (HDR) and 2700 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB128GB or 256GBRear camera48MP Fusion: 26 mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture, sensor‑shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) Also enables 12MP 2x Telephoto: 52 mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture, sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels 12MP Ultra Wide: 13 mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture and 120° field of view, 100% Focus Pixels50MP f/1.68 main (wide) camera + 48MP f/1.7 ultrawide, 123-degree FOVFront camera12MP camera ƒ/1.9 aperture10.5MP f/2.2, 95-degree FOVCharge speed27W wired, 25W MagSafe, 15W Qi245W wired, 15W Fast wireless chargingPortsUSB 2.0 Type-CUSB-CConnectivity5G (sub‑6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO11 Gigabit LTE with 4x4 MIMO and LAA11 Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO12 Bluetooth 5.3Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G (mmWave + sub-6GHz)Weight170 grams7 ounces (198 grams)IP RatingIP68IP68ColorsBlack, White, Pink, Teal, UltramarineObsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, PeonyOperating SystemiOS 18Android 14Price$800$799 Related Google Pixel 9 review: This is the most polished compact flagship yet Google is putting Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus to shame in one small, but crucial area. Design and display Both phones feel similarly premium, but I prefer a matte back Close Google stepped things up a notch when it comes to the Pixel 9's chassis. It feels decidedly premium, with smooth and flat rails that blend into the back glass and front display with comfortable chamfered edges. Unfortunately, the Pixel 9 has a glossy glass back. My pink Google Pixel 9 already has plenty of microscratches on that back panel, and I think the matte finish of the iPhone 16 feels nicer in the hand. I said the same thing when I reviewed the matte plastic Pixel 8a -- matte phones simply feel better to me. I'm happily using small phones across the board this year, and the Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 are both the smallest devices Google and Apple have to offer. However, it's worth noting that the iPhone 16 is smaller than the Pixel 9. Apple gives the iPhone 16 a 6.1-inch OLED panel, while Google's Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch display. This makes for a surprisingly-big difference when you hold the two phones in your hand. It doesn't help that, at 198 grams, the Pixel 9 feels quite heavy compared to the 170-gram iPhone 16. Going around the chassis, you'll notice that the iPhone 16 and the Pixel 9 each have something the other does not. For the Pixel, it's the SIM tray. I love having a physical SIM tray on my smartphones, and the newest iPhones are sadly eSIM-only. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 has the Action button and the Camera Control button. There isn't a direct equivalent to either on the Pixel 9, so the iPhone 16 is the better pick if you like hardware customization. Related Action button on iPhone: A guide for power users and beginners The Action button, by default, is quite limited, but there are workarounds to make more out of it Both devices have a redesigned rear camera bump, and both are changed for the better. The Pixel 9's camera bar is now an oval shape, and I think it looks pretty good. Practically speaking, the bar still means that the phone won't rock back and forth when it's placed on a table. Apple ditched the square camera bump with diagonally-positioned lenses in favor of a stacked approach on the iPhone 16. Again, this is better, because the flash isn't included in the bump, and it's smaller than past iPhones as a result. Close I have to say, the Pixel 9's screen beats the iPhone 16's display in every way. Colors seem to pop more, it's plenty bright, there's a variable refresh rate, and the hole-punch camera bump is tiny and unobtrusive (though I do enjoy the Dynamic Island). The Google Pixel 9 can hit 120Hz and 2,700 nits peak brightness, and both of those figures are higher than what the iPhone 16 can offer. I originally thought I wouldn't be able to notice the difference between the iPhone 16 and the Pixel 9, but I absolutely can. The iPhone 16 feels downright slow because of the display, making everything from typing to swiping feel laggy. I do like the back glass and overall design of the iPhone 16, and the customizable buttons, but the Pixel 9's display and SIM slot earn it the win in this section. Winner: Google Pixel 9 Performance and software Do you want AI features now, or do you want them later? No matter what Apple's marketing arm wants you to believe, Apple Intelligence isn't here yet. Without it, iOS 18 just feels like it's catching up with Android. There's no doubt that the A18 chip inside the iPhone 16 is blazing fast. In fact, our testing revealed the iPhone 16 and its A18 chipset is only a few steps behind the A18 Pro processor in the iPhone 16 Pro. By comparison, the Tensor G4 won't be up to the task of beating either Apple or Qualcomm's chips in a drag race. GeekBench 6 CPU scores: iPhone 16 Pro Max with A18 Pro (left); iPhone 16 with A18 (middle); and iPhone 15 Pro Max with A17 Pro (right) Google and Apple have both had issues with overheating across their recent mobile processor generations, and I'm happy to report these issues are solved on the Pixel 9 and iPhone 16. It's tough to say the iPhone 16 is faster than the Pixel 9, even though it certainly is, because of the 60Hz display. A knock against the Pixel 9 is that it ships with Android 14, so it'll really get one-less update than the Pixel 9 series. The iPhone 16 ships with iOS 18 now, albeit without Apple Intelligence. If you want AI now, buy the Pixel 9. There's plenty to like here, starting with Gemini and Gemini Advanced. You get a year of Google One AI Premium with a Pixel 9 purchase, and that includes Gemini Advanced. From there, exclusives like Reimagine, Add me, Pixel Screenshots, and Pixel Studio sweeten the deal. I love the idea behind Pixel Screenshots and find myself using existing features like Circle to Search on my Pixels all the time. When I go back to the iPhone 16, I'm still stuck with the old Siri, for now. Winner: Tie Related 3 reasons Pixel Screenshots is what Microsoft Recall should have been Microsoft is still gearing up to release Recall, but it should just toss in the towel because Google beat Microsoft at its own idea. Cameras Camera Control is neat, and both phones are more than capable The iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 both offer similar camera systems, and for me, Camera Control is the tiebreaker. Neither phone has a true telephoto lens, which is unfortunate for those who want crisp zoom shots. However, both devices use sensor crop to provide 2x photos at optical quality. That's because they have big sensors, with the iPhone 16 offering a 48MP, f/1.6 main lens and the Pixel 9 offering a 50MP, f/1.68 lens. Both pair their main camera with a 48MP ultrawide, but the Pixel 9 has the wider field-of-view at 123 degrees. The following photos were captured with the Google Pixel 9: Close Pixel phones are historically great for photography, but they have a unique signature. In the photos above, you can see that the images are highly saturated and rich with color. They look great, but are probably oversaturated in the photos compared to the scenes' real-world appearance. Low-light performance was very solid, but even Google's Night Sight camera mode can't fix some extreme lighting situations. The following photos were captured with the iPhone 16: Close By comparison, I definitely felt like the iPhone 16 captured landscapes the way I was seeing them with my own eyes. The glow of light in the sunset shots above was the perfect shade, whereas the Pixel 9 might oversaturate that glow to become a different color. Most importantly, I thought the iPhone 16 did a better job at preventing isolated bright lights from blowing out the entire image. It's hard to say which set of photos turned out better, since it comes down to preference, but I will note that the iPhone 16's images felt more natural. As I mentioned earlier, the tiebreaker is Camera Control. This button makes taking photos and videos easier, and I've already enjoyed using it on my iPhone 16. I've always found it difficult to take one-handed photos on a smartphone, especially as they've grown larger. With Camera Control, I can change a variety of things without even moving my hand. It's all done with my finger, from changing the zoom to choosing a Photographic Style. I'm one of the few people with an iPhone 16 who really thinks this button will catch on. Winner: iPhone 16 Which one should you buy? Close The iPhone 16 earns the victory here, but only technically. The truth is, the Pixel 9 and the iPhone 16 are closer this year than any Pixel and iPhone generation has ever been. If you care about polish, natural cameras, and customizable buttons, or simply just like iOS, go with the iPhone 16. I'd personally buy the iPhone 16 over the Pixel 9 for the matte finish, smaller form factor, lighter build, customizable buttons, and the better chipset. However, I wouldn't blame you at all if you went with the Pixel 9. Editor's choice iPhone 16 The iPhone 16 has some flaws, like a 60Hz display, but it's a polished smartphone that will be excellent for iOS users and Android users looking to make a change. The A18 processor will beat the Tensor G4 in every way, and the iPhone 16's design feels better in the hand. $800 at Apple$830 at Best Buy The Google Pixel 9 finally has the hardware to match, and beat, the iPhone 16. That 120Hz display makes the iPhone 16 feel downright slow, and it's a huge perk of going with a Pixel this year. There are also plenty of AI and Pixel-exclusive features you can use right now, so you don't have to deal with the wait for Apple Intelligence. Good alternative Google Pixel 9 The Google Pixel 9 is the best base-model Pixel yet. It has a great camera, a 120Hz display, and a Tensor G4 chip that's improved. It might not beat the iPhone 16 in every way, but it's certainly an excellent smartphone and buyers won't be disappointed. $799 at Best Buy$799 at Amazon$800 at T-Mobile$850 at AT&T

iPhone 16 Pro series vs OnePlus 12: Premium flagship and a value competitor

iPhone 16 Pro Apple's iPhone 16 Pro is the latest and greatest compact "Pro" phone. It features a larger 6.3-inch screen than last year's model and includes the new A18 Pro system-on-a-chip. There's also an upgraded rear camera system and a Camera Control button. It uses a physical switch as well as pressure and swipe support to give you more control over your pictures. However, it's more expensive than the OnePlus 12. ProsA18 Pro chipset is best-in-class for performanceUpgraded camera system with new Camera Control buttonLarger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screen sizes ConsPhones are heavyApple Intelligence won't ship at launch$200 more expensive than OnePlus 12 $1000 at Best Buy$1000 at Apple OnePlus 12 The OnePlus 12 provides a premium flagship experience at a base flagship price. It includes a great screen, a large battery, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. However, the design and curved display do feel dated in 2024. In terms of raw power, the OnePlus 12 can't compete with the iPhone 16 Pro, especially as it ages. ProsIncludes flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset despite affordable priceLarge battery with fast chargingGreat periscope zoom lens can compete with the iPhone 16 Pro series ConsVery similar to OnePlus 11 without a specific distinguishing featureNot available from U.S. carriersCurved screen is dated and annoying to use $800 at Amazon$800 at Best Buy Apple recently launched the iPhone 16 Pro series, and the phones have been in our hands for a few days now. The iPhone 16 Pro costs $1,000 this year and packs 128GB of storage, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max gets the boost to 256GB base but costs $1,200 now. So, how does that compare to the value-focused OnePlus 12, which gives you flagship specs and 256GB of storage for $800? Let's break that down and figure out which flagship smartphone is right for you. Price, specs, and availability The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max released this month, and are widely available now. The only difference between the two models this year is their screen size, with the smaller one having a 6.3-inch screen and the larger one featuring a 6.9-inch display. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $1,000 for the 128GB model, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs $1,200 for the 256GB model. Both can be bumped up to 1TB for an extra fee. The phones come in four colors: Desert Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium, and Natural Titanium. The OnePlus 12 launched in February 2024, so it's a bit old, but it's still the newest OnePlus flagship you can get. It's available directly from OnePlus or from third-party retailers, like Best Buy and Amazon. Unfortunately, you won't find the OnePlus 12 at any of the major U.S. cellular carriers. It comes in green and black colorways, and starts at $800 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant. Meanwhile, the larger 16GB RAM + 512GB storage configuration costs $900. iPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 Pro MaxOnePlus 12SoCApple A18 ProApple A18 ProQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Display6.3-inch Super Retina XDR6.9-inch 1320 X 2868 OLED, LPTO, 1-120Hz, 2000 nits 6.82-inch, QHD+ (1440x3168 resolution) OLED, 1-120Hz, Gorilla Glass Victus 2Storage128GB base, up to 1TB256GB/512GB/1TB256GB, 512GBRear camera48MP Fusion: 24 mm, ƒ/1.78 aperture; 48MP Ultra Wide: 13 mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture and 120° field of view; 12MP 5x Telephoto: 120 mm, ƒ/2.8 aperture and 20° field of view48MP, f/1.8, 1/1.3-inch main; 48MP f/2.2 ultra-wide; 12MP f/2.8 Prism 5X zoom; LIDAR scanner50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm, 1/1.43 inches, 1.12µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚, 1/2.0 inches, 0.8µm, PDAF, 64 MP (3x optical zoom), f/2.6, 70mm, 1/2.0 inches, 0.7µm, PDAF, OISFront camera12MP camera ƒ/1.9 aperture12MP f/1.9 with TrueDepth camera system32 MP, f/2.4, 21mm, 1/3.14 inches, 0.7µmBatteryUp to 27 hours video playbackNot disclosed5,400mAhCharge speed45W wired, 25W MagSafeWired: 25W; Wireless: 15W (Qi2); MagSafe: 25W80W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless chargingPortsUSB 3 (up to 10Gb/s) Type-CUSB-CUSB Type-C 3.2Dimensions5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 in. 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm (6.42 x 3.06 x 0.33 in)6.43 x 2.98 x 0.36 inches (163.3 x 75.8 x 9.2 mm)Weight199 grams227g7.76 ounces (220g)IP RatingIP68IP68IP65ColorsBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert TitaniumBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert TitaniumBlack, GreenOperating SystemiOS 18iOS 18 OxygenOS 14, over Android 14 Related iPhone 16 Pro Max review: Apple Intelligence is decent, but the new video capabilities are what really shine The iPhone 16 Pro Max is hyped around its AI capabilities, but most are not ready for roll out. Instead, get this phone for its great video recording. 2:24 Related OnePlus 12 review: Almost as good as S24 Ultra, but at a far lower price Design and display The two flagship phones couldn't look more different if they tried Close The iPhone 16 Pro series and the OnePlus 12 are wildly different devices, and you can tell that from their design at first glance. For starters, the OnePlus 12 has a curved design, and the display and rear glass both have sloping edges. OnePlus has its iconic, massive circular camera bump on the back. And, it comes in colors with more character, like a green and even a purple Genshin Impact edition. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro series is more streamlined, with a boxy design and chamfered edges to make the edges a bit more comfortable. The iPhone 16 Pro series comes in two sizes: a smaller, 6.3-inch model for $1,000 and a bigger, 6.9-inch model for $1,200. The OnePlus 12 matches up better with the larger and pricier iPhone 16 Pro Max, since it has a 6.82-inch screen. Both phones feature OLED panels and variable refresh rate displays, which can fluctuate between 1 and 120Hz. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 1320 X 2868 resolution, while the OnePlus 12 has a 1440x3168 resolution. OnePlus offers 4,500 nits peak brightness on the OnePlus 12, and the iPhone 16 Pro series gives you 2,000 nits peak brightness outdoors. Usually, I'd tell you not to put that much stock into these peak brightness claims. It's true that they're all tested using different conditions and might not reflect real-world usage. However, I can say that Apple's phones are the only modern flagships I've tested over the last few years that feel too dim outdoors. They overheat and lower the system brightness to compensate. If you care about brightness, perhaps you should pick the OnePlus 12. iPhone 16 Pro Max (left) and iPhone 15 Pro Max (right) Moving to the sides of the phone, the iPhone 16 Pro series adds the Camera Control button. It features a tactile switch and a pressure-sensitive pad, so a press opens the Camera app or takes a picture. Then, you can hold the Camera Control button and slide your fingers in either direction to make changes. That's on top of the Action button that was added with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which is fully-customizable with presets and the Shortcuts app. Related Action button on iPhone: A guide for power users and beginners The Action button, by default, is quite limited, but there are workarounds to make more out of it Both phones feature USB-C for charging, but the OnePlus 12 charges much faster. It can do 80W wired, 50W wireless, and 10W reverse charging. The iPhone 16 Pro series can do 45W wired, 25W MagSafe, and doesn't support reverse wireless charging. OnePlus also includes a massive 5,400mAh battery inside the OnePlus 12, and Apple doesn't disclose battery capacity. Winner: iPhone 16 Pro series Hardware and performance Apple's new A18 Pro SoC is the best in the world, but Snapdragon is solid too GeekBench 6 CPU scores: iPhone 16 Pro Max with A18 Pro (left); iPhone 16 with A18 (middle); and iPhone 15 Pro Max with A17 Pro (right) The iPhone 16 Pro series has better hardware and performance than the OnePlus 12, but that's not a knock on OnePlus' latest flagship. The latter still has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset inside, which is very solid. That's paired with either 12GB or 16GB of memory. It ships with Android 14, but OnePlus typically offers worse long-term software support than Apple. Close On the other hand, the A18 Pro chipset inside the iPhone 16 Pro series is the best mobile processor on the planet. It's made using TSMC's refined 3nm process, and is a significant upgrade over the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The OnePlus 12 is no slouch, but the iPhone 16 Pro is better. It's worth noting that the OnePlus 12 does have a few AI features now, whereas iPhone 16 Pro owners will have to wait for Apple Intelligence. Winner: iPhone 16 Pro series Related I tried 5 new Apple Intelligence features in macOS Sequoia, here's how it went The flagship features aren't available yet, but I'm already impressed by the Apple Intelligence beta. Camera Both camera systems are excellent, and this is simply a draw This showdown is closest where the camera is concerned, since the OnePlus 12 has an outstanding camera system for an $800 phone. The main sensor is a 50MP, f/1.6 lens that uses Dual Pixel PDAF and OIS. That's paired with a secondary 48MP, f/2.2 sensor with a 114-degree field-of-view, and a 64MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. In our review, we found that the OnePlus 12's periscope zoom lens, with a large 1/2-inch sensor, provides best-in-class quality. At first glance, the 3x optical zoom performance of the OnePlus 12 sounds like less than the 5x offered by the iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, that large sensor size allows OnePlus to take advantage of sensor crop, delivering a credible 6x zoom without a noticeable loss in quality. The OnePlus 12 produced better photos than the iPhone 15 Pro Max in our telephoto tests, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is using the same telephoto lens. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max both share the same great camera system, and video performance is wildly improved this year. The main 48MP, f/1.78 camera lens can take photos at either 24MP or 48MP, depending on your needs. The ultrawide camera is brand-new and matches the 48MP quality of the main camera, with an f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field-of-view. Then, there's te 12MP 5x telephoto lens. Photos from the iPhone 16 Pro series turn out sharp, and new Photographic Styles add film-like filters to give more character to your shots. The new Camera Control button, which we've previously discussed, makes taking photos or videos an easier experience. Winner: Tie Which one should you buy? Close The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are certainly the better smartphones, although you'll have to pay a premium for them. With the A18 Pro system-on-a-chip and 120Hz ProMotion displays, they feel snappy even without Apple Intelligence. Great cameras, customizable tactile buttons, and plenty of other new iOS 18 features help round out the experience. With that being said, the two new iPhones might not feel like the biggest upgrade if you're coming from the iPhone 14 or 15 series. This will be a mammoth upgrade for people replacing a phone that's a few years old, though. Editor's choice iPhone 16 Pro The iPhone 16 Pro has it all, from power to polish. The A18 Pro chip and upcoming Apple Intelligence features give it all the smarts it needs, and there's an excellent camera to match. For $1,000, you're getting the best that smartphones have to offer. $1000 at Best Buy$1000 at Apple The iPhone 16 Pro series probably isn't the best value. The 6.82-inch OnePlus 12 matches up better with the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max, which offers 256GB of storage for $1,200. That's a whopping $400 more than a OnePlus 12 with the same amount of storage. I think the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a good phone, but I'm not sure if it's $400 better than the OnePlus 12. For buyers on a budget or simply value-conscious people, the OnePlus 12 gives you a lot for a little. Value alternative OnePlus 12 The OnePlus 12 provides premium features at a price point that's significantly cheaper than that of the iPhone 16 Pro, so value buyers should choose this option. It still has a solid chip, display, and camera system. $800 at Amazon$800 at Best Buy